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The Dog Days
of Summer Have Arrived – Keep Safe in the Heat
July 11, 2008 (Dallas) Weather forecasts for this weekend
and the next several weeks predict triple digit temperatures for Dallas
County marking the start of the hottest period of the summer. This type
extreme heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, injuries and
death. The combination of daytime highs above 100 degrees, nighttime
lows over 75 and high levels of humidity during extended periods of time
result in dangerous conditions for everyone. The elderly, the very young
and persons with preexisting health conditions are especially at risk
for heat-related illnesses. |
West Nile
Virus Watch
 With
summer weather, it is important
that people remember to protect themselves and their families from
West Nile virus. The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile
virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to use the three Ds - use
insect repellent that contains DEET,
picaradin or lemon oil of eucalyptus,
drain any standing water, and
dress in long clothing. If you have any questions, please
feel free to send an email to
westnile@dallascounty.org.
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 Public
Health Preparedness and Response Newsletter
Each month the Dallas County Health & Human Services
department publishes a newsletter about public health that helps you be
prepared and know how to respond to various current health issues:
summer heat, West Nile virus, salmonella, etc. |
Immunization Requirements
 Texas
law requires that all children entering public or private schools and
institutions of higher learning be immunized. Validation of
immunization records by a physician or public health clinic will be
required for entering school. Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus, Polio,
Measles/Mumps/Rubella, HIB, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Hepatitis A,
Pneumococcal Conjugate ... |
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Pandemic Flu Prevention
This letter to parents will help your family
prepare for a flu pandemic that could make many people sick. It is
important to know that at this time, there is no pandemic flu of any
kind in the United States. There is also no bird/avian flu in the United
States at this time. Public health officials are worried the avian/bird
flu virus may change so that it can infect people and spread easily from
person-to-person. This would cause a worldwide flu outbreak, called a
pandemic. Public health officials want people to protect themselves
against pandemic flu. Here are some ways to protect your family... |
District Procedure for
Provisional Enrollment Due to Immunization
Texas laws require a student to be fully immunized prior to admission to
a public school. All immunization should be completed by the first date
of enrollment. Provisional enrollments are allowed under the
following conditions... |
Care Van Provides FREE
Immunizations
 The
Care Van will be providing free immunizations for children newborn to 18
years of age at various locations in the Spring of 2008. The Care Van
provides all required and recommended immunizations. A list of the
various locations where you can find the Care Van if you wish to take
advantage of their services is provided. |
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Strawberry Meth:
Drugs Being Marketed to Children
 In
our continuing efforts to inform parents and families about the dangers
of illegal substances affecting our youth, Irving ISD is sending you
another letter regarding drugs being marketed to children. This letter
is to inform you about a new form of crystal methamphetamine. It is
called Strawberry Meth or Strawberry Quick and it is also being sold to
a younger population of children. Strawberry flavoring is being added
to methamphetamine to give it a strawberry candy look and flavor. It
also looks like the "Pop Rocks" candy that sizzle in your mouth. In its
current form, it is dark pink in color and has a strawberry scent to it. |
Letter About Staph (MRSA)
Prevention
 There
is a great deal of information in the media about staph infections in
schools. In the interest of keeping Irving ISD parent’s well informed,
the following letter will provide information and suggestions regarding
staph infections ... (Also)
attached you will find guidelines and procedures developed by the Texas
Department of State Health Services to assist you with the prevention
and spread of MRSA. |
DCHHS Now
Offering Flu Shots to the Entire Family
 Dallas
County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is now offering the protection
of flu vaccinations to the entire family. “DCHHS has received our first
shipment of flu vaccine for children through the Vaccines for Children
Program (VCF) and are now able to offer the protection of the flu shot
to the entire family,” stated Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director... |
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New
Campaign Urges Texans to Prepare for Emergencies
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) launched a new
campaign today (October 29, 2007) encouraging Texans to prepare
themselves and their families for potential disasters — from hurricanes
to influenza. “Ready or Not? HAVE A PLAN” or “¿Estás Listo?
HAGAMOS UN PLAN” uses radio, television, newspaper and outdoor
advertising; community outreach events; and a new interactive Web site
to encourage every Texan to create an emergency plan. |
Practicing the Safe Usage of Hand Sanitizers
 Recently,
an email has circulated warning parents not to use hand sanitizers due
to the danger they pose to children. And while hand sanitizers can be
dangerous if swallowed, actual symptoms from their misuse are extremely
rare. Most children who get a “taste” or a “lick” of hand sanitizer
experience only mild symptoms, if any, and can be safely managed at home
with the assistance of the Poison Center. |
Dangers of Cheese Heroin
 Information
from the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) about the
dangers of “Cheese,” a drug made from Heroin and Tylenol PM. You may
have heard information on “Cheese” in the media lately and how it has
spread quickly throughout Dallas. Irving ISD wants to continue
partnering with you to help keep your children safe and also help keep
you aware of this fast growing concern.... |
Notice
HB 1059, also known as the Emily Lastinger Act, requires school
districts that maintain a website to post the list of immunization
requirements and recommendations in English and Spanish. In an effort
to align the mandated information in a user-friendly format...
Read More |
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Everything You Need to Know about Head Lice
 What
should I do if I think my child has lice?
You can take care of your child’s head lice problem at home without a
visit to the doctor or clinic. Treatments can be purchased without a
prescription at pharmacies or grocery stores. Many parents feel
embarrassed when their child has lice. Sometimes it helps to talk
to someone experienced in talking to parents of children with a head
lice problem. The nurse at your child’s school, your doctor, and even
the pharmacist can help.
(read
more) |
30 Day Provisional Enrollment
The Texas Administrative Code Section 97.69 – is allowing 30 day
provisional enrollment for children of military families
moving to Texas from out–of–state and awaiting transfer of
immunization records. Access to the rule information can be
located at:
www.tdh.state.tx.us/immunize/rulechange.htm. |
Are your children United States citizens?
 They can qualify for health care
coverage through
Children’s Medicaid or CHIP in Texas. Know
the Facts: U.S. citizen children under 19 years of age can be
eligible for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP in Texas, even if other family
members are not U.S. Citizens. |
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You
Can Help Your Children Do Better In School
 Children’s
health greatly influences their development and their readiness to
learn. If your children aren’t feeling well, they will not do as well
in school. If you help your children develop good health habits, this
will go a long way in helping them to do better in school. |
