BOARD OF HEALTH

The Wyckoff Board of Health consists of 10 volunteer members, many of whom are medical professionals. The Board of Health meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the small conference room on second floor of Wyckoff Town Hall, 340 Franklin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ. the township has entered into a shared services agreement for Health Officer services with Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission

Board of Health 48-Hour Meeting Notice

Board of Health Current Meeting Agenda

Board of Health Meeting Minutes

ADULT WALK-IN HEALTH SCREENINGS, MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

Adult walk in health screenings, monitoring and assessment are open to all adults every Thursday (except the 5th Thursday) from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church on Cedar Hill Avenue, Wyckoff.

The following services are available:

1. Blood pressure monitoring
2. Nutritional information – Diet consultation and weight taken
3. Cardiac Risk Factor Information
4. Osteoporosis Risk Identification
5. Medication Consultations
6. Initial Health Referrals
7. Diabetes risk factor identification.

A registered nurse conducts the sessions.

This service is free to all Wyckoff adults and appointments are not necessary.

INFLUENZA PREVENTION PROGRAM AND HEALTH FAIR

The Board of Health proudly sponsors the Influenza Prevention Program and Health Fair. which is held in early October. Besides influenza vaccines the following services are available at the Health Fair:

• Health Education & Blood Pressure Screening
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Hearing Assessment
• Balance & Fall Risk Assessment
• Glaucoma Screening
• Body Alignment
• Diabetes Screening
• Physical Therapy Display and Counseling
• Stress Management, Depression and Anxiety Disorder Screening and Discussion

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS

The Wyckoff Board of Health continues to offer blood pressure screenings to all Wyckoff adults every Thursday (except the 5th Thursday) between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Cedar Hill Christian Reform Church at 422 Cedar Hill Ave.

The Township contracts with Bergen Community Health Care for nursing services, which allows Wyckoff residents to receive blood pressure screenings. Weight and height are also assessed. Residents can freely consult with the nurse about any questions or concerns they might have about their medications or any other medical topic.

A volunteer from the Woman’s Club of Wyckoff assists every week. This volunteer helps the residents with any paperwork and provides other assistance. Literature concerning nutrition, blood pressure management, diabetes, stroke, medication use and other topics are available.

No appointment is needed and it is a great way to track your blood pressure between doctor visits.

Please click on the topic link below to read additional information provided by the Wyckoff Board of Health.

MRSA Information
Rabies Precautions
Protection from Extreme Heat
Reminders for Pet Owners
Facts About Lyme Disease
Rising Number of Animal Bites
The E. Coli Threat - Greatest During Summer
Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus
Summer Safety Guide for Pet Owners
Disposing of Expired or Unused Medication
Swine Influenza A Information
Wyckoff Public Schools Letter re: Human Swine Virus

 

PREVENTION OF MRSA
(methicillin- resistant STAPHYLOCOCCUS aureus)
and other communicable diseases

Basic Information:

MRSA is a bacterial infection (not a virus) surfacing in schools and other settings. MRSA is the abbreviation for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is primarily a skin infection often resembling a pimple, boil or spider bite at its onset. It quickly worsens into an abscess or pus filled blister or sore and becomes serious when it enters the blood stream. This lesion should not be squeezed or drained as this can spread the infection to other parts of the skin or deeper into the body via the bloodstream.

The vast majority of MRSA infections have historically occurred within hospital settings. However, up to 15% occur in the community among otherwise healthy people. This population includes those who are prone to cuts and scrapes particularly children and athletes.

How is MRSA communicated?

MRSA spreads by skin to skin contact, crowded conditions and the sharing of personal items.

Who is at risk?

1. Those who have regular contact with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or have recently been discharged with MRSA.
2. Those who have regular contact with health care workers.
3. Those who have recently taken antibiotics such as fluoroquinolone or cephalosporin.
4. Men who have sex with men.
5. The misuse or overuse of antibiotics allows bacteria to evolve and develop resistance to drugs. Antibiotics should be taken only when necessary and patients should take the full course of medication as prescribed by their physician.
6. Scrapes and sores must be kept clean and bandaged until healed – minor cuts and scrapes are the way MRSA takes hold.
7. People who have sores that will not heal or that are filled with pus should see a physician and request a test for staph infection.

How can MRSA be prevented?

Parents, children, and teenagers (particularly athletes) must be instructed as to the following facts:

• Personal items should not be shared. This includes water bottles and any other containers also brushes, combs, razors, lip balm, towels, makeup, cell phones and musical instruments.
• Musical instruments, particularly those that are shared, must have a strict and enforceable policy and procedure for cleaning the instruments in place in all schools.
• Staph grows rapidly in warm, moist environments. Extra vigilance should be exercised in gyms and health clubs.
• Equipment in gyms should be wiped down using equal parts of bleach and water.

