Council Passes Healthy Vending Bill

This morning we unanimously approved Bill 1-17 that will require all vending machines on County property to carry at least 50 percent of items that meet American Heart Association recommended nutrition standards for sugar, salt, fat and other measures.

The bill provides for healthier items to be offered along with chips, candy and regular soda. For the next two years, 50 percent of snacks in machines on County property need to meet American Heart Association recommended nutrition standards for sugar, salt, fat and other measures. After that, the percentage of healthy food and drink offered will be required to rise to 65 percent. Every drink machine would also offer bottled water.

Almost one in four children in Montgomery County is not able to maintain a healthy weight. This rate outpaces the national average. More than half of all adults in the County are not keeping a healthy weight.

Healthy vending legislation was passed by the Howard County Council in 2015 and will be introduced to the Prince George’s County Council this year.

Sick and Safe Leave Law Effective October 1

Montgomery County's Sick and Safe Leave Law takes effect October 1. Under the new law, an employer must provide each employee with sick leave for a variety of reasons, including personal illness, preventative care, a family member's illness, a public health emergency or domestic violence.

Employers with fewer than five employees must provide up to 32 hours of earned paid sick and safe leave and 24 hours of unpaid earned sick and safe leave in a calendar year. An employer with five or more employees must provide up to 56 hours of paid sick and safe leave in a calendar year. In either case, employers are not required to allow an employee to use more than 80 hours of earned sick and safe leave in a calendar year.

See the frequently asked questions or get the informational poster for more information.

Tips on Surviving the Heat Wave

The County urges you to take precautions during excessive heat and offers these tips on surviving the heat:

With temperatures forecast for the upper-90s to 100° later this week, and heat indexes forecast to exceed that, County officials are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Residents are also asked to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who may be isolated to be sure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses. County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation and senior centers, as well as regional services centers, will be open and may provide respite from the heat.

“Summer heat can be dangerous, especially for seniors and those with chronic illnesses,” said County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman. “It is important for all of us to check on our friends, relatives and neighbors to make sure they are safe during extreme temperatures.

The following precautions will help residents remain safe and comfortable during excessive heat days:

• Stay indoors, whenever possible.Visit nearby air conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air-conditioned. In addition to County facilities, residents can visit shopping malls, movie theaters and museums. A hyperthermia plan for homeless shelters has been activated and shelters that are normally closed during daytime hours will remain open so that individuals can stay indoors. Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all homeless individuals.

Heat Safety Tips                                                                                 

• Be careful to avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
• Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen protection are recommended.
• Never leave pets or young children in a car for ANY amount of time, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include: infants and children up to four years of age; individuals 65 years of age and older; individuals who are ill or on certain medications; and individuals who are overweight.

Knowing the signs of heat exposure can prevent serious illness from becoming life threatening. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water:

• Heat cramps:symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;
• Heat exhaustion:first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness; and
• Heat stroke:the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness.

Seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1.

For general information about County programs and services, call 3-1-1.

For more tips on having a safe and enjoyable summer, please go to the County’s Summer of Safety page at montgomerycountymd.gov/summersafety/, and on social media, use the #MoCoSafety.

FDA Rules Similar to Council on Electronic Cigarettes

Did you see that the Food and Drug Administration issued sweeping new rules that regulate electronic cigarettes and ban their sale to minors?

Last year the County Council unanimously approved my bill to ban the use of electronic cigarettes wherever traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited and to require child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine. At that time, we knew that the FDA was looking at electronic cigarettes, but we didn’t know if or when the agency would take action. I was not willing to gamble with our kids’ health and urged the Council not to wait.

I was concerned about health effects of the nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals found in e-cigs. Perhaps swayed by the belief that electronic cigarettes are safe, or emboldened by the fact that e-cigs have little odor that parents could detect, teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning or exposure to harmful chemicals.

Now, I am very pleased that the federal government is following our lead and is taking aggressive steps to keep electronic out of the hands of minors.

Health Officer's Report on Zika Virus

On Tuesday the County's Health Officer briefed the Council on the Zika virus, how it may affect Montgomery County and what precautions you should take. Although no cases of the virus have been reported in Montgomery County, there have been eight travel-related cases in Maryland, and the range of mosquitoes that carry the disease can expand to our area. See the video of the briefing (agenda item 6) or visit the County's Zika virus Web page for more information.

