HmongHealth.org News

Hmong Health Groups on Facebook

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

April 2011 Marathon County Hmong Heritage Month: Spring into Health

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Resources for Healthy Living: Hmonghealth.org & Medline Plus

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The following information was presented May 5, 2011 at UW Stevens Point, as part of the HaSEAAC 17th Annual Conference,Spring into Better Health

Goal: to help you

Partner with health providers to make healthy decisions for personal well-being
Help family members with healthcare decisions

A. What is health information literacy and why is it important?

Health literacy is the ability to understand health information and to use that information to make good decisions about your health and medical care.

· http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthliteracy.html

· http://www.healthliteracywisconsin.org/

B. Medline Plus: Your best resource for trusted health information http://medlineplus.gov

· Asian American Health http://asianamericanhealth.nlm.nih.gov

· Refugee Health Information Network http://www.rhin.org

C. Hmonghealth.org http://www.hmonghealth.org

· Organization and links

· Original content: Hmong Family Health Guide

Poster: Developing the Hmong Family Health Guide

Contact information:

Margaret (Peg) Allen, MLS, FMLA
P.O. Box 2, Stratford, WI, 54484
715-687-4976 Mobile 715-212-3635
pegallen67 at gmail.com

Health Sciences Librarian

Consultant/Owner, Health Knowledge Consultants www.healthknowledgeconsultants.net
Coordinator, Hmonghealth.org for Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association www.wausauhmong.org

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Update: Hmonghealth.org and Hmong Family Health Guide

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We are in the final stages of updating Hmonghealth.org and publishing the Hmong Family Health Guide. Health Illustrations and the contents of the Hmong Family Health Guide are two key resources under the Health Information tab on the website. We are transferring and updating all links, and will be adding new resources as quickly as possible once all the health guide topics are uploaded and linked - many are already in place.

Organizations interested in helping sponsor the health guide should contact Peter Yang, Executive Director, at the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, 715-42-8390, or pyang (at) wausauhmong.org. Additional details will be posted next week, with ordering information available by April 30, 2011 or sooner.

Anyone with link suggestions or resources to post should send full information to Peg Allen, Project Coordinator, pegallen67 (at) gmail.com. We will start adding new resources as soon as the health guide is in press.

Comments and suggestions are welcome, including potential interest in providing future funding and ideas for future health literacy programs. Please send to either Peter or Peg at the email addresses above, including your full contact information.

Thank you!

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Hmong Health mailing list

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Hmong Health Listserv

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Please join our mailing list to receive information related to Hmong health and culture. Note that the moderator's email has changed, and this announcement replaces the @ sign with at in an attempt to reduce the amount of SPAM the moderator rejects.

The purpose of the Hmong Health mailing list is to discuss issues related to Hmong health. This includes:

Announcements of educational programs related to Hmong health and culture
Information related to the health status of the Hmong people
Updates to the Hmong Health website at www.hmonghealth.org
Announcements of books and audiovisual resources related to Hmong health, as produced by our subscribers and other reputable organizations
Questions and discussion related to Hmong health promotion and education

This is a moderated list, which means that all messages will be approved by the list moderator. Messages are usually not rejected, unless inappropriate for the list or SPAM.

List messages are archived at http://listserv.uic.edu/archives/hmonghealth.html. Only those subscribed have access to the archives.

To subscribe, please send an email request to the moderator, pegallen67 at gmail.com. We ask that you include your full name, address, and a brief note indicating why you are interested. This is to help identify our audience and reduce SPAM.

If you would like to share information via the list, please send an email message to hmonghealth at uic.edu. We accept attachments, but prefer to include a link to documents on your website. You can also copy text of announcements into your message.

This list is supported by the National Network/Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Region (NN/LM GMR), located at the Library of the Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), and the Hmong Health Education Network project currently funded by the National Library of Medicine and managed by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association (WAHMA).

