The event is open to the public and will feature a special youth photography exhibit called “In Our Voice.”  “In Our Voice” is a Photovoice project, in which youth use photography to express their views and creatively share their perspectives on important health issues.  Also during this event, highlights from the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will be shared in the form of a 90-second video using the Photovoice images provided by the youth.  The YRBS is a survey to assess the health behaviors of teens.  In 2011, it was given to a sample of Guilford County middle and high school students. 

The participating youth groups for the sixth annual Adolescent Health Advocacy Day include: Guilford County Department of Public Health’s Smart Girls Leadership Academy and Tobacco Reality Unfiltered’s Youth Advisory Board; Alcohol and Drug Services’ Community Awareness Recreation Education for Students (CARES); Children’s Home Society’s Family Life Council’s Division Wise Guys Program; and Planned Parenthood Health Systems’ Teens Taking Action.

For more information about the Adolescent Health Advocacy Day, contact Laura Mrosla at (336)641-6113.

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Rabies clinic locations include:
Saturday, June 2, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Department of Social Services, 1203 Maple Street, Greensboro, NC  27405
Saturday, July 7, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road, Summerfield, NC  27358
Saturday, August 25, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fire District #28, 6619 NC 61 North, Gibsonville, NC 27249

Saturday, September 29, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Pleasant Garden Town Hall, 4920 Alliance Church Road, Pleasant Garden, NC  27313�
Saturday, October 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Oak Ridge Town Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, Oak Ridge, NC  27310

      The public should report stray animals, animals acting strangely or exposures to sick animals to Animal Control at (336) 641-5990 in Greensboro or (641) 883-3224 in High Point.  If a person is bitten, he should wash the area immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the bite to local Animal Control Officers.
     For more information or to schedule an educational program, please contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777, Guilford County Animal Control at (336) 641-5990 or visit www.guilfordhealth.org
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These QuitSmart® classes are funded by the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. QuitSmart® utilizes many different techniques and has been proven to be more effective than other stop-smoking programs. To learn more about QuitSmart®, visit www.quitsmart.com

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We also help you keep your beloved pet healthy by sponsoring low-cost animal rabies vaccinations
during the spring, summer and fall.  A one-year vaccination is only $5.00. �
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“We value and respect our seniors. I encourage you to take advantage of the services we offer that are made just for you,” said Green.
Older Americans Month is also an opportunity to assess one’s health and make subtle adjustments in lifestyle that can help add good health for years to come.  This year’s campaign theme is “Never Too Old to Play” and encourages older Americans to include “play” in their daily routine.  Physical activity “play,” like gentle exercises, can improve balance and strength without putting too much stress on your body.  Better balance can result in less falls, a major cause of injury in older adults.  Physical activity can also improve your flexibility.  Always consult your physician if exercising will be a new activity for you.
Participate in “brain activities” like crossword puzzles, trivia games or tradition board games to stimulate and “exercise” the brain.  Consider “bridging” the “generation gap” by getting involved with preschoolers, college students or young adults as they can learn a lot from you and you from them.   Lastly, get creative.  Creative expression whether through artwork, writing or some other activity is a good way to boost mental health and your outlook on life.
For more information about the services and programs mentioned above, contact Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777 or visit www.guilfordhealth.org

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1.  Immunizations can save your child’s life. Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines.

2. Vaccination is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

3. Immunization protects others you care about. Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. “It is crucial for infants and children to get the shots they need,” states Merle Green, Health Director. “Recently, we have had pertussis cases in our immediate area therefore; we need to send a strong message to parents to ensure they are getting their children in for shots according to the prescribed schedule.”  According to Vonda Pabon, RN, Nurse Manager, “There are a number of vaccinations your children should receive but I would like to highlight the importance of the DTaP and Tdap vaccinations since we have had cases in our area. Infants should receive DTaP, the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months and again between 4-5 years of age. In addition, rising 6th graders need a Tdap booster before entering school this fall and all close contacts of infants less than 1 year old.”  The Department of Public Health offers appointments for childhood immunizations weekdays (except holidays) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, a special Tdap clinic for rising 6th graders will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., by appointment. Call (336) 641-3245 for an appointment.  Children who are appropriately vaccinated help protect others and others who are properly vaccinated help protect children.
4. Immunizations can save your family time and money. A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or daycare facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance. “When you call us for an appointment, please have your insurance card handy,” states Pabon.  The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. “If you think you might qualify for VFC, ask about eligibility when you call for an appointment,” said Pabon.

5. Immunization protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don’t have to get smallpox shots anymore because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.
For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines or call Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-3245.

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These QuitSmart® classes are funded by the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. QuitSmart® utilizes many different techniques and has been proven to be more effective than other stop-smoking programs. To learn more about QuitSmart®, visit www.quitsmart.com

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Services that will be provided at no charge at the event include:
• Blood pressure screening
• Blood glucose screening
• Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement

“In addition, participants are encouraged to come dressed for some fun physical activity, “added Green.
Join our “Fitness Over 50” sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the lawn outside the Center.

Visit the “Man Cave”, co-sponsored by Gander Mtn.® for health information, screenings and more, just for men. Gander Mtn.® will be holding a fishing casting competition. Prizes will be awarded and include Gander Mtn.® t-shirts, ACC Hall of Champions tickets, donated by the Greensboro Coliseum, and YMCA passes, donated by the YMCA of Greensboro.  Gander Mtn.® will also have various displays for men showcasing spring and summer outdoor activities.

Health information on various topics such as eating healthfully, diabetes and diabetic supplies like shoes, breast health and Alzheimer’s disease will be available. Refreshments and goodie bags will also be provided.
Additional prizes will be available for activity participants.

For more information about Spring Into Health, call (336) 641-2103.

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             Tick prevention tips include keeping grass around your home mowed and shrubby vegetation in your yard thinned out.  Remove plants that will attract wild animals, such as deer and rodents.  When hiking, stay close to the center of the trail (so you don’t brush up against any vegetation) and don’t sit on the ground or any logs in brushy areas.�
          Exposure to both ticks and mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.  People should also check themselves and their family members and pets for ticks after being outside.
          Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing any infection.  Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks.  Get the tweezers as close to the head of the tick as possible and pull steadily.  Note the day that you removed the tick on a calendar.  If you become ill within the next three weeks, tell your health care provider the date you removed the tick.
           Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne illness in North Carolina.�
          La Crosse virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus are mosquito-borne illnesses found throughout North Carolina.  Mosquitoes can breed in just two teaspoons of stagnant water.  Following these simple steps can help reduce the chance of mosquito breeding:

• Discard all containers that hold water such as tires, bottles, flowerpots and saucers, small pools, buckets and tarps.  Empty them as least every seven days.
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair.

• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

• Screen or cover any outside rain barrels used for water conservation. 

• Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and are not torn. 

         Insect repellents can also be helpful, particularly against mosquitoes.  Be careful and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

         Following these tips can help prevent insect breeding areas and lessen the chances of insect bites.  For more information, contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777.