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The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is urging  residents not to drink and drive this holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes during Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of  the year.

Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, pointed out that the holidays can turn tragic if someone has too many drinks and then gets behind the wheel of a car.  He said, “The statistics really are sobering. Almost 30 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver.”

Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said anyone going to a holiday get-together or is hosting a party, should make plans ahead of time to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Regenye offers these tips that can help save lives:

  • Plan ahead. If you know you are going to drink alcohol, designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time and leave your keys at home. You may want to put the number of a local taxi company in your cell phone if you think you may need to get a ride.
  • Don’t let anyone behind the wheel of a car if you know they have been drinking. Be as non-confrontational as possible, enlist a friend or two to help, and if possible get the person’s keys. If all else fails, call law enforcement.
  • Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking. If you see someone driving drunk, call 9-1-1.
  • Keep the phone number of a taxi service on hand for guests or offer your sofa to guests who need to stay put.

Although drunk driving deaths have decreased over the last decade, the latest concern is texting while driving. Regenye added, “Studies show that texting and driving can be as much as 6 times as dangerous as drunk driving. Put the phone away before you get behind the wheel and stay safe and sound while driving this holiday season.”

By Brian Lippai

“Cold and frigid today…..maybe 60 degrees on Thursday; it seems we have been having these fluctuations of temperatures throughout the fall and the beginning of winter,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County board of Health.  “Since winter is here, we do know that we will get more frigid weather and it is important to be aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold.  We live in an area where many people are outside for extended periods of time such as school children waiting for their school bus, construction workers working on exteriors of homes or buildings and even the crews that are responsible for clearing streets and sidewalks of snow and ice.”

 

Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said, “The most common cold-related emergencies are hypothermia and frostbite.  When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster that it can be produced.   Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, which if too low, affects the brain making the person unable to think clearly or move well.  A person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.  Hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures if a person becomes chilled from rain or is submerged in cold water.  Victims of hypothermia are often elderly people, babies sleeping in cold bedrooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods and people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.  Some symptoms of hypothermia are:”

In adults:

  • Shivering, exhaustion
  • Confusion, fumbling hands
  • Memory loss, slurred speech
  • Drowsiness

In infants:

  • Bright red, cold skin
  • Very low energy

 

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees,  GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.  If you cannot get medical care, start warming the person by:

  • Get the person into a warm room.
  • Remove any wet clothing.
  • Warm the center of the body first – chest, neck, head and groin. Use skin-to skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets.
  • Warm beverages can help but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give beverages to someone unconscious.
  • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in warm layers and get medical attention as soon as possible.

 

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing.  Handle the victim gently and get emergency assistance immediately.  Even if the person appears dead, CPR should be provided and should continue while victim is being warmed or until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available.

 

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing and causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, and fingers or toes and can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation.   People need to dress properly for extremely cold temperatures.

The following signs may indicate frostbite:

  • A white or grayish yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

 

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. If a person also shows signs of hypothermia, this requires emergency medical assistance.

 

If a person has signs of frostbite but no hypothermia, proceed as follows:

  • Get into a warm area.
  • Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.
  • You can warm the affected area using body heat.
  • Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all.
  • Do not use heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

 

Regenye added, “Preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions.  Prepare your home and car in advance for winter emergencies and observe safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather.”

 

Visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org or follow the Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like us on Facebook.

IMPORTANT TIPS TO KEEP YOU FROM GETTING SICK THIS FLU SEASON.

 With flu season in full swing, the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) wants to remind you that the virus may be lurking anywhere. But there are many ways you can protect yourself from the influenza viruses along with the suffering that comes with a bout of the sick bug. Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, says, “The best line of defense is to get vaccinated. The flu viruses can hang around through April and into May so it’s not too late to get your shot if you haven’t already.”

 

Being vaccinated is the best start. But other important tips to follow include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, making sure to cover all coughs and sneezes and to stay home when you’re sick and to stay away from people who are sick.

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminds us that people with the flu can spread it to others up to roughly 6 feet away. Crowded places such as schools, entertainment venues, shopping malls, airports, work places, and high touch areas are just a few typical high risk areas the flu will find you. Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, says, “The influenza viruses are mostly spread person to person through respiratory droplets that are expelled when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Another form of transmission may happen when someone touches a contaminated surface or object.”

 

Flu cases are up across the state this season. That’s why a flu shot is your best shot at prevention with the next best thing practicing good hand hygiene.

 

Regenye adds, “Most of us are exposed to a variety of these high risk areas but if you can remember these few important tips it can make a significant difference this flu season. However, if you feel that you have symptoms of flu which include fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches, it is important to reach out to your health care provider as soon as possible as they may prescribe an antiviral medication which works best if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.”