Margaret (Peg) Allen, MLS-AHIP, Hmong Health Moderator pegallen67 at yahoo.com or pegallen67 at gmail.com (preferred)

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New Hmong Language Heart Health Multimedia Series

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:16:00 -0500

New Pathway to Good Health for Hmong video (DVD & VHS)

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:08:50 -0500

Pathway to Good Health for Hmong is a Hmong language educational video developed to provide health and nutrition information to Hmong people. Produced by Maomoua Vue, registered dietitian in the Nutrition Services Division/WIC program at the La Crosse County Health Department, it covers the following topics:

Body weight ranges.
Health risks associated with overweight/obesity.
Healthy eating tips.
Physical activity/exercise for good health.

Pathway to Good Health replaces the 2003 production, “Eat Healthy and Be Physically Active for a Healthy Life.” It was developed by the La Crosse County Health Department-Nutrition Services Division/WIC with funding from the Wisconsin Minority Health Program. Video production provided by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center ]]>

Dialect for Hmonghealth.org and Hmong Family Health Guide

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:07:34 -0500

As of April 2007, we are using the Green Hmong dialect for original content on Hmonghealth.org, including the new content for the Hmong Family Health Guide. Translations for the Health illustrations and Health dictionary will include White Hmong translations as well as Green. Documents already completed in White Hmong will also be included on the website.

New bilingual Health illustrations completed by Kalia Moua have been added to the site . They have English/White Hmong labels. As our editors complete the lists of terms in English, Green, and White Hmong, Kalia will be adding versions with English/Green Hmong labels.

The Health dictionary is also a work in progress, with new terms added as needed for understanding content in the Our Word version will become the glossary and index for the print Hmong Family Health Guide. Terms in the dictionary are bold in the health guide, as coordinated by Kia Her.

If you find translation errors on Hmonghealth.org - especially in the illustrations and dictionary - please use the Contact link. Based on focus groups held Spring 2007 and other user feedback, we are working on a new site design. There is still time for suggestions - please send via the Contact page.

Given the translation challenges, the print publication date for the Hmong Family Health Guide will be early 2008.

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Health & Safety Workshops for Wausau Area Hmong Community

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:20:01 -0500

The Wausau Area Hmong Association, Northcentral Technical College, the American Red Cross Marathon County Chapter, and area health providers collaborated to present a series of Saturday health and safety workshops for the Hmong community. They were held at the Health Sciences Building of Northcentral Technical College, with Hmong interpretation provided for all English speakers. They began at 9:00 am, with blood pressure and blood sugar screening by Red Cross nurses. NTC approved the guest instructors and provided certificates of attendance. The Hmong association staff coordinated registration, transportation, childcare, interpretation, door prizes, and refreshments, lead by Blong Yang, Health Navigator and Media Specialist.

On Saturday, December 9, Jenny Legaspi, Disaster Services Coordinator for the local American Red Cross, presented Home Fire Prevention [Tiv Thaiv Vaaj Tsev Kub nyab] and Winter Weather Preparedness [Npaaj Tsua Lub Caij Ntuj No]. Ms. Legaspi, a native of the Philippines, experienced several natural disasters in her home country before coming to Wisconsin when she was 13. She also worked in New Orleans following Katrina; some of the families she worked with were Vietnamese. The curriculum is based on a three part Hmong Presenter]]>

Kom Txhob Muaj Cancer DVD released

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:22:43 -0500

Kom Txhob Muaj Cancer (Health Crosses a Culture) is an educational DVD produced by American Cancer Society to educate Hmong individuals about cancer prevention and early detection. 8 segments can be viewed from the menu including:

Introduction from Wausau Hmong leaders
Cervical cancer
Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Colon cancer
Stomach and Esophageal Cancer
Nutrition and Physical Activity

The DVD can be viewed with or without English subtitles. It was filmed with cooperation with Aspirus, Aspirus Breast Health Center, Bridge Community Health Clinic, Family Planning Health Services, Gastrointestinal Associates, Marathon County Health Department, Marathon County UW Extension, Marshfield Clinic, Ministry Medical Group, Saint Clare]]>

DVD version of Hmong language STD prevention video

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:30:36 -0500

Kab Mob Kascees: Yuav ua li cas thiaj pab tau koj thiab koj tsev neeg (Sexually Transmitted Diseases: How to protect yourself and your family) is now available as a DVD, as well as in the original VHS format. Single copies are available for a $5.00 shipping and handling fee - please see our new order form. The script is also online, along with an evaluation form (English and Hmong versions) to use when showing the program to a Hmong audience.

