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September 2009
Deb and Karin

California Heart Connection
News and Information

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 5, 2010!
It's hard to believe that our next picnic will be our 10th Annual!  Thank you to all of the families who have helped us provide support to others througout the years!
 
As a special celebration, we will be holding the picnic at a new location - THE SANTA ANA ZOO!  This is a great place for young children, as they have a petting zoo, several species of monkeys and other small animals. 
 
Of course, we will still have plenty of activities, and opportunities to meet other families.  In addition, we may have a few surprises as well!   So, save the date!
Date:  Saturday, June 5th

Time:  11am - 3pm

Location:  Santa Ana Zoo  (NEW LOCATION!)

 Shaun White
 
 
Give us feedback to help us plan our
 
10th Annual Picnic!  
 
In This Issue
10th Annual Picnic Info and Survey
Flu Season Info and Tips
Online Support Group
Quick Links
send us your first and last name along with your new email address
 
Flu Season Has Arrived!
 
Flu Season has arrived, and this year we have the added bonus of the H1N1 virus (aka the "Swine Flu.")  Please see the following questions for your physician and important web links.  
 
handwashingQuestions to ask your physician:
Should my child get the flu vaccine and/or the H1N1 vaccine?
Should all of our family members get vaccinated?
Should our child and family members get the nasal vaccine instead of the shot?  (The CDC recommends that certain people do NOT get the nasal vaccine.  See the CDC link below.)
What signs and symptoms should we look for?
When should we take our child to the doctor?
 
 
Tips from the CDC on preventing the flu:
  • Get vaccinated (if recommended by physician)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures
  • If you get seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu, antiviral drugs can treat the flu.  Ask your doctor if an antiviral drug would be recommended for you or your child.

Important links for more information:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flulive.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx

Online Support Group
 
Our online support group has really grown and become very active.  Many members prefer to just "listen" while others ask questions or offer support.  We'd like to invite you to join us, as we often share great information and tips that are applicable to many of us. 
 
Just go to the online support group at Yahoo and sign in. If you don't have a Yahoo ID, just create one.  (Please use the email address listed on your membership form - the support group will NOT recognize any other email addresses.)  If you wish to use a different email address, please send us an email first, with your first and last name and the email address you'd like to use for the online support group.   
Thank you again for making California Heart Connection such a caring and supportive place for families.  Please feel free to contact us with any feedback on our newsletter, website, or events.  
 
Sincerely,
Debbie Hilton Kamm - debhilton@aol.com
Karin Yospe - theyospes@aol.com
 
California Heart Connection
Phone:  949-653-6421 or toll-free 877-824-3463