Volume 8, Number 5 September-October 2018
Promoting Health Through Prevention in Los Angeles County
The Evolving Science and Policy of Cannabis: What Health Professionals Need to Know
As cannabis use increases in Los Angeles County, it is important that health care providers ask about cannabis use and be prepared to have informed discussions with their patients. This article is designed to educate health care providers on the most clinically relevant cannabis issues and covers topics such as medical and legal considerations, drug interactions, health effects, and patient education. READ MORE
Cannabis Supplements
Screening and Referral for Cannabis Misuse and Cannabis Use Disorders
Due to the high prevalence of cannabis use and the significant risk of developing problem use, clinicians are encouraged to screen patients for cannabis use and refer for substance use disorder treatment when appropriate. READ MORE
Cannabis Toxicity
Clinicians should be familiar with the causes, signs, and treatment of cannabis toxicity given the higher concentration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in many newer cannabis plants and the wide availability of cannabis in LA County. In addition, providers should be prepared to counsel patients about prevention. READ MORE
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Cannabis
The increasing use of cannabis among women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is a significant public health concern. Evidence suggests that cannabis use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding may have adverse effects on the fetus and child. Pregnant and lactating women and those contemplating pregnancy should be advised to avoid cannabis use. READ MORE
Youth and Cannabis
While it is illegal in California for anyone under 21 years of age to smoke, consume, buy, or possess non-medicinal cannabis, a significant proportion of adolescents report using cannabis. It is essential for healthcare providers to advise parents/caregivers and youth of the detrimental effects of cannabis on the developing brain. READ MORE
Report Released: Recent Trends in Adult Use of Marijuana
This report shows trends in self-reported marijuana use rates among adults in LA County ages 18 and older in the years leading up to the November 2016 passage of Proposition 64, which legalized the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana for adults in California. READ MORE
Preventing Influenza in Los Angeles County: Time to Start Vaccinating
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released this season's influenza vaccine recommendations and health care providers are asked to begin vaccinating now. This brief summarizes the latest recommendations for vaccination in LA County, including the local Health Officer Order for annual influenza vaccination or masking of health care personnel. READ MORE
DPH RESOURCES AND TRAININGS
Brief Updates from DPH
Resources For Providers and Patients
Take advantage of a variety of clinician and patient educational resources including new provider toolkits on pertussis, measles, and mumps; respiratory disease prevention flyers; and a poster alerting emergency department and other health care providers of possible contamination of black tar heroin with Clostridium botulinum. These resources are available online and are free of charge. VIEW LIST
Rx for Prevention, 2018 September-October;8(5). Published: September 13, 2018