NETPHD Emphasizes Immunization, Breastfeeding
Posted/updated on: August 10, 2010 at 2:30 am
TYLER The Northeast Texas Public Health District is spotlighting the month of August for a couple of reasons. NETPHD is joining a worldwide campaign during August to increase public awareness of the many benefits of immunization. NETPHD is celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) by encouraging residents of Smith County of all ages to make sure they are fully vaccinated.
As families prepare for the new school year, officials say, they need to take a moment to ensure their vaccinations are all up to date to avoid any delays in getting their children enrolled. We have the power to prevent many diseases with a simple vaccine, said Sylvia Warren, RN, Director of Immunization for NETPHD. Vaccines arent just for babies. From a child getting vaccinated against measles and whooping cough, to an adolescent being protected from meningitis, to an older adult avoiding the pain of shingles, there are good reasons for all of us to discuss vaccines with our health care providers.
Health officials say vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. According to NETPHD press materials, they not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Immunization services are available at the Northeast Texas Public Health Districts newly renovated facility at 815 N. Broadway, Tyler. For more information about National Immunization Awareness Month, contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District Immunizations Department at 903-535-0030 or visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org for vaccinations.
NETPHD is also joining a worldwide campaign this month to increase public awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding. Health officials say when it comes to breastfeeding, every single ounce counts towards the health of mom and baby. That is why this years Texas WIC Program World Breastfeeding Month theme is Every Ounce Counts: Supporting Moms beyond the First Weeks. NETPHD officials say Texas is exceeding the Healthy People 2010 objective for a 75% breastfeeding initiation rate.
But the officials note the state is not on target to reach the objectives of 40% exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months, 17% exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months, 50% any breastfeeding at 6 months, or 25% any breastfeeding at 12 months. The Health District says this indicates a great need to support breastfeeding women beyond the first few weeks to help them reach their personal breastfeeding goals.
According to NETHPHD staffers, moms are faced with new challenges as their breastfed infants grow older. The staffers say helping breastfeeding moms overcome different challenges will help improve breastfeeding duration rates in Texas. Often, say health officials, it is the compassion provided by family, friends, health care providers, and communities that supports a lasting duration of the breastfeeding relationship. Tecora Smith, NETPHD WIC Director, stated that health professionals will agree: breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies. Breast milk costs absolutely nothing, decreases the chance of breast cancer, fights against obesity, and creates an amazing bond between mother and baby.
You can Join the Northeast Texas Public Health District in the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month on August 21, 2010 at the Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75702. The event will be from 8:30am to 1:00pm. For more information about the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month or breastfeeding, visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org or call the Northeast Texas Public Health District WIC Department at 903-535-0030.
