Amador County News

WHAT'S GOING ON TODAY -

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/publichealth/swineflu.html

It’s Not Too Late To Get the H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine
The H1N1 virus is still circulating across the United States and in El Dorado County, and causing illness.Fortunately, the vaccine to protect against H1N1 is now readily available at doctor’s offices, local pharmacies and through the El Dorado County Health Services Department.

Get the H1N1 Vaccine Free of Charge
The El Dorado County Health Services Department, Public Health Division continues to offer the H1N1 flu vaccine at no cost. All ages are welcome. To schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, please call (530) 621-6100 in Placerville or (530) 573-3155 in South Lake Tahoe.

Children Ages 9 and Under Are Recommended to Get Two Doses
For the best protection against H1N1, it is recommended that children ages 9 and under get two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

Senior Citizens Can Receive the H1N1 Vaccine
The H1N1 vaccine is now readily available. All age groups can benefit from the vaccine, including older Americans.

Who is Most At Risk?
Children with asthma and people with neuromuscular disorders (such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy) have been especially hit hard by the H1N1 virus. Pregnant women, individuals with a respiratory condition, immune disorder, diabetes or obesity are also at high risk for complications if they become sick with the H1N1 virus. For these individuals, it is especially recommended that they receive the H1N1 vaccine. Individuals in this group are encouraged to consult with their health care provider if they have questions about the vaccine.

Who Should NOT Get the H1N1 Vaccine?
There are certain people who should not get flu vaccine (such as infants under the age of 6 months and people who are severely allergic to eggs). Please speak with your doctor if you have concerns about whether the vaccine is right for you.

How Safe is the H1N1 Vaccine?
The H1N1 flu vaccine is made using the same methods as the seasonal flu vaccine, which has a very good safety record. The most common side effects of the vaccine are pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given in the arm or a runny nose and headache after the nasal spray. Most people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reaction. For more detailed information about the vaccine see: Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine

What if I Get the Flu?
If you develop flu-like symptoms (fever of 100 degrees with cough), stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Most people who get the flu need supportive care such as extra fluids, rest and over-the-counter medication. However, if symptoms are severe or persist, speak with your health care provider. Pregnant women and people at high risk of complications due to the flu(such as those with a respiratory condition, immune disorder, diabetes or obesity) are particularly encouraged to consult with their health care provider early (within the first 48 hours of symptoms) if they develop flu-like illness.

Tips to Prevent H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
Get your H1N1 flu vaccine.
Stay home if you have flu symptoms (fever with cough) until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. Do not go back to work or school with a fever.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissue away.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Seek medical care for severe respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or for dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea. You may also need to seek early medical attention if you have a chronic health condition that puts you at risk for complications of flu.

WINDY POINT TRAIL HIKE-American River Conservancy
Wednesday in March - Date TBD by flowers, 9am-2 pm
Bob Griffis describes this as Òone of the best wildflower viewing areas on the North Fork American River,Ó located off Iowa Hill Rd About 1/2 mile from Mineral Bar Campground. Join Bob on this short trail that traverses several wildflower-loaded slopes where you can expect to see at least 50 varieties. This is a moderate hike of about 3 miles. All ages welcome. Suggested donation $5/members, $10/non-members. Rain cancels. Please call to sign up and for meeting location (Colfax area) at 530-621-1224 or contact julie@arconservancy.org.
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 9:00am
Type of event: Fun/Entertainment

Shenandoah High School Open House
Shenandoah High School Open House Wednesday March 3rd 6-7:30 pm 6540 Koki Ln El Dorado, just behind Union Mine High School The Spring Open House is a lot of fun and will give you information about an innovative educational option for your student. Come and find out what we are all about and the heights your student can reach with an education tailored to their goals and passions. Shenandoah is now accepting applications for Fall 2010 and will take the first 30 applications. Get yours in today! For more information on enrolling or the Open House please contact Patty Braun 530-622-6212 x7001
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Placerville
For more information:
Call us at (530) 622-6212
Visit us at www.shenandoahhigh.org
Email us at acurtis@eduhsd.k12.ca.us

The Big Read - Rescued Wolves @ the Placerville Main Library
Never Cry Wolf Rescue delivers a fascinating presentation concerning the facts and fictions about wolves. Meet these beautiful animals and learn about the life of the wolf and how to protect them. Don't miss this FREE event @ El Dorado County Main Library - 345 Fair Ln.
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Placerville
Type of event: Educational

For more information:
Call us at (530) 621-5540
Visit us at www.eldoradocountybigread.org

Wednesday night wine flights
Date      03/03/2010
Time     5:00 PM
Contact     Shelly Winzeler of the Winesmith
shellywinz@yahoo.com or 530 622 0516
This event will be occurring every Wednesday evening. Starting Feb. 3 we will be having Wednesday night wine flights. The flights will be $5.00 and will consist of 4 different wines. This is a great opportunity to expand your wine experience and knowledge of regional and non-regional wines.

The Sequoia Comedy Night
Date      03/03/2010
Time     7:00 pm
Contact     Sequoia Restaurant
Sequoia Restaurant
Additional Information     www.sequoiaplacerville.com
The Sequoia presents a comedy showcase evening

WHAT'S GOING ON TOMORROW -

Day at the Museum: Come Celebrate, Honor and Meet CaliforniaÕs Remarkable Women - All Day Long

California First Lady Maria Shriver and The WomenÕs Conference are partnering with The California Museum to celebrate National WomenÕs History Month with an extraordinary all-day free event Ð Day at The Museum. The California Museum will be open for a free day of education, inspiration and empowerment. Plus, we'll have a number of special guests including astronaut Sally Ride, environmental activist Erin Brockovich, and Iron Chef Cat Cora. It's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We invite you to drop in at any time during the day and bring your friends, family and colleagues. You will have an opportunity to meet and be inspired by the many remarkable women who have shaped Ð and are continuing to shape Ð our state through arts, sports, public service, business, literature, cuisine and philanthropy. The event will begin early with an old fashioned Meet-and-Greet over coffee, as attendees will have the opportunity to meet California's women elected officials.

