New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Health and Medical

Plan to improve the health of Orange County available for public comment

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: April 18, 2014

Contact: Nicole Stanfield nstanfield@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

Plan to Improve the Health of Orange County Available for Public Comment

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency and its partners announce a plan to help improve the health of everyone who lives, works and plays in Orange County. Orange County’s overall health fares well compared to other counties in California; the County Health Rankings ranked Orange County the 6th healthiest county in California. Despite that, issues such as obesity and diabetes and increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease in our aging population are of great concern. Such concerns led to a new community-wide collaborative initiative “Orange County’s Healthier Together” and the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan. Continue reading→

Mercury poisoning linked to use of certain Mexican face creams

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, mexico, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

Mercury Poisoning Linked to Use of Face Cream

The Orange County Health Care Agency warns against the use of face creams that appear to be homemade or imported from Mexico due to potentially high levels of mercury. One case of mercury poisoning associated with use of these products has recently been identified in Orange County, and several others are under investigation.

The face cream claims to lighten skin, fade freckles and age spots, and treat wrinkles and acne. Air samples taken from the cream had more than 50,000 times the safe limit. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not allow mercury in drugs or cosmetics, expect under very specific conditions which these products do not meet. Continue reading→

Chromium compound found in air samples in the City of Newport Beach

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Newport Beach, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

CHROMIUM COMPOUND FOUND IN AIR SAMPLES IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH

(Santa Ana) – Information from ambient air monitoring provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to the County Health Officer on February 28, 2014, indicates that Hixson Metal Finishing, located at 817-853 Production Place in the City of Newport Beach, has emitted elevated levels of the toxic air contaminant hexavalent chromium.

The Health Care Agency has reviewed response activities and has evaluated the information provided by SCAQMD, and determined that the release meets the requirements of public notification pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 25180.7(d), as part of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, or Proposition 65. The intent of Proposition 65 is to protect the public and its drinking water resources, and requires the County Health Officer to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals that are reported by various state and local agencies. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez to promote ObamaCare enrollment again this Saturday in Santa Ana

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District
ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-226-8373, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

CONGRESSWOMAN LORETTA SANCHEZ CONTINUES TO “ENROLL OC” BEFORE COVERED CA DEADLINE

Saturday Santa Ana Enrollment Event One of Few Before Deadline

Garden Grove, Calif. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) will continue her effort to “Enroll OC” by hosting an enrollment event this Saturday, March 29, 2014, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm PST at the Orange County Employees Union Offices, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA, 92701.

Congresswoman Sanchez launched “Enroll OC” in February to connect Orange County residents with certified, in person bilingual health insurance enrollment services through Covered California. Over 20 events across Orange County have helped residents who face hurdles to enrollment like language barriers, lack of computer access or complicated financial situations. Continue reading→

MMR vaccine highly recommended due to measles outbreak in Orange County

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Health Care Agency
For Immediate Release: March 27 2014
Contact: Nicole Stanfield, nstanfield@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

Measles Outbreak in Orange County
MMR Vaccine Highly Recommended

(Santa Ana) – Orange County has twenty-one confirmed cases of measles in 2014, the most reported by any county in California. The Health Care Agency expects that the measles outbreak will continue to spread, and reminds the public that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.

Five of the 21 cases have been children, none of them immunized. Five have been healthcare workers who became ill after exposure to measles cases. The Health Care Agency will take every precaution to prevent outbreaks in health care facilities, schools and daycare facilities. Unimmunized children, school and daycare staff, and healthcare workers who are exposed to the measles will be instructed to stay home for up to 21 days after exposure. Continue reading→

WEConnect free ObamaCare and Resource Fair set for 3/15 at Santa Ana High

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-226-8373, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA TO ENCOURAGE COVERED CA ENROLLMENT AT SANTA ANA RESOURCE FAIR

Garden Grove, Calif. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), continuing her effort to connect Orange County residents with in-person, bilingual enrollment services, will speak at the WEConnect Health Care Enrollment and Resource Fair at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Santa Ana High School, 520 W. Walnut, Santa Ana, CA,92701. Continue reading→

More measles cases confirmed in Yorba Linda and in Mission Viejo

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County Leave a comment

Seven Confirmed Measles Cases in Orange County

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed seven cases of measles in Orange County in 2014, which is consistent with an increase seen throughout California. The most recent cases spent time in public locations in Orange County while contagious.

“We expect to see additional measles cases in Orange County, increasing the likelihood that you and your family may be exposed to the disease,” said Dr. Eric Handler, Public Health Officer for the County of Orange. “These new measles cases underscore the importance of making sure that you and your families are up to date with the MMR vaccination.”

