Monmouth County Health Dept. Newsletter - March/April Edition

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monmouth county health department

March/April 2016

Health Department is on the front line

Freeholder John P. Curley and Christopher Merkel, M.P.H

Welcome to the Monmouth County Health Department (MCHD) Newsletter! This newsletter informs residents on the vast array of services provided, most at no charge. In our ever changing world, we are constantly dealing with emerging diseases such as the Zika virus and environmental health topics such as food safety, communicable disease, childhood lead poisoning and response to chemical releases. The MCHD is at the front lines continually addressing these public health topics of concern and we are committed to protecting the public’s health. I hope you will find the information helpful in making informed decisions for you and your family. Be sure to check out future issues of our newsletter.


Zika Virus

The Zika Virus is continuously evolving and new information comes out on a daily basis. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and NJ Department of Health websites for updates. In addition, MCHD staff provides on-site presentations and discussion of the Zika virus. If you are interested in scheduling a Zika presentation/discussion with MCHD staff at your workplace, contact us at 732-431-7456.


Photo courtesy of VectorBase, http://www.vectorbase.org

Aedes Aegypti - Vectorbase

Free Oral Cancer Screening

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common cancer among white males and the fourth most common among black males. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer include cancer of the lip, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, gingiva and alveolar mucosa, buccal mucosa, and oropharynx. Males have traditionally had higher incidence rates than females in New Jersey and throughout the US, although in recent years, the gap has narrowed due at least in part, to the increasing number of women who began smoking over the past three decades.

 

The MCHD will be offering free oral cancer screening at our office on May 9, 2016 from 3 - 6 p.m. Call 732-431-7456 for more information.


Influenza Update

Monmouth County is still in the midst of the Flu Season. The MCHD continues to provide flu shots. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.


Howell Health Fair

Howell Health Fair

The MCHD will be holding a health fair on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Southard School 115 Kent Road in Howell (Get directions.) There will be information on staying healthy, activities and programs available through the MCHD, free screening for eyes, diabetes, cholesterol, body mass index, blood pressure and other screenings and information available.


World Health Day - Diabetes Awareness

World Health Day is Thursday, April 7, 2016 and this year's focus is Diabetes awareness. Diabetes is an epidemic throughout the world. While there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can be avoided through simple lifestyle measures ranging from eating a healthy diet, to regularly engaging in physical activity. Visit http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/ to learn more.


Eye Screenings

In partnership with the NJ Commission for The Blind and Visually Impaired, the MCHD offers a free eye screening clinic for ages 3 and up the second Monday of each month from 3 - 6 p.m. at our office. The clinic is for eye health, visual acuity and glaucoma. For questions or appointments call 732-431-7456.

Board of Health Members

Judy Thorpe, President

Brian Charnick, Vice President

Marianne Longobardi, Secretary

Jon Barone

Thomas J. Calabrese

Ellynn Kahle

Paul Schneider

Ann Marie Buontempo

Michael L. Ticktin

Christopher Merkel, Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer

 

Freeholder John P. Curley, Department Liasion

 

Meeting Information

The Board of Health conducts meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, at the County Health Department offices at 3435 Route 9, Freehold. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

 

Phone: 732-431-7456

 

 

County of Monmouth Seal