Jackson, Miss. elementary schools honored for promoting nutrition, physical activity

JANS – USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Janey Thornton have recognized all 39 public elementary schools in Jackson for improving their school meals and meeting the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). HUSSC is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national Let’s Move! Campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation.

“The HealthierUS School Challenge has recognized thousands of schools across America for their efforts in improving food and beverage offerings and teaching kids about nutritious food choices,” said Thornton. “The Challenge also encourages and provides opportunities for physical activity, as well as supports school wellness policies.” Jackson Public Schools’ 39 Gold Awards help improve the school nutrition environment in Mississippi. The challenge is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. During the visit Thornton also discussed the healthier school meals being offered to students this school year.

The new meal standards, established under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, ensure students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; substantially increase offerings of whole grain-rich foods and low-fat milk or fat-free milk varieties; limit calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. Schools will phase in the nutrition standards over a three-year period, starting this school year. Schools will focus on changes in the lunches in the first year, with most changes in breakfast to take place in future years.

The new meal requirements are science-based standards revised for the first time in more than fifteen years to improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million kids that participate in school meal programs every school day. Healthier school meals are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by the First Lady as part of her Let’s Move! campaign and signed into law by President Obama. To learn about the meal standards, go to www.fns.usda. gov/healthierschoolday.

JANS – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has reported 29 new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2012. The new cases were reported in Adams (2), Claiborne (1), Harrison (1), Hinds (5), Humphreys (1), Jackson (1), Jefferson Davis (1), Lamar (1), Lauderdale (1), Madison (5), Perry (1), Rankin (6), Sunflower (1), Warren (1), and Yazoo (1) counties, bringing the state total to 169 cases and four deaths.In 2011, Mississippi had 52 WNV cases and five deaths. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. MSDH is currently working with city and county officials to boost mosquito control efforts in their jurisdictions by providing map specific information for spraying efforts. The agency has developed and printed educational materials and door-hangers for mayors, boards of supervisors and other elected officials that are now being distributed locally through civic groups, churches and volunteer organizations.

Peak season for WNV is July, August, and September in Mississippi, but mosquito-borne illnesses can occur year-round. Mississippians should take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses: remove sources of standing water, especially after rainfall; install or repair screens on windows and doors; and if you will be in mosquito-prone areas, wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) during peak times from dusk until dawn, and use repellents containing DEET, or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered repellents for use on human skin. Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death. For more information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the MSDH website at www. HealthyMS.com/westnile or call 1-877-978-6453.

JANS – Focus on Natural Health Education & Community Development Inc., of Terry, Mississippi gave away over 2,000 pounds of sweet potatoes to the general public; residents in Canton, Crystal Springs, Gludstack, Jackson, Raymond and Terry. The sweet potatoes were provided by Jackie Usey of Society of St Andrew via a farmer of Delphi Louisiana. Mrs. Usey drove to Louisiana and picked up the sweet potatoes and delivered them to Focus on Natural Health Education’ corporate office in Terry, MS. where she, Deborah Gant (CEO) and a group of 10 young people from Seattle Washington sacked the potatoes up for pick up and/or delivery to the 257 recipients.

The sweet potatoes were distributed at various locations; Focus on Natural Health Education’ Corporate Office in Terry, Spring Hill Christian Center in Raymond, New Heights in Jackson, Ella Bess Austin Library in Terry, Beverly J. Brown Library in Byram, Pinegrove Baptist Church in Gludstack and a host of Senior Citizens’ home. One of the senior citizen recipient shed happy tears when he received his unexpected free sweet potatoes delivered by his daughter-in-law Doris Stringer of Terry. The non-profit organization had the great privilege of having the Seattle Washington group of 10 lead by Eric Borg and his wife, assist in making the program a great success! Focus on Natural Health Education’ Community Garden is still in full bloom, Mrs. Gant have provided ‘fresh vegetables’ to 18 different families from the garden and the okras, cucumbers, purple hull peas and cantaloupes are still producing!