Have ready access to a hand sanitizer (Purell is an example) in an antibacterial form, either lotion, wipes or liquid.

Are infected cases reportable?

People who are infected are permitted to attend school as long as they are compliant with infection control measures.

At this time, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services does not recommend parent notification for isolated cases. The Wyckoff Board of Health will urge the State of New Jersey public health officials to establish a reporting system that will ensure tracking of risks and a means of epidemiological investigation to reduce spread.

For further information you may contact the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission at 201-445-7217 or at the following web site: www.nwbrhc.org

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RABIES PRECAUTIONS

The Wyckoff Board of Health would again like to remind all residents that the following steps should be taken to minimize the potential threat of contracting rabies by family pets and family members alike:

• Do not feed wild animals.
• Do not leave food or water for pets in the yard.
• Do not allow children to pet strange animals. Warn them of the danger involved in petting strange animals, even dogs and cats.
• Immunize your dogs and cats for rabies.
• Do not let pets roam free.
• Do not feed stray cats and dogs. If you wish to keep a stray cat or dog, immunize the animal and obtain a license.
• Be aware of any wild animals, especially racoons, skunks and squirrels which are staggering and falling. This is a sign of sickness and the animal should be avoided and the Police Department contacted at 201-891-2121.

The Board of Health also cautions that the rabies virus can be transmitted to humans through an infected animal's saliva. Also, stay away from wild animals that come too close, sick animals are more brazen and can attack without warning. For information about dog and cat licensing, call the Municipal Clerk of the Township of Wyckoff at 201-891-7000.

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PROTECTION FROM EXTREME HEAT

This time of year, hot sticky days with temperatures in the 90's can make for uncomfortable and in some cases, dangerous conditions.

The very young and elderly bare the brunt of extreme heat so keeping cool is essential. The following suggestions provided by the Wyckoff Board of Health will help you ensure a cooler, safer environment for high heat days.

• At home, keep blinds, shades and curtains tightly drawn on the sunny side of the house. This will reduce a thermal build-up inside the house or apartment and put less strain on your air conditioner.
• Wear loose, light clothing to allow the body to breathe. Wear a sun hat or baseball cap for face coverage. Do not forget to apply sun block.
• Drink plenty of cool liquids and keep a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator. Alcohol in any form raises the body's temperature and is not recommended as a cooling method.
• Limit activities outdoors on hot days. Ozone levels may be higher on hot days and strain your ability to breathe. Those suffering with asthma or emphysema should greatly reduce physical activities. Listen for ozone reports in your area.
• If you know of an elderly neighbor, check on them.
• People without air conditioners should use electric fans to gain relief. Going to the movies or the mall can also provide relief on hot days.

Whatever your favorite thing to do on a hot day, slow down, take it easy and most importantly stay cool!

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REMINDERS FOR PET OWNERS

We all love our pets and want them to be safe and happy. The Wyckoff Board of Health would like to remind dog and cat owners to respect other people's property and peace of mind. All dogs and cats residing in the Township who are over the age of three months and have received their rabies vaccinations must be licensed annually.

Township ordinances require a person walking a dog on a leash to curb the dog and immediately remove all feces deposited by the animal and place it in a waterproof container, properly sealed then disposed of in a garbage container or any other sanitary manner.

If you leave your dog outside in a fenced in area or on a leash, don't forget to provide a bowl of water. Dogs left outdoors may bark for long periods of time. It is not only unpleasant for your neighbors to listen to a dog that barks constantly but it is also not good for the well-being of the dog.

Remember that animals are not allowed to run at large and must be on a leash. No pets are allowed on school property or sports fields. Never leave your pet in a car with the windows closed especially during the warmer months.

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FACTS ABOUT LYME DISEASE

What is Lyme Disease? Lyme Disease is a newly identified tick-borne illness that causes arthritis and, in some people, disorders of the heart and central nervous system. It is most common in the Northeast coastal states (from Maine to Maryland) and in the upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota) and on the Pacific Coast (in California and Oregon). Lyme disease is most often contracted in the late spring and early summer.

What causes Lyme Disease? It is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete form of bacteria. This disease is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick, an insect about the size this period. In addition to deer, these ticks are found on birds and many small animals, including field mice and other rodents.

How is Lyme Disease diagnosed and treated? Lyme Disease is diagnosed on the basis of blood tests and symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics, usually tetracycline or penicillin, which are given orally for at least two weeks. Pregnant women and patients with severe cases may require hospitalization and or intravenous antibiotic therapy.

