Department of Health calls for applicants to boards, commissions
February 1, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 1, 2013
The state Department of Health is seeking residents to serve on health-related boards, commissions and committees.
Overall, 26 groups need volunteers. The open positions include the Board of Hearing and Speech, Board of Optometry, Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission, Examining Board of Psychology, Midwifery Advisory Committee, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and others.
“We’re excited to give our citizens a chance to influence the health and safety of our state in a variety of health fields,” Karen Jensen, assistant secretary for the Health Systems Quality Assurance Division, said in a statement. “These vacancies will be filled by people appointed by the governor and the secretary of health, who both take great pride in appointing qualified, responsible members to each position.”
Deaths from prescription painkiller overdoses drop
January 25, 2013
NEW — 8 a.m. Jan. 25, 2013
Deaths from pain medication overdoses decreased between 2008-11, after increasing eightfold in the preceding decade.
The overdose death rate dropped 23 percent, and the number of deaths dropped from 512 in 2008 to 407 in 2011, state Department of Health officials reported Wednesday.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Dr. Maxine Hayes, state health officer, said in a statement. “While it’s encouraging that deaths have dropped, the death rate in 2011 was six times higher than in 1998. Health care providers play a critical role in prescribing medications and helping patients manage pain safely. Prescription pain medications are powerful drugs and must be handled carefully.”
State health officials urge vaccinations as flu spreads
January 6, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. Jan. 6, 2013
State health officials urged residents to get vaccinated as influenza spreads across Washington.
The flu recently caused three deaths statewide — two adults in King County and a child in neighboring Pierce County.
Officials said many flu-related deaths may go unreported because the illness is not lab-confirmed or the patient is not tested for influenza.
“Any death from a preventable illness is upsetting, and it’s especially heartbreaking when a child dies,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “These deaths are a somber reminder that flu is serious and makes thousands sick in our state each year. With flu season picking up, it’s important to remember that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones with a flu shot.”
Mason, Sophia rank as top baby names in Washington
January 1, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. Jan. 1, 2013
Mason edged out Liam to rank as the most-popular name for baby boys in Washington, and Sophia remained in the top spot among names for baby girls.
The data released by the state Department of Health on Dec. 27 shows Mason moved to No. 1 from No. 11 for baby boys in 2011, and Liam moved to the No. 2 spot from the No. 8 spot.
The top 10 list for baby girls remained almost unchanged from 2010, albeit in slightly different order. Sophia is in the top position and Olivia is ranked in the No. 2 position.
Statewide, parents named 453 infant girls Sophia and 446 infant boys Mason in 2011.
Report: Illegal tobacco sales to minors increase
December 14, 2012
NEW — 8 a.m. Dec. 14, 2012
The number of Washington retailers illegally selling tobacco to minors is at the highest level in more than a decade, according to a report from the state Department of Health.
State health officials said about 16 percent of retailers offering tobacco illegally sold the substance to minors between January and June. The figure is up from 11 percent last year and 10 percent in 2010.
If the rate of retailers selling tobacco to minors exceeds 20 percent, Washington could lose almost $14 million in federal funding for drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and treatment.
“This is unacceptable. Our young people should not have access to these deadly tobacco products,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “Most adult smokers start as teens, so if we can keep tobacco out of the hands of kids, it’s likely they’ll never take up this dangerous habit.”
Change in marriage law raises need for gender-neutral certificates
November 27, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 27, 2012
The change in state law to legalize same-sex marriage means marriage and divorce certificates must change, and the state Department of Health is seeking public input on the issue.
The agency requested comments on proposed changes in gender-specific terms for Washington’s marriage and divorce certificates in response to the same-sex marriage law approved in Referendum 74. The law is poised to go into effect Dec. 6.
The department collects records of all people who marry or divorce in Washington, and issues copies of records to the public. The existing forms use gender-specific terms, including bride, groom, husband and wife.
State health officials propose using gender-neutral terms on certificates. The proposal includes identifying the gender of couples on the certificate form, so the public can gather information about the number of same-sex couples in Washington.
Statewide epidemic slows, but whooping cough lingers
November 20, 2012
The number of whooping cough cases reported in Washington is easing — with some areas returning to levels more typical before the epidemic — but state health officials said whooping cough is still active.
The epidemic included more than 4,500 reported whooping cough, or pertussis, cases — the highest number of cases in more than 70 years.
Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The disease is most serious for infants, especially children too young to receive the vaccination. Pertussis causes cold-like systems followed by a long, severe cough.
Statewide whooping cough epidemic slows, but lingers
November 17, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 17, 2012
The number of whooping cough cases reported in Washington is easing — with some areas returning to levels more typical before the epidemic — but state health officials said whooping cough is still active.
The epidemic included more than 4,500 reported whooping cough, or pertussis, cases — the highest number of cases in more than 70 years.
“We’re watching whooping cough activity closely,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “We’re encouraged to see the pace of new cases in our state slowing, but we are not completely out of the woods. Whooping cough is still active and babies are still at risk.”
Teen immunization rates concern health officials
September 2, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Sept. 2, 2012
Immunization rates among Washington teenagers improved for some vaccines, but held steady and dropped slightly for others, state health officials announced Aug. 30.
The information comes from the just-released 2011 National Immunization Survey. More children between the ages of 13 and 17 years are vaccinated against serious diseases than in previous years, teen immunization rates remain below state goals.
“The whooping cough epidemic reminds us that it’s vital for teens to get immunized on time,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “Immunizing teens is as important as immunizing young children — it protects the teens and everyone around them, especially babies who are too young for vaccination. Every teen should be up-to-date with all recommended vaccines.”
Protect horses, humans from West Nile virus
August 28, 2012
The state veterinarian issued a reminder Aug. 22 to vaccinate horses against West Nile virus, as health officials reported a spike in human cases nationwide.
Veterinarians have had success in using vaccines for protection against West Nile virus, a potentially fatal disease in horses.
Washington led the nation in confirmed equine cases in 2009 (72 cases) and 2008 (41 cases).
Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus after the insects feed on infected birds. Infected horses do not spread the disease to other horses, humans or other animals.
Ill horses show a loss of coordination, loss of appetite, confusion, fever, and stiffness and muscle weakness, particularly in the hindquarters.
Learn more about West Nile virus from the state Department of Health at www.doh.wa.gov/WNV.
