Chomp-Inspired iOS 6 App Store Redesign Could Impact Long Tail Of App Developers

It appears that at least some of the innovations found in early 2012 Apple acquisition Chomp, a mobile app search and discovery platform, have made their way into the new iOS 6 App Store application. Screenshots from the beta version of Apple's mobile operating system were posted by 9to5Mac.com and are now making their way around the web. The most notable Chomp-inspired characteristic in the new App Store design? Swipeable cards for browsing through apps instead of lists featuring small icons and text.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/mpeHiE47cqA/

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Amazon's Kindle Fire has sold out just in time for the company's next big event

Amazon has just announced that the Kindle Fire has joined the Kindle Touch on the out-of-stock list, presumably forever, a week before the company's mysterious product announcement. Jeff Bezos has teased that the company's got an "exciting roadmap" ahead, which we'd expect to include at least one touchscreen e-reader and a vastly revamped 7-inch tablet, designed to better compete with Google's similarly sized budget offering.

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house designs - Ensure a Home Renovation That's Worthy of Your ...

You should go all the way and consider a new house design for your next home renovation. The added expenses make all the difference, especially if you're forced to strip down the walls to expose and treat a pest infestation. Renovation projects involve several phases, but you can always hire someone to handle all the details, from the blueprint to the finishing touches. The design should be your priority, though, since all the other aspects comply with the floor plan. You don't have to hire an architect if you're only renovating the first floor or your backyard, but you'll need a good home builder who'll execute the details in time and within the quoted budget.

You can always look for home plans online if you're stuck with a tight budget. There are sites which let you download blueprints for a fee, which is recommended if you know a little about renovation and you're certain the specifications match with your project. A house designer can ensure the changes are structurally sound, though. He can also recommend themes that complement the houses in your neighborhood and your local climate. Many home designers also have connections to contractors and builders, so you'll likely get a good deal out of the referrals and packaged services your designer offers.

Having a floor plan and home design is but part of the process; the actual renovation will eat up most of your budget. Make sure you make the most out of the expenses and ask for detailed breakdown of the quote. Contractors usually offer ballpark quotes until you ask for specifics, especially if you're hiring their services to renovate your house and design it. A detailed quote usually comes with consultation fees, but the amount is a trifle compared to the inflated estimate you'll receive otherwise.

You still have to consider the variables of the project. If you want to include details which aren't covered by the recommendations, then you'll have to shoulder costs which exceed the quote. Most people insist on having their preferred bathroom or kitchen fixtures installed, especially if the package only includes stock installations. You can also cut down costs by choosing more affordable fixtures, like cedar cupboards instead of oak or mahogany, vinyl paneling instead of marble tiling. A fixed quote ensures you'll have everything covered so you can reallocate the expenses where these matter the most.

Builders also require slack to cover for expenses which can't be included in the quote. These are provisional costs determined during the renovation project, such as a structural flaw discovered on the foundation or the need to replace wall paneling that's crawling with black mold or termites. A provisional sum should be your builder's best guesstimate, and it shouldn't be confused with the ballpark quote of the initial consultation. Again, this provision works both ways. If the builder determines your house can do without aspects of renovation detailed on the fixed quote, then you're entitled to receive the corresponding credit and savings. Choosing house designs shouldn't be too difficult if you hire people who'll take over the small details. Hire the best designer and contractor and ensure your renovation is a worthwhile investment.

Consider house designs by Peter Downes if you?re looking for themes on your next renovation. House designers offer plans that make the most out of your floor space and climate, so choose consultation services and make your investment count.

Keywords: house designs, house and design, new house design, new home designs, house design

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Most disgusting gym story

I was very very tempted last week, i was doing my hyper extension the PT comes over and asks me if she and her client can jump in between sets, im like yep no problem.

I stand aside and watch her tell him to just do it, he bends his spine and doesn't look forward and swings to move up, basically doing everything wrong, she is standing there going 1,2,3,4,5 all the way up to 10.

Running through my head is going to say something like "hey did you just finish 1 of the 6 week PT courses?" "don't you know his form is totally wrong" he is doing this this this and this wrong.....lol

i said nothing.....weak

Source: http://www.bodybuildingforums.com.au/off-topic-forum/3161-most-disgusting-gym-story.html

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You've selected in order to yo?

You?ve selected in order to your mortgage very early. You are aware of that having your property free and clear is the most risk-free method to monetary liberty the simplest way to invest in your potential. But how do you do it? What on earth is the easiest way to be sure to will hold personal safety along the way? Before you hop deal with initial into very early home finance loan pay off, you will need to understand the ways by which you?ll settle your house loan first. If you?re not thorough, you might pick the wrong a single and locate by yourself in an enormous amount hurt if, for example, you expertise unforeseen expenditures or get able where you?re paying additional money than you make.

Many businesses tout property finance loan gas software package courses (sometimes known as Inchfunds combine accountsIn .). A mortgage reduce works with a personal line of credit in line with the a guarantee in your house. Because the owner of a house, you have out a home equity loan, which offers the assets required to your major steadiness at time periods in significant amounts ? normally amongst $5,000 and Buck15,000 at one time ? even though making contributions each and every paycheck you get for repaying your mortgage.

Just after every transaction is made towards your home loan, your salary is needed to repay down the road of credit score. The program then requests you when your consideration has equalized away from, so you make an additional settlement.

The speedier you choose to do this, a lot more each cost is made of major as an alternative to desire, and the quicker the loan time gets, often as much 20 years.

This procedure could work having said that, there are many drawbacks. These software programs require large get started-up fees. Such as, just about the most preferred house loan reduce organizations, U . s . First Monetary, fees Money3,500 for the software package. More, you have to you try to the many energy alone. The program isn?t robotic, thus it involves excessive self-discipline and may thus be dangerous and prosperity burning models cautious.

As a mortgage reduce plan requires that you play a role all your earnings in the house a guarantee loan, it works within the prediction that you will never come across any unanticipated fees when you plan to get rid of your home finance loan. If you undertake, you could discover by yourself in danger and dealing with increased financial debt than whenever you started off. This also means that, in an effort to get your house a guarantee loan, you need ample and regular flow of greenbacks. Additionally, the number of equity in your house needs to be over the number of primary then you owe on your own mortgage. And, sad to say, whenever you have fiscal worry, hel-home equity loans are under easily available since equity valuation on homes is unsure, and financial institutions are only resistant to easily give cash.

Conversely, a a smaller amount dangerbiweekly ion is in order to your home finance loan utilizing a biweekly repayment plan. Rather than pay your entire monthly expenditure, you only pay half of your payment per month just about every two weeks. Seeing as there are 52 days in a single year, this translates into 26 50 percent-bills, which often implies 13 full payments. Consequently on a yearly basis, you pay very similar to just about every monthly payment, and you shell out an extra 13th fee that straight cuts down your mortgage loan key sense of balance.

Imagine that you acquire a residence, which the main equilibrium of your 30-year mortgage loan is Buck300,000. In the set 7.5Per cent interest, and a Bucks2,100 monthly repayment, you?ll be having to pay practically Money750,000 before you?ll unique the home. Which means you are going to pay in excess of Dollar455,000 in curiosity only in the 30-12 months lifetime of your home finance loan.

Difference by purchasing a biweekly loan payment program. Suppose precisely the same Usd300,000 mortgage on the exact resolved 7.5Per-cent charge, that has a Usd1,050 biweekly settlement. With this biweekly credit reparing payment plan, you?ll be saving virtually Dollar125,000 in interest rates, and you will then spend your mortgage down in only below 23 ages.

You can also do this oneself. But for you to do it by themselves, keep in mind this: Most people lack the training to hold a fee shape on their own also to regularly add additional money thus to their mortgages more than this kind of a longer term phase. Less than 5 percent of the American house owners achieve this. Custom-made, programmed ideas take the inconvenience beyond doing it your self and may make salvaging cash and time straightforward.