What can you do yourself? If fatigue is severe, rest is necessary. Aspirin or acetaminophen can relieve the flu-like symptoms and joint pain. Avoid excessive use of inflamed or swollen joints; over-use may result in permanent joint damage.

When should I see my doctor? If you experience any symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. A pregnant woman who thinks she has been bitten by a deer tick should see her doctor even in the absence of symptoms. Treatment is most effective if it is started within a week to ten days after infection.

What will the doctor do? Blood tests to detect antibodies against the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease will be ordered. However, because current antibody tests do not always detect Lyme disease in its early stages, a doctor may begin antibiotic treatment even if the test is negative.

Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to ease pain and joint symptoms. Extra rest is also advised.

The course of Lyme Disease. The course of the illness varies greatly from one person to another and may be dependent on genetic factors. After a week or two of flu like illness, which may be accompanied by a rash, symptoms usually disappear. If the disease is untreated in this early stage, serious complications involving the heart, joints and nervous system may develop weeks or months later. Even so, complications occur in about 15 percent of those patients who undergo early treatment. Because of the diversity of its symptoms, Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or multiple sclerosis. Fatigue, mood changes and neurologic problems are often mistaken for mental illness.

Is Lyme Disease dangerous? It is rarely fatal, but heart complications may cause life threatening abnormal heart rhythms, and infection during pregnancy may cause fetal loss. Symptoms may impair the quality of life for months or years.

What can you do to avoid Lyme Disease?

1. Avoid tick exposure in endemic areas
2. Walk along cleared or paved surfaces rather than on grass or in woods.
3. Wear long-sleeved shirts that button at the wrist, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes. Choose light-colored fabric so you can spot and brush off ticks.
4. Use insect repellents containing DEET and or permethrin. Follow package instructions.
5. Use flea and tick collars on your pets and brush them carefully after they have been outdoors.
6. If you are bitten by a tick, remove the tick immediately by grasping it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and tugging gently.
7. In areas where deer ticks are common, mow weeds and grass around the house.
8. Try to discourage birds or animals that may harbor the ticks from coming near the house. Bird feeders, for example attract birds as well as rodents and other animals that carry deer ticks.

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RISING NUMBER OF ANIMAL BITES

As the number of animal bites to people and their pets has increased, it has become more apparent that some of these cases could have been avoided. Pet owners must be more aware of their pet’s attitudes and behaviors, which could be dangerous to the public. The behaviors that seem cute during the animals growing years such as growling, nipping and dominant behavior, become extremely dangerous as the animal grows. Pet owners should be aware and are responsible for their pet's behavior. It is best not to put your pet in situations that would cause a rise in their stress level and ultimately result in dangerous behavior such as biting. It does not matter if your pet bites in fear or aggression, it is still unacceptable behavior.

People should use caution when approaching or being approached by an animal. Even if you know the pet, it is still not a guarantee that the animal is safe to approach or handle. Many people are bitten by animals they know. If you are bitten or threaten by a neighbor's pet, you should contact the Police or Animal Control Officer. These people are trained to handle these situations.

Frequently, while investigating bite cases, Officers find there are previous incidents that went unreported because people did not want to be "bad neighbors". It would be a much better situation if the pet owner is assisted or educated in control of their animal before a serious bite occurs. Any dog owner who is considering the installation of an "invisible" fence unit should make sure that the "fence" line is set back and appropriate distance from the public right-of-way. Fence lines that are installed too close to the right-of-way will cause a dangerous situation for motor vehicles, pedestrians and your pet.

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THE E.COLI THREAT - GREATEST DURING SUMMER

The Wyckoff Board of Health advises the summer is the worst season for possible E. Coli bacteria’s transmission to humans. All warm-blooded animals contain E. Coli bacteria. The problem is that when E. Coli comes into contact with food, pool or lake water, these bacteria can cause serious illness or even death in humans. These bacteria can be deadly to young people, the elderly or those with chronic illness.

The following are preventable measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of E. Coli:

• Outdoor barbecues feature hamburger, which if undercooked, can cause E. Coli in humans. Use a meat thermometer to cook meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Avoid cross-contamination from raw meats to finished foods such as salads or desserts.
• Always remember to wash hands completely - the FDA recommends 20 seconds with warm water, liquid soap and paper towls during food prep (between touching meats and other foods), changing diapers or for anyone with diarrhea.
• Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with soapy water before cutting - especially products like watermelon or cantaloupe that lie in the fields. The outside rind may be contaminated with E. Coli and drawing a knife through the rind will contaminate the flesh of the fruit.
• Avoid swallowing pool, lake, and ocean water due to the possibility of E. Coli bacteria. Children must be trained to use the toilet prior to playing/swimming in a pool and if children are in diapers or with diarrhea they should stay out of the water.
• In remote areas while camping, bring bottled water or check to see if municipal water is available at the tap.

