The Pulse

Lung Association Accepting SCAMP Camp Applications

The American Lung Association is accepting applications for its SCAMP Camp, which is for kids with asthma and will be held June 21 through 26 at the YMCA Camp in Julian in San Diego County.

SCAMP Camp is a weeklong overnight camp for kids between 8 and 14 that combines asthma education with traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, hiking and archery.

Round-the-clock, 24-hour medical supervision is provided by medical volunteers that include registered nurses, respiratory therapists and doctors who specialize in asthma and allergies.

In order to be accepted to SCAMP camp, the family must complete an application and submit a $35 nonrefundable application fee. Application and information: (213) 384-5864, ext. 274, e-mail kvancleave@alac.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Blair Underwood’s ‘Man Up’ Ad Campaign Promotes Free HIV Testing Services

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which operates the largest community-based alternative HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing program in California, has launched the second phase of its Los Angeles-area HIV prevention and testing initiative with its newest campaign featuring actor Blair Underwood.

Underwood’s image can be seen on billboards throughout Los Angeles — as well as on one of AHF’s mobile testing vans — with the words “Man Up” in bold printing next to his image. The ads direct the public to visit www.freehivtest.net to find out where to get tested quickly, conveniently and at no cost. 

A key component of the initiative is its Web site, which contains information about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment, including facts about condom use.

Information: www.freehivtest.net.

Ridley-Thomas Seeks to Conduct Assessment for Health Project

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has directed the county’s chief executive officer to work with the Department of Health Services and any other appropriate county departments to conduct a feasibility assessment of creating a Health Information Technology Demonstration Project for the South Los Angeles community.

Los Angeles County has 57 pediatricians for every 100,000 children. But in South L.A., there are only about 11 pediatricians for every 100,000 children.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas also urged the creation of a technical advisory group that includes key private and public partners, such as the University of Southern California and University of California at Los Angeles and representatives from the National Integrated Health Network Coalition and Health-E-LA.

County Rates Declining for Lung Cancer, Injuries

According to a recently released report, Los Angeles County ranks in the top 10 healthiest counties in California when it comes to lung cancer, injuries, motor vehicle accidents and prenatal care, but it is among the least healthy for heart disease and diabetes.

The report, released jointly by the California Department of Public Health and the California Conference of Local Health Officers, shows how counties across the state compare on 30 health indicators that cover the leading causes of death, rates of infectious diseases and birth outcomes. A ranking of one indicates that the county is the healthiest as compared to all other counties in California. Among all 58 counties, L.A. County ranked sixth in injury-related deaths, seventh in making sure mothers receive adequate prenatal care, eighth in deaths from lung cancer and ninth in deaths from motor vehicle traffic.

- LA Watts Times
www.lawattstimes.com/health-mainmenu-53/641-the-pulse.html