In the DVD format, the entire DVD or selected sections can be viewed from the menu, making it more useful for those with a particular diagnosis. These sections include:

Introduction
General Information
Curable STD's
Non-curable STD's
Information for the Traveler
Resources for Information
Confidentiality
Summary & Conclusions
Credits

This popular video was produced by Lynn Buhmann, RN, NP and MeLee Thao, RN, PA of UW Wausau Family Medicine in 2003 with funding from the Wausau Health Foundation and Northern Wisconsin AHEC's outreach contract with the National Library of Medicine. The DVD conversion and copies were funded as an addition to our current contract with the National Library of Medicine funded Refugee Health Information Network, in time for distribution at the Hmong National Development annual meeting in March 2006. If you received a copy at that meeting, please let us know if you'd like the insert for the case, which lists the sections.

Also, please contact us if you need more than a single copy.

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Cancer, water and fish safety workshop on April 22 in Wausau

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 01:43:46 -0500

Cancer screening, water safety and safe fishing will be the featured topics for the third Take Charge of Your Health workshop on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. This event begins at 9:00 am with registration, blood pressure screening and Hmong brunch.

Dr. Kou Kevin Yang of the Marshfield Clinic ]]>

Cancer and Diabetes resources updated - link choices expanding

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 01:37:56 -0500

Hmonghealth.org website resources are expanding to include more links and bilingual resources.

16-Diabetes is the first section completed for the online Hmong Family Health Guide. It is also our first translation - with permission - from the Ohio-based HealthInfoTranslations project. This was a handout for our diabetes workshop. For now it is linked from the Diabetes page. More cancer resources have been added, with the section for the health guide coming soon.

In addition to Hmong language resources, we are adding more audiovisual resources. In addition to more videos, we are adding links to the Medline Plus and Health Roads Media interactive tutorials on our Family Health and Healthy Living topic pages. We hope this will provide visual materials that can be interpreted when Hmong langage resources are not available.

Please send us more suggestions for links and library resources, using the Contact page. We will evaluate and add those that are approriate as quickly as possible.

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Diabetes and Nutrition workshop at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Saturday April 8

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 01:36:15 -0500

Diabetes and nutrition were the featured topics for the second Take Charge of Your Health workshop held on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Aspirus, and the American Red Cross Marathon County Chapter. It began at 9:00 am with registration, blood pressure and breakfast. 44 Hmong attended, along with 12 staff and volunteers

Dr. David Jenkins of UW Health Wausau Family Medicine spoke on diabetes, interpreted by Khoua Xiong , Lead Interpreter for Aspirus. Leeann Vue from Bridge Community Health Clinic/ Northern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center spoke on nutrition. Both responded to audience questions.

The American Red Cross provided blood pressure and glucose screening. Students from the Wausau area DPI Early Intervention program helped with registrtion and were available for child care. Transportation and staffing was provided by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association.

For more information, please see the workshop flyer.

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English-Hmong anatomy & medical phrase book out of print

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 16:11:54 -0500

Based on March 23, 2006 message to Hmong Health listserv:

We're sorry to report that the English-Hmong anatomy & medical phrase book is completely out of print - all copies have been sold. This is noted on the website record. The medical phrase portion is available via the website in the Hmong Family Health Guide section, along with illustrations from Aspirus Wausau Hospital. These Health illustrations include translations of the English labels.

We are working on a new expanded edition, which will be published online as sections are completed. The content will be in the Hmong Family Health Guide, Health illustrations, and Health Dictionary sections of the Hmonghealth.org website.

We are also working on new anatomy illustrations, as we were unable to get copyright permisison from the original source.

The health guide will include updated content from several sources, including new sections for topics where we haven't found bilingual resources.

