Topic: Commissioner of public health (Read 496 times)
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Coalition Formed to Help Seniors « Reply #20 on May 11, 2009, 10:52pm »
Coalition Formed to Help Prevent Falls among Seniors Simple Measures Can Reduce Risk of Falls
Dr. William D. Hacker
Falls in the home are a significant and under-recognized health issue for older Kentuckians, causing many life-threatening injuries each year among the state’s senior citizens.
To further address the seriousness of falls, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) organized the Safe Aging Coalition along with several agencies and organizations, including the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital and Hospice of the Bluegrass. The purpose of the coalition is to form a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to keeping seniors healthy and independent by identifying and reducing risk factors for falling. The coalition also urges residents of the commonwealth to be mindful of potential injuries and take steps to prevent them.
“Injury prevention is extremely important at all stages of life,” said DPH Commissioner William D. Hacker, M.D. “For many older Kentuckians, certain types of injuries can be life threatening. Often, these are injuries that could have been prevented by taking simple, precautionary measures to avoid falls.”
“We know elderly people who have osteoporosis or arthritis are more at-risk of severe complications for a fall,” said DAIL Commissioner Deborah Anderson. “We want to let our residents know that there are steps that can be taken to reduce these risks.” Nationally, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Americans age 65 and older experiences a fall each year.
According to KIPRC, in Kentucky, only one in seven older adults hospitalized due to a fall was routinely discharged home from the hospital, compared to two-thirds of patients under 65. Similarly, patients 65 and older were six times more likely than younger patients to be discharged from the hospital into a nursing home for intermediate or long-term care.
“For older adults, lowering the risk of falling is essential to preserve health and independence," said Julia Costich, director of KIPRC and chair and associate professor, Department of Health Management, UK College of Public Health. "Simple steps can lead to a safer environment and greater self-confidence.”
To prevent falls, older Kentuckians should adhere to the following guidelines:
• Exercise regularly to increase strength and improve balance.
• Ask a physician to review medications to reduce the risk of harmful side effects.
• Have a vision check at least once a year.
• Improve lighting in the home.
• Reduce hazards in the home that can lead to falls.
“These simple precautions can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe, healthy and independent,” said Hacker.
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Vaccine Available « Reply #21 on May 14, 2009, 10:39pm »
Tetanus Vaccine Available for Injured Flood Victims Knowledge of Vaccine History is Extremely Important
Dr. William D. Hacker
Due to flooding in areas of Eastern Kentucky and subsequent cleanup work that has exposed people to potential health hazards, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) wants flood victims to be aware they may need a tetanus vaccine.
Four combination vaccines are used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. Two of these (DTaP and DT) are given to children younger than 7 years of age, and two (Tdap and Td) are given to older children and adults. The adult booster is available through local health departments and most private health care providers.
“While everyone in flooded areas does not need a tetanus booster, those with exposed wounds who have contact with flood waters should seek medical attention for an evaluation,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “If you fall into this category and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus booster, call your local health department or health care provider. If you don’t know your vaccine history, it is extremely important you find out when your last tetanus booster was received before getting another one.”
DPH stresses that just being exposed to flood waters does not mean you should get a tetanus vaccination. However, those who have exposed wounds (nail punctures, cuts, etc.) and have been in flood waters should be evaluated by their health care provider if it has been more than five years since their last tetanus vaccination. Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria that enter the body through a break in the skin. Early symptoms include lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen and difficulty swallowing, followed by severe muscle spasms, seizure, and severe autonomic nervous system disorders. The disease can be deadly, particularly among elderly people.
“After a flood, numerous health and hygiene issues abound,” said Hacker. “Always remember simple public health practices, such as the importance of washing your hands with soap and clean, running water, especially before work breaks, meal breaks, and at the end of the work shift. Assume that waters in flooded and surrounded areas are not safe unless local or state authorities have declared them to be.”
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Chronic Diseases Survey « Reply #22 on May 21, 2009, 3:48pm »
DPH Releases 2008 Health Behavior and Chronic Diseases Survey Findings
Dr. William D. Hacker
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) today announced the release of the state’s 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems (BRFSS) data, a national survey conducted in all states now considered the world’s largest, ongoing telephone health survey system. Among other things, the survey found that in 2008 vast numbers of Kentuckians continue to categorize themselves as unhealthy and leading unhealthy lifestyles. The BRFSS, which is conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at numerous health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians.
“The BRFSS is a wonderful tool that allows us to paint a portrait of our state’s health status,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Each year, we use information from this survey to learn more about health risk behaviors, shape recommendations for preventive health practices, and determine to what extent Kentuckians have access to care, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”
The BRFSS program tracks health conditions and risk behaviors of adults 18 and older in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the survey in 1984. The Kentucky BRFSS is the main source of non-reportable disease data in Kentucky broken down by demographics like gender, race, age group, income levels, education status and geographic areas like Area Development Districts.
In 2008, Kentucky adults 18 years and older reported a 20.3 percent prevalence of fair or poor general health. In general, residents of Kentucky’s Appalachian counties reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases than those in non-Appalachian counties. In addition, Kentuckians with a high school degree or less and those with lower income levels reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases.