For further information on E. Coli, call the Wyckoff Board of Health at 201-891-7000 ext. 304.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS

The following information has been issued from the Bergen County Department of Health Services as public information:

What is West Nile Virus? Where did it come from? West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It was first identified in the U.S. in the late summer of 1999.

How do people get West Nile Virus? People become infected with West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds which are infected with the virus. Some birds may die of the disease, but they are not known to transmit the disease to humans.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus? Not all humans infected with the West Nile virus become ill. Most infections are mild. Symptoms may develop within three to fifteen (3 - 15) days. When symptoms develop, they may include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness and mental confusion. In rare cases, more severe infections may result in high fever, tremors, disorientation and other signs of increasing illness. Symptoms should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

Who is at risk for getting West Nile Virus? People who live or work in areas where active cases have been identified are at risk of getting West Nile Virus if bitten by an infected mosquito. However, people over the age of 50 and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk for more serious illness.

How is it treated? There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, nor is there a vaccine. Most people recover completely within two weeks. In more severe infections, supportive therapy may be needed.

What can I do to reduce my risk for becoming infected with West Nile Virus? There are many things you can do to reduce your risk or becoming infected with West Nile Virus, such as:

• To reduce mosquito breeding on your property, eliminate standing water by disposing of empty cans, buckets, flower pots, old tires, trash cans, etc.
• Clean clogged roof gutters.
• Empty plastic pools when not in use and drain swimming pool covers.
• At least weekly, change water in bird baths and flush sump pits.
• Stock ornamental pools with goldfish.
• Check and repair screens and screen doors.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active; which is usually at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when you are outdoors. Avoid areas with heavy underbrush and trees.
• Insect repellants containing permethrin may be sprayed on clothing to help prevent mosquitoes from biting through cloth.

Who do I call if I find a dead crow in my yard or in the street? (Crows are large, black birds whose overall length is generally the distance between a persons hand and elbow). Call the Wyckoff Police Department at 201-891-2121. For all other dead birds, a resident should wear gloves and place the dead bird in a double bag and place it in their trash can.

Where can I get more information?

• Bergen County West Nile Virus Hotline (phone: 201-225-7000)
• Bergen County Department of Health Services (www.bergenhealth.org/lincs or phone: 201-599-6100)
• Bergen County Mosquito Control Division (phone: 201-599-6141)
• Bergen County Office of Emergency Management (www.bcoem.org)
• Rutgers University Mosquito Research & Control Unit (phone: 732-932-9341)
• Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov go to >Health Topics)
• State of New Jersey (www.state.nj.us/health)
• Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/pesticides)

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SUMMER SAFETY GUIDE FOR PET OWNERS

The Wyckoff Police Department and the Wyckoff Board of Health would like to remind residents of their responsibilities as pet owners as well as offer some summer time safety tips for pet owners.

Pet Owner Responsibilities - Do's and Don'ts:

• Do be aware that dog owners are responsible for removing dog droppings from public and private property.
• Don't let pets roam free. It is unlawful for dogs to go unleashed. Unleashed pets can create a nuisance or be disruptive to neighbors. So, please be considerate of your neighbors.
• Do keep your dog on a leash anytime you venture outside your yard. This will avoid your pet being injured by a moving vehicle.
• Do immunize your pet against rabies and obtain a license for the animal from the Municipal Clerk's office in Town Hall. For more information on dog and cat licensing, please call the Municipal Clerk's office at 201-891-7000.
• Do have someone attend to your dog if you will be away from home. The Police Department regularly receives dog barking complaints from neighbors of dog owners who leave their animals alone for hours.

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

• Be considerate to your pet in the hot summer months. Extreme heat can be fatal to a dog, so keep your pet inside when the temperature soars. In hot weather make sure there is a shady spot outdoors where your dog can escape the sun.
• When keeping your pet outdoors, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Do not keep pets in vehicles for long periods of time. A dog can overheat very rapidly.
• Make sure your fence is high enough so that your dog can't jump over it and deep enough that he won't dig under it. Also, keep your fence in good condition for the safety of your dog. Make sure you latch the gates securely.
• Keep fertilizers, insecticides and other lawn, garden and pool chemicals in a shed or a garage and well out of your dog's reach. These potent products can be poisonous to your pet.
• Be certain that garbage cans and compost bins are inaccessible to your pet. Fatty or decomposing foods can make your dog sick. Bones from chicken or other meat can splinter and puncture your dog's throat, intestine, or the roof of his mouth and cause injury to these areas.

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