From the Michigan Department of Community Health: Michigan Department of Community Health Launches School Wellness Award LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has launched a program encouraging Michigan schools to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and a tobacco-free lifestyle to students and staff. As part of the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Initiative, the Michigan School Wellness Award program aims to recognize schools working to create healthier … [Read more...]
Are your kids signed up for Mich.’s virtual science fair? Compete from home (for free) and win prizes! Deadline is Oct. 4
September 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Foam boards strewn with construction paper and glue may be a thing of the past when it comes to science fair projects. And kids are now competing against classmates statewide, without the drive time, too. In its second year, the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Explore Lab Science Program brings students a virtual science fair. Kindergarteners to high schoolers are participating as the program began accepting project submissions on Sept. 4 and will close on Friday, Oct. 4 … [Read more...]
First human case of West Nile virus reported in Mich.
August 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
LANSING – Michigan health officials have identified the state’s first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2013 in a man from St. Joseph County, and are reminding people to protect themselves against mosquito bites. West Nile can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis. Last year, 202 WNV illnesses and 17 fatalities were reported in Michigan. “We have clear evidence that West Nile Virus is present in the state again this summer,” said Dr. Matthew … [Read more...]
A friendly reminder about a not-so-friendly bug: Avoiding tick bites this summer
May 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
LANSING – As the weather gets warmer, the tick population activity in Michigan begins to increase. As residents spend more time outside, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) would like to remind people, especially those spending time outdoors and children at camps, to protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses by taking a few precautionary steps. Ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Lyme disease continues to be the most … [Read more...]
New sunscreen regulations push for safer beach-goers this year
May 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
As the poolside oasis or beach adventure beckons, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spreads awareness of the newest sunscreen guidelines for families nationwide. Now, products will sport fresh labels noting improved skin protection as well as alert shoppers with warning labels for products that don’t meet the regulation standards for 2013. “I’m thrilled that they are going to be more clear about it,” said Joseph Stutz, M.D., a dermatologist for the Dermatology Center of Rochester … [Read more...]
Michigan launches educational website for sports concussions
April 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
LANSING – Michigan recently became the 39th U.S. state to enact a law that regulates sports concussions and return to athletic activity. While the law goes into full effect on June 30, 2013, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has launched a website with resources for coaches, parents, and athletes with educational resources and online training courses from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Head’s Up” Program. “Concussions are a very serious injury that can … [Read more...]