Most loan officers and quite a few impartial providers present biweekly repayment ideas and definately will improve your repayments by drawing 50 % of your regular monthly mortgage payment from the checking out or bank account every a fortnight. That may individualize these types of courses to coincide together with your salaries.

Robotic biweekly packages tend to be start, bendable, and flexible than property finance loan accelerator courses. Compared with accelerator applications, any home owner can join a biweekly cost method. There is no additionally lending involved, so there isn?t any credit history or salary wants to join. Seeking to: A biweekly credit repairing repayment schedule would not operate on the notion that your only fabric financial objective is shelling out your home finance loan very early. It enables you to include added main bills when you need, and you?ll in the short term hang excess installments as essential. As a final point, normal subscription charges for programmed options are considerably below accelerators, far too.

For anyone who is like many people, you cannot afford to consider sizeable pitfalls with regards to your ability to earn money. But owning a home passively can even be prosperity eating up. You should be a wise, successful owner of a house in order to take control of your fiscal stability. The house you keep are going to be the most significant expense you are making, and you ought to leverage the possibilities that present themselves. Although a home financing gas software that utilizes your home a guarantee loan can be handy to experienced people who have a considerable and good flow of revenue, it could possibly leap the regular home-owner into personal ruin. For all of us who go overboard tubing care, however, take into account a computerized biweekly cost plan. These applications involve tiny possibility, if any in any way, all of which will minimize considerably the time and money spent on shelling out your mortgage.

Tags: credit score, property finance loan accelerator courses, short term, 30-year mortgage loan

Source: http://nytinsider.com/youve-selected-in-order-to-yo/

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Oil prices slip as Isaac mostly spares platforms

Nasa / Reuters

Hurricane Isaac is seen churning in the Gulf of Mexico after making landfall on the Louisiana coast in this NASA handout satellite image taken on Aug. 28, 2012. Isaac did very little damage so far to Gulf oil facilities.

By Reuters

Brent crude oil slipped to $112 on Wednesday as Hurricane Isaac, which hit land in Louisiana, left U.S. Gulf Coast oil production facilities without significant damage.

U.S. energy companies have shut most facilities in the Gulf of Mexico, as a precautionary measure, cutting the region's oil output by more than 90 percent.

An unexpected rise in U.S. crude inventories and data showing weakening U.S. consumer confidence added to bearishness, although lingering tensions in the Middle East supported prices.

Brent crude oil futures for October fell more than $1 per barrel to a low of $111.50 before recovering to around $112 by 1210 GMT. U.S. crude was down 70 cents at $95.60.

"It is expected that oil production in the Gulf of Mexico will quickly return to normal," said Carsten Fritsch, an oil analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. "What is more, inventory data from the United States were disappointing."

Related: Hurricane Isaac's storm surge overtops levee, sends 12-foot flood into La. homes

Worries about supply disruptions resulting from the hurricane on Monday pushed Brent to a high of $115.50 per barrel, while NYMEX futures hit a peak of $97.72. Brent has risen around 6.5 percent so far this month while U.S. oil has gained 8.5 percent, its biggest monthly rise since February.

Isaac has brought high winds and soaking rains to southern U.S. states, posing the first test for multibillion-dollar flood defences put in place in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast seven years ago.

Concerns over the global economy and uncertainty about the?Federal Reserve's monetary policy were also muddying the outlook for oil demand, adding to pressure on prices.

While data showed U.S. home prices rose in June for a fifth straight month, another measure of U.S. consumer confidence slipped to a nine-month low in August as Americans were more pessimistic about business and labor market prospects.

Clues to whether the?Fed is leaning towards more stimulus are expected from Chairman Ben Bernanke in a speech on Friday at an annual meeting at Jackson Hole, Wyo. Bernanke has used the event in the last two years to indicate the Fed's policy intentions.

Oil prices also came under pressure from an unexpected rise in U.S. crude oil inventories, according to a report from the American Petroleum Institute (API).

U.S. crude oil stocks rose 5.5 million barrels last week, against expectations for a 1.5 million-barrel drop.

Tensions in the Middle East, the world's biggest oil-producing region, has also supported oil prices.

Iran, in dispute with Western nations over its nuclear program, said it had no plans to show its nuclear sites to diplomats visiting Tehran for this week's Non-Aligned Movement summit, despite an earlier offer.

Adding to investor uncertainty are mixed signals from policymakers on a White House plan to release some U.S. strategic reserves to rein in rising prices.

Analysts say the White House could use the disruption of Gulf of Mexico production as a reason to release some oil into markets. But such a move would be controversial. The head of the International Energy Agency has voiced strong opposition to any use of emergency oil stocks unless there is a supply shortage.

Reuters monthly oil price poll, based on forecasts from 28 analysts, shows analysts have raised their oil price forecasts for this year and 2013 due to supply concerns and to expectations for a further round of monetary policy stimulus.

The poll projects Brent at an average of $109.50 in 2012, up $1.20 from the July poll. For 2013, Brent is forecast to average $107.20 a barrel, a rise of 70 cents from July.

NBC's Lester Holt reports from New Orleans, La., where the levees and systems of pumps are holding up against Hurricane Isaac. There was an overtopping towards the Gulf, but there has not yet been a breach.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Source: http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/29/13546710-oil-prices-slip-as-hurricane-isaac-mostly-spares-gulf-platforms?lite

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?The Family Makeover? Parenting Seminar | Catalyst Covenant Church

Wednesday evenings, September 5, 12, 19, 26 from 6:30-8 pm in the media center at Woodland School?(1410 S. McKay Ave., Alexandria).

Do you want your family?s life to count for something beyond yourselves? Do you want to leave a spiritual legacy to your kids, grandkids and others in your circle of influence?

?The Family Makeover? Parenting seminar is for all soon-to-be-parents, parents of children and teens, grandparents, and aunts and uncles who desire to be a spiritual influence in the lives of the next generation. You will be inspired, motivated and equipped to establish your home as a primary place where faith is nurtured. And you?ll receive lots of practical ideas you can start using immediately to strengthen faith practices right where you live.

Nancy Masters, your guide for these seminars, is married and a mother of an elementary-school child. She has served as a coach with Faith@Home Ministries for the past two years, as executive director of a Christian non-profit organization, in pastoral ministry, and as a school and church teacher. She currently serves on the ministry staff at Catalyst Covenant Church, Alexandria, and is completing a master?s degree in ministry and leadership from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.

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Source: http://www.catalystcov.org/the-family-makeover-parenting-seminar/

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This back-to-school season, stock up on college funding advice

(ARA) ? Back-to-school shopping season means big sales for retailers selling pencils, backpacks, clothes and tech gadgets. Young parents know that as children get older, their back-to-school list grows with them. Eventually for many, that list will grow to include dorm necessities, textbooks and yes, college tuition.

Parents, if blunt scissors and crayons are still on your child?s school supply list, now could be the right time to start planning your college funding strategy. Patrick Egan, national retirement spokesperson for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offers this list of ?school supplies? to help you and your student, prepare for college.

529 plan

529 plans are a tax-deferred way for anyone to invest in a child?s education. These accounts are controlled by your state or by a manager your state has appointed. Anyone can establish a 529 savings plan naming anyone as a beneficiary. Investments may be used at any approved private or public school. Earnings in this account are tax-deferred until withdrawn, and distributions to pay for qualified higher education expenses are exempt from federal and sometimes state income taxes. Check with a financial professional in your area to find out how a 529 plan in your state could be helpful to your college funding strategy.

