collapse global health public

It seems wrong to cut down redwood trees. And I think that the medical excuse is just that, an excuse. It is pretty likely that the trees were in place before these people bought their homes, and now they've decided, for one reason or another, they want more lawn, more space to expand their houses, or whatever, so the trees have to go. These trees should not be just a convenience for homeowners' whims.

Scott County: Group OKs consolidated dispatch

An intergovernmental agreement creating a consolidated dispatching center came one step closer to completion Tuesday with approval by the Scott County Emergency Management Commission.The commission approved the agreement 5-1, with Maysville Fire Chief Scott Roenfeldt casting the lone dissenting vote.The Davenport and Bettendorf city councils and Scott County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to vote on the agreement to create the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) at a combined meeting Dec. 12.Roenfeldt wasn’t against consolidated dispatching, but opposed the agreement because he would like to see representation from rural communities. The agreement calls for a caucus of mayors of the outlying communities to choose one mayor to serve on the governing board. Roenfeldt would like to see four mayors serving on it."I think consolidated dispatching is good for Scott County," he said.Along with the rural mayor, the proposed governing board would include the mayors of Davenport and Bettendorf, the chairman of the board of supervisors and the executive director of Medic EMS.Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard said a concern that the rural areas of the county don’t have a strong enough voice on the governing board is unfounded, saying the board will work for consensus as it moves forward.Rural communities are represented by the mayor, but also have representation by the Scott County board chairman, while the county’s largest city has one vote, Scott County administrator Ray Wierson said.Bettendorf Fire Chief Gerry Voelliger called the intergovernmental agreement "a framework document.""It is the first official step toward consolidated dispatch in Scott County," he said.

Foot/Ankle

Metatarsal Reconstruction with Use of Free Vascularized Osteomyocutaneous Fibular Grafts Following Resection of Malignant Tumors of the Midfoot. A Series of Six Cases
Cyril D. Toma, Martin Dominkus, Martin Pfeiffer, Pietro Giovanoli, Ojan Assadian, and Rainer Kotz
J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89:1553-1564. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

BMP-14 Gene Therapy Increases Tendon Tensile Strength in a Rat Model of Achilles Tendon Injury
Patrick Bolt, Avnish Neil Clerk, Hue H.

Irondequoit to Better Track Renters

It's one of Rochester's fastest growing communities, and many who own property in the Town of Irondequoit are trying to cash in. Those who already live there are hoping a recently passed town ordinance will make landlords and future tenants live up to their responsibilities.

The new law will help the town keep a close eye on rental properties, and whether or not they're being maintained properly. It's something all who live there have a stake in.

Taking care of a piece of property all by yourself can be a handful, especially in the fall.

"There's always raking, there's painting inside and updating appliances," said Bev Spayde. "All kinds of things and in actuality, it's a job," she said.

Spayde has been taking care of a piece of property in Irondequoit for six years.

A shot in the arm for flu season

It's that time of year again: flu season. (Minnesota confirmed its first case last week.) Here are some things to keep in mind about what you can do to protect yourself.Q Who should get a flu shot?A Anyone who wants to reduce the chances of getting the flu. The government recommends flu shots for all adults older than 50; children ages 6 months to 5 years; anyone in between with underlying conditions, such as pregnancy or chronic illness, that make them more vulnerable to complications, and others such as caregivers. Q When is the best time to get a flu shot?A According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. flu season peaks between December and March. It's recommended that you get your shot during October and November, so now is the time. Even if you delay, you're likely to benefit if you get the shot any time during the season.Q There are drugs that are effective against the flu.

WICOMICO: Educational programs coincide with Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

SALISBURY � Local community education classes about Alzheimer's disease launch next week in recognition of November as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

Classes start Nov. 14 with a "Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle" session at the Alzheimer's Association Eastern Shore office, 2090-C Milford St. in Salisbury. The class is interactive, providing research-based information about the positive impact of lifestyle choices and changes on brain health and brain disease throughout life.

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Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition Encourages Vaccination Throughout The Influenza Season

To raise awareness of the need to vaccinate more infants, children and adolescents against influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with Families Fighting Flu, declared, November 27, as the first ever "Children's Flu Vaccination Day." The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' (NFID) Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition commends this effort to emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccination to protect children and their contacts from this serious and potentially deadly virus.

"Influenza claims more American lives every year than all other vaccine- preventable diseases combined," said Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, Coalition Chair, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), President of Canyon Ranch Institute and Distinguished Professor of Public Health, The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.