120,000 Gallons of Wastewater Spills into Weems Creek

The waterway remains closed until further notice from the health department.

Anne Arundel County's health officials warned swimmers to stay out of Weems Creek due to the spillage of 120,000 gallons of wastewater on Wednesday. A force main break at Jennifer Road created a contaminated area of sewage from the creek's headwaters to Rowe Boulevard, according to a release from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.  The affected area was cleaned but the waterway remains closed until further notice.  "People coming in contact with the affected water are advised to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed," according to the release. Just over a month ago, more than 13,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into a similar area of Weems Creek, due to a break in a corroded 14-inch pipe…

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Panel Addresses Mental Health, School Security in Anne Arundel

Several agencies from across the county will meet at Anne Arundel Community College on Tuesday to discuss solutions to preventing tragedies close to home.

World AIDS Day Events in Annapolis

Free HIV testing and memorial events will occur on Saturday.

Annapolitans can observe World AIDS Day on Saturday by attending a candlelight tribute, listening to educational speakers and by knowing their own status through free HIV testing. In 2008, the last year for which data is available, there were 984 people living with HIV in Anne Arundel County. That's one case for every 521 people in the county. Testing: Events: For more information about HIV/AIDS services from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, visit www.aahealth.org/hiv/aids or call 410-222-7108.

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Breast Cancer Rates in Anne Arundel Higher than State, Nation

The mortality rate has dropped over the past decade, but the rate of local breast cancer patients is still higher than either the state or the nation.

Women in Anne Arundel County have a higher rate of breast cancer than in other areas of the state and the country, according to statistics from the county's Department of Health. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Patch has assembled stories of survivors, local groups that work to battle cancer and programs you can take to inform yourself about cancer. According to Anne Arundel County's 2012 Community Health Report Card, the mortality rate for breast cancer patients was 25 per 100,000 women—exceeding the national rate goal of 20.6, between the years of 2004-2008. The Capital reported that mortality rates between 2000 and 2009 have dropped to below the state's levels, but are still higher than the national average. The incidence of …

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Dorothy N Hall

7:07 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012

TC , I will keep you and the Mrs. in my thoughts and prayers.   more ›

Health Department Offers Free HIV Tests

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Department of Health encourages residents to get tested.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is encouraging residents to take advantage of free testing in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Wednesday at local health centers. Free HIV testing and counseling services are available at the county's four testing sites, including: Appointments can be made by calling 410-222-7108 but are not necessary. According to a press release from the health department, Maryland ranked fourth in the nation for estimated AIDS diagnosis rates. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one million people in the United States are living with HIV and one in five do not know they are infected. "Medical treatments are available to help people living with HIV; but to…

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Do You Want to Give up Cigarettes in 2012? Here's Help

Health Department and partners offer free 'Quit Smoking' classes at four locations.

You have probably been thinking about quitting smoking for months. Maybe even years. You never buy a carton. All of your family and friends have convinced you that it really is a dirty, unhealthy and expensive habit. A New Year seems like a great time to get a fresh start. But how to quit? Can you do it on your own? That is where the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and community partners are stepping in to offer free "Quit-Smoking" classes and resources. Classes are available in West River, Annapolis, Glen Burnie and at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore. Many of the classes begin in January—perfect for those making that resolution on Jan. 1 to kick-start a healthy new routine. Here are locations and contact information for …

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A Parent's Guide to School Health

Keeping in front of your child's overall health heading into the new school year.

School nurses in Anne Arundel County Public Schools are employees of the Anne Arundel Health Department. And the department encourages parents to be informed about school health with their online "Parents Guide to School Health." The site includes information on the nuts and bolts of child health, like what immunizations are required and when, in-school flu-mist vaccinations, vision and hearing screening, keeping your child safe from bullies, what students have to do to elf-administer medicine at school and more. Following are some of the links: The Department of Health reports that during the 2010-2011 school year, school nurses tended to 689,146 health room visits and administered 143,590 medications to students. There were also 22,314 …

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Health Officials Issue Warning on Risks of Bodies of Water, Raw Shellfish

The Anne Arundel Department of Health provides tips on avoiding disease-causing microorganisms.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health recently warned residents about the health risks associated with natural bodies of water and with eating raw shellfish. According to a press release, natural bodies of water can contain bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear, is the most common problem, but other water-related illnesses can be acquired. Disease-causing micro-organisms, such as various forms of vibrio, can enter the body through open cuts and sores. Eating raw shellfish can also cause vibrio-related illnesses, according to the Department of Health. Each summer as water use and temperatures rise, cases of vibrio-related illnesses are reported in the county. The Health Department …

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Tips for Avoiding Lyme Disease

The county health department issues prevention tips as more residents head outdoors.

As we all enjoy the great outdoors this summer, the Anne Arundel County Health Department offers tips to protect the family from some clingy unwanted guests. Whether it’s through camping, enjoying local parks or even walking in the neighborhood, residents can acquire a black-legged tick that can lead to Lyme disease. According to a release issued by Elin Jones of the county health department, Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because there may be no symptoms or symptoms may mimic other diseases. In only about 65 percent of confirmed cases did patients notice a tick before they became ill. Once a person has been outside, he or she should thoroughly check for ticks. A whole body inspection every three to four hours is safest when in …

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Know Your Sun Safety: 5 Myths About Protecting Your Skin

Anne Arundel County ranks among the top in state for skin cancer rates.

Maelle Booth has a thorough regimen to protect her perfect porcelain skin from sun damage. No matter how busy her day is, she is never without her wide-brimmed hat and sun block. It is a great habit her mom started shortly after 15-month-old Maelle was born. “Time for sunscreen,” said mom Laura Graham Booth of Georgetown Grove. Little Maelle sits patiently while Booth coats her face, arms, legs and feet with a SPF (sun protection factor) 60 sunblock cream formulated for children. “I've been slathering my kids up since they were babies, so I think they're just used to it by now,” Laura said of her children Maelle and Dylan, a second-grader at Hillsmere Elementary. “We apply sunscreen inside, before we leave for fun outings like the park or …

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