Jose Magallanes
    I spoke with Lind, a health receptionist for the Salt Lake County Health Department.  Linda told me that for this time of year immunizations (especially flu shots) are of the most concern for Salt Lake County.  The Salt Lake health deartment had immunization services available all year round and makes a push for immunizations for the winter months.  Children recieving immunizations is the top priority for the county health department.  The concern is how quickly viruses and infections can spread among children so immunizations for children is the best way to keep those illnesses under control.
    Linda also mentioned that sexually transmitted infections and diseases as a growing problem.  To help meet the rising problem, Salt Lake county has implemented certain screening procedures during clinical examination.  Part of the problem is that many people who are infected with an STD don't know that they are.  One way that Salt Lake County is trying to reduce the risk of STDs spreading is by screening pregnant mothers to see if they are infected and if so administering treatments so it won't spread to the baby.
    Another health concern that Linda discussed was food bourne illnesses.  To combat the constant cases of illness, salt lake county offers food handling classes and routinely inspects pubic food places such as restaurants and food vendors.  The county feels that the best way to treat this problem is to teach parents and children about proper food handling techniques that will prevent the spread of food bourne illnesses. The salt lake county food protection services provides information about classes and simple tips.
    Linda also talked about water quality in the county, something that a lot of us take for granted.  With Utah being as dry as it is, it's important to keep the few water sources we have clean.  Salt Lake County regulates access taht pets and animals have to important water sources in the canyons.  Another water saftey concerns comes from preventing hazardous wastes from entering our water system.  Salt Lake county constantly inspects the public water systems to make sure they are free of pollution.
    Salt Lake County is especially concerned about mothers with newborns and young children.  It seems that they are heavily affected by many health factors.  The county WIC program helps these young mothers learn how to eat well during and after their pregnancies so that they and their babies can have the best health possible.  The program also encourages breat feeding and gives mothers information and support on how to effectively breast feed their newborns.