July 2, 2009 

Power Walking, Toning Groups Available Until Halloween

Healthy Body Healthy Mind collective will present power walking and toning groups throughout the week from July 6 through Oct. 31 at Kenneth Hahn and Ladera parks.

The groups have been created to achieve and maintain a healthy body and mind no matter what is going on in the world or what is occurring in people’s personal lives. The power walking and toning groups consist of moderate to intense power walking on flatland and hills.

Information: Ursula Moon, (818) 613-4161, mindbodyfitness777@hotmail.com, www.celebrityfitbootcamp.com.

The Los Angeles County Health Officer is warning consumers about possible health hazards associated with “Seven Color Crystal Bolls,” a product sold at many discount stores. This product contains multicolored beads that expand up to four times their original size when immersed in water. These items are designed for use as a plant-watering mechanism, and are not meant to be eaten.

If swallowed, these products may expand in the airway, stomach or intestines and can create a medical emergency.

Parents are advised that it has been reported to the Department of Public Health that children have placed this product in their mouths, or in plastic water bottles, where the product may be accidentally ingested. If the product is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

“Seven Color Crystal Bolls” is an imported product with unlisted ingredients, and the toxicity of this product is unknown at this time.

Any product that is designed for plants should never be eaten or placed in the mouth. Vendors and shop owners who stock this product should not sell it with food.

Information: www.public health.lacounty.gov.

SACRAMENTO — Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, urges Californians to continue to take precautions against the spread of the H1N1 virus (swine flu), which persists in California despite the end of the regular flu season. The novel H1N1 flu virus is unique, because it is a combination of genes from pig (swine), bird, and human flu viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Horton offered the reminder as local health officials announced the death of the 17th Californian from H1N1 virus. Preliminary information from local health officials indicate that 10 of the 17 Californians who have died had pre-existing health conditions, including chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and emphysema. Another common factor appears to be obesity. 

In addition, at least 142 Californians have been hospitalized due to the novel H1N1 virus, while many more have been sickened at home and have recovered. The majority of H1N1 cases continue to be mild in severity.

Horton said ongoing monitoring shows that California hospital admissions and emergency room visits due to the flu remain higher than what is normally seen this time of year and also higher than what is typically seen during the traditional flu season.

About 4,500 people die each year from seasonal flu. The annual influenza season usually runs from October to May.

NEW YORK — The five-year survival rate for African Americans with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is 59 percent compared to 85 percent in Caucasians.

The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each of these has been linked to intermittent and/or chronic sun exposure.

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer among all racial groups. Although UV light, along with heredity, plays a role in the occurrence of melanoma in Caucasians, the primary risk factor for melanoma in people of color is undetermined.

Among African Americans and others of African descent, Asians, Hawaiians, and Native Americans, melanomas are most likely to appear in the mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails.

Due to delayed diagnoses, melanoma is frequently fatal for African Americans, Latinos and Asians. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.