Custodial account

This type of savings account allows you to build savings for any child. This means grandparents, relatives and friends could also set this up. While the child?s name is on the account, the adult custodian is responsible for overseeing it until the child turns the age of majority, usually 18 or 21. Once the child assumes control of the custodial account it can be used for any reason, meaning that if your savings exceeds the amount needed for tuition, your child could use it for living expenses or save it for something else.

Coverdell accounts

The savings accrued in a Coverdell account can be used for approved expenses before your child goes to college, on K-12 expenses for students in private or public schools, as well as eligible post-secondary education expenses. A child can receive up to $2,000 in annual contributions to a Coverdell account until age 18.

Other types of accounts:

Trusts

Contact an attorney to see if a trust could be right for you. Trusts can be used for education and other purposes and contributions to a trust have no minimum or maximum amount so saving can be done in many different ways.

IRAs

While traditionally used for retirement savings, traditional and Roth IRAs allow you to withdraw funds penalty-free if used for qualified education expenses. Your contributions may be tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. Contact a financial representative about using IRAs for college funding, as this could affect your retirement strategy and financial aid eligibility.

Permanent life insurance

If something should happen to you, a permanent life insurance contract can help ensure that goals like education can be met, even if the unthinkable happens. In addition, permanent life insurance contracts accumulate cash value that can be used during your lifetime and also provide additional flexibility for other funding avenues as well. Visit Thrivent.com for more information on types of life insurance to help you pay for college.

With so many options for college funding to choose from, selecting the best set of tools for your child can be difficult. A financial representative can help you decide which options are best for you to meet your family?s needs. Visit Thrivent.com to contact a financial representative, learn more about college funding options and even estimate your needs with a College Savings Calculator. College funding strategies, like back-to-school shopping, are all about preparation.

Hop on the bus to financial preparation by starting or building your college funding strategy today.

Source: http://money.rambergmedia.com/this-back-to-school-season-stock-up-on-college-funding-advice/

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Pest Control Portland Or - Carpenter Ant Extermination Tips

by Bob Hamillton
Send Feedback to Bob Hamillton
Request Reprint | Print | About Author | Report Problem | Tweet This When trying to control a carpenter ant situation, it is nearly impossible to use prevention techniques. This is because there are way too many different causes that can produce a potential carpenter ant problem. But, there are certain steps that one can take in order to practice good prevention that will help exterminate any carpenter and problem that you might find. These steps would include:

1. Remove all sweet food sources left out in the open. Carter and sloth sweets. They are also quite fond of chewing on the protein that can be found in any type of fat or meat left lying around in the open. Always use sealed containers to store unused food items making sure to follow proper refrigeration techniques as well. 2. Get yourself as well as your children or grandchildren in the habit of tossing candy wrappers in a garbage bin and not left lying around on an end table, coffee-table or worse yet, tossed behind a piece of furniture or in the corner on the floor. 3. Do not leave any used glasses, cups, bowls or plates sitting on the kitchen table overnight. These act like homing beacons to copper and it's tracking them easily. Again, discipline yourself to immediately remove these receptacles and wash them thoroughly so there is no leftover food crumbs for these ants to feed upon. 4. Additionally, get in the habit of removing your kitchen garbage bag to the outside garbage container as another means for fighting off Carpenter ants. 5. Whenever washing your kitchen appliances and counter areas make sure to use a combination of water and bleach. This not only helps reduce any leftover residue but will also take away the homing beacon smell that attracts carpenter ants easily. 6. Endeavored always keep their homes floors swept clean as well as wipe down with a bleach water solution. 7. Tree branches touching the house are great source for Carpenter ants to travel. Keep these trimmed away from your roofing, siding, trying or gutter work. 8. Make sure that all wiring conduits and pipes that flow from outside the house in or thoroughly sealed preventing insects from gaining entry. 9. Make sure to repair any foundation cracks since insects, especially Carpenter ants, will find these quickly and use them to enter your home. 10. Consider a periodic pest-control spraining around the foundations of the house as well as the windows and doors where these proper answer more than likely to try to enter.

Following these tips will help reduce your Carpenter ant infestation problems.

Looking for a Pest Control / Exterminating Service in Portland and surrounding areas? Columbia Pest Control, Inc. at www.columbiapestcontrol.com provides environmentally safe pest control Portland Or services.

Contact the Author

Bob Hamillton
Web Design, SEO, Internet Marketing
Bob Hamillton's website
info@marketingsuccesscenter.com

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Will Google Ads for Google Products on Google Make You Switch to Bing? [Chatroom]

Today Google has an ad for Google's Nexus 7 tablet on Google's home page. Google Google Google Google did you know this page is called Google.com? Between search, a mobile os, hardware, and a social network, Google apparently does absolutely everything now. The ad is an obnoxious departure from the comfort and familiarity of a typically sparse page. And arguably an unfair advantage for its own product, considering Google doesn't usual advertise other devices in that sacred white space. Looking at you, FTC. But is it enough to make you use Bing or another search engine? What's your breaking point? More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/iImKMbZePGo/will-google-ads-for-google-products-on-google-make-you-switch-to-bing

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A New Strategy For Preventing Bribery And Extortion In International ...

Today?s post is from Bruce Klaw (here), an Assistant Professor of Law at Keimyung?University in South Korea.? Klaw discusses his recent scholarship ?A New Strategy for Preventing Bribery and Extortion in International Business Transactions? recently published in the Harvard Journal on Legislation (see here to download the article).

*****

I?d like to thank Professor Koehler for this opportunity to write about my article?and more importantly, for?running FCPA Professor, an?invaluable resource for scholars and practitioners alike.

With that said, let me introduce my article with a bit of context, using two stories of FCPA violations in Mexico:

The first story involves Tyson de Mexico, a wholly-owned?subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., a U.S. issuer subject to the FCPA.? From 1994 to 2006, Tyson de Mexico made approximately $350,000 worth of secret payments to veterinarians employed by the Mexican government to inspect Tyson?s facilities after those veterinarians expressly threatened to disrupt the operations of two of its chicken processing plants. When Tyson voluntarily disclosed the extorted payments to U.S. enforcement authorities, it was forced to pay $5.2 million in penalties as part of a non-prosecution agreement and settlement with the S.E.C. concluded in early 2011.? (See here?for the previous FCPA Professor post).

The second story involves Wal-Mart, which became the focus of significant FCPA attention when the New York Times broke a story in April about an alleged pattern of bribery of Mexican officials in order to facilitate the expansion of Wal-Mart?s business south of the border.? (See here?for the previous FCPA?Professor?post).? The real kicker of the Wal-Mart story, however, was not the fact that bribes were paid to local officials in apparent violation of the FCPA, but rather that top level executives at Wal-Mart?s U.S. headquarters learned about the apparent misconduct through an internal investigation but effectively hushed it, choosing not to disclose the matter to U.S. enforcement officials until their hand was forced by The Times several years later.

The Tyson and Wal-Mart cases illustrate a number of the problems inherent within the FCPA that are identified within the article:

1)????? its one-sided focus on only the supply-side of bribery transactions (i.e., the payer) and not the corrupt government recipients who may solicit or demand them;

2)????? its failure to meaningfully account for the circumstances under which payments are made or legally distinguish between bribery and extortion; and

3)????? its paradoxical reliance on voluntary disclosure as the primary means of detection and corresponding penalization of companies that voluntarily disclose such payments.

As a result of these flaws and others identified within the article, the U.S. anti-corruption regime establishes a structure that all but encourages bribery and extortion in international business transactions to remain secret and pervasive.? Many companies, including Wal-Mart, may well be making the choice to try to keep their payments to foreign officials secret rather than risk the almost certain negative consequences of disclosure.

This is what my article seeks to address.

