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Stay Healthy This Winter!  (12/23/2008)
Stay healthy this winter with some useful tips from Maine Center for Disease Control. More

G&J Gourmet Market Cocoa Mix Recall  (12/19/2008)
Dorsey Marketing Inc. of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling three G&J Gourmet Market cocoa products because they may contain melamine. These products are sold at Big Lots stores around the country. More

Flu Virus Offically Here  (12/18/2008)
Influenza has officially arrived in Maine. The first laboratory confirmed cases of influenza were reported this week. More

*Health Advisory* Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault   (12/9/2008)
Domestic violence can take many different forms, including physical, sexual, economic, emotional, and psychological abuse, often forming a pattern of coercive and intimidating behaviors. More

Initiative to Support Healthy Youth in Portland - Request for Applications  (12/3/2008)
Two mini-grants now available from Healthy Portland for up to $1500. More

Hepatitis A in the Kennebunk Area  (11/7/2008)
Hepatitis A is an uncommon disease in Maine. An average of 11 cases are identified in Maine each year. More

Smoke-free Ordinance for Outdoor Dining Now in Effect  (10/2/2008)
A new smoke-free ordinance is now in effect in Portland. The ordinance prohibits smoking within the outdoor areas of restaurants and bars in Portland where beverage or dining service is available until 10:00 PM. More

Recall of Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials  (11/17/2008)
Nestlé Prepared Foods Company is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials. More

Mosquitoes in Arundel Test Positive for EEE  (10/9/2008)
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) within the Maine DHHS is reporting that a pool of mosquitoes, collected on September 30, 2008 from the town of Arundel in York County, has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). More

Cumberland Farms Joins the “NO BUTS” Program  (10/7/2008)
The program provides retailers with the materials they need to properly train employees to prevent underage tobacco sales, while stressing the underlying compelling health reasons for restricting sales of tobacco to teens. More

Maine's Immunization Coalition Decries State's Immunization Rates  (10/2/2008)
Maine falls from #1 in the country to the lowest ranking in the New England Region. More

Help us help you!  (6/3/2008)
Help the Public Health Division focus its efforts on the health problems in your community by participating in our Municipal Health Survey. More

FoodBorne Illness UnderReported Nationwide  (4/7/2008)
For every one case of salmoneliosis (a common foodborne illness) reported, there are an estimated 38 that go unreported. More

Adults Lack Vaccination Awareness  (3/20/2008)
Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines and their potential to save thousands of U.S. lives every year, American adults are receiving needed immunizations at alarmingly low rates. More

The Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Report is now Available.  (2/19/2008)
The Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Report for the Portland Public Health Division is now available for public viewing. More

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Winter is Here!

There is no denying it, winter has arrived in Maine. Below we have compiled a variety of resources that will help you stay warm , safe and active this winter season.

Be Prepared
Flu Vaccines
Heating Assistance
Staying Healthy

Resource Directory

211 Maine is a directory of resources that can help you with your heating assistance questions and many other health and human service questions. Visit their website or call them by dialing 211 on any phone.New Page 1

Be Prepared!

When the snow gets heavy or the ice breaks the tree limbs the power may go out.  As we know this may last hours or days and it is important to be prepared.  Below are a couple of websites that will help you get yourself ready for the unpredictable weather winter likes to throw our way.

Maine Prepares: for Winter is a website from the Maine Emergency Management Agency which contains tips for prepping your house and your family for winter conditions.  There are also lists detailing supplies you should have on hand if you are forced to stay in your home for an extended amount of time.

Emergency Preparedness Guide from the City of Portland.  This is a comprehensive preparedness guide that will help you get yourself, your family and your home ready for any emergency you might face.  

Flu Vaccines

For available flu clinics in your area, call the city of Portland’s Flu Clinic Hotline at (207) 874-8946. For flu clinics in throughout Cumberland County, take a look at the schedule here: http://www.portland-calendar.com/cgi-bin/calcium38.pl?Op=ShowIt&CalendarName=health

Heating Assistance

The Office of the Governor has compiled many resources to help Mainers cope with winter heating bills. On the website below you will find a list resources and tips about energy conservation for your homes. http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/policy/energy.shtml

Maine CDC has created a website with information on everything from the effects of wood burning and lung health to tips to prevent hypothermia, as well as space heater safety and other safety tips.

Keep ME Warm is a joint program between United Way of Greater Portland and United Ways of Maine to help the people most affected by high heating costs here in Maine. The program is funded by donation and is always looking for people willing to help; their website has a donation page as well as energy conservation tips.

Staying Healthy This Fall and Winter

Do you ever find yourself at a loss for fun and free activities in Portland to do with your kids in the winter? Here is a list of various activities you can do with your kids all over the city, they are all outdoors and did we mention that they are all free?

http://www.portlandmaine.gov/hhs/winterrec.pdf

WinterKids is an organization dedicated to helping kids stay active during the winter months. Visit their website for tips for healthy winter activity and discounts to winter outdoor recreation areas near where you live.

Let’s Go! is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles with children and families in 12 Greater Portland communities. Their website is loaded with activities, tips and program listings. Check out their website, you will surely find something healthy you and your kids can enjoy together.

If you know of any activities we missed that you think other families would enjoy, email us with your suggestions! phweb@portlandmaine.gov

Keep an eye on our Health Calendar and the City of Portland’s Event Calendar for activities happening all over Portland that you and your family can enjoy.

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