T&E Discusses Residential Lead Pipe Issues

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee recently held a discussion of residential lead pipe issues. Most of the news is good, especially as WSSC reminded us that there are no lead pipes in the public water system. As an extra precaution, WSSC adds a corrosion inhibitor to its water. It is possible that private property -- older homes in particular -- could still have lead pipes or solder. If you are concerned about your water quality, call WSSC at 301-206-7575 for a lead testing kit. If your home is served by a well, call 311 and the County will provide testing. See the entire discussion.

CEASE Policy Advocacy Award

I'm honored to be receiving the 2015 Policy Advocacy Award from Communities Engaged in Advocating for Smoke-free Environments (CEASE) for my work to ban electronic cigarette use in places where traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited.

I'll accept the award at the CEASE annual conference this Saturday at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Council President George Leventhal, who chairs the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, is also named in the award.

I was the lead sponsor of Bill 54-14 that was unanimously approved by the Council in March. The bill prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in public places where traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited. The bill also requires child-resistant packaging for nicotine containers.

Perhaps swayed by the belief that electronic cigarettes are safe, or emboldened by the fact that e-cigarettes have little odor that parents could detect, teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning or exposure to harmful chemicals. I am not willing to gamble with the health of our current generation of young people. The Council did the right thing by putting these protections in place.

The CEASE Policy Advocacy Award recognizes individuals who have played a major role in developing and/or facilitating the passage of important tobacco-related legislation, regulations or private policies. Recipients of the award may have achieved success by serving in public office, in appointed positions or as advocates for the public’s health.

Electronic cigarettes have a cartridge that holds a liquid solution containing varying amounts of nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals; a heating device; and a re-chargable battery. Generally, puffing action activates the heating device and vaporizes the liquid in the cartridge. Although they do not produce tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. There is a concern that e-cigarette use may serve as a gateway or introductory product for youth to try other tobacco products.

CEASE is a collaborative organization that aims to reduce tobacco use and to promote healthy living in Southwest Baltimore. CEASE provides smoking cessation treatment and prevention activities, disseminates data and information and engages in public advocacy. It partners with businesses, faith-based organizations, public schools and recovery organizations to educate, encourage and excite residents to choose healthier ways of living.

Electronic Cigarette Ban Takes Effect Today

New restrictions on electronic cigarettes go into effect today. Under the new law, the use of electronic cigarettes is banned wherever traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited. The law, which we passed unanimously in March, also requires child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine.

I sponsored this legislation because I'm concerned about health effects of the nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals found in e-cigs. Perhaps swayed by the belief that electronic cigarettes are safe, or emboldened by the fact that e-cigs have little odor that parents could detect, teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning or exposure to harmful chemicals. I am not willing to gamble with the health of our current generation of young people by waiting for federal regulations. The Council did the right thing by putting these protections in place. Learn more.

Council Passes Bill to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes

The Council today unanimously approved my bill to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public places where traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited. The bill also will restrict the sale of certain liquid nicotine or liquid nicotine containers in retail outlets unless the nicotine is in a container considered child resistant packaging.

Perhaps swayed by the belief that electronic cigarettes are safe, or emboldened by the fact that e-cigs have little odor that parents could detect, teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning or exposure to harmful chemicals. I am not willing to gamble with the health of our current generation of young people by waiting for federal regulations. The Council did the right thing by putting these protections in place.

At a July 21 worksession on e-cigarettes, the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee received briefings from the National Institutes of Health and the Legal Resource Center for Public Health Policy. The briefings included a discussion of the current medical understanding of the health risks and public policy concerns with electronic cigarette usage. After the briefings, committee members discussed the use of electronic cigarettes by minors and directed staff to provide options to restricting youth access to electronic smoking devices.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not currently regulate e-cigarettes. However, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the FDA the authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. The FDA has proposed a “deeming regulation” that would subject electronic cigarettes to FDA’s regulatory authority. It is unclear when (or whether) the FDA will issue a final rule and what the substance of that final rule will look like.

While at least 30 states have comprehensive clean indoor air laws restricting the use of lighted tobacco products in indoor public places such as bars, restaurants and office buildings, only a few have extended these provisions to include the use of electronic cigarettes. Among those states, New Jersey, North Dakota and Utah have specifically amended their clean indoor air laws to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public places and workplaces.