In this piece, I argue that the focus of the U.S. anti-corruption strategy should be shifted from punishment to prevention. ??To accomplish this end, the article argues for a number of detailed and significant changes to the FCPA, which implemented together, should better serve the interests of justice and provide the appropriate incentive structure for substantially reducing international bribery and extortion.

Chief among the changes I propose is decriminalizing the act of giving bribes to foreign officials. Decriminalization is not only morally appropriate in some cases (i.e., when a company like Tyson makes a payment to a foreign official in response to an extortionate demand), but also is likely to prevent bribery in the long run. Decriminalization will help bring corruption out of the shadows, have a nominal impact on the number of bribes offered, and ultimately reduce the incidence of bribe solicitation and acceptance by foreign officials.

In place of criminalization, I argue Congress should focus on strengthening payment disclosure requirements. Congress should impose upon all companies subject to U.S. jurisdiction a strict requirement of mandatory disclosure of all bribe solicitations by foreign officials, and all payments to foreign intermediaries or foreign officials above a certain monetary threshold, similar to the requirement currently imposed on financial institutions to report suspicious activity.

Once disclosed and investigated, payments to foreign officials will tend to fall into two categories: willing and unwilling. The distinction rests on the presence or absence of express or implicit coercive extortion by a public official. By following the natural implications of such a distinction?that criminals should be punished and victims should be compensated?the law can incentivize the disclosure of corruption, enable the true victims of such corruption to take action against the wrongdoer, and facilitate restitution where appropriate.

In the case of truthfully disclosed unwilling payments to foreign officials, such payers should be entitled to restitution and granted safe harbor to insulate them not only from U.S. enforcement action, but also from private civil litigation, the threat of which currently impedes disclosure.

Bribes made willingly, on the other hand, should be publicly disclosed so that foreign governments may prosecute and take other action to rescind tainted contracts. ?Likewise, upon disclosure and after the creation of a limited private right of action under the FCPA?(for which I also argue in the article), competitors harmed by such unfair business practices may take action against those willing payers to recover their damages.? After all, why should the U.S. government devote its resources to prosecuting bribe-givers when business competitors and foreign governments stand ready and willing, in most cases, to police violators at a fraction of the cost to U.S. taxpayers?

Finally, I argue that to address the demand-side of bribery, Congress should expand extraterritorial?U.S. jurisdiction under the FCPA to prosecute foreign officials who solicit or demand unwilling payments if foreign governments are unwilling or unable to do so.

By addressing the problems and implementing the prescriptions I have laid out in the article, it is hoped that the occurrence of bribery and extortion in international business transactions may be substantially reduced.

*****

As highlighted in various?previous posts, discussed in my ?foreign official? declaration (here), and will be discussed in greater detail in my forthcoming scholarship ?The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? (Ohio State Law Journal), addressing the foreign corporate payments problem discovered in the mid-1970?s?via a?disclosure approach (vs. the current criminalization approach)?was favored by the Ford administration.? President Ford?s point person on the issue was Elliot Richardson (Secretary of Commerce) who, in a letter to Senator William Proxmire, summarized the work of the Ford Task Force as follows.? ?The Task Force has concluded that the criminalization approach would represent little more than a policy assertion, for the enforcement of such a law would be very difficult if not impossible.? [...] The criminal approach would represent poor public policy.? [...]? At the same time, the Task Force perceived several very positive attributes of systematic disclosure.?

President Ford stated as follows.? ?The reporting requirement covers a broad range of payments relative to government transactions as well as political contributions and payments made directly to foreign public officials.? By requiring reporting of all significant payments, whether proper or improper, made in connection with business with foreign government, the legislation will avoid the difficult problems of definition and proof that arise in the context of enforcement of legislation that seeks to deal specifically with bribery and extortion abroad.?

The disclosure regime was rejected by Congressional leaders.? A Senate Report stated as follows.? ?The Committee concluded that an outright prohibition would be at least as feasible to enforce as any meaningful disclosure requirement.? [...] Clearly, in order to enforce such a disclosure requirement and apply sanctions for failure to file reports, it would be necessary to prove that the undisclosed payment was actually made, and that it was made with an improper purpose.? Thus, the same evidence necessary to prove a violation of a direct prohibition would have to be marshalled in order to enforce a disclosure statute.? Accordingly, the Committee concluded that a disclosure approach has at least the same enforcement problems inherent in the direct prohibition approach and none of its advantages.?

Jimmy Carter (who favored a?criminalization approach?over a disclosure approach) defeated Ford in the 1976 election and the rest is history.

Source: http://www.fcpaprofessor.com/a-new-strategy-for-preventing-bribery-and-extortion-in-international-business-transactions

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British police call off search for 'lion'

British police said Monday they had called off their search for a suspected "big cat" after reports of a lion being spotted in a field near a seaside town.

Police in the county of Essex, eastern England, said in a statement they believed the animal seen sitting in grassland in the village of St Osyth on Sunday was "either a large domestic cat or wild cat".

The statement said officers ended the search at 2pm (1300 GMT) on Monday after finding no trace of the animal.

"Extensive searches have been carried out, areas examined and witnesses spoken to, yet nothing has been found to suggest that a lion was in the area," the statement said.

Police explained that public safety had "remained at the forefront of the policing operation, with the force advising people to once again return to normal life."

Armed officers had spent the night scouring the area, while a police helicopter with heat-seeking equipment was deployed to help find the animal, alongside zoo workers armed with tranquilliser guns.

Officers were contacted shortly before 7pm (1800 GMT) on Sunday with a sighting by holidaymakers of the animal near Clacton-on-Sea.

Essex Police said their officers had been working with experts from nearby Colchester Zoo who believed the reports to be genuine after being shown a photograph from a member of the public.

A spokesman said that a member of the public had reported finding a large footprint or pugmark.

He said around a dozen officers were still involved in the search on Monday.

Local resident Che Kevlin said he had heard what he believed to be a roar whilst out walking his dog on Sunday night.

"I heard a loud roar at 10pm. It sounded like a lion," he told BBC television.

"It was worrying as we had just been for a walk with the dog. We saw the police helicopter but thought it was just searching for a person."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/police-hunt-reported-lion-near-essex-seaside-resort-083923364.html

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Joe's Health Calendar 8/26/12 Walk More Eat Less

Swing Fore Health

Aug. 27 (Monday) 10:30 a.m. registration; 12:30 p.m. shotgun start:?Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Golf Classic to raise funds for the foundation. Event will be at?Stockton Golf and Country Club. Information:?braleyki@sutterhealth.org?or?(209) 955-3050.

CareVan Provides Daily Free Health Clinic

St. Joseph?s Medical Center CareVan presents a free, walk-in health clinic for low-income and no-insurance individuals or families, 16 years old and older. The hospital?s mobile health care services will be available to handle most minor urgent needs, such as minor burns, bumps, abrasions, sprains, sinus and urinary tract infections, cold and flu. No narcotics prescriptions will be offered. Diabetes screening and blood pressure screening are offered on special days only as noted. If you have questions, contact?(209) 461-3471. Clinic schedule is subject to change without notice:

• Aug. 28 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Spanos School, 536 S. California St., Stockton.?A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility. This clinic is brought to you by St. Joseph?s Spirit Club members.
• Aug. 29 (Wednesday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
• Aug. 30 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.?A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
• Aug. 31 (Friday) 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.:?Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Ave., Stockton.?Diabetes and blood pressure screening will be offered at this clinic.?A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.

