Orange County Health News
October 6, 2021 |
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CDC Statement on Pregnancy Health Advisory
CDC issued an urgent health advisory to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The CDC health advisory strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks. Additionally, the advisory calls on health departments and clinicians to educate pregnant people on the benefits of vaccination and the safety of recommended vaccines.
According to CDC data, only 31 percent of pregnant people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and vaccination rates vary markedly by race and ethnicity. Vaccination coverage is highest among Asian people who are pregnant (45.7 percent), but lower among Hispanic or Latino pregnant people (25 percent), and lowest among Black pregnant people (15.6 percent).
Through September 27th, there were more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant people including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths; of which, 22 deaths occurred in the month of August alone. Cases of COVID-19 in symptomatic, pregnant people have a two-fold risk of admission into intensive care and a 70 percent increased risk of death. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes that could include preterm birth, stillbirth, and admission into the ICU of a newborn also infected with COVID-19.
The advisory can be found at https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00453.asp
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Free COVID-19 Vaccine ClinicsVaccines are free, and no ID is required! If you are coming for your second dose, please bring your vaccination card with the record of your first dose. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot.
***Need a third shot because you are immunocompromised?***
Visit our Chapel Hill location Monday through Friday from
8:30am - 4:30pm at 2501 Homestead Rd. The Hillsborough location is not currently offering third shots.
Pop-Up Walk-In Vaccine Clinics
In addition to our regularly scheduled walk-in clinics (see graphic above), the Orange County Health Department is pleased to offer pop-up vaccine clinics to all community members ages 12 and older. No registration required, these are walk-in clinics.
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC
Wednesday, October 6th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC
Wednesday, October 13th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
CHCCS Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (Carrboro Farmer's Market)
301 W. Main St., Carrboro, NC
Friday, October 15th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
Offering only Moderna and Pfizer, not J&J
Last Fridays (at the old Courthouse in Hillsborough)
104 E. King St., Hillsborough, NC
Friday, October 29th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Flyers: English/Español
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, November 3 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, November 10 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
Hillsborough Walk-In Clinic Location Change on October 5th!
The clinic will be located at the new Bonnie B. Davis Building at
1020 U.S. 70, Hillsborough. This is directly across the street from the DMV.
New Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Start Date: 10/5/2021
Days of the week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Vaccine type: Moderna and Pfizer
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Read This if You're Concerned About Your Child's Weight
From UNC Health Talk
Have you noticed that your child’s body has changed during the pandemic? Did a visit to the pediatrician start a conversation about your child’s weight? Does your child’s percentile ranking on a BMI chart seem especially high?
If any of the above are true, don’t panic—and think carefully before you broach this topic with your child. You don’t want to inspire self-image issues or obsession with body size or appearance.
We talked with Camden Matherne, PhD, a licensed psychologist who specializes in eating disorders at UNC Health, about what parents should do—and not do—if they’re worried about their child’s weight.
Do: Encourage balance and moderation
Don’t: Put your child on a diet of any kind
When it comes to kids, it’s best to avoid calorie-restricted diets or eliminating any food groups, unless you’re working with a pediatric specialist. In fact, doing this can backfire, especially in children who are genetically predisposed to develop eating disorders. It is crucial for children to get the nutrition they need to grow their brains and bodies.
If your child’s provider expresses concern about weight gain, talk to the provider—without your child, if possible—about ways to introduce more nutrient-dense foods and healthy movement in your child’s daily routine.
If your child comes to you saying they want to lose weight, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation that focuses on the positive aspects of their body while they grow. Focus on how food and exercise help our bodies feel good, not that they help us become a certain size.
Do: Be aware of normal child body development
Don’t: Draw attention to changes in body size—for anyone
Children naturally experience changes in their bodies at certain developmental stages, including periods of weight gain. Parents may not realize this and become unnecessarily concerned, Dr. Matherne says.
If you notice changes in your child’s body, don’t point it out to your child, or let them hear you talk about it with others. Try to avoid commenting on the body size and appearance of others, too. Even things that seem positive, such as “Wow, you look like you’ve lost weight!” send children a message that there is a “right” kind of body.
