Welcome!

Summer is officially here and we've already had some pretty steamy days! I hope you are able to cool off at one of the local swimming pools. Swimming is a great form of physical activity and can be a lot of fun for the entire family. By following a few simple steps you can ensure a safe swim for your family.

1. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen before you go out in the sun. Make sure to reapply sunscreen after getting wet or excessively sweating. You can also wear protective clothing that blocks out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays such as shirts, hats and sunglasses.

2. Never leave a child alone around water, even if it’s only for a few seconds and always keep an eye on young children playing in the water. If several adults are around, designate specific adults to watch children playing.

3. Set swimming rules for the entire family based on ability. Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard and be sure to read and obey all rules and posted signs. Non-swimmers should wear approved personal floatation devices. Always enter a pool feet first, unless diving is clearly marked and there are no obstructions.

4. Before planning a trip to the pool, check the local weather conditions and forecasts.

5. It is always a good idea to have up-to-date Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. There are differences between adults, children and infants. If you are unfamiliar with the differences, it may be good to take a refresher course. Contact the American Red Cross of Licking County for more information or call 740-349-9442.

Sincerely,

Kate White
Licking County Wellness Coalition Chair

The market will be held at the Health Department’s facility located at 675 Price Road in Newark and will last from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. “Our department is thrilled to be able to hold this event at our facility.” said Joe Ebel, Licking County Health Commissioner. “This will be a great opportunity for residents to get out and enjoy the summer weather and select from fresh healthy food choices.”

 

There will be no fee for farmers to participate. Farmers wishing to reserve a space at the market or anyone seeking additional information should call the Health Department at 349-6535.

On June 22, 2010, important tobacco regulations will go into effect as President Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) last year.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tobacco Control Act grants the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products to protect public health and to reduce tobacco use by children and teens. FDA tobacco regulations are to be installed in phases, and several key requirements become effective on June 22, 2010. For example:

 

·         Larger and stronger health warning labels must appear on smokeless tobacco advertisements and smokeless tobacco products manufactured on or after June 22, 2010.

·         The tobacco industry is prohibited from manufacturing for sale or distribution any tobacco products for which the label, labeling, or advertising contains the descriptors "light," "low," or "mild" (or any similar descriptor).

·         Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco may not be sold to anyone younger than 18 years of age. (Although states have similar restrictions, the Tobacco Control Act makes this a federal law.)

·         Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco may not be sold through vending machines or self-service displays, except in facilities that prohibit entry to persons under the age of 18 years.

·         Retailers may not sell single cigarettes or packages containing fewer than 20 cigarettes, except in vending machines located in facilities that prohibit entry to persons under the age of 18.

·         Free samples of tobacco products are not permitted, with the exception of free samples of smokeless products in adult-only facilities in certain restricted situations.

·         Free branded product tie-ins (such as T-shirts) are not permitted.

·         Branded sponsorships of athletic or cultural events are prohibited.

 

For information on quitting please visit Licking Memorial Health System's Quit for Your Health program at 1320 West Main Street in Newark or call 740-348-QUIT (7848). You can also call the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.smokefree.gov.