We Are Mothers Taking Action

?Aug. 29 (Wednesday) 5 to 7 p.m.:?Public Health Services Boardroom, 1601 E. Hazelton Ave., Stockton.?We are your neighbors, friends, sisters ? and your partners in the fight for a healthy future for our children and our communities.? We know moms can make a big difference ? but we need your help. Is it difficult for you to eat healthy? Is it difficult for you to exercise and stay active? Do you or your children struggle with diabetes or other chronic illnesses? Are you ready to take action??San Joaquin County mothers are coming together now. There will be free produce and cookbooks and a free raffle for gift cards. Information: San Joaquin County Public Health Services at?(209) 468-3868. Join one of our upcoming meetings to learn more and share your ideas.

2012 Promising Practices Exchange

Sept. 6 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:? Join the?Healthy Eating Active Living Collaborative??for a day of sharing promising practices, engaging discussion and recognition of the successes and commitments of those working to educate, engage and empower low-income communities to eat healthy and be active at the?Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton.

Breastfeeding: Getting Off to a Great Start

Sept. 6 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start,? a one-session class covering the advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, the breastfeeding process, common problems and solutions. An additional breastfeeding class for working moms is held Sept. 18 (Tuesday), 6:30 to 8 p.m., and is available only to participants who have already attended ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start.?? Call?(209) 339-7520?to register. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Let?s Get Healthy California Task Force

Earlier this year, Gov. Brown established the ?Let?s Get Healthy California? Task Force, which is charged with developing a 10-year strategic plan to improve the health of Californians, control health care costs, advance health equity and promote personal responsibility. Members of the task force and an expert advisory committee were appointed by Health Secretary Diana Dooley and will be meeting via webinar over the next few months to develop priorities and recommendations in the following areas:

• Prevention and Population Health
• Delivery System Quality Improvement
• Coverage and Access
• Affordability and Costs

To get email notices and more information please visit?www.chhs.ca.gov/Pages/HealthCalTaskforce.aspx. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Mercer at?smercer@cpehn.org. Here?s the 2012 Let?s Get Healthy California Taskforce meeting and webinar schedule:

• Sept. 12 (Wednesday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Target Setting for Priority Areas.
• Sept. 20 (Thursday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Stakeholder teleconference with Health Secretary Diana Dooley.
• Sept. 28 (Friday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:?Second task force meeting (Garfield Innovation Center in San Leandro); adopt priorities, targets and begin to discuss evidence-based solutions/best practices.
• Oct. 16 (Tuesday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Evidence-based solutions/best practices.
• Oct. 23 (Tuesday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Evidence-based solutions/best practices.
• Nov. 13 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?Third task force meeting (East End Complex Auditorium in Sacramento); review draft report.
• Dec. 19 (Wednesday):?Report released.

Childbirth Preparation Series

Sept. 12 (Wednesday) 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (also Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3):?Class One: Understanding Pregnancy. Class Two: Understanding Labor and Birth. Class Three: Understanding Medical Procedures and Cesarean Birth. Class Four: Understanding Postpartum. Are you ready for labor and birth? This four-class series prepares mom and her coach for the emotional and physical changes of labor and birth. The series includes relaxation and breathing techniques to increase comfort during labor.?Please bring three pillows, a blanket and/or exercise mat each night of class. You should attend this series during your?third trimester.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Coach for Life?s Champions Awards Dinner and Nominations

Sept. 15 (Saturday) 5 to 9 p.m.:??San Joaquin Stay-Cation, Island Style? is the theme for this year?s fifth annual Coach for Life?s Champions Awards Dinner sponsored by stroke support nonprofit Healings in Motion. The event will be held atVariety?s Banquet Hall & Terrace, 6111 West Lane, Stockton.?Click here?for early bird tickets on sale now. Nominations are open for awards.?Click here?for nomination form.?Information:?www.healingsinmotion.org. Sponsorships help Champions experience this event and provide great exposure. To inquire about being a sponsor, contact Mary Nicholson at?(877) 672-4480 ext. 5. Donations for door prizes and silent auction items can be made by contacting Sandy Jemison at?(877) 672-4480 ext. 2.

Welcome to Life Tour

Sept. 17 (Monday) 7 to 9 p.m. (or Oct. 15, Nov. 5 or Dec. 10):?This class gives you specific information about where to go and what to do when it comes time to have your baby, including pre-admission registration. Includes a tour of the maternity area and birthing options tailored to individual needs.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Big Brother ? Big Sister in Stockton

Sept. 18 (Tuesday) 6 to 7 p.m. (or Nov. 13):?This class helps siblings learn about new babies, how it will feel to be a big brother or sister, and see new babies and where they are born in our birthing area. Families are welcome.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Big-Brother/Big-Sister Class for Kids 3-8 in Lodi

Sept. 19 (Wednesday) 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers a big-brother/big-sister preparation class. This class, for children ages 3 to 8, will help youngsters adjust to the arrival of the new baby. The cost is $10 for the first child and $3 for each additional child. Call?(209) 339-7520?to register.?For more information, visit the LMH website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Stork Tours for Parents-To-Be

Sept. 19 (Wednesday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.:?Parents-to-be are invited to attend a free stork tour at?Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.?Prospective parents may view the labor, delivery, recovery and nursery areas of the hospital and ask questions of the nursing staff. Call?(209) 339-7520?to register.?For more information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Childbirth Preparation in Lodi

Sept. 22 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers an all-day childbirth-preparation class. Cost is $45 per couple. For more information or to register, call?(209) 339-7520.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Nurturing Parenting 3-Day Seminar in Stockton

Sept. 25-27 (Tuesday through Thursday):?Click here for all the details.

Healthy San Joaquin Recognition Awards Breakfast

Sept. 26 (Wednesday) 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. (reservations required):?The Healthy San Joaquin Collaborative will present awards to individuals and organizations that exhibit actions contributing to changes promoting and encouraging nutrition and/or physical activity in San Joaquin County.?The Awards & Recognition Breakfast will be held at the?Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton. RSVP required at ?http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=8638.

Veterans Stand Down in Stockton

Sept. 28 (Friday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?This biannual event is geared toward homeless veterans, who will be able to see a doctor, have dental work done, take a shower, get a haircut, learn about resources available to them and pick up free giveaways such as a backpack, ground pad, clothes, wipes, can opener, eyeglasses, etc. There will be a barbecue at noon at the main event,?Stockton WorkNet Building, 56 S. Lincoln St., while?St. Mary?s Dining Hall, 545 W. Sonora St.,?will by the site for health services. This all-volunteer event is being coordinated by Jason Lebeouf at?(209) 954-3920. Donations still being accepted.

Hydrocephalus Awareness & Family Fun Day

Oct. 6 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?The third annual Northern California Hydrocephalus Awareness & Family Fun Day will be held in Mountain House, just north of Tracy. Last year?s Family Fun Day was a huge success as our families and community came together to share and join in an inspirational day that helped raise close to $16,000 for research. This year we expect more fun, food, music, great raffle prizes and inspiration as we? continue to march on with the C.H.A.N.G.E. Hydrocephalus campaign that will:

• Increase support in local communities by holding monthly ?meet-ups? designed to empower individuals and families in dealing with the condition known as hydrocephalus and some of its challenges.
• Increase education in local schools, hospitals and other facilities that are linked to the Hydrocephalus Community by providing informational talks and/or providing educational and supportive materials.
• Work closely with neurosurgeon Dr. Peter Sun, his staff and Children?s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, to ensure the most up-to-date information and treatment for hydrocephalus is distributed to the community, schools and medical facilities.
• Increase funding for local communities here in California and across the United States, eventually spreading the C.H.A.N.G.E. campaign globally.
• Hold annual Hydrocephalus Community Awareness Family Fun Days uniting community, families, friends and anyone who wishes to join in on the inspirational fun!

A Pocketful of Change and the C.H.A.N.G.E. Hydrocephalus campaign continues with the dream it has had since it was founded in August 2010 ? continued support, awareness, education, funding and advancement toward the care and treatment of hydrocephalus and continuing to hold the Family Fun Day for the third year in a row. APC is dedicated to you, your children and our communities. Information or to volunteer:?kimruiz.apocketfulofchange@gmail.com.

