Health reform resource
A coalition of organizations representing consumers, patients and health care professionals launched a website in March to help Americans make informed decisions about the new health reform law. The coalition includes AARP, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association. The online resource tailors health information for users, such as providing recent and future health policy changes and explaining how they affect Americans. The resource is available at www.healthcareandyou.org.
Health data portal
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in February launched Health Indicators Warehouse, a new online portal that provides health data to support innovations in information technology. The downloadable collection, online at www.healthindicators.gov, can be used to support researchers, technology developers and policy-makers.
Influenza planning tool
The New Jersey Hospital Association in January released a toolkit to equip nursing homes with resources for handling an influenza pandemic. “Planning Today for a Pandemic Tomorrow: A Toolkit for Nursing Facilities,” reviews current procedures, identifies gaps, develops new procedures and generates an emergency response plan. The free kit comes with checklists and sample forms, as well as suggested policies, and is available at www.njha.com.
Autism resource
Omnigraphics’ Health Reference Series in February published the “Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Sourcebook, Second Edition.” The new resource provides information on the types of autism spectrum disorders and explains symptoms, causes, diagnoses, linked conditions, early intervention and treatments. The text also includes educational guidelines for parents and teachers of children with the disorder. To order, visit www.omnigraphics.com.
Oral health resources
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University in February released two new resources to help health professionals improve the oral health of children. “Oral Health Resource Bulletin: Volume XXIV,” is the newest addition to a series that is designed to find creative approaches in the field of maternal and child oral health. “Oral Health for Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women: Knowledge Path,” is an electronic guide that analyzes data as well as describes programs, policies and research in oral health care. To order, visit www.mchoralhealth.org/publications.html.
Heart health resource
Parent Heart Watch in March released an informational video on sudden cardiac arrest, a heart condition that can lead to sudden death, especially in youth. The video centers on the importance of cardiac screenings and preparedness using automated external defibrillators. To view the video, visit www.parentheartwatch.org.
Children’s cookbook
Dancing Rhinoceros Press in March published “Our Super Garden.” Authored by Anne Nagro, the book addresses the issues of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in children and provides new solutions to creating healthy eating behavior. The book includes recipes to help children plant, harvest and cook vegetables. For more information, visit www.dancingrhinocerospress.com.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