 

For more information about the influenza viruses and our flu clinics please visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org or follow the Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like the Health Department on Facebook.

The Ocean County WIC Program continues its annual celebration of National Nutrition Month at the Ocean County Mall-County  Connection, located near JC Penney in Toms River, NJ. Staff from the Ocean County WIC Program will be present including a WIC Program Nutritionist, RD and Breastfeeding staff promoting the theme of National Nutrition Month, “Go Further with Food”.  The Program Nutritionist will be promoting “Healthy Eating/Healthy Lifestyle” and the benefits of participating in the Ocean County WIC Program. A display and handouts that promote the theme of National Nutrition Month, “Put Your Best Fork Forward”, will demonstrate the benefits ofbreastfeeding and participation in the WIC Program.  The dates and the times of this activity will be March 19 and March 21, 2018 from 10:00 am-3:00pm.

 

Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health remarked: “WIC allows for the provision of vital services within Ocean County to the residents most in need of our attention, compassion, and guidance.”  It is our hope that as many eligible people as possible avail themselves ofWIC as nothing is of greater importance than the health of mothers and children in Ocean County.”

 

WIC, which is an acronym for women, infants and children is a national program designed to help serve the needs of many at-risk residents.  According to information highlighted by the United States Department of Agriculture, the WIC target populations are low-income, nutritionally at risk:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women and Nonbreastfeeding postpartum women
  • Infants and Children through age 5.

 

 

In addition to all the informative health eating and lifestyle tips staff will also be promoting other vital services available to qualified applicants according to Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator.

 

The following benefits are provided to WIC participants:

 

  • Supplemental nutritious foods
  • Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics
  • Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services

 

Meg McCarthy-Klein, OCHD Nutrition Program Coordinator added, “Feeding a family a health meal on a budget can be challenging but there are solutions.  Our nutrition experts will be available during this two day event to educate and offer guidance to get you on the path to a healthier diet and lifestyle.” In the event you have any questions regarding National Nutrition Month or the WIC Program, please call 732-341-9700 or visit www.ochd.org.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

NEW JERSEY HEALTH COMMISSIONER SHEREEF ELNAHAL, M.D., M.B.A. ATTENDS OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT EVENT

The Ocean County Health Department is pleased to report the successful implementation of a multiple clinic program which facilitated the distribution of KI pills (Potassium Iodide), Flu-Shots, Health Screenings Alcohol and Drug Awareness program information distribution and dissemination of program information for multiple health department functions. The program, held at Toms River High School North on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, was highlighted by the arrival of the newly appointed Health Commissioner for the State of New Jersey, Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. Daniel E. Regenye, MHA, Public Health Coordinator for the County of Ocean, introduced the new Commissioner to the wide variety of programs offered by the Ocean County Health Department, the largest in the State of New Jersey.

Mr. Regenye remarked: “We were honored to have the new Commissioner join us to observe firsthand the effective distribution of services and the compelling programs offered to serve our residents, all under one roof as we introduced our residents showing up for their KI pills to our other health department resources.” Senator Singer, Vice Chairman of the Board of Health, was on hand to welcome the Commissioner and offered that “the model of service presented by the Ocean County Health Department serves as an excellent example of how residents in need can best be served by the resources made available from governmental  public health.” Under the guidance of Ocean County Freeholder Director and Board Liaison Gerry P. Little the Health Department strives to not only provide necessary services such as immunization clinics but also seeks to educate the public on all public health issues with particular emphasis on drug and alcohol prevention, as evidenced by the multiple programs on display at the February 21″ event, including driving while impaired demonstrations and available prescription drop­ off.  Brian E. Rumpf, Director of Administration and Program Development for the Ocean County Health Department  remarked that similar programs will be announced for the public to attend as the year progresses.

Each April since 1987, the National Council  on Alcoholism  and Drug Dependence, Inc.  (NCADD) has sponsored  Alcohol  Awareness Month  to increase  public awareness  and understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage  local communities to focus  on alcoholism  and alcohol-related issues. The Ocean County Health Department supports these  efforts  and seeks to inform the residents  of Ocean County about the dangers  of alcohol abuse.