Do: Understand the stresses caused by the pandemic
Don’t: Forget to eat and feed your family on a schedule
Many people have been more sedentary since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When after-school activities, sports and play dates were all on hold, kids were naturally less active and therefore may have gained some weight. Typical eating routines often went by the wayside.
The pandemic has not been normal for anyone, so parents need to give themselves some grace during this difficult time, Dr. Matherne says. In most cases, once kids are back in school and activities, they will return to their typical size.
In the meantime, it’s important to keep fueling your bodies. Children and adults should eat every three to four hours, but only as much as they need to feel satisfied. Going too long without food can lead to blood sugar crashes and cravings, but eating regularly—and mindfully—can help children and adults feel nourished and prevent overeating.
Do: Embrace variety
Don’t: Label foods as good or bad
Parents can help children get the most nutritionally balanced meals by offering a variety of foods at every meal and snack. When choosing foods, think about fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy. It’s best to eat as a family, and make sure everyone knows they can listen to their bodies when they decide to stop eating. Enforcing a “clean plate rule” interferes with your child’s natural satiety signals.
Balance also means incorporating things like sweets on a regular basis. When a child is denied a food or certain group of foods, they may crave them more and then overeat when given the opportunity or begin to sneak foods.
That’s why it’s important to remain neutral about foods and not label them as good or bad. Instead of saying, “You can’t have soda. Soda is bad,” you can say, “Soda tastes good, but what’s in soda doesn’t help your body grow. So, we only have it on special occasions.”
This is an opportunity for parents to listen to themselves and the negative talk that comes up around food. If a parent says, “I can’t eat that cupcake, I need to lose weight,” or, “I’m cutting out carbs,” that makes an impression on a child. If a parent has a medical reason to modify their own diet, they should minimize discussion of it around their child.
The way you talk about food around children sets a foundation for their relationship with food.
Do: Create a positive family food culture
Don’t: Single out individuals
If you want to embrace a more balanced approach to eating, do so as a family. Don’t single out one child for special treatment. While you’re eating, talk about food in a positive way. Here are some examples of how families might approach it:
- As a family, we have pizza on Fridays.
- We eat together at the table.
- We wait five minutes to decide if we want second helpings.
- Isn’t this broccoli delicious? I love it.
- Wow, I can see your muscles growing. The protein in this chicken is helping you to grow!
Movement is part of the equation as well. Families can do all sorts of activities together that focus on joyful movement and fun. Some examples include riding bikes, hiking or doing a scavenger hunt. Cultivating a love for movement is beneficial for children and adults of all sizes and shapes.
Do: Listen to your child’s concerns
Don’t: Ignore red flags
If a child is self-conscious or being teased about their weight, let them talk to you about it. “It’s important to listen to your children, really listen to them,” Dr. Matherne says. Hear them out and validate their feelings. “Stay present, listen calmly, and don’t jump to problem solving. Just listen, validate and remind them they are not alone,” she says. Here are some ways to validate your child’s feelings:- This is really hard. I’m sorry you’re hurting. I’m here for you.
- This stinks. I’m going to be right here with you. We’ll figure it out together.
Having open two-way communication with your children around food and eating helps as they are introduced to more concepts around health and dieting as they age. They will hear messages from peers, advertising and adults that aren’t conducive to a healthy relationship with food. When you’ve laid a foundation for a more balanced approach, it can help protect your children from these messages.
If you notice a change in your child’s eating habits, such as eliminating an entire food group, refusing to eat something if they don’t have the nutrition facts, or obsessing about food, this can be a sign it’s time to get additional help. Contact your child’s primary doctor to discuss a referral to a dietitian or eating disorder therapist.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you have a concern about their physical or mental health. If you need a pediatrician, find one near you. |
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North Carolina COVID-19 Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 1,417,203 COVID-19 cases, 16,945 deaths, and 2,586 hospitalizations. 53% of North Carolina's population is fully vaccinated.
There are currently 11,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 109 deaths in Orange County. 69% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated.
For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.
Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county.
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