FDA Alerts Consumers to Lead Found In Cinnamon
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to dispose of and refrain from purchasing six brands of cinnamon. This recommendation follows the agency's detection of lead levels in the products during testing.
According to the FDA, prolonged consumption of these products could lead to elevated levels of lead in the blood. The potential health risks vary based on the amount of lead ingested, the consumer's age, and other sources of lead exposure.
The advisory highlights that the identified products have a lengthy shelf life, potentially leading consumers to unknowingly possess them in their homes. The agency urges individuals to carefully inspect their spices and promptly discard any of the mentioned products.
CDC Revises COVID-19 Guidance as Illness Wanes
A positive test for COVID-19 no longer means a five day isolation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On March 1, the CDC changed its guidance. The agency now says that individuals with COVID can return to regular activities if they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medication and their symptoms are improving.
Under the new guidelines, the CDC advises individuals who opt to end their isolation use enhanced hygiene practices, wear masks, and, whenever possible, maintain social distancing, while also avoiding contact with individuals aged 65 or older.
CDC officials indicate that this change is possible due to the reduced likelihood of severe illness caused by the current virus, thanks to widespread immunity attained through vaccination, prior exposure, or both. The CDC continues to recommend that individuals stay up to date with vaccines for COVID, flu, and RSV.
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 Task Force Encourages Residents To Carry Narcan
The Kent County Opioid Task Force (KCOTF) is advocating for widespread access to the life-saving drug naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. The task force is actively striving to enhance accessibility to this medication.
Narcan is an FDA-approved medication that is highly effective in reversing opioid overdoses. Individuals experiencing an overdose cannot self-administer naloxone so it is vitally important that friends, family, and community members have it readily available. Narcan's intranasal formulation is easy to administer and poses no harm if the individual is not undergoing an opioid overdose.
“The urgency to improve naloxone access is heightened by a drug supply that is heavily contaminated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl,” says Rachel Jantz, co-chair of the KCOTF. “Fentanyl is currently present in approximately 70 percent of overdose deaths in Kent County.”
Fentanyl, a substance 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is frequently present in opioid products such as heroin or counterfeit prescription pills. Its reach extends beyond opioids; it can contaminate non-opioid drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, resulting in unexpected overdoses.
Despite naloxone's proven effectiveness, obtaining it can be challenging, especially in communities deeply affected by the opioid epidemic. Despite a state standing order and its new over-the-counter status, naloxone remains expensive and inaccessible to many. In response, various Kent County organizations have enhanced access to the medication by deploying refurbished vending machines and newspaper boxes filled with free naloxone, as indicated on this map.
"Finding solutions to end the opioid epidemic can often seem overwhelming," concluded Jantz. "One simple step we can all take is to raise awareness about naloxone's availability and work towards making it more accessible in our community. By doing so, we contribute to saving lives and addressing the challenges of the opioid crisis."
National Nutrition Month and Registered Dieticians Day
National Nutrition Month®, established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973, is an annual campaign celebrated throughout March. It aims to educate individuals about making informed food choices and cultivating healthy eating and physical activity habits.
The theme for the 2024 campaign is "Beyond the Table," highlighting various aspects of nutrition beyond just what is served on the dining table. This encompasses the entire journey of food from farm to fork, including production, distribution, grocery shopping, farmers markets, and even home food safety and storage practices. Additionally, the theme emphasizes the diverse ways people consume food, whether it's at home, on the go, in schools, restaurants, or at events. To explore resources and engage in interactive nutrition activities related to National Nutrition Month®, you follow this link: National Nutrition Month® Resources
During this month, we have the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our very own Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) like Tessa, Shannon, Jennifer, Samantha, Annie, Karen, Abby, Kristin, Jenny, and Brie. Their commitment to providing essential nutrition services to WIC participants, promoting healthier lifestyles, and significantly contributing to the overall well-being of individuals and families is truly commendable.
On March 13, 2024, which falls on the second Wednesday of National Nutrition Month®, we celebrate National Registered Dietitian Day. This occasion offers a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our staff's invaluable contributions to enhancing public health. Let's take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
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KCHD and Bright Beginnings Offers Serious Playtime
Its more than just a chance to have fun. Play is serious business when it comes to a child’s development. That’s why the KCHD Community Wellness Division has partnered with Kent Intermediate School District to offer a monthly playgroup for children ages birth to five years.
Bright Beginnings offers free, enjoyable, and educational socialization groups for children aged birth to five years old and their caregivers. These playgroups provide a safe and supportive environment for parents, caregivers, and children to play together. The program aims to prepare families and children for learning during this critical developmental period. Organizers understand that guiding parents in teaching their young children sets the stage for lifelong learning. Additionally, families form relationships with each other, providing natural support for caregivers of children of similar ages. Playgroups are held at various locations throughout the county.
Molly Perez, Public Health Program Supervisor at KCHD, explains that hosting the playgroup at KCHD benefits both organizations. "Many of KCHD's home visiting programs support families until the children reach two years old. By connecting them with Bright Beginnings, families have ongoing encouragement from another child and family-centered service," Perez says. She adds that while there are multiple Bright Beginnings groups throughout the county, the events at KCHD address a specific gap in services.
Playgroup sessions offer a variety of developmentally appropriate child/adult play activities, group learning time, snacks, songs, stories, and more. The group occurs from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. The next playgroup is March 20 at the KCHD main clinic at 700 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids.
If you have questions about the program, contact Molly Perez at 616-632-7173 or Molly.Perez@Kentcountymi.gov.
Communication Platform Changes
Our e-mail communication system is undergoing updates on the backend to improve efficiency and functionality. While we do not anticipate any disruptions, we want to ensure that you remain informed and continue to receive newsletters and bulletins from Kent County.
To guarantee that you continue to receive all of our correspondences, we ask that you mark all emails originating from "Kent County, MI" with addresses ending in "@govdelivery.com" and "@public.govdelivery.com" as safe in your email system. This simple step will help prevent communications from going to your junk email.
 Work for More Than A Paycheck
Working for Kent County offers you an opportunity to make a difference through service to your community. Kent County employees enjoy competitive pay and benefits while working in an environment that encourages employee growth and offers development opportunities.
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