In terms of health care access, the BRFSS data found that 14.4 percent of Kentuckians 18 years and older reported lack of health care coverage in 2008. Lack of health care access is highest among residents of Appalachia with 20 percent prevalence, men with 15.3 percent prevalence, and those ages 18-24 with 29.8 percent prevalence. Furthermore, those with less than a high school education and those earning less than $15,000 per year reported 25.6 percent and 30.8 percent prevalence of lack of health care coverage respectively. Here’s a look at some other findings from the survey:
• 30.4 percent of Kentucky adults reported that they did not participate in any physical activities or exercise such as running, golf, gardening or walking for exercise other than their regular jobs.
• 9.6 percent of Kentuckians reported that they had been told by a doctor that they currently had asthma.
• 66.8 percent of Kentuckians are overweight or obese (have a Body Mass Index of 25 or greater).
• 30.2 percent of Kentuckians are obese (have a Body Mass Index of 30.0 or greater).
• Kentucky adults reported some of the highest prevalence of chronic diseases in the nation, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
• 9.8 percent of Kentucky adults reported being told by a doctor that they had diabetes (not including women who were told they had diabetes when they were pregnant).
• 5.8 percent of Kentuckians reported that they had been told by a doctor that they had coronary heart disease.
• 5.4 percent of Kentuckians reported that they had been told by a doctor that they had suffered a heart attack.
• 3.5 percent of Kentuckians reported being told by a doctor that they had suffered a stroke.
• 25.2 percent of Kentuckians reported having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their entire lifetime and now smoke some days or every day.
The BRFSS data contains more health indicators in addition to those listed in this report. To make an inquiry or request data or datasets please send a request to either Tracey Sparks, program coordinator, at tracey.sparks@ky.gov, or Yvonne Konnor, epidemiologist, at yvonne.konnor@ky.gov, or call (502) 564-0068.
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H1N1 Update « Reply #23 on May 22, 2009, 5:55pm »
H1N1 Update: New Confirmed Cases Reported to CDC Cases Include Cluster Involving Madison County Community Living Residents
Dr. William D. Hacker
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has confirmed and reported several new cases of H1N1 swine flu involving residents from Madison, Jefferson and Scott counties, including a cluster of associated cases in Madison County. Kentucky has now reported 20 confirmed cases of H1N1.
"We are continuing to monitor the spread of this new strain of H1N1 around the state, and to respond with the appropriate preventive measures," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "We continue to advise Kentuckians to practice good health habits, including frequent hand washing and staying home from work or school when sick.”
Currently, the State Public Health Lab has confirmed one case in an individual who resides in a Supports for Community Living (SCL) residence in Madison County. Illness suspected to be H1N1 has also been identified in approximately 20 other individuals who live in residential settings owned by the same provider and in several staff members. The Madison County Health Department and the SCL are working in close collaboration with DPH to prevent the further spread of illness through voluntary isolation and quarantine of individuals who are ill or have close contact with others who are ill for seven days or until one day after symptoms resolve, whichever comes sooner. All group activities have also been canceled by the provider.
"State and local health officials are working closely with the SCL provider, who has been extremely cooperative in responding quickly to limit this outbreak of illness," said Dr. Hacker. "It is not unexpected that we would begin to see associated cases develop as this illness spreads and becomes more common, as many other states have already experienced."
In addition, the State Public Health Lab also confirmed new cases in Scott County (1) and Jefferson County (3). A listing of all reported cases by county can be found at:
Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians be alert for the symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals should seek evaluation by a health care provider if necessary and stay home from work, school and other public places until feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. For more information on swine flu, visit:
Individuals can also visit http://healthalerts.ky.gov for information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. An updated listing of cases by county will also be available at the Health Alerts Web site.
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Swine Flu Hotline « Reply #24 on Oct 5, 2009, 6:41pm »
Kentucky Department for Public Health Launches Swine Flu Hotline Hotline staff, Web site will help Kentuckians find information
Dr. William D. Hacker
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) encourages Kentuckians to call a new toll-free hotline with their questions related to 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and seasonal flu for the latest news and information about flu. The toll-free hotline number is 1(877)843-7727, and it will operate from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Information on the H1N1 virus is also readily available by visiting the redesigned Health Alerts Web site at:
"We want Kentuckians to be able to access the most current and accurate information related to the ongoing 2009 H1N1 flu situation," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "Particularly now that vaccine is beginning to become available, we know that citizens will have questions about whether the H1N1 flu vaccine is right for them and when they might be able to receive it. The hotline and Health Alert Web site will provide easier access to the information they need."
The flu hotline will be staffed by nurses and administered by Kosair Children’s Hospital, a part of Norton Healthcare, through a contract with DPH funded by a federal grant award related to H1N1 activities. Kosair Children’s Hospital also operates the state's Regional Poison Center hotline. The flu hotline will be active through at least the end of December.
“As an advocate for children and families across the state, we are committed to ensuring that the public has access to the most accurate, up-to-date information about health issues, including H1N1influenza,” said Thomas D. Kmetz, president of Kosair Children’s Hospital and pediatric services at Norton Healthcare. “We are pleased to be able to partner with the state to help people get their questions and concerns about H1N1 answered.”
