Contra Costa Health Services Launches Twice-Monthly Health Column in Contra Costa Times

The Contra Costa Health Services on Sunday launched a twice-monthly column in the Contra Costa Times called "Healthy Outlook." In the inaugural column, Dr. William Walker, county health officer and director of health services, wrote that the column will address preventive care, specific diseases, seasonal illnesses, public health issues and local issues such as "pollution and violence." The columnists, who will include staff physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and other professionals, also will address reader questions. According to Walker, the columns are intended to help readers "ask informed questions and become more involved" in health care decisions (Walker, Contra Costa Times, 11/2).