Radio America Interview -- What's In and What's Out for 2015

Julie Rios Little and I sat down to talk about what's in and what's out for 2015 for En Sintonía on Radio America. Here's our list:

Electronic cigarettes are OUT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOjc4um4KQ&index=1&list=PLvk-7RcdeRpS2sAMCbiJiaIwyEL-K8c_5

Measles are OUT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEBCCe197O4&index=2&list=PLvk-7RcdeRpS2sAMCbiJiaIwyEL-K8c_5

Purple Line is IN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdxHHG2s0Wg&index=3&list=PLvk-7RcdeRpS2sAMCbiJiaIwyEL-K8c_5

Aspen Hill is IN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79dlRwKi56s

My Letter to The Gazette about Regulating Electronic Cigarettes

Check out my letter in today's Gazette explaining why we must regulate the use of electronic cigarettes in Montgomery County. For your convenience, I have reprinted it below:

It is hard to keep up with the mounting evidence that electronic cigarettes pose more risks than their marketers would like us to believe, especially for children and teens.

Although electronic cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, they do contain nicotine and other dangerous chemicals. That’s why I introduced a bill in the Montgomery County Council to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces where traditional cigarette smoking is banned, including in public buildings and restaurants. The bill also would prohibit use of electronic cigarettes by minors and would require child-resistant packaging for them.

The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly called “vaping,” has grown dramatically since the product’s introduction in 2007. The practice has become so commonplace that the Oxford Dictionary selected the word “vape” as its 2014 “Word of the Year.”

Perhaps swayed by the belief that electronic cigarettes are safe, or emboldened by the fact that e-cigs have little odor that parents could detect, teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that e-cig use has tripled among teens in just two years. These young people are unwittingly putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction and nicotine poisoning, as well as potentially graduating to harmful tobacco products.

What exactly is in an electronic cigarette? It is hard to say. In addition to the most common ingredients — propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings — studies have revealed a lot of unsavory things, like carcinogens, heavy metals and even silicon fibers in some e-cigs. But with 90 percent of electronic cigarettes being manufactured in China, where production lacks even the most basic of regulations, they could contain just about anything.

Many states, including Maryland, prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. Municipalities including New York City, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago, also have enacted restrictions on their use.

While the Food and Drug Administration is currently considering regulations to address electronic cigarettes, it is not clear when those regulations would be finalized or take effect. In the meantime, I’m not willing to gamble with the health of our current generation of young people. We must put some protections in place, and we must do it now.

Nancy Floreen, Garrett Park
The writer is vice president of the Montgomery County Council.

E-cigarette Bill on Channel 9 News

Why did I introduce a bill to regulate electronic cigarettes? Find out in my interview today with Andrea Roane on the WUSA channel 9 news.

Student Newspaper Reports on Electronic Cigarette Bill

Kudos to the countywide student newspaper, MoCo Student, for the great article on my bill to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes. Since the bill focuses largely on the use of e-cigarettes by minors, I'm glad to see student reporter, Isabelle Zhou, giving the subject this coverage. Ms. Zhou does a great job not only of getting the facts straight but also of including a youth perspective, noting "because e-cigarettes release vapor instead of smoke and leave no smell, it is easier for kids to conceal their use of these products from parents or guardians." Ms. Zhou also accurately reports that there is a public hearing on the bill on January 22. To testify, call 240-777-7803, and yes, we welcome testimony from students.

Bill to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes

This week I introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces where traditional cigarette use is prohibited, including public buildings and restaurants.

The bill also would prohibit use of electronic cigarettes by minors (ages 18 and under) and would require child-resistant packaging for electronic cigarettes.

The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly called “vaping,” has grown dramatically since the product’s introduction in 2007. The practice has become so commonplace that the Oxford Dictionary selected the word “vape” as its 2014 “Word of the Year.” Although electronic cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, they do contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Children and teens are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction.

As elected officials, we at the County Council are stewards for public health. We know that teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction and nicotine poisoning, as well as potentially graduating to harmful tobacco products. It is our responsibility to put some protections in place.

Twenty-four states, including Maryland, prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. Municipalities including New York City, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago also have enacted restrictions. While the Food and Drug Administration is currently considering regulations to address electronic cigarettes, it is not clear when those regulations would be finalized or take effect.

A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on January 22. To sign up to testify, call 240-777-7803. You can also send you testimony to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Council Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today we recognized local breast cancer prevention and treatment programs as a part of the County Council proclamation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since BCAM began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. That’s something to celebrate, especially since one in eight women in the United States—or 12 percent of women—will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in her life, making breast cancer the most common cancer among women except for skin cancer.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have many partners across various disciplines that not only raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer but also provide medical and support services to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Today we honored these providers.

By way of today's proclamation we stand with the mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and friends who have been affected by breast cancer, and that we recognize the ongoing efforts of dedicated advocates, researchers, and health care providers who strive each day to defeat this terrible disease.

