Utah Chiropractic Physicians Association

 Chiropractic Night at the Bee’s Ball Game July 11th was great fun. 
THANKS to all that supported the event!

Plan now to attend the UCPA annual Summer party at Oquirrh Park August 1st from 12-6 pm. There will be a BBQ, Band, and great time to socialize with fellow Chiropractors and their staff. Call the Association Office today to register: 801-281-4100 or 877-421-8272

Utah’s Department of Health has just announced the first probable cases of  the H1N1 virus here.  These cases have not yet been confirmed by the CDC.  The UCPA is urging all chiropractors in the state to review standard precautions with their patients and staff.  Symptoms of influenza include headaches and joint pain.  Chiropractors may be seeing patients complaining of these symptoms and need to be prepared to refer these patients for the appropriate confirmation and treatment if not set up to do lab work.  The following is information recommended and approved by The UCPA Public Health Initiative for distribution by and through all chiropractic offices in the state.

Though not yet shown to be symptomatically worse than any other flu it is a new strain so very few will be immune, we are all susceptible, and some standard precautions should be taken to protect ourselves and others.

Recommendations for Chiropractors

• Keep up to date on breaking information: Utah Info, National Info
• Chiropractors should have face masks available to people who come into their office with flu like symptoms, and hand sanitizer available for use.
• Sanitation of commonly touched surfaces should be increased in chiropractic offices.
• Chiropractic offices should have printed public health information for patients regarding the H1N1 virus. (Approved Publication Here)
• Chiropractic Physicians should educate their patients and staff regarding standard safety precautions and have office procedures to follow.
• Chiropractors should adjust their history questions appropriately including asking about recent travel to Mexico, and contact with any sick persons.
• If not set up for it doctors should know where to refer patients suspected of having the H1N1 virus, for a confirmed diagnosis.
• Chiropractors should be aware of and make their staff aware of proper disease reporting procedures utilizing 1-888-EPI-UTAH.
• Additional information for the press, public, and chiropractic physicians can be found at www.utahchiro.org.

Recommendations for the Public

• Be informed.  School closures and other advisories will come through normal news channels.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Develop an emergency plan. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

FAQ From the Utah Department of Health: http://health.utah.gov/epi/SwineFlu/Q&A_042809.pdf