 

Freeholder Director  Gerry  P. Little, who is liaison to the Ocean  County  Board  ofHealth, urges residents to embrace this year’s theme –“Changing Attitudes: It’s  not a ‘rite of passage’.” According  to Freeholder  Director  Little, “educating people about the treatment  and prevention of alcoholism,  particularly  among  our youth,  and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that  alcohol  can have on their  lives is critical in our prevention affairs.” Daniel E. Regenye, Public  Health  Coordinator  for the Ocean  County  Health Department remarks  that “Alcohol  and drug use by young  people  is disturbingly dangerous  for both the person and their community  as such usage is directly associated  with traffic  fatalities,  violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol  overdose,  unsafe  sex and other problem  behaviors,  and may result in the development of a dependence  or addiction.”  According  to Mr. Regenye, “Adolescence  is generally a time of increased  risk-taking  and as alcohol  and drugs enter young  lives, parents are faced with a unique set of challenges. Parents often  ignore underage  drinking  as a “rite of passage.” Parents are encouraged  to change their  attitude  and take an active role in learning about  alcohol and drugs and help their kids do the same.”

 

Brian E. Rumpf, D ire c tor of Administration  and  Program Development for  the Ocean County Health Department  adds “the Ocean County  Health  Department  has multiple  contracts throughout the area for residents  with substance  use disorders  and alcohol related  issues.  Any resident looking for help can call 732-341-9700 x7538  for information

 

The Ocean County Health Department is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a Community Job Fair on May 17, 2018. Each of the Health Department’s divisions will have representatives present to answer questions concerning the work involved to accomplish the mission of each department.  The public is invited to attend and learn more about the services offered through the Health Department; and job-seekers are encouraged to inquire about present and future employment opportunities within the Department.

Freeholder Director and Board of Health Liaison Gerry P. Little comments that: “The Ocean County Health Department has consistently served the residents of Ocean County well; through a myriad of services ranging from the provision of annual flu shots, with over 185 clinics this year alone, to providing shelters for dogs and cats up for adoption in both the northern and southern parts of the County.” “Thousands of residents throughout the county are well served by the Health Department and its many programs each year. I encourage our residents to stop by the Department on May 17th to find out more of what the Department offers, including potential employment for qualified candidates.”

Daniel E. Regenye, Public Health Coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department adds: “We have a vibrant and exceptional workforce committed to providing services to the residents of our county to improve public health every day. We are pleased to offer this job fair to showcase the many services we provide and to attract potential future employees to join us in our mission to improve public health.”

Brian E. Rumpf, Esq., Director of Administration and Program Development for the Ocean County Health Department offers that: “The job fair will serve as a unique opportunity to both engage the public on the many services offered through the Department, while, hopefully, serving as a catalyst for recruitment for positions which may be available now and in the future for community members seeking employment at a mission driven agency centered on the improvement of public health. The public is invited to attend at the main campus of the Ocean County Health Department at 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River, from 4 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, May 17th.”

GIVE THANKS AND STAY HEALTHY FOR A SUCCESSFUL START OF SUMMER

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, we are again reminded of the incredible sacrifice made by members of our armed forces which allow us to enjoy the “official” start of summer. Freeholder Director and Board of Health Liaison Gerry P. Little remarked: “It is with immense gratitude that we should pause to remember those who willingly gave their lives so that all Americans may enjoy the freedoms prominently on display as Ocean County welcomes the start of the summer season.” “With freedom comes the responsibility to protect ourselves and our environment,” continued Freeholder Director Little, “and I therefore encourage all residents and visitors to Ocean County to insure this summer season kicks off in a healthy fashion for all to enjoy.”

According to Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator Daniel E. Regenye, there are many small things people can do to protect their health and environment this time of year. “Whether you’re heading to the beach, the boardwalk, a lake or a backyard picnic, be sure to cover up to protect your skin against sunburn and pesky bug bites.” Regenye continued: “As your first line of defense, shirts, hats, shorts and pants provide the best protection from both UVA rays and insect bites and your arsenal should include a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt, long pants, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses to block UVA radiation and SPF sunscreen lotion to block both UVA and UVB rays.” Public Health Officer Regenye continued by reminding residents to thoroughly clean and inspect grills before lighting and to have adequate space between grills and dwellings. Finally, said Regenye, “It is vitally important for people to remember to stay hydrated as we enter the warmer months to prevent significant health problems associated with dehydration which often come as a surprise for those enjoying the great outdoors.” “As the Ocean County Health Department also manages two busy animal shelters, people are also reminded to provide plenty of water for pets as well as the weather turns hot,” concluded Regenye.

Director of Administration and Program Development, Brian E. Rumpf, reminds residents to check out the new Ocean County Health Department website at OCHD.org for additional information on summer healthy living tips as well as prevention of illness from overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Rumpf remarked that “The Ocean County Health Department collectively joins together in remembering those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to enable us to enjoy a healthy summer in beautiful Ocean County.” “As residents and visitors enjoy all Ocean County has to offer, rest assured that all employees of the Health Department will remain ever vigilant to protect public health throughout the summer and beyond,” concluded Rumpf.

