March 11, 2010
Community Health, Resource and Book Fair Scheduled All Peoples Christian Center will host its 13th Annual Community Health, Resource & Book Fair March 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of All Peoples Christian Center’s efforts to inform and educate the community on ways of adapting healthier behaviors and providing preventive services. The fair will include free health screenings, college information, and activities for the entire family. All Peoples Christian Center is at 822 E. 20th St., Los Angeles. Admission and services are free. Information: (213) 747-6357, ext. 33, sramos@allpeoplescc.org. Obama Pitches Health Plan in Spirited Appearance GLENSIDE, Pa. (AP) — Stirring memories of his campaign for the White House, President Barack Obama made a spirited, shirt-sleeved appeal for passage of long-stalled health care changes March 8 as Democratic congressional leaders worked behind the scenes on legislation they hope can quickly gain passage. “Let’s seize reform. It’s within our grasp,” the president implored his audience at Arcadia University, the first outside-the-Beltway appearance since he vowed recently to do everything in his power to push his health care plan into law. The president’s pitch was part denunciation of insurance companies — “they continue to ration care on the basis of who’s sick and who’s healthy,” he said — and part criticism of his Republican critics. “You had 10 years. What happened? What were you doing?” he taunted members of a party that held the White House for eight years and control of Congress for a dozen. The outcome could affect almost every American, changing the ways they receive and pay for health care — and extending coverage to tens of millions more people — if the legislation gains final approval. Board of Supervisors Approve Funding for Mental Health Center (Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Office) — The Board of Supervisors has approved about $3.5 million in funding for Phase II of the Augustus F. Hawkins Comprehensive Mental Health Center Psychiatric Inpatient Unit Refurbishment Project in the Second District. The renovations will allow the Mental Health and Health Services departments to consolidate psychiatric inpatient, outpatient and urgent care services, previously provided at both Augustus Hawkins and Ingleside. On Jan. 18, 2005, the board approved Phase 1 of the project, which addressed inpatient care regulatory compliance and patient safety requirements. Phase II will include the renovations of restrooms to make them ADA compliant and seismic upgrades of wards in the facility. During the refurbishing, existing psychiatric services at Hawkins will not be adversely impacted. Research: Vitamin D Helps Fight Juvenile Diabetes (Got Milk?) — Research finds that children who get their daily dose of Vitamin D have a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes — the second most common chronic disease in kids today second to asthma. The disease could lead to blindness, kidney failure and heart problems. A recent finding in the journal Diabetologia shows that sun exposure, the number one source of Vitamin D, can reduce the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, an author of the study, Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, says foods rich in Vitamin D could aid in this effort. Garland has highlighted some tips for parents on how to keep their kids healthy with Vitamin D. 1. Outdoor play. Kids can get Vitamin D from sunlight. Experts suggest children go outside and play for 10 to 15 minutes daily between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limit unprotected sun exposure to that time period and apply sunscreen afterward. 2. Watch out for supplements. While supplements are readily available in stores, Garland says not all supplements are created equal. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the most effective form of Vitamin D supplement. To read the study and to learn more tips on how to prevent Vitamin D deficiency, visit, www.gotmilk.com |
February 11, 2010