Given the current H1N1 flu pandemic, State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. says there’s never been a better time to quit smoking. “Smoking damages your lung tissue, making you more susceptible to lung infections like bronchitis and...
Safety
Porter Health System Temporarily Alters Visitor Guidelines
Beginning Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, Porter Health System will temporarily alter its visitation guidelines to better help protect its patients, visitors and staff from unnecessary exposure to the flu. Porter’s new visitor guidelines state: Visitors...
VNA Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics Cancelled
The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County (VNA) has canceled all remaining scheduled October and November flu shots clinics due to delayed delivery of seasonal flu vaccine. The VNA anticipates a shipment of flu vaccine in November and will...
Drive Thru to Boo the Flu
Getting a flu shot is the BEST way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the seasonal flu. And, to make it a little easier to get your flu shot this year, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) will hold its first drive thru flu shot clinic,...
Visiting Nurse Association “Gets Ready”
The Visiting Nurse Association participated in the American Public Health Association's National Get Ready Day on September 15th with displays aimed at educating staff members and volunteers on the importance of preparing for all emergencies, such...
Porter Health System Leads in Pandemic and Disaster Readiness
Porter Health System has taken steps to lead the way in preparing for community emergencies caused by disaster or disease with the introduction of its new Zumro inflatable “Surge” Hospital – the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana. The...
Recall of Frozen Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Products Due To an Undeclared Allergen
Kraft Foods Global, Inc., a Medford, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 8,000 pounds of frozen pepperoni and sausage pizza products because they may contain an undeclared allergen, soy protein concentrate, the U.S. Department of...
Five Steps to Safer Health Care
The following tips for patients are adapted from information published by the Joint Commission on Healthcare Organizations that can also be found here: Ask Questions. Speak up if you have concerns. It's okay to ask questions and to expect answers...
A Safety Checklist for the Home
If you have children, it's important to protect their safety by surveying your home to check for any potential danger areas for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this checklist for childproofing your home. A "full-house survey" is...
Cancer Prevention: Sun Safety and Summer Fun
With the summer in full swing and the sun out in full force, Hoosier residents are enjoying all the fun outdoor activities the season has to offer. In 2009, an estimated 68,720 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma, however, the vast majority of...