Ocean County Freeholder Director and Ocean County Board of Health Liaison Gerry P. Little is pleased to remind all Ocean County residents and visitors that the Ocean County Health Department’s water sampling program is in full swing. “Each year the Ocean County Health Department has a full team of water samplers who visit 72 recreational swimming beaches on the ocean, bay and rivers and lakes throughout the county to take samples of water for testing to the lab located at the Ocean County Utilities Authority facility in Bayville,” according to Freeholder Director Little. The test results are compiled and sent to the State lab for review and publication. “Results for each testing site may be viewed on the website of the Ocean County Health Department, at www.ochd.org, providing full transparency and up to date information,” according to Daniel E. Regenye, Public Health Coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department.

Freeholder Director Little expressed the importance of the County Health Department’s water sampling program stating: “The residents of Ocean County and all our visitors should be aware that we are vigorous in ensuring that our swimming beaches are clean and safe.” “Reports of beach closures elsewhere in the State naturally raise concern but Ocean County has for many years tested our swimming areas throughout the County continuously from before Memorial Day weekend to after Labor Day weekend so our residents and visitors can feel safe going into the water,” added Freeholder Director Little. Freeholder Joseph Vicari, liaison to tourism in Ocean County, expressed the importance of water sampling and publication of results: “Visitors to our many fine beaches and recreational areas deserve to know that Ocean County has a history of monitoring all our swimming areas for water safety and we are rigorous in insuring that our swimming areas are clean and safe.”

Public Health Coordinator Regenye explained that excessive rainfall does have the ability to impact water quality due to the natural runoff of water into some of the more local lakes and rivers and if testing results ever show less than acceptable results, such a swimming area would be temporarily closed for swimming and testing will continue daily until results demonstrate water quality safe for swimmers. “Public Health requires that we are vigilant in our efforts to make sure the public is protected by knowing that the water is safe before people jump in,” explained Regenye. “Last year over 450 inspections were conducted throughout Ocean County to insure safe swimming can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors,” added Regenye. “We are fortunate to have some of the best beaches and recreational swimming areas right here in Ocean County and we will remain vigilant and committed to protecting this natural treasure by continuously testing and monitoring throughout the summer,” concluded Freeholder Director Little.”

 

Water Reports

One amazing statistic is that women are 100% more likely to visit their doctor for annual checkups and preventative services than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is why it is especially important to recognize Men’s Health Month, according to Freeholder Director and Board of Health Liaison Gerry P. Little. According to Freeholder Director Little, in data extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women from nine of the top ten causes of death and while men had a life expectancy of one year less than a woman in 1920, that life expectancy gap has now extended to five years. “Men must focus on preventative measures such as regular doctor checkups and screenings to avoid adding to the grim statistics concerning mortality,” said Freeholder Director Little. “We must also bring awareness to potential mental health issues, such as depression, to reduce another alarming statistic which suggests men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide”, added Freeholder Director Little. “We have a responsibility to bring awareness to men’s health and, as we celebrate Father’s Day in the second week of June, we should be mindful of the tremendous benefits of prevention,” concluded Freeholder Director Little.

Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator Daniel E. Regenye offered that: “Alarmingly, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show significantly higher mortality rates for men than women in diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more.” “Also of significance is the statistic showing that almost four times as many men than women are suicide casualties,” added Regenye. “Clearly there is more to be done with prevention efforts and recognition of Men’s Health Month is appropriate and necessary as the public health community seeks to address the disparate levels of disease and mortality among our population,” concluded Regenye.

Brian E. Rumpf, Director of Administration and Program Development for the Ocean County Health Department, adds that the new web page for the Ocean County Health Department includes valuable and insightful information to assist residents, such as the Ocean County Community Health Improvement Plan, an excerpt of which follows:
Chronic diseases include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. Chronic diseases are some of the most common and most costly health problems. They can be prevented through behavior change such as establishing a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and eliminating tobacco use and substance abuse. Early screening and detection and effective disease management in consultation with a medical professional all will contribute to a healthier life.
The Ocean County Health Department lists many programs and resources on its website which respond to the call for action as we recognize Men’s Health Month in Ocean County. These include screening services for blood pressure, stroke risk and osteoporosis, as well as diabetes education, hepatitis C for baby boomers, medication management and other health education such as tobacco cessation, sun safety and education on testicular and breast cancer prevention.