TCHD Public Health News
2018
Winter Newsletter
That Winter Cough Could Be Whooping Cough!
 
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial illness that begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough progressing to a more severe cough lasting two weeks or more.  Continue reading >>
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Spread The Word About Free Tax Help For Working Families!

We know that health and wellness are outcomes of many factors, including income. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been called the country's "largest and most successful anti-poverty program" (Brookings Institution, 2009). It has also been shown to improve a number of health outcomes, improve children's development, and promote work (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). We want to make sure that all people eligible for tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, receive them. Please see below for additional information about Tax Help Colorado and the EITC. The Piton Foundation has also put together an outreach toolkit with free templates, links, and suggestions that is available at this link: https://www.pitonresources.com.

Don't Leave Money on the Table!

If you make less than $54,000, you can get free tax help from an IRS-certified tax preparer and may be eligible for valuable tax credits for working families. FIND A FREE TAX SITE NEAR YOU: Call 2-1-1 or visit www.TaxHelpCO.org. The Piton Foundation is pleased to provide Colorado's working families with information on free tax assistance and how to claim valuable tax credits. Learn more at www.piton.org/eitc

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Don't Let the Flu Mess With You
It's not too late to get the flu shot

With the increase in pediatric deaths due to flu nation-wide, including one in Colorado, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention urges those who have not received a flu shot this year to get one. When more people are vaccinated against the flu, less flu spreads through our community.

"There have been 2,366 flu hospitalizations and 111 flu outbreaks since tracking began in October. That indicates a more severe season. If you haven't gotten a flu shot already, now is the time to protect yourself," states John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.

"Flu can cause serious complications in people over 65 years of age and in people with chronic medical problems like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or kidney failure. Medication treatment for flu is available so talk to your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of flu: the sooner you start it the better!" states Dr. Douglas.

Flu symptoms include some or all of these:
  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills  (It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Extreme tiredness
For more information and to find a flu vaccine, visit www.tchd.org/flu.
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Need To Help A Student Get Access To Insurance?

The Access to Care Program serves pregnant women and children from birth to 20 years old who reside in Adams, Arapahoe or Douglas Counties. The program includes: 
  • Eligibility and enrollment assistance (Health First Colorado, Colorado's Medicaid Program) 
  • Healthy Communities (benefits, services & local resource information)
 
Call  303-363-3013 to schedule an eligibility and enrollment appointment with a Family Health Coordinator. Call Healthy Communities at 303-873-4404 for benefits, services, and local resource information.
 
A Family Health Coordinator can help you find a doctor (medical home) or dentist, local food banks, and non-emergency medical transport service. The Family Health Coordinator can also provide contact information for other programs such as  Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or HCP for special healthcare needs.

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Your Family's Health Comes First

Click here  to get free and personal help finding the right provider for your family.
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Chemicals And Contaminants In Your Home

A new study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has found lead contaminated hot sauces. It is believed that this contamination occurred in the chile that has been used to make these hot sauces. Read more>>
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Infectious Tidbits
 
Read the Quarterly Infectious Disease Newsletter from Tri-County Health Department.

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HPV Education Sessions Available To School Nurses

Did you know that every year, more than 30,700 women and men are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV? That's about one new case every 20 minutes! As a health care provider, research has shown that your recommendation for the HPV vaccine is one of the most important factors to help prevent HPV-related cancer.  Continue reading >>

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 Need Fast and Easy Snack Ideas?
 
Give these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bites a try. You can find more easy and delicious snack ideas at Tri-County's Pinterest page.

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Tri-County Health Department  | 303-220-9200  |  http://www.tchd.org/