Latest flu and health news
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Updated 10:40 p.m.
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Find upcoming R.I. flu clinics
Seasonal flu clinic update:
Because of a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine, all the previously scheduled flu clinics in Rhode Island have been canceled, according to the Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition. We'll publish an updated list of any new seasonal flu clinics that are added.
Swine flu clinic update:
The state of Rhode Island has not yet announced any public flu clinics for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine. We will publish a list as soon as these clinices are scheduled.
The state will vaccinate children against swine flu at schools around the state. The Rhode Island Department of Health will begin these vaccinations, starting with 58 schools during the week of Nov. 2. Read the story.
Find the date for the H1N1 Swine flu clinic at your school:
The Swine Flu Outbreak
Resources and Information
Address: Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
E-mail: library@doh.state.ri.us
By phone: For general questions: (401) 222-8022, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; For clinical case management: (401) 222-2577
Interactive: Outbreak prompts global alert
Information from the Rhode Island Department of Health on swine flu
U.S. information on the flu from the CDC
Swine flu Q&A from the Centers for Disease Control / Podcasts
International information on the flu
Things you can do, from the CDC
Interactive: More cases show up around the globe
Extra: Check daily absentee rates by school at RI education department web site
Extra: Advice on preventing the spread of flu at public gatherings
Your Turn: Will you get vaccinated against swine flu this year?
Your Turn: Has your behavior changed in light of the swine flu outbreak?
Your Turn: Will you allow your children to be vaccinated against swine flu?
Extra: Reporting requirements for H1N1 virus
Extra: How the R.I. Health Dept. gathers flu data
Video: H1N1: Pregnant women struggle to find flu vaccine source
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Live Chat
Swine Flu
Health-Care Reform
Rhode Island experts offer insights on health care proposals
Five Rhode Islanders with expertise in health care were among the many who watched President Obama's speech Wednesday night. A professor, a doctor, a hospital president, a businessman and a government official each offer a unique perspective on what the proposals could mean in Rhode Island.
Live Chat
Health-care Debate
On Aug. 25, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chatted for an hour live with projo.com readers on health care reform. Here is a transcript of the chat. If he didn't get to your question, Reed asks that you e-mail him directly.
From The Journal's editorial pages: Sen. Jack Reed: A healthy dose of reform
Your turn: Should the U.S. treat health insurance as a right for all Americans?
The Price of Miracles: Families,
modern medicine and premature birth
Lasting effects: William and Joseph Oliveira, age 6, personify the prematurity epidemic in all its variety and uncertainty. Though identical twins, they face divergent futures. Many preemies struggle as they grow -- and many succeed. A look at the long aftermath of premature birth. Read the story
Video: 'We're both red-haired twins' William Oliveira, who has cerebral palsy, gets lots of encouragement from his twin brother, Joseph. Both boys were born after 24 weeks' gestation, but at age 6, their lives are very different.
Audio slideshow: Rewarded with smiles: Former Woonsocket resident Sharon DiSpirito has built her life around the needs of her disabled daughter, Samantha, who was born prematurely in 1987. She's says it's a good life.
Stories of survival: Nine R.I. mothers of preemies share their experiences
Your Turn: Do you know someone who was born early? How is he or she doing?
Health tools
BMI Calculator
Body mass index determines the amount of body fat a person has. The higher your BMI, the greater risk you have of developing health problems such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
BMI applies to males and females, regardless of muscle mass or frame size, with the following exceptions:
Persons younger than 18
Competitive athletes
Body builders
Pregnant or nursing women
Frail or sedentary elderly people
Underweight -- less than 18.5
Normal -- 18.5-24.9
Overweight -- 25-29.9
Obese -- 30-39
Extremely Obese -- 40+
Ideal Body Weight for Women
Note: if you are exactly 5 feet or 6 feet tall, put a 0 in the inches box. The result will be wrong if you leave the inches box empty. This calculator will work for heights between 4 feet and 6 feet 11 inches.
Ideal Body Weight for Men
Note: if you are exactly 5 feet or 6 feet tall, put a 0 in the inches box. The result will be wrong if you leave the inches box empty. This calculator will work for heights between 4 feet and 6 feet 11 inches.
R.I. Department of Health
West Nile virus
Steps to prevent West Nile virus
R.I. Dept. of Health's information site on West Nile virus
More about the management of mosquito-borne diseases in R.I.
Topics of special interest
Choosing a nursing home and other nursing-home resources
Special reports
Susan Farmer looks back on life well-lived, forward to gardening / Video
Weakened by cancer, Rep. Slater still champions the needy