Prenatal Nutrition and Exercise

Oct. 10 (Wednesday) 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (or Dec. 5):?Nurturing your baby starts by taking good care of yourself during pregnancy. Come learn about healthy weight gain guidelines, good nutrition, how to manage common pregnancy discomforts, and more. This class will give you an introduction to exercise during pregnancy including body mechanics, posture and basic back care. Please wear comfortable clothing to allow for movement.Please bring three pillows, a blanket and/or exercise mat to class.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Breastfeeding Class

Oct. 10 (Wednesday) 7 to 9:30 p.m. (or Dec. 5):?This class offers mothers and their partners information on the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the basics of breastfeeding management. Topics include latching, the effect of analgesia/anesthesia on infant behavior, and the rationales of care practices such as early skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in and feeding on cue. Expressing breast milk, and helpful hints for your family.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Having a Cesarean Birth

Oct. 17 (Thursday) 5 to 6:30 p.m. (or Dec. 12):?This class is designed to prepare a mother and her partner who are having a planned cesarean birth or may need a cesarean birth. Learn about the cesarean procedure including anesthesia options, what to expect, how to take care of yourself during recovery and also special techniques to ensure successful breastfeeding.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

The Newborn

Oct. 17 (Thursday) 7 to 9:30 p.m. (or Dec. 12):?Parents-to-be, come learn about life with a newborn, the baby?s needs and changing development. Discussion includes baby care basics such as feeding, diapering and bathing, as well as the physical appearances of newborns and practical tips for parents.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Caring for the Caregiver Symposium Advance Notice

Nov. 10 (Saturday):??A Mindset to Care? is?the theme of this year?s fifth annual Caring for the Caregiver Symposium in Stockton, sponsored by nonprofit stroke support group Healings in Motion. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Gary Small, author of?The Alzheimer?s Prevention Plan,?The Memory Bible?and other best-selling books. Exhibitors should contact Corie Moyers, committee chair and director of client services at Arcadia Home Care & Staffing,coriem@arcadiacare.com;?Stockton at?(209) 477-9480?or Modesto at?(209) 572-7650. For sponsorships, contact Jim Chong, committee chair, at?(209) 534-8000?or Mary Nicholson at?(877) 672-4480 ext.5.?Information:www.healingsinmotion.org.

All-Day Childbirth Preparation Class

Nov. 17 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:?This class covers all information listed in our evening series in a one-day condensed class.?Please bring three pillows, a blanket and/or exercise mat each night of class. You should attend this class during your?third trimester.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Safeway Shoppers ?Make a Muscle? for MDA

Now through Sept. 3:?Safeway Inc.?s annual fundraising campaign for the?Muscular Dystrophy Associationsupports health care services for those living with neuromuscular diseases and global MDA research initiatives. The nationwide campaign gives customers the opportunity to help fight muscle disease by contributing at the register to MDA?s ?Make a Muscle, Make a Difference?? program. Safeway has raised more than $68.7 million for MDA, contributing to the search for better treatments and cures for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in MDA?s program. ?We?re so grateful to the generous Safeway customers and employees who have truly made a difference in helping us fight muscle disease,? said Dr. Valerie Cwik, MDA?s interim president and medical director.? ?Important clinical trials are under way that we hope will lead to effective treatments of diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy ? and this wouldn?t be possible without Safeway.? ?MDA funds some 300 neuromuscular disease research projects around the world from basic science to clinical trials.?In addition to funding research, Safeway?s annual MDA campaign raises public awareness for many of the muscle diseases covered in the association?s program.

Healthy Families: What Parents Should Know NOW

The final California state budget eliminated Healthy Families, a program providing affordable health, dental and vision coverage to nearly 900,000 California children. These children will be moved into the state?s Medi-Cal insurance program eventually and will continue to be covered by Healthy Families until then. The state?s plan for moving those covered by Healthy Families into Medi-Cal will be presented to the Legislature in October 2012. In the meantime, parents with children in Healthy Families need to understand they still have coverage and are aware of the upcoming changes. The following fliers may help:

1 in 40 ? SMA Could Affect You

The statistic is: 1 in 40 people carry the gene that causes SMA ? Spinal Muscular Atrophy. That means that more than 7 million Americans are carriers of a disease that most people have never heard about.?I learned about SMA when I lost two daughters, Jessica & Jaylin Gayle to SMA in 2001 & 2002. (Click here for the story.)?Here are a few quick facts. SMA is the leading genetic killer of children under the age of 2. SMA is a degenerative disease that affects the voluntary muscles. Those that survive face a life watching as their muscles slowly fail, leaving them unable to walk, crawl, sit up or even swallow. It is a recessive disease ? two parents who are both carriers of the gene that causes SMA have a one in four chance of passing the disease on to a child. SMA crosses all racial, ethnic, religious and gender boundaries and while it is primarily diagnosed in children it can affect people of any age.?August is SMA awareness month and there is hope. Families of SMA, a grassroots organization of which I am a member, is funding drug development programs and clinical trials which may mean a treatment is on the horizon. The federal government is considering the addition of SMA as one of the recommended diseases for newborn screening. You are reading this article so that one more person knows about SMA. Awareness is the beginning. Sometimes it takes celebrities to bring a disease from the shadows out into the light. Sometimes it just takes the dedication of individuals to make a difference. To learn more about how you can help contact Families of SMA, call?(800) 886-1762?or visit?www.curesma.org. We are working to help raise awareness and funding for research, education, advocacy and patient services. By increasing funding, we can help to unravel the mysteries of this disease and continue working toward effective treatments. By participating and donating, you can make a difference in a life. Together we will find a cure! One in 40 may seem like a big number, but it become very small when it touched our family.?- Nina?Gutierrez Gayle

$5,000 Grants Help Pay for Children?s Medical Expenses

UnitedHealthcare Children?s Foundation (UHCCF)?is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child?s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at?www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website. In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

Medicare Updates Hospital, Nursing Home Compare Sites

Two websites that help Americans make informed choices about hospitals and nursing homes have been redesigned and will make more information available to the public, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced. The two sites ??Hospital Compare?and?Nursing Home Compare?? have been enhanced to make navigation easier by users and have added important new comparison tools like findings from nursing home inspections. ?These enhanced tools give patients, their families and caregivers the ability to make an informed decision on where to seek care by looking at how well hospitals and nursing homes are performing on important quality measures,? acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said.??Anyone looking to compare hospitals or nursing homes ? not just those on Medicare ? can take advantage of these websites.? Both sites contain important data on how well these facilities perform on quality measures ? such as the frequency of infections that develop in the hospital, how often patients have to be readmitted to the hospital, and the percentage of nursing residents who report having moderate to severe pain while staying in the nursing homes. Researchers will now be able to access the data on both of these sites through mobile-ready applications.

How to Implement ?Rethink Your Drink? in Suffering Community

First 5 San Joaquin invites you to partner with them to promote the Rethink Your Drink (RYD) campaign in San Joaquin County. Our community is facing an unprecedented health crisis. Not only do extra calories from added sugar in drinks (such as sodas, sports drinks, juice blends and punch) contribute significantly to obesity, but they also contribute to the rise of related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The RYD campaign aims to address this crisis by educating families about the link between consumption of these sugary drinks and the health risks. From July through September, this quarter?s health messaging efforts from First 5 San Joaquin will focus on equipping educators and advocates with resources to empower families to make healthier drink choices.?Click here for more information and resources?to assist you in your efforts.? Join the movement to help families make the change!