Mrs. Gant would like to plant 1 acre of a Fall Community Garden for the NEEDY which will consist of turnips, mustard greens and spinach, however she needs assistance! She says that she have more than enough land to easily plant an acre or more of greens for the fall, however she don’t have the manpower to assist her with the planting and upkeep and plowing/tilling the rows for the fall garden. We are still asking for assistance in helping with the Fall Community Garden; tilling/plowing the garden; planting the greens seeds; removing of the grass from the garden (chopping). To help call Deborah Gant at 601 278-1868 and visit our www.fonhe.org for pictures of the community garden.

JANS – Bathsheba Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Stars P.H.A. Jurisdiction of Mississippi demonstrated its support to Sickle Cell patients with donation to the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation during its annual Awards Banquet on July 22, 2012. The program was held at the M. W. Stringer Grand Lodge located at 1072 Lynch Street in Jackson, MS. The Eastern Star Chapters across the state have hosted activities and events throughout the year to raise money for the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation (MSCF). “We are presenting a check to the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation, our statewide charity, because there are many with Sickle Cell Disease and there are those who are unaware of what the disease is,” says Grand Matron Martha Ann B.L. Alford. “Many of the patients cannot afford transportation, doctor visits, and hospital stays, so our contribution helps to facilitate some of that expense.” “The Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation is grateful to charitable organizations like the Eastern Stars, which find Sickle Cell Disease a health priority and are willing to help the thousands of patients that live in our state,” says Pat Brunson, chair of the MSCF board of directors. “We appreciate all of the efforts from the Eastern Star chapters and look forward to a continued partnership.” This is the third consecutive year that the Grand Chapter has made a donation to MSCF. For more information, contact Tracye Ballard at 601.826.2122

JANS – Soaring temperatures and high humidity remind us: Hot weather can kill. Stan Alford, operations manager for American Medical Response ambulance service, said, “Even the healthiest among us can suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but elders, children up to four years of age, chronically ill individuals, obese people and substance abusers are more vulnerable.” Alford said, “There are specific ways to prevent heat illness, and, when prevention fails, we all need to know how to help the victim quickly.” Alford advised: Heat illness can occur inside as well as outside, especially in buildings with no air conditioning or ventilation. A major key to avoiding heat illness is to drink lots of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, continuously. Water and commercial “sports drinks” are best. Drink no alcohol and avoid drinking large quantities of caffeine, since alcohol and, to a lesser extent, caffeine make the body lose fluid, not store it. If you have no salt restrictions in your diet, mix one teaspoon of salt in each quart of water you drink. Avoid strenuous activity if possible, and start taking in the fluids well before you begin any strenuous effort. Keep taking in the fluids throughout the day and evening. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Work outside only in the cooler morning and evening hours, if possible. Take frequent breaks and stay in the shade as much as you can. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing made of fabric that “breathes.” Wear a broad-brimmed, loose weave hat and take it off from time to time. If you’re out walking, use an umbrella or parasol. If your home has no air conditioning, spend the hottest hours of the day in a library, shopping mall, senior center or other public facility that is air conditioned. In a heat wave, friends and family of elderly or disabled people should check on them frequently. The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating with cool, clammy sometimes pale skin; headache, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, irritability, weak pulse and rapid but shallow breathing. Body temperature is usually normal or only slightly elevated. First aid for heat exhaustion is to move the person to a nearby cooler place. Have the person lie down and elevate the feet eight to 12 inches. Loosen clothing and fan the victim without chilling him or her. If, and only if the person is fully alert, give sips of water. Gently massage cramps. Call 911 for paramedics. Full recovery usually takes several hours.

