Westfield Board Of Health Acts To Limit E-cigarettes In Town

The Westfield Board of Health met on November 4.

In response to the recognized dangers to children of using electronic smoking devices, the Board unanimously passed on first reading Ordinance #3-2019 to specifically regulate the sale of these devices in town. The proposed ordinance will be considered and voted on again at our December 2 meeting, to which the Westfield community is invited.

The seasonal influenza vaccination campaign is underway. A simple vaccination can help prevent the flu and it is best to be vaccinated before flu viruses start to spread. Good health habits, like covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home from school or work when sick, can also help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Residents can find information on influenza and local vaccination sites at the Westfield Regional Health Department’s website https://www.westfieldnj.gov/health in the Seasonal Information tab.

Ten unlicensed dogs and cats were investigated. Residents must license all cats and dogs through the Town Clerk and get them vaccinated against rabies. In addition, cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be supervised when outdoors to prevent them from biting people or other animals or being bitten by a wild animal. The presence of confirmed rabies in Union County last year, including a rabid cat, groundhog and raccoons, highlights the continued need for these measures.

Twenty retail food establishments were inspected in October. One restaurant had its fourth rating of conditionally satisfactory in less than 3 years and was the subject of a Board Hearing. The restaurant’s owner stated that he would implement additional training, equipment upgrades and improved supervisory procedures, as he had previously promised. A 4-day suspension of the food license was held in abeyance and shall be implemented for any rating less than satisfactory during the next 2 years. The restaurant was satisfactory on reinspection.

A child with a recently reported elevated blood lead level was discussed. A nursing investigation was completed and the child will be monitored.

Information about all of the Health Department’s activities, including helpful health-related advice and recommendations, such as concerning e-cigarettes and gun safety, and free education programs is available at https://www.westfieldnj.gov/health. Recent topics in the department’s monthly newsletter, Your Health Matters, include having a safe Thanksgiving, diabetes and smart eating. It is available on the department’s website in the November Newsletter tab. You can sign up to receive Health Department information through https://www.westfieldnj.gov/townupdates.

The complete minutes of the November 4 meeting will be posted after review and approval at our December 2 meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The public is invited to attend.

Lawrence D. Budnick, MD, MPH

President, Westfield Board of Health