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and?Yoursphere.com?have teamed up to create the first of its kind interactive web community that allows young cancer patients and survivors to connect with peers all over the world.?Kids? Cancer Corner?provides children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their support groups a rich social networking experience that is content- and age-appropriate and complies with the Children?s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA). The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center?s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Advisory Board helped develop the?Kids? Cancer Corner, offering ideas for content, games and video clips. The board will maintain the site and keep it interesting with frequent updates and new offerings. The?Kids? Cancer Corner?is a unique destination for young oncology patients, family members, supporters and friends by:

• Extending the in-person friendships made among children in the hospital or infusion center via this network.
• Enabling kids to learn and share with friends and family in a safe, like-minded, nurturing environment.
• Connecting young people with peers going through similar experiences.
• Letting kids share stories, offer words of inspiration and support.
• Offering the broader Yoursphere experience beyond the Kids Cancer Corner including games, personal web page creation (spheres), contests, philanthropy, etc.

Prevention of Heat-Related Illness

The Calaveras County Public Health Department has issued recommendations to prevent heat- related illness. As temperatures hit the century mark, Calaveras County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita urges residents to take actions to prevent heat-related illnesses. People at higher risk of heat illness have health conditions such as obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, or use drugs or alcohol. These conditions can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather.

During this heat wave, be sure to:

Get plenty to drink

• Have water available for yourself, those with you when you leave your home
• Drink more water, juice & sports drinks
• Avoid drinks with caffeine [tea, coffee and cola] & alcohol
• Provide water for pets

Stay cool, stay indoors

• Stay in an air conditioned area if possible
• If you do not have air conditioning, go to a building with air conditioning
• Take a cool shower or bath

Wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors

• Choose lightweight, light-colored & loose-fitting clothing
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head cool
• Be sure to use sun-screen when outside for sun protection [SPF 15 or higher] & reapply every two hours when in the sun

Plan outdoor activities

• Avoid being out during the hottest part of the day
• Rest often in a shady area
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car

Pace yourself when active

• Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks
• If your heart pounds, you become out of breath, lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop your activity and rest in a cool or shady area

Use a buddy system during a heat wave

• Check on friends and family, especially the elderly or those with health conditions twice a day
• Have others check on you

?The warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting,? ?Kelaita said. Residents should seek medical attention if they have these signs of illness. For more information about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, visit?www.calaveraspublichealth.com?or call Calaveras Public Health at?(209) 754-6460.

Free Meals for Disadvantaged Families

Disadvantaged families may access an interactive?2012 Summer Meal Service Sites?web page to find out where to take their children for free, nutritious meals during the summer recess. The Summer Food Service Program serves free meals to children in geographic areas where at least 50 percent of students are eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals. The programs may also operate activities for children.

Facts About Fruits and Vegetables

Click here?for lots of great information about fruits and vegetables.

We?re FAT!

Here are the latest statistics?on Stockton and surrounding cities on overweight and obesity.

Institute of Medicine Aims to Accelerate Progress in Preventing Obesity

Report Recommends Strategies, Calls On All Sectors of Society to Take Action Now?The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released a report that outlines comprehensive strategies for addressing the nation?s obesity epidemic and calls on leaders in all sectors to accelerate action to advance those strategies. The release was a highlight of the second day of the 2012 Weight of the Nation conference, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Make physical activity an integral and routine part of life.
• Create food and beverage environments that ensure healthy food and beverage options are the routine, easy choice.
• Transform messages about physical activity and nutrition.
• Expand the role of health care providers, insurers and employers in obesity prevention.
• Make schools a national focal point for obesity prevention.

The full report, a summary, practical guides for taking action and other materials are available for free on the IOM website.

Sugary drink consumption is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. Serving healthy beverages is essential for a child?s nutritious diet, and child care settings can play an important role in helping children develop healthy nutrition habits.?Learn what you need to know about new state and federal standards?for beverages served in child care settings.?Healthy Beverages in Child Care?is a project of California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA). CFPA, founded in 1992, is a statewide public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of low-income Californians by increasing their access to nutritious and affordable food.

Incoming 7th Graders Need Whooping Cough Vaccine

A California law that took effect last summer requires all students entering seventh grade each year to provide proof of having immunization against pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, before starting school.?The new rule follows the state?s worst outbreak of whooping cough in more than 50 years.??Immunity gained from childhood pertussis vaccine wanes over time, so a Tdap booster shot is needed,? San Joaquin County Health Officer Dr. Karen Furst said.?The Tdap booster vaccine protects against three dangerous diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and?pertussis. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial illness spread by coughs and sneezes. Furst recommended parents contact their child?s health care provider now to ensure their child is up to date on all immunization recommendations.?Furst urged parents of current sixth-grade students to get their child?s Tdap vaccine before school ends this year and take a copy of the child?s shot record or other documentation to school as soon as possible.?Because a large number of students need a Tdap shot between now and the start of the next school year, parents should make an appointment now with their child?s doctor or clinic to avoid the back-to-school rush.?School health officials want all students to be protected against disease and able to attend school on the first day without any disruptions. To achieve this, parents should take note of several important factors regarding the state immunization law for school entry in the 2012-13 school year:

• Seventh-grade students without proof of a Tdap vaccination will not be allowed to register for classes or attend school.
• If a child has received one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after their 7th birthday, the requirement is met.
• It is not too early to get the Tdap booster.
• It is not too early to get the documentation in to the school.
• There will be no Tdap immunization clinics at the schools.
• There will be no extension or grace period.

For those who do not have a health care provider or health insurance, Tdap vaccinations are available at many pharmacies and clinics. Public Health Services Immunization Clinic schedules are available?online?or you may call?(209) 468-3830. Personal stories about pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases can be found on the?Shot by Shot website. ?For more details about the new school vaccination requirement and general information on pertussis,click here. For information about specific school district health services, phone:

• Escalon Unified:?(209) 838-3591 ext. 5.
• Jefferson:?(209) 468-9296.
• Lincoln Unified:?(209) 953-8712.
• Linden Unified:?(209) 887-3608.
• Lodi Unified:?(209) 331-7075.
• Manteca Unified:?(209) 858-0782.
• New Hope:?(209) 468-9296.
• New Jerusalem:?(209) 468-9296.
• Ripon Unified:?(209) 652-8058.
• Stockton Unified:?(209) 933-7060 ext. 2390.
• Tracy Unified:?(209) 830-3241 ext. 2.

Questions About Health Reform Law?

• How are small businesses affected by health reform?
• Will everyone have to buy health insurance?
• How will the new provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent?s insurance work?

The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Kaiser Family Foundation?s new Health Reform Source provides concise answers to common questions about the health reform law. You can search for your question or submit a new question if yours is not addressed.?http://healthreform.kff.org/faq.aspx. Additional questions addressing the affordability of health insurance, how programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) will be financed under health reform and others are addressed in a series of Video Explainer clips featuring foundation experts answering specific questions about the law on a variety of health policy topics.http://healthreform.kff.org/video-explainers.aspx. Kaiser?s Health Reform Source,?http://healthreform.kff.org, an online gateway providing easy access to new and comprehensive resources on the health reform law, provides these and other new features and tools including an interactive timeline showing when health-reform provisions take effect, all the latest polling data, links to other information resources, and the latest health-reform headlines from Kaiser Health News.

Yoga for People Dealing with Cancer

Mondays 5:30 to 7 p.m.:?This free weekly Yoga & Breathing class for cancer patients will help individuals sleep better and reduce pain. This class is led by yoga instructor Chinu Mehdi in Classrooms 1 and 2, St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 467-6550?or?SJCancerInfo@dignityhealth.org.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi,? and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free ?Better Breathers?? respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended by calling?(209) 339-7445. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

The Beat Goes On Cardiac Support Group

First Tuesday of month 11 a.m. to noon:?Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a free cardiac support group at?Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. ?The Beat Goes On? cardiac support group is a community-based nonprofit group that offers practical tools for healthy living to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. Its mission is to provide community awareness that those with heart disease can live well through support meetings and educational forums. Upcoming topics include exercise, stress management and nutrition counseling services. All are welcomed to attend. Information:?(209) 339-7664.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother?s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call?(781) 932-6300?or visit?www.foodaddicts.org.

