Friday, January 30, 2015

Health Update

Health Updates from HJUHSD Health Services




MEASLES OUTBREAK

Measles has been confirmed in 70 California residents since December 2014 in at least 11 counties, including Fresno County.

Of the confirmed cases, 42 have been linked to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. Patients range in age from 7 months to 70 years. Initial exposures occurred in December but additional confirmed cases visited Disney parks while infectious in January.

Measles is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily and rapidly through the air. Simply being in the same room with someone who has measles can be enough exposure to become infected. Measles virus from a cough or sneeze can linger in the air for an hour or two.

Measles is often not diagnosed until the rash appears, but people are contagious for four days prior to the appearance of rash.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles infection. Two doses of MMR are routinely recommended for all children. Many people who are infected either only have 1 dose of  MMR vaccines or never receive the vaccines.

California Department of Public Health recommends that any patient with a measles compatible illness who has visited venues where international travelers congregate, such as theme parks, airports, etc., be considered to have a plausible exposure to measles. Also, because there have been cases in persons who have not visited such venues, measles should be considered in any patient with clinically compatible symptoms at this time.


Signs and Symptoms of Measles exposure:
  • High fever - can spike as high as 105 Fahrenheit
  • Rashes – Measles rashes are red, blotchy, and maculopapular and typically start on the hairline, face, and then spread downwards to the rest of the body. 
Individuals who shows any signs of measles, should stay home, verify immunization status, and seek medical evaluation from the health care provider.

What is your Measles Immunization Status? 
  • If you were born before 1957 you are considered to be immune. 
  • If you were born after 1957, check your immunization record. You should have two doses of the MMR Vaccine on or after your 1st birthday.
  • If you have had a measles infection confirmed by a physician, you are immune.
  • If you are unsure of your vaccination status or cannot find your immunization record, It will NOT hurt you to get another MMR vaccine.
  • You may call your Primary Care Physician to schedule an appointment to get the MMR vaccine OR you can call the local Health Department at 559-584-1404.If your insurance does not cover the vaccine, there will be a minimal fee.



INFLUENZA

Flu season usually runs from September through February. It is still not too late to get the flu vaccine. I would like to encourage those who are uninsured/underinsured to take advantage of the flu clinics at Kings County Health Department (300 Campus Drive, Building 3, Hanford). There is a $5.00 administration fee for the flu vaccine, or Medicare/Medi-Cal. Services will not be refused due to inability to pay. There are many ways to stay healthy: frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when sneezing, eating healthy diet, and getting enough sleep at least 6-8 hours each night.




LOVE IS RESPECT

February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.” Health services staff will provide information to our students about healthy relationship vs abusive relationship:
  • Feb. 5 - HHS 
  • Feb. 6 - SPHS
  • Feb 10 - HW 
Students are invited to participate in the school presentations: Make a pledge against teen dating violence and be entered to win a prize. Families are encouraged to engage in a conversation about this topic at home as well.

This Valentine’s Day, we’d like to remind all of our students and families that everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship. If you or someone you know has a question about a relationship, healthy or unhealthy, visit loveisrespect.org or text "loveis" to 22522. Remember, love has many definitions, but abuse isn't one of them.


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

HW 8th Grade Orientation Jan. 29

Hanford West 8th Grade Student/Parent Orientation is tonight at 6 p.m. the HW Event Center.


Monday, January 19, 2015

HW to host financial aid workshop Jan 29


Hanford West High School will host a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshop from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January 29 at the HW Career Center. For more information, please contact Ruben Amavisca at ramavisca@hjuhsd.org

Friday, January 16, 2015

HHS gets "Footloose" Jan. 29-31

The Hanford High School Performing Arts department will present Footloose Jan. 29 through 31

Based on the smash movie sensation of the 80s, Footloose is the story of a young man from Chicago named Ren McCormick. He moves to a small town with his mother. Much to his amazement dancing and rock‘n’roll are forbidden. Through his tenacity and heart, Ren is able to convince the local minister to let the town’s high school students dance again.

However, Footloose is more than a story about kids wanting to dance. It is the story of an outsider and a small community’s important journey past grief and loss. This is a story about learning to trust and discovering the joys of celebrating life! And the best way to celebrate life is to dance!

So what a better way to start a new year and the 2015 musical season with Footloose? Leave the past behind, move forward into a glorious new year with a story of love, hope and renewal.

Footloose features songs like I Need A Hero, Let’s Hear it For The Boy, Almost Paradise, and of course Footloose.  This is a high energy show the whole family will enjoy!


Performances will be 7 p.m. January 29, January 30 and January 31 and 2 p.m. January 31 at the Stratton Tarvin Presentation Center, 120 E. Grangeville Blvd, Hanford Ca. 93230

Tickets are available online at: hanfordhs.seatyourself.biz

For more information, please contact Bianca Ankrum at bankrum@hjuhsd.k12.ca.us