Update From the US Surgeon General: Zika Virus

You've probably heard news reports about Zika, a virus that's been spreading across South and Central America as well as the Caribbean. 

Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. In past outbreaks, the vast majority of people who contracted Zika didn't experience symptoms. For those with symptoms, they were relatively mild. 

Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Zika has also been linked to neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in those infected, and we have learned that it can also be spread from a man to his sexual partners. 

We're learning more about this virus every day. As Surgeon General, my job is to make sure that you have the information you need to stay safe and healthy.

So here are three things you can do to protect yourself and your families from the Zika virus:

We are responding to local transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa -- and we are taking steps to prepare for any transmission within the continental United States. Right now, researchers are working hard to develop a vaccine that will prevent Zika infections.

The federal government is also working closely with the states and private partners to ensure that adequate testing capacity is available so that anyone who may be infected -- especially pregnant women -- can find out quickly and take steps to prevent further spread of Zika. We are also working with states to help them refine and implement Zika preparedness and response plans for their jurisdictions.

But this work takes resources. And we will need more resources to make sure that communities across our country can address a potential Zika outbreak. 

That is why President Obama has requested funds to help us prevent, detect, and treat this virus. It is my hope that Congress will act quickly to provide funding so we can protect the American people from the spread of Zika.

As the summer months approach and mosquito season begins, know that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from Zika.

For the latest information and resources on the Zika virus, please go to cdc.gov/zika.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vivek Murthy
19th U.S. Surgeon General

Manchester Parks & Recreation Summer Seaside Education Adventure Camp

Come and explore all of the FUN opportunities on the ocean this summer with Seaside Education Adventure (SEA)! SEA is a 5-day ocean experience course based out of Manchester, MA. It runs from 8 AM until 12 PM and the program explores our regional coasts using a 24-foot Novi Skiff.  We can only accommodate 6 passengers each week, so register now!

This exciting, hands-on program for youth (ages 8–18) not only highlights the local (and global!) importance of the ocean, but also offers many educational activities for exploration and enjoyment. We will get our feet wet, our hands dirty, and our minds reeling, while we learn about the vital role the ocean plays in our daily lives. We will see first-hand how the marine biology and ecology that we take for granted are interconnected with, and influenced by, human actions.

SEA’s skilled and passionate directors have deep roots in the community and a love for the sea. In collaboration with the MERSD Green Team and Seaside Sustainability, we offer a unique and exciting approach to exploring the marine ecosystems surrounding Manchester Harbor and beyond. In this program, you will learn about oceanography, marine stewardship, and ecosystem balance.  Each participant will receive a SEA T-shirt, and will be proud to show off their SEAtificate of Qualification!  We can only accommodate 6 passengers each week, so register now!

Click the link below to register or to learn more information about the program! Also, it’s important that you know that you’re registering through Manchester Parks and Rec. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Magers at magerse@seasidesustainability.org.

PLEASE share with your friends and family and thank you!!!!

Seaside Sustainability

Pertinent information:

Weeks:

• June 13-17 (7:30 AM-11:30 AM)
• June 20-24 (7:30 AM-11:30 AM)
• June 27-July 1 (8 AM-12 PM)
• July 5 – 8 - four days only $250 (8 AM-12 PM)
• July 11-15 (8 AM-12 PM)
• July 18 – 22 (8 AM-12 PM)
• July 25 – 29 (8 AM-12 PM)
• August 1-5 (8 AM-12 PM)
• August 8-12 (8 AM-12 PM)
• August 15-19 (8 AM-12 PM)
• August 22-26 (8 AM-12 PM)

Times: 8 AM-12 PM

http://seasidesustainability.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/SEA-Flyer2.0.pdf

Prescription and "Over the Counter" Drug Abuse

Opiate drug abuse is on the rise.  Medications  prescribed for surgical patients  are often taken by others.  Teenage athletes are prescribed medications that are sometimes shared with friends.  Unused medication is being stored where it can be easily accessed by those for whom it is not intended for.  Learn how prescriptions and over the counter medications are being abused.  Sometimes it starts off innocently.  Learn how to protect yourself and family members from unwanted addiction.

http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prescription-drug-abuse.html

Use the receptacle below to dispose of medications no longer needed.  You may find this  at the Manchester by the Sea Police Department. There are many concerns about unused medication filtering into our water system.  Using this method of disposal is environmentally healthy. 

 http://center4research.org/healthy-living-prevention/vitamins-dietary-supplements-and-over-the-counter-medications/drugs-drinking-water/

Medication Disposal Box
Manchester by the Sea Police Department.