• Tuesdays 7 p.m.:?Modesto Unity Church, 2547 Veneman Ave., Modesto.
• Wednesdays 9 a.m.:?The Episcopal Church of Saint Anne, 1020 W. Lincoln Road, Stockton.
• Saturdays 9 a.m.:?Tracy Community Church, 1790 Sequoia Blvd. at Corral Hollow, Tracy.

Break From Stress

Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m.:?St. Joseph?s Medical Center offers the community a break from their stressful lives with Break from Stress sessions. These sessions are free, open to the public, with no pre-registration necessary. Just drop in, take a deep breath and relax through a variety of techniques. Break from Stress sessions are held in St. Joseph?s Cleveland Classroom (behind HealthCare Clinical Lab on California Street just north of the medical center. Information:SJCancerInfo@DignityHealth.org?or?(209) 467-6550.

Mother-Baby Breast Connection

Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m.:?Join a lactation consultant for support and advice on the challenges of early breastfeeding. Come meet other families and attend as often as you like. A different topic of interest will be offered each week with time for breastfeeding assistance and questions.?Pre-registration is required. Call?(209) 467-6331. St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the?Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. For information, call?(209) 369-4443?or?(209) 369-6921.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital and the?Hutchins Street Square Senior Center?offer ?Brain Builders,? a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call?(209) 369-4443?or?(209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn.? Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety.? Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital?s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer?s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.:?The Alzheimer?s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver?s Support Group and Patient?s Support Group at?Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver?s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It?s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer?s and dementia patients can attend the patient?s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information:?(209) 477-4858.

Clase Gratuita de Diabetes en Espa?ol

Cada segundo Viernes del mes:?Participantes aprender?n los fundamentos sobre la?observaci?n de az?car de sangre, comida saludable, tama?os de porci?n y medicaciones. Un educador con certificado del control de diabetes dar? instruccion sobre la autodirecci?n durante de esta clase. Para mas informaci?n y registraci?n:?(209) 461-3251. Aprenda m?s de los programas de diabetes en el sitio electronico de St. Joseph?s:www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes

Nutrition on the Move Class

Fridays 11 a.m. to noon: Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton.? Free classes are general nutrition classes where you?ll learn about the new My Plate standards, food label reading, nutrition and exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and other tips. Information:?(209) 464-7369?or?www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month:?Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton.?Information and registration:?(209) 461-3251.Learn more on St. Joseph?s diabetes programs at?www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

All Day Prepared Childbirth Class

Third Saturday of month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers community service educational class of prebirth education and mentoring. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn?s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs:?Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by?St. Joseph?s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

• Psychiatric Adolescent IOP meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Chemical Recovery Adolescent IOP meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information about this and other groups,?(209) 461-2000?and ask to speak with a behavioral evaluator or visit?www.StJosephsCanHelp.org.

Click here?for Community Medical Centers (Channel Medical Clinic, San Joaquin Valley Dental Group, etc.) website.

Click here?for Dameron Hospital?s?Event Calendar.

Click here?for Doctors Hospital of Manteca?Events finder.

Click here?for Hill Physicians website.

Click here?for Kaiser Central Valley News and Events

Click here?for Lodi Memorial Hospital?Event Calendar.

Click here?for Mark Twain St. Joseph?s Hospital?Classes and Events.

Click here?for San Joaquin General Hospital?website.

Click here?for St. Joseph?s Medical Center?s?Classes and Events.

Click here?for Sutter Gould news.?Click here?for Sutter Gould calendar of events.

Click here?for Sutter Tracy Community Hospital?events, classes and support groups.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Ongoing resources for vaccinations and clinic information are:

1. Public Health Services Influenza website,?www.sjcphs.org
2. Recorded message line at?(209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.
3. For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:

• For general vaccine and clinic questions, call?(209) 468-3862;
• For medical questions, call?(209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.
3. Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.
4. Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to change depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at?www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk?(*)?require patients to call for an appointment.

Stockton Health Center: 1601 E. Hazelton Ave.; (209) 468-3830.

• Immunizations: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Travel clinic*: Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Health exams*: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Sexually transmitted disease clinic: Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Friday 1-4 p.m., walk-in and by appointment.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Tuesday; second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
• HIV testing: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Thursday 1-4 p.m.

Manteca Health Center: 124 Sycamore Ave.; (209) 823-7104 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: first and third Wednesday 3-6 p.m.
• HIV testing: first Wednesday 1:30-4 p.m.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program

Does your food budget need a boost? The WIC Program can help you stretch your food dollars. This special supplemental food program for women, infants and children serves low-income women who are currently pregnant or have recently delivered, breastfeeding moms, infants, and children up to age 5. Eligible applicants receive monthly checks to use at any authorized grocery store for wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, whole-grain breads and cereals, and more. WIC shows you how to feed your family to make them healthier and brings moms and babies closer together by helping with breastfeeding. WIC offers referrals to low-cost or free health care and other community services depending on your needs. WIC services may be obtained at a variety of locations throughout San Joaquin County:

Stockton?(209) 468-3280

• Public Health Services WIC Main Office, 1145 N. Hunter St.: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; open two Saturdays a month.
• Family Health Center, 1414 N. California St.: Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.
• CUFF (Coalition United for Families), 2044 Fair St.: Thursday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Taylor Family Center, 1101 Lever Blvd.: Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Transcultural Clinic, 4422 N. Pershing Ave. Suite D-5: Tuesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

?Manteca??(209) 823-7104

• Public Health Services, 124 Sycamore Lane: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

?Tracy?(209) 831-5930

• Public Health Services, 205 W. Ninth St.: Monday, Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

Protect Your Preteen from Serious Diseases

The?Calaveras County Public Health Department?reminds families of preteens about recommended and required immunizations for 11-and 12-year olds. Dr. Dean Kelaita, county health officer, encouraged families of preteens to schedule a doctor visit and get vaccines they need to stay healthy and meet the Tdap school entry requirement for incoming seventh-graders. During 2010, California experienced a whooping cough (also known as pertussis) epidemic that resulted in 10 infant deaths. Incoming seventh-graders for the 2012-13 school year must provide proof of having immunization against whooping cough (Tdap) before starting school. Students who have not met the requirement will not be allowed to start school. Immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can lead to missed weeks of school or serious illness. Besides the Tdap shot, there are other immunizations that are now recommended for this age group, including the meningococcal vaccine, a second chickenpox shot (if they never had chickenpox disease), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Also, everyone older than 6 months is recommended to receive flu vaccine. The Calaveras County Public Health Department offers no- or low-cost vaccines to children without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Information:?(209) 754-6460?orwww.calaveraspublichealth.com.

Calaveras County Public Health Community Immunization Clinics

• San Andreas: weekly at Public Health Department, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2. Mondays 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon.
• Valley Springs: monthly at United Methodist Church, 135 Laurel St. Third Tuesday 3 to 5:30 p.m.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What You Need to Know About Joe?s Health Calendar

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at?jgoldeen@recordnet.com?and I?ll get it into my Health Calendar. I?m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health.?TO THE PUBLIC:?I won?t list an item here from a source that I don?t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don?t hesitate to let me know at?(209) 546-8278?or?jgoldeen@recordnet.com.?Thanks, Joe

Source: http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-health-care/2012/08/26/joes-health-calendar-82612-walk-more-eat-less/

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