The Health Alerts Web site has also been relaunched in an easy-to-navigate format, and will be updated daily with new information about swine flu, seasonal flu and flu vaccines, as well as any other breaking health news. It includes resources for families and individuals, health care professionals, schools and day cares, other community organizations and business owners. It also provides information for the media.
Kentucky was eligible to begin ordering 24,300 doses of nasal spray H1N1 vaccine last week, and expects shipments to begin arriving this week. The nasal spray vaccine can be taken by healthy individuals ages 2-49. The first doses will be targeted mainly at health care workers under age 40 who are healthy, with broader availability as supplies increase. The H1N1 flu shot vaccine is expected to be available mid- to late October, with vaccine clinics for the public likely to be scheduled in early November.
The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and may include vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals at higher risk for complications—such as those with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant—should contact a health care provider early, in case treatment with antiviral medication is necessary.
Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. For more information on seasonal and swine flu, visit:
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine « Reply #25 on Oct 10, 2009, 9:50am »
Department for Public Health Expects More Seasonal Flu Vaccine Some Areas Experiencing Temporary Shortages
Dr. William D. Hacker
Kentucky Department for Public Health officials expect plenty of seasonal influenza vaccine to be available over the months ahead, but have received reports of temporary shortages in some areas due to early, increased demand.
"We encouraged individuals not to delay getting their annual seasonal flu shots this year, with vaccine arriving earlier than usual in many places around the state," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "What we're experiencing now are some spot shortages due to increased uptake earlier than normal, but at this time we expect those to be temporary. Flu vaccine manufacturers typically keep shipping vaccine into November and December—or even later—and the federal government says an adequate supply of seasonal flu vaccine will ultimately be available this year. At this point, we are not yet seeing the seasonal type of flu circulating, so there is still plenty of time for Kentuckians to get their flu shots and be protected."
The increased demand for the seasonal flu shot is thought to be tied to increased awareness about the flu season due to widespread activity of 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu). The nasal vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain began arriving this week in Kentucky in limited quantities, and will be initially targeted primarily to health care workers. The H1N1 shot vaccine should be available later this month, with H1N1 vaccination clinics and greater availability for the general public likely to begin in early November. Vaccination against 2009 H1N1 influenza does not protect against seasonal influenza.
Seasonal flu vaccine is highly recommended for: children age 6 months to 19 years old; pregnant women; people 50 years old or older; people of any age with chronic health problems; people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; health care workers; caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than 6 months old.
Individuals may also want to talk to their health care provider about whether they should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, a relatively common complication of the flu, and there are no current shortages of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends this vaccine for all people 65 years and older and for persons 2 to 64 years of age with certain high-risk conditions. A single revaccination at least five years after initial vaccination is recommended for people 65 years and older who were first vaccinated before age 65 years as well as for people at highest risk, such as those who have no spleen, and those who have HIV infection, AIDS or malignancy. Visit:
for information on seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu in Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter. Kentucky's toll-free influenza hotline number is 1(877)843-7727, and operates from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
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Health and Family Services Cabinet « Reply #26 on Oct 28, 2009, 6:31am »
Two Additional H1N1-related Deaths Reported
Dr. William D. Hacker
Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) officials provided an update today on H1N1 (swine flu) activity in the state, including the reporting of two additional H1N1-related deaths.
The deaths involved a woman in her 80s from Knox County with significant underlying health issues who died in September, and a man in his 40s from the Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County who was being treated off-site. The state now has 10 recognized H1N1-associated deaths.
"It is always a tragedy when we lose any Kentuckian to illness," said DPH Commissioner William Hacker, M.D.. "We know that seven of the 10 individuals we have lost in Kentucky are in target groups for the H1N1 vaccine. People in these groups are at higher risk for complications from the swine flu and should get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available in their community. While we don't yet have as much of the swine flu vaccine on hand as we would like, we know more will arrive in the coming weeks."
Kentucky has been allocated 177,400 doses of the swine flu vaccine so far, with more than 138,000 doses of that having shipped to health departments and health care providers in the state.
"Kentucky continues to experience widespread flu activity at the moment. I'd like to remind everyone that your mother's advice—washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick—is very effective at preventing the spread of flu," said Dr. Hacker. "The flu vaccine is also one of the most effective tools we have against influenza, and while there are a few clinics already taking place in the state, we hope to begin immunizing more Kentuckians in the weeks ahead. We ask that people find out if they or their family members are in a target group for the H1N1 vaccine, and that we all let those higher-risk individuals get vaccinated first."
The state's allotment of vaccine so far has been about half nasal spray vaccine, which can only be taken by healthy individuals ages 2-49, with the rest in the form of the H1N1 flu shot vaccine. The target groups that health officials are recommending receive vaccine first are:
- pregnant women;
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old;
- health care and emergency medical services workers;
- children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old, especially those with chronic health problems; and
- people 25 to 64 years old with chronic health problems.
People over the age of 65 appear to be at lower risk of catching the swine flu, and should receive the vaccine once those in the target groups have received it.
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