JANS – Freddie White-Johnson believes that The University of Southern Mississippi’s mission to illuminate and educate young minds is further enriched by its role as a life-saver. White-Johnson, program director of the Mississippi Network for Cancer Control and Prevention (MNCCP), will not rest until every underserved Mississippian becomes aware of the measures available in the fight against cancer. “The University of Southern Mississippi is saving lives through education, outreach and research,” said White-Johnson. “Outreach is one way of building a connection between the institution and the community base. Southern Miss has stepped outside the box into the community to support, promote and link community health workers/advisors, known as natural helpers, to improve the lives of individuals, families and entire communities.” Formed in 2010, the MNCCP strives to reduce or eliminate disparities in the mortality rates of breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers in Mississippi. To that end, the Network concentrates on cancer awareness, education, research, advocacy and increasing utilization of proven life-saving early detection screenings. The Mississippi Delta remains the primary target area for White-Johnson and the MNCCP. Currently, the Network has approximately 100 trained community health workers canvassing 19 counties in the Delta. Last month graduation ceremonies were held for the newest batch of community health workers – a group of 19 African American males labeled “Man in Black and Blue Fighting Prostate Cancer.” Community health advisors/workers provide advice, assistance and action to address problems in their communities. With regard to the MNCCP, these trainees provide assistance in raising awareness about cancer-related health disparities in their communities. “What Freddie and everyone involved with the MNCCP are doing is truly remarkable and often goes unnoticed,” said Dr. Vafa Kamali, director, University Research Centers and Institutes at Southern Miss. “While this type of research has a significant impact on the health and well-being of many thousand Mississippi residents, we cannot overlook the outreach component of this program. Establishing connections with these communities benefits not only the residents who live there but the university as well.” White-Johnson also notes that 35 high school students have been trained as junior community health advisors. As a result of their participation, more than 800 women have been identified and referred by the students for assistance with breast and cervical cancer screening. The Network receives the bulk of its financial support from federal and state grants, as well as contributions from the private sector. An important off-shoot of the University’s health awareness campaign has been the development of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers financial support and other resources to bolster the Network’s efforts. To date, the foundation has raised more than $200,000 to support the cancer education and outreach activities implemented by the MNCCP. As White-Johnson explains, the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation serves as the community engine and Southern Miss operates as the academic engine. Together, they are saving lives and creating healthier communities in Mississippi – particularly in the rural Mississippi Delta. “As of today we have assisted more than 3,000 women with screenings (breast and cervical),” said White-Johnson. More than 5,000 Mississippians have received direct cancer, nutrition and diabetes education. This year we have assisted more than 400 women in the Mississippi Delta with a mammogram and 11 of them have been diagnosed with stage II, stage III or stage IV breast cancer.” The MNCCP has formed important partnerships with other agencies/organizations to raise cancer awareness in the Mississippi Delta. Those partners include: • The Mississippi State Department of Health • The University of Mississippi Medical Center-Cancer Institute • Komen for the Cure • The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program • The Leflore County Board of Supervisors • The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors • The City of Ruleville • Kappa Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority • North Central Mississippi Regional Cancer Center • The Greenwood Community and Recreation Center • Humphreys County Board of Supervisors • WGNG (106.3 FM) radio station • Greenwood Commonwealth newspaper • Wal-Mart in Greenwood, Cleveland and Clarksdale • Bolivar Commercial newspaper • Four Delta county school districts • Several faith-based organizations, area businesses and medical providers. White-Johnson acknowledges that many challenges still remain in the ongoing struggle to provide information and services for underprivileged residents of Mississippi. But she is quick to add that significant inroads have been made. “This type of initiative has made Southern Miss a household name in the Mississippi Delta,” said White-Johnson. “Many high school students from the Delta have enrolled at USM in the health field because of our visibility in the community. “With ongoing efforts to reach out to the less fortunate and take a hands-on approach to build healthier communities, we continue to look for innovative ways to leave a long-lasting impact in underserved communities throughout the state to reduce the rate of cancer and health disparities.” For more information about the Mississippi Network for Cancer Control and Prevention call 662.453.3688 or visit: http://www.usm.edu/research/mnccp