At around 5:30 p.m., Maria Shriver will moderate one of her hallmark ÒOnce in a Lifetime Conversations.Ó All these activities will revolve around the many exhibits on display at The California Museum, which include CaliforniaÕs Remarkable Women, the California Hall of Fame, Native California Baskets, UprootedÑJapanese American internment during World War II, African American Treasures and California Canines. Parking: All-day parking is available for $5.00: 2311 6th Street, Sacramento CA 95818 (Located between 6th and 8th Streets, and W and X Streets in downtown Sacramento, ¼ mile from the Museum.) A free shuttle service will run between the lot and The Museum.

For more information and program updates, please visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: All Day Event
Location: Sacramento
Type of event: Community Gathering
For more information:
Call us at (916) 653-7524
Visit us at http://californiamuseum.org
Email us at infor@californiamuseum.org

Play & Learn by Choices for Children
A free play group for children birth - 5 years and their parents, guardians, or caregivers. It is a fun learning environment for adults and children to socialize and support children's school readiness. 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: See Description for Times
Location: Other
Type of event: Educational
For more information: Call us at (530) 676-0707
Visit us at choices4children.org
Email us at reneline@onemain.com
This event also happens on:
- Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Big Read - Wild About Dogs Dog Show @ the Cameron Park Library
Calling all dogs! Strut your stuff at the Cameron Park Branch Library! Dogs must come in costume and be on a leash. Show categories include: Most Mysterious Heritage, Most Likely to Pull a Sled, Most Likely to Sleep on the Couch, Best Kisser, and more! All participants must register before the event by contacting the Cameron Park Branch Library (530) 621-5500. Don't miss this FREE event at the Cameron Park Branch Library - 2500 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Type of event: Fun/Entertainment
For more information:
Call us at (530) 621-5500
Visit us at www.eldoradocountybigread.org

Live Music at The Wine Smith
Date      03/04/2010
Time     7:00 PM
Contact     Shelly Winzeler of the Winesmith
530 622 0516
Every Thursday and Friday evening. (Except for Feb. 4 which is a private event) Every Thursday and Friday evening The Wine Smith features live music. Join us for a great time with old and new friends!

WHAT'S GOING ON THIS WEEK -

El Dorado County Gets High Marks Overall in Health Report

El Dorado County is ranked as one of the top 10 healthiest counties in California, according to a national report just published by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The County Health Rankings Report ranked each county within each state on how healthy people are and how long they live. The counties were also ranked on key factors that affect health such as: smoking, obesity, binge drinking, access to primary health care providers, rates of high school graduation, rates of violent crime, air pollution levels, liquor store density, unemployment rates and number of children living in poverty. Researchers used the latest data available for each county, ranging from 2000 to 2008, to develop the Rankings.

According to the report, El Dorado County ranked 10th in overall health outcomes among 56 California counties. El Dorado County did especially well in the measures of morbidity (health-related quality of life), and social and economic factors, ranking 6th among California counties. The County also did well in the areas of health behaviors and clinical care, ranking 13th and 11th respectively. The report was not entirely favorable, however. El Dorado County ranked 44th in the area of physical environment, citing less than desired access to healthy foods and a greater number of air-pollution ozone days than many of the other California counties.

According to El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye, the report provides helpful information that can be used in community planning and education. “We can be proud to live in a beautiful, rural county that offers its residents good health overall,” said Dr. Kasirye. “While there aren’t any big surprises in the report, it certainly shows us where we have been doing well and where there are areas for improvement.”

Dr. Kasirye cautioned that the Rankings data may have some limitations. “Some of the data used in the Rankings is a few years old, and since that time we have seen changes, including changes in the economy and cuts in health programs and services due to funding shortages. In other words, we must continue to work together as a community to ensure that everyone is as healthy as possible.”

Dr. Kasirye hopes to meet with leaders of community agencies and groups to share the Rankings report and to discuss needs and plans going into the future. “Data from the report may also be helpful for community organizations in their applications for funding with local, state, or national funders,” said Dr. Kasirye.

The online County Health Rankings Report is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

NOTES & QUOTES -

IDENTIFYING AND PREVENTING ELDER ABUSE
Free Community Training
Elder abuse takes many forms; it can be physical, financial, and emotional. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones at our community training, Identifying and Preventing Elder Abuse. Join us Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville, CA.
Questions? Please contact Senior Legal Services (530) 621-6154.

Mow Down Air Pollution 2010
The 14th Annual Mow Down Event is Saturday, March 27th rain or shine. Registered participants will have an appointment time to trade in their old gasoline mower and to purchase and take home a new reduced-price cordless mower.
Registrations for the new rechargeable mowers can be made on Wednesday, March 17th starting at 11 AM while supplies last. Reservations are "first come, first served" at smud.org or (888) 742-7683. Participants must trade in a gasoline powered mower.
Please see smud.org or call (916) 732-6227 for mower features and prices.
The cordless rechargeable lawn mower exchange program promotes the use of electric lawnmowers, which benefits regional air quality. The emissions reduced by last year's event are estimated at 14.4 tons. 933 new rechargeable mowers were claimed and 34 tons of metal were recycled. Electric lawn mowers also help reduce storm water pollution and promote recycling (grass & metal).
http://www.edcgov.us/emd/apcd/PDF/Mow_Down_Air_Pollution_2010.pdf