It’s not every day you walk into work to find data on the number of confirmed 2012 cases of syphilis in York city — at least, I hope not.
A “welcome-to-the-beat” sort of moment.
Anyway, that city flyer on my desk had a lot of other information too. If you want to take a guess on the syphilis number — or Lyme disease or lead poisoning — go ahead, that table is attached.
But the truly important news for city residents was found at the bottom of the mailer, something everyone should know at this time of year.
York city residents can get free flu shots, through the city’s Bureau of Health. Shots will be given at the Albert S. Weyer Health Center, 435 W. Philadelphia St., by calling 815-0910 to schedule an appointment, according to the flyer.
Information provided says the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age or older get a shot, and notes high-risk groups include those who are around infants, as well as pregnant women and people 65 or older.
The CDC offers info on its website.
In fairness, I can tell you from experience the shot is not popular at my house. My wife, a nurse, is required to get one for work, but always bristles at the idea. I never get sick, she says, except when I get the shot.
Maybe that’s the point, though.
I never get one either, so you should definitely mark this post and send it to me in a few weeks, when I’m home in bed sick as a dog.
Here’s that chart included in a recent city mailing. Too much information? I guess not.
For all that, though, it certainly seems worth the time for residents to check out all the information on the flu shot, and take advantage of the free service if they choose.
And now as to that tasteless lede, as promised here’s the table.
As you can see, there’s plenty of information there on all things health in the city.
Too much information?
Maybe. But I imagine it’s better from a public education standpoint to have the numbers, and to know what’s out there.
It can’t hurt to inject a little knowledge into the information stream.