Health care law provides rebates to 51,700 Mississippians

JANS – Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that 51,700 Mississippi residents will benefit from $10.1 million in rebates from insurance companies this summer, because of the Affordable Care Act’s 80/20 rule. These rebates will average $329 for the 30,800 Mississippi families covered by a policy. The health care law generally requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of consumers’ premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement. Insurers can spend the remaining 20 percent on administrative costs, such as salaries, sales and advertising. Beginning this year, insurers must notify customers how much of their premiums have been spent on medical care and quality improvement. Insurance companies that do not meet the 80/20 standard are required to provide their customers a rebate for the difference no later than August 1, 2012. The 80/20 rule is also known as the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) standard. “The 80/20 rule helps ensure consumers get fair value for their health care dollar,” Secretary Sebelius said. Mississippians owed a rebate will see their value reflected in one of the following ways: · a rebate check in the mail; · a lump-sum reimbursement to the same account that is used to pay the premium if by credit card or debit card; · a reduction in their future premiums; and · their employer providing one of the above, or applying the rebate in a manner that benefits its employees. Insurance companies that do not meet the 80/20 standard will send their policyholders a rebate for the difference no later than August 1, 2012. Consumers will also receive a notice from their insurance company informing them of the 80/20 rule, whether their company met the standard, and, if not, how much of a difference between what the insurer did or did not spend on medical care and quality improvement will be returned to them. For the first time, all of this information will be publicly posted on HealthCare.gov this summer, allowing consumers to learn what value they’re getting for their premium dollars in their health plan. For many consumers, the 80/20 rule motivated their plans to lower prices or improve their coverage to meet the standard. This is one of the ways the 80/20 rule is bringing value to consumers for their health care dollars. For a detailed breakdown of these rebates by State and by market, please visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/reports/mlr-rebates06212012a.html For the text of these proposed notifications, please visit: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/other/index.html#mlr For more information on the MLR provision in the Affordable Care Act: http://www. healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/11/medical-loss-ratio.html For more information on how the Affordable Care Act is creating a transparent market for health insurance, visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/12/increasing-transparency.html

JANS – The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine (including soft drinks and tea), and tea which may lead to dehydration. Your body will need replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes. Keep cars locked when not in use and never, ever, leave infants or children unattended in a locked car

JANS – For 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need. As one way to mark its anniversary, RWJF has established the Young Leader Awards: Recognizing Leadership for a Healthier America. Up to 10 awards will be given to young leaders, 40 years of age and under, who offer great promise for leading the way to improved health and health care for all. Each winner will receive an individual award of $40,000. Third party nominations will be accepted between May 31, 2012, and July 16, 2012. Award winners will be announced at a RWJF October 25/26, 2102 conference in Princeton, NJ. To view the Call for Nominations and complete information about selection criteria and nomination requirements, visit http://www.RWJFyoungleaderawards.org. The Young Leaders Awards will recognize emerging leaders who have demonstrated the characteristics needed to improve health and health care through leadership and innovation. These characteristics – a combination of personal attributes, commitment to health and health care, and successful experience – demonstrate an ability to lead and innovate and they signal the potential to become a greater leader in the coming years. Some of the characteristics a nominee will have demonstrated include: • The ability to bring others together to achieve results greater than what a single person could bring about; • The capacity to apply learning beyond the boundaries of a single discipline; • Has developing great ideas into products, services or policies that have made a difference in the health and health care; and • Made an impact on health and health care that extends beyond an initial group or people to reach additional populations and will likely be sustainable over the decades ahead. For the complete list of young leader characteristics sought, please visit http://www.RWJFyoungleaderawards.org. Contact:http://www.altfutures.org/youngleaderawards

JANS – Anyone who enjoys home grown vegetables, fruits, jellies and jams will want to check out The University of Southern Mississippi’s farmers’ market held every Monday on the lawn of the Baptist Student Union. The market is open from 3-6 p.m. on the BSU lawn located on Montague Boulevard, adjacent to the International Building. Plan call for the farmers’ market to continue through late October. Other items for sale at the market include flowers, plants, honey, jellies, jams, sauces, original art work, jewelry and garden décor. For more information about the farmers’ market, contact Susan Bone at 601.266.5655.