Potential exposure locations and times include: Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez continues to urge Latinos to sign up for ObamaCare

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Latinos, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

STATEMENT, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Barb Solish, 202-226-8373, Barb.Solish@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ PUSHES FOR HIGHER LATINO ENROLLMENT IN COVERED CA AHEAD OF MARCH 31st DEADLINE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) today released the following statement in response to new enrollment numbers from Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace.

“Latinos represent more than half of California’s uninsured population but, despite increased investments by Covered CA, still only make up 22 percent of enrollees. So while the number of Californians who have enrolled in quality, affordable healthcare is impressive and far exceeds the rest of the nation, there is much to be done before the March 31st deadline and next fall’s open enrollment period. Continue reading→

Five confirmed measles cases in Orange County

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Orange, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Potential Public Exposure to Measles
Five Confirmed Measles Cases in Orange County

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed five cases of measles in Orange County in the last nine weeks, which is consistent with an increase seen throughout California. These cases raise the possibility that Orange County residents may be exposed to measles. The most recent case spent time in public locations in Orange County while contagious.

Staff at the Health Care Agency has been working with these locations to contact people who may have had a prolonged exposure to this case. The risk of developing infection after brief encounters with persons with measles is low, but as a precaution, people who were in the below locations around the same time as the individual with measles should: Continue reading→

Kids at Carr Intermediate will shave their heads to conquer cancer on 3/18

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deidra Powell, Chief Communications Officer
(714) 558-5555 Office
(714) 673-4995 Mobile

Media Advisory: Carr Intermediate children to shave their heads to conquer childhood cancers! March 18, 2014

Event: Students and teachers will BRAVE the SHAVE and go BALD during their Fourth Annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraising event. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation sponsors head-shaving events around the world by asking the simple question: How much money would you donate to conquer kids’ cancers to see me shave my head? Volunteer barbers donate their time and participants raise funds and then sit back and have their heads shaved in solidarity with kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. Continue reading→

Free Health and Resource Fair set for 3/8 at Community Day Intermediate/H.S.

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Family, Health and Medical, Lawyers, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A Health and Resource Fair will be hosted by the Orange County Bar Foundation on Saturday, March 8, from 10 am to 2 pm at Community Day Intermediate & High School, located at 840 N. Fairview, in Santa Ana.

This free event for the Community will include: Continue reading→

UnitedHealthcare donates wheelchairs to Lestonnac Free Clinic patients

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Health and Medical, Orange, Santa Ana Leave a comment

UnitedHealthcare Donates Wheelchairs to Lestonnac Free Clinic Patients

Orange County Residents to Receive Wheelchairs on International Wheelchair Day

WHAT: In honor of International Wheelchair Day, UnitedHealthcare will donate 10 wheelchairs to the Lestonnac Free Clinic. Lestonnac Free Clinic is a volunteer-run organization working with local physicians and hospitals to meet the needs of low- and no-income families of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. In the last three years, the Lestonnac Free clinics in Orange, Yorba Linda, Los Alamitos, Artesia, Compton, and Riverside have treated nearly 20,000 patients. Continue reading→

Measles cases in Orange County confirmed

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Health Care Agency

Potential Public Exposure to Measles

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed four cases of measles in Orange County in the last seven weeks, which is consistent with an increase seen throughout California. These cases raise the possibility that Orange County residents may be exposed to measles. The most recent case spent time in public locations in Orange County while contagious. Continue reading→

Updated: Park ranger says kids can’t use basketball courts without a reservation

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Health and Medical, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities Leave a comment

“Santa Ana has the second-highest child obesity rate in California among cities over 100,000.” Does that sound familiar? The bad news is that was reported way back in 2006, by Jennifer Delson when she was writing for the L.A. Times.

Has anything changed since 2006? “The cities with the highest levels of overweight youth are Anaheim (43.5%), Santa Ana (46.5%) and Stanton (51.8%)—cities which also have the highest rates of poverty, according to publichealthadvocacy.org.” That is a new report, sad to say.

Yet when a mother of four tried to run a scrimmage for her NJB youth basketball team recently at John Adams park, in Santa Ana, a park ranger ~~shut them down~~ informed them that next time they needed to make a reservation. Continue reading→

Valentine’s Day Bike Ride, Dance-A-Thon and Festival set for today

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bicycles, Dance, Entertainment, Family, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Latino Health Access is hosting a Wellness Corridor Valentine’s Day Bike Ride, Dance-A-Thon and Festival today at Corazones Verdes Park, located at 602 E. Fourth St., in Santa Ana. The bike ride starts at 10 am and the festival activities start at 12 noon.

The festival includes: Continue reading→

Measles Outbreak in Orange County MMR Vaccine Highly Recommended

Measles Outbreak in Orange County
MMR Vaccine Highly Recommended