Board of Health Monthly Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2004
8:00 AM
Library

Call to order at 8:00 AM
Present: Board of Health – Mr. Lalime, Dr McNamara, & Dr. Tracey
Staff – Mr. Callahan

Minutes of November 16, 2004 Meeting
A motion to approve the minutes of these meetings was made by Dr Tracey, seconded by Mr. Lalime and was passed by a unanimous vote.

Influenza Program
In accordance with a request made by the Connecticut Department of Public Health encouraging local health departments to distribute flu vaccine to providers who are in contact with patients at highest risk of complications from the flu. A plan was developed and implemented to resell vaccine. To date 4,280 doses were requested and 2,310 doses were sold. A summary was reviewed which listed the physicians, their request and amount received. Dr. Tracey, that in the event of a shortage in future years, in order to better insure that the CDC recommendations for vaccination of highest risk groups, a minimum order is required of physicians made a recommendation.

Health District Task Force
The Task Force has met twice. At the December 2, 2004 meeting Jim Rokos and Steve Huleatt, directors from Connecticut health districts, offered insights on their experiences in forming, expanding and operating these organizations. The next meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2004 at the New Canaan Town Hall.

Personnel
A search for a WIC Program Coordinator is underway. The process should be completed by December 23, 2004

Obesity Study
An analysis of Norwalk public school students was made to determine the prevalence of obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for Kindergarten and sixth graders. The number of children considered overweight and at risk of becoming overweight were identified. These findings were compared to national averages and the Healthy People 2010 goals. A comparison was also made of current kindergarten students to kindergarten students from 6 years ago. The change in a six-year period of kindergarten students was also documented. In all of the comparisons Norwalk students were found to exceed the national averages and to be growing more obese.

Stephanie Golub, Program Assistant in the Health Education division, wrote a report. The Board of Health reviewed this report. The report will next be brought to the Board of Education. One of the objectives of this project is to call attention to this disturbing trend and to develop a course of action to reduce obesity among Norwalk students. A group that includes Dr. McNamara, Tim Callahan, Stephanie Golub, Rhonda Collins, Health Educator, Mitchell Kresch, MD, and Chairman of the Pediatrics Department, Norwalk Hospital, Leah Turner, Supervisor of School Health Services and Keith Overland, DC are developing an action plan.

Adjourn: 9:10 AM

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