Flu-Season Deaths Spike in California
Sneezes and sniffles -- it's that time of year. As of today, California's Department of Public Health reported 202 confirmed flu-related deaths among state residents under the age of 65. In comparison, there were only 106 confirmed flu-related deaths last flu season. Why are young adults getting hit harder with the current H1N1 flu strain, and what do these numbers mean from a public health perspective?
Guests:
Lisa Aliferis, KQED State of Health editor
Dr. Erica Pan, Director of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Alameda County Public Health Department
Further Reporting: 5 Things You Should Know About This Year's Flu
Additional Resource: AITC Immunization and Travel Clinic, SF Department of Public Health
San Jose State Tackles Racial Discrimination
The recent harassment of an African-American freshman at San Jose State University has prompted soul searching at the campus. An independent fact-finding report was published this week detailing the events and the university's response. The freshman student's roommates are charged with fastening a bike lock around his neck and displaying a Confederate flag in their dorm room, among other incidents. A special task force on racial discrimination has begun public hearings to develop recommendations for maintaining an inclusive campus climate. Thuy Vu talks with LaDoris Cordell, a retired Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge who chairs the task force.
Toxic Stress in Children — Interview with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
Regular exposure to stress can have a lasting impact on the health of children. From what she sees at her clinic in Bayview-Hunter's Point, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has come to believe that childhood stress can lead to physical changes and illness in adulthood. In fact, stress can take years off an individual's life. Scott Shafer talks with Dr. Burke Harris, CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness, to discuss her ground-breaking work counteracting the effects of what she calls "toxic stress."