August 10 Public Health Update

·        
Shared living quarters and close contact with a
large number of people put college students at higher risk for exposure to
vaccine-preventable diseases.

·        
Students are also recommended to stay up-to-date
on Hepatitis A & B, Meningococcal Meningitis and Tetanus, Diphtheria and
Pertussis (Tdap) immunizations.  

·        
Contact your health care provider or Mesa County
Health Department to ensure your immunizations are up-to-date.

·        
The National Safety Council reported the average
cost of a crash involving hospitalization costs at least $74,900 when factoring
in the productivity lost and expenses incurred because of the crashes. A crash
resulting in death can cost as much as $1.5 million per person.

·        
Be an attentive, defensive, nonaggressive driver
to prevent accidents.

·        
Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the
wheel and your mind focused on driving.

·        
Put your cell phone away. Texting while driving
is illegal in Colorado and talking on the phone takes your attention away from the
road.

·        
Stay at least three seconds behind the car in
front of you. Count how many seconds it takes you to reach a stationary object
the car in front of you just passed.

·        
Always be aware of your surroundings. Check your
mirrors frequently and scan conditions ahead of you. Keep an eye out for
pedestrians and cyclists.

·        
Don’t drive aggressively. Follow speed limits
and be a courteous driver to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the
road.