Director's Message

Nov. 3, 2006

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, Director

"One kind word can warm three winter months."

~Japanese proverb

There was a noticeable change in the weather this week signaling that winter and flu season will soon be here. Oregon is preparing and so should you.

Wednesday I had the opportunity to observe part of a two-day statewide exercise to test state and local systems for responding to a flu pandemic. Many state agencies, county health departments and hospitals around the state participated. Our Public Health Division coordinated the exercise and will be the lead agency coordinating a statewide response should a pandemic occur. As I watched our Public Health Division personnel during the exercise I was impressed by the efforts and expertise I observed. Congratulations to all involved.

The exercise is an important part of our efforts to be prepared for an emergency. Today there will be a formal evaluation where participants will identify ways to improve our ability to respond should there be a pandemic.

It reminded me that this is a good time to think about the actions we each can take during the next few months to keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe.

You might think that I wouldn't have to remind our own staff, whose jobs so frequently involve helping others stay healthy and safe, about taking care of themselves. But I've noticed that many of us at DHS can forget to take the time to apply the advice to ourselves and our families that we provide to others. So, here are five reminders, courtesy of the Public Health Division, that I hope you will take to heart.

First, get a flu shot. According to our Public Health Division staff, who monitor availability of vaccines, Oregon will receive enough flu vaccine this year for those who want shots. Flu shot clinics are being set up throughout the state, in addition to those available through PEBB and physicians' offices. There's no excuse for not stopping by a flu shot clinic for a vaccination.

Second, make sure your family members and friends also get their shots, particularly those who are at highest risk for complications of flu. Individuals most at risk are children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, individuals 50 and older, and people with chronic medical conditions. If you or anyone you know falls into these categories, it is particularly important to get a flu vaccination.

Third, take steps to reduce the spread of disease by following your mom's advice: Always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands frequently. This will help prevent the spread of germs and illness.

Fourth, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get enough rest, eat foods that provide a good balance of vitamins and minerals, and get some exercise. It's very tempting, as the days get shorter and the weather colder, to stay inside more, ease off the exercise and eat more carbohydrates. But you'll be much better off if you find ways to stay active and fit.

Last, if you do get sick, stay home. Your co-workers and clients won't thank you for sharing your virus with them.

These days many of us tend to minimize colds and influenza as just part of a seasonal cycle that hits every winter. But flu can be a very serious illness, particularly when complications such as pneumonia set in. In fact, flu and pneumonia combined are the eighth leading cause of death among all Oregonians and the seventh leading cause of death for Oregonians 65 and older. Influenza is an illness worth taking seriously.

The good news is that there's an easy way to minimize the risk of catching the flu, and that's by getting a vaccination and following the steps listed above to reduce the spread of infection. So please, get your flu shot soon, encourage your family and friends to do the same, and take care of yourself. Your good health is worth the effort.

You can find more information about preventing the spread of flu and other infectious diseases at www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/flu/influenza.shtml.

Finally, while I'm on the subject of health, here's a reminder from our colleagues at PEBB who also work to help keep us healthy. Beginning November 7, PEBB will be conducting its annual survey. They use the information they gather during the survey to improve the programs and services you receive. So, please be on the look out for their announcement and take a moment to complete and return the survey.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us