The glossary/dictionary for this book will be based on the terms and definitions from the new Health Dictionary section on the website. Comments and new terms should be sent to the dictionary editors from the Contact page. Dr. Xa Xiong from UW Health Fox Valley - Appleton volunteered to join our dictionary team at the Hmong National Development (HND) conference in March 2006-welcome! MeLee Thao, RN, PA, has reviewed translations from source materials, and Khoua Xiong is editing and recording the Hmong terms. Audio files will be added to the dictionary by the end of April.

FYI, our translations are in White Hmong, using words that Hmong elders will understand. As noted in all the health sessions I attended at HND, medical translation is a challenge, since many medical words do not exist in the Hmong language...

Margaret (Peg) Allen, MLS-AHIP

Coordinator, Hmong Health Education Network.

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Take Charge of Your Health workshops in Wausau area

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:32:35 -0500

Take Charge of Your Health Hmong language workshops begin Saturday, February 18, 2006 with "Control Your Blood Pressure." The Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association is sponsoring these classes, which are coordinated by the health navigator. Each workshop will be co-sponsored by one or more local health organizations.

The first class is sponsored by St. Clare's Hospital/Ministry Health. It will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the hospital in Weston, and will include lunch and tours of the new Weston Medical campus. Dr. Ed Bangi, Ministry Medical Group, will talk about the importance of controlling blood pressure and tips to help prevent heart attack and stroke. Khoua Xiong will introduce the Health Navigator role, and Mai Neng Xiong from Ministry Health will discuss patient rights and responsibilites. This free workshop will include blood pressure screening`and child care. Please call the Hmong association, 842-8390 if you plan to attend.

For more program information, see Health Navigator appointed in the Wausau Daily Herald, February 13, 2006.

HmongHealth.org

Watch this space for future Saturday and early evening classes from April through the end of the year. Topics will include diabetes, nutrition, cancer, home safety, and many others. Co-sponsors and suggestions are welcome.

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Avian influenza (bird flu) travel advisory

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:50:46 -0500

A Southeast Asia travel advisory on avian influenza (bird flu) has been issued by the Wisconsin Division of Public Health in

English and Hmong. Please review if planning a trip to Southeast Asia, or if you have recently returned.

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Welcome to our redesigned web site

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 08:49:55 -0500

Welcome!

Web Consultant Jeff Allen has made many improvements in the system that drives this site, and we are ready to resume adding new content. Check out new features, such as the Health Dictionary and new format for Health Illustrations. Please let us know what you like, and also what needs fixing. Send comments to Peg Allen and she'll share them with the team.

Also, see Health Web site unveils new look, published February 13, 2006 in the Wausau Daily Herald.

If you don't find information on the site that you'd like to see, use the Hmong Health listserv (mailing list) to send a message to more than 250 subscribers throughout the world. If not a member, see the list information for FREE subscription instructions.

If you have resources or links to suggest, please send them to Peg Allen or Khoua Xiong, Bilingual Health Navigator.

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Women of Vision Award recipients

Thu, 05 May 2005 17:04:00 -0500

Melee Thao, RN, PA at Wausau Family Practice and one of the major contributors to the work of this website, receives a Women of Vision Award. wausaudailyherald.

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Concerns about tuberculosis halts the travel of approximately 6,000 Hmong refugees still in Thailand

Wed, 02 Feb 2005 17:58:01 -0500

The following press releases and news article provide background on the current situation in Thailand. A Question & Answer document from the State Department and CDC is copied in below; it is not yet on either website. Thanks to Savitri Tsering, Wisconsin Refugee Health Coordinator, for sharing these items.

Press Release U.S. Department of State January 28, 2005
Enhanced Medical Screening for Hmong Refugees

Wisconsin Refugee Screening Prevents the Spread of TB

PRM Press Guidance January 28, 2005

From U.S Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Office of Multilateral Coordination and External Relations ( PRM/MCE): Robert Hilton, 202-663-1979 and Centers for Disease Control.

