Though Peak Flu Season Is Weeks Away, Officials Encourage Residents To Get Shots Early
Last season, 87 people across San Diego died from complications from the flu, 19 more than the previous season.
KPBS:
Flu Vaccine Campaign Kicks Off In San Diego County
The peak of San Diego’s flu season is weeks away, but health officials are encouraging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated now — especially those with chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease. San Diego County launched its annual influenza vaccine campaign on Friday in the Oak Park neighborhood of Southeast San Diego. (Murphy, 10/2)
In other public health news —
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Breast Cancer Research Active In North Bay
Researchers at Novato’s Buck Institute wanted to better understand what factors cause some women to have lower breast tissue density, a predictor for those with the lowest risk of breast cancer. The study is just one example of the research underway in the North Bay to advance the fight against breast cancer. The work is being conducted in labs at the Buck Institute’s 250,000-square-foot complex and in local hospital settings where researchers test new drugs and other innovations in clinical trials. (Digitale, 10/1)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
'Unbreakable' Blankets Give Cancer Patients Strength
The black and gray blankets are 6-feet long by 3-feet wide, and the words are printed on the blankets in white, with STRENGTH having the biggest impact in 3-inch-tall lettering. The word also is printed upside down, allowing the cancer patients the opportunity to see it prominently when they’re bundled in the blanket, often during treatments than can last several hours. The goal is to inspire cancer patients to be invincible when they see the words and affirmative phrases right on the blanket. The passages include: “I am a relentless warrior;” “Love is my greatest muscle;” and “I choose optimism.” The brainchild of the blankets is athlete, motivational speaker and clothing designer Leigh Weinraub of San Francisco-based Mind in Motion. (Melnik, 10/1)
KPCC:
Program Looks To Stop The Skid Row To Jail Pipeline
The office estimates one out of every five jail inmates is at risk of homelessness when they come out. The program has served about 500 inmates in its first year, but hasn't been able to meet the growing demand. (Palta, 10/2)