Do You Qualify for the Affordable Care Act Insurance?

The Maryland Health Connection is the state's new insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. If you need health coverage, you have three ways to enroll:

• Sign up online. See the plans Maryland is offering, enroll and choose the plan that best fits your individual needs.
• Call Maryland's Call Center at 1-855-642-8572 (toll free) or 1-855-642-8573 (TTY) and enroll over the phone.
• Meet in person with a health navigator to complete enrollment. For a calendar showing where navigators will be located, go online and click on the calendar.

Dispelling Myths About the Affordable Care Act and Seniors

If you are interested in learning more about the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what it means for seniors, stop by any one of a series of community events sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and the Montgomery County Department of Recreation that will be held in October.

 

The programs will address the myths surrounding the effect the ACA will have on seniors, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Maryland’s plan for implementing the ACA, which mandates that legal residents age 18 to 64 have health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2014 or face a penalty.

 

The events are scheduled for:

 

Monday, October 7, 11 a.m.

Gaithersburg Senior Center

80-A Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg

 

Tuesday, October 8, 1 p.m.

Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center

1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring

 

Wednesday, October 9, 1:30 p.m.

Holiday Park Senior Center

3950 Ferarra Drive, Wheaton

 

Thursday, October 10, 11 a.m.

Long Branch Senior Center

8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring

 

Thursday, October 10, 1 p.m.

White Oak Senior Center

1700 April Lane, Silver Spring

 

Tuesday, October 15, 1:30 p.m.

Damascus Senior Center

9701 Main Street, Damascus

 

A brief presentation will be provided and a question and answer session will follow the presentation.  Registration is not required. For more information about the Affordable Care Act, go to www.marylandhealthconnection.gov. For a schedule of where in-person assistance will be available when enrollment begins October 1, go to www.capitalhealthconnection.org and click on “Resources,” then “Calendar.”

How Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect You?

Curious about how the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect you? Check out any one of a series of community forums sponsored by the Montgomery County Regional Service Centers and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in August and September.

The forums will address the impact of the ACA on residents ages 18 to 64 and will give you a chance to learn more about the insurance coverage and potential assistance available through Maryland Health Connection.

The forums are scheduled for:

Monday, August 19
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Plaza
Silver Spring

Wednesday, August 21
7 to 8:30 p.m.
East County Regional Center
3300 Briggs Chaney Road
Silver Spring

Thursday, August 22
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Upcounty Regional Center
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown

Tuesday, September 3
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Mid-County Community Recreation Center
2004 Queensguard Road
Silver Spring

Thursday, September 5 -- rescheduled to September 12
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda

A brief presentation will be provided outlining the key components of the ACA, as well as how you can prepare for enrollment beginning October 1, 2013. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Registration is not required.

My Bill to Ban Smoking on County Property

I have unfortunately spent a lot of time over the past year with people who have cancer. I want to do everything I can to help prevent this awful disease in all of its forms, and my proposal to ban smoking on all County properties except public rights of way is a good place to start.

I will introduce the bill, which will cover all property leased or owned by the County, on November 20. We will hold a public hearing on January 15 (call 240-777-7803 to sign up).

In Montgomery County, one in 12 adults smoke cigarettes. Nationally, tobacco use is responsible for one in five deaths, and an annual toll of 443,000 deaths. Smoking accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths and is associated with increased risk for 15 types of cancer. Tobacco use remains the single, largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S.

I’m very pleased that the American Cancer Society will join me for a press event on November 15, the day of the 37th Great American Smokeout, to announce the bill. The Smokeout is an annual event that urges smokers to give up their smoking habits. Thanks also to Council Vice President Nancy Navarro and Councilmembers Craig Rice, Hans Riemer, George Leventhal and Marc Elrich for co-sponsoring the bill.

Food Safety During Prolonged Power Outage

Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman today urged residents who remain without power to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
• A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
• Obtain dry ice or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if there is a prolonged power outage. Residents should check with local retailers for ice supplies.
• Digital, dial or instant-read thermometers and appliance thermometers will help determine if the food is at safe temperatures. The refrigerator temperature should be at 40°F or below; the freezer, 0°or lower.
• To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer.
• Never taste food to determine its safety!
• Food may be safely refrozen if the food still contains ice crystal or is at 40°F or below. Evaluate each food item separately. Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
• Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40° F for over two hours.
  
  For a complete chart and when to save and when to throw out certain foods, please visit the USDA’s food safety website.