Legislator Denise Ford

The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously to establish a new Silver Alert System in Nassau County. The new system is intended to rapidly disseminate information to the public regarding missing seniors or other individuals suffering Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders. If you have concerns about a loved one wandering from their caretakers’ supervision into potentially dangerous situations, this program may assist you.

The Silver Alert System will closely resemble the Amber Alert for missing children, and will expedite the search and safe recovery of individuals with cognitive disorders. Many of us have family members who suffer from medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The new Silver Alert System will offer an additional level of protection for those who may go missing.

The Silver Alert System creates a mechanism for the Police Department to issue an alert containing the missing person’s name, age, physical description and last location seen. The rapid dissemination of information is intended to shorten the time needed to find the missing person and hopefully prevent such person from harm or accidents. If you have any comments or questions on this matter, please feel free to contact my office at 571-6204 or dford@nassaucountyny.gov

H1N1 Virus Fall/Winter Update

I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the H1N1 virus (formerly known as Swine Flu) in our region and discuss what steps we can all take now to prepare for the fall and winter. T he H1N1 virus is currently considered to be sporadic in our region according to the Centers for Disease Control. The H1N1 virus is expected to have a resurgence in the fall at the same time that seasonal flu will occur.

The H1N1 illness has been predominantly mild in severity but does rapidly spread and the priority groups are pregnant women and persons under 25 years of age; especially those with underlying illness that may compromise their immune system.

Here are some basic steps you can take for you and loved ones in preparation for the Influenza season.

1. Get a seasonal flu shot.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the United States 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. The single best way to combat the flu is to receive a flu shot and practice good health habits. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect individuals against novel H1N1 (formally known as Swine flu), but will protect you from seasonal flu which can present similarly. A new vaccine is being produced for novel H1N1 and should be available in the coming months.

2. Have a regular medical home.

Identify a health care professional or medical office to coordinate and oversee you and your family member’s care, whether sick or healthy. Having an identified physician or care site for you and your family members gives health care professionals a better understanding of one’s family health history – this helps supports continuity of care.

3. Practice good health habits and take everyday preventive actions:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands.
Eat Nutritious Food, Be Active and Don’t Smoke.
Manage stress. Balance work, home and play. Take time to relax and get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure children get more, based on their age.
Get Check-ups. Regular check-ups are important; ask your health care provider how you can lower your chances for health problems and maintain good health.

5. Stay Informed.

Follow public health advice regarding the flu. To date, the majority of affected individuals with novel H1N1 (formally known as Swine flu) continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms similar to ordinary seasonal flu, and most residents have recovered. It's important to keep in mind that each year seasonal flu is implicated in approximately 2,000 deaths in New York State and 36,000 deaths nationwide. The Nassau County Department of Health will continue to implement the guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health in its efforts to mitigate the impact on public health, and inform and educate the public to limit transmission of the influenza. Nassau County continues to meet, work and communicate with schools, health care providers and hospitals daily in planning for the fall/winter influenza season.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control Website as a resource of information.