Question: Are refugees tested for infectious diseases, such as TB, prior to coming to the U.S.?
Answer: Yes. Under contract to the U.S. government, the International Organization for Migration performs the required medical examinations for many overseas refugee populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for providing technical guidance to the physicians who perform the overseas medical screening examination.
Question: When did the U.S. government become concerned about tuberculosis among Hmong refugees from Laos who are at the Wat Tham Krabok complex in Thailand?
Answer: CDC routinely recommends enhanced screening for TB, such as TB cultures and other rapid testing, for migrants who have lived in or are migrating from areas of the world with high TB prevalence, including parts of Asia and Africa. The Hmong refugee group at Wat Tham Krabok met this profile and so enhanced screening procedures were established.

In June 2004, the CDC noted a prevalence of tuberculosis among Hmong Lao, as detected by chest x-rays. This led the CDC to implement additional pre-departure tuberculosis screening procedures for this group that are standard for populations with high TB rates. Following implementation of these new procedures, CDC learned of cases of multiple drug resistant tuberculosis among this group.
Question: When did you become aware of a cluster of TB in the Hmong refugees from Laos?
Answer: In January 2005 CDC received reports of several Hmong refugees in the United States with active tuberculosis, including two cases of multiple drug resistant tuberculosis. These cases had not been identified during overseas medical examinations. Refugees receive additional TB screening upon arrival to the United States. CDC is working with state and local health officials and the Hmong refugee community in the U.S. to ensure individuals gets appropriate screening and treatment, if needed. The exact number of cases in the U.S. is still being determined.
Question: Why were these cases missed in the overseas exams?
Answer: CDC is investigating these cases. There are numerous reasons why some persons with tuberculosis might not be identified, despite enhanced screening and treatment protocols. First, although TB cultures identify the majority of persons with pulmonary TB disease, a small percentage of infected persons will have negative tests. This can be due to the nature of TB disease. In addition, some persons who have been exposed to TB will be later be infected with TB, but have not yet developed the symptoms of TB disease until after screening and migration to the U.S.
Question: How long will the moratorium on Hmong refugee movements from Thailand continue? What is the impact of the suspension on overall U.S. refugee admission efforts?
Answer: We can't say yet. CDC teams are now re-screening the remaining population in Thailand, approximately 6,000 individuals. Travel to the U.S. will not resume until CDC and the State Department believe it is safe to do so. The suspension does not affect our commitment to meeting the goals of the President's refugee determination for fiscal year 2005. We do not anticipate that the suspension will affect the overall admission figures for fiscal year 2005.
Question: Is there a chance that some Hmong refugees at Wat Tham Krabok may not be able to resettle in the U.S.?
Answer: The Department of State is committed to bringing all of the Hmong refugees approved for U.S. resettlement to the United States. Travel to the U.S. for approved refugees in this group will resume once these health issues are addressed. All refugees who pass the new medical screening will be moved to the United States as quickly as possible. Refugees who do not pass the screening initially will be provided with treatment in Thailand and will travel to the U.S. when they have completed treatment and are medically cleared.
Question: Will any of the sick refugees who have been admitted be sent back to Thailand?

Answer: No. No one will be removed from the U.S. CDC will work with state and local health officials and the Hmong community to ensure that affected individuals get the treatment they need. This heath problem does not change the underlying humanitarian reasons for which the Hmong refugees from Laos were granted refugee status and allowed to emigrate to the U.S.
Question: What is the situation in Thailand? Are Thai people at risk?
Answer: CDC has initiated an overseas epidemiological investigation in Thailand. A team of six CDC staff members, including an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, is traveling to Thailand now. They will join the ongoing Thailand Ministry of Public Health/CDC joint investigation into the prevalence and epidemiology of tuberculosis among the remaining Hmong refugees at Wat Tham Krabok. They will take all necessary steps to control potential disease transmission within this population and to others.

We do not believe that the prevalence of TB within the Hmong population at Wat Tham Krabok poses a threat to the Thai people. To become infected, a person normally would have to spend a relatively long time in a closed environment where a person with untreated TB who was coughing had contaminated the air. Anyone -- in Thailand or the U.S. -- concerned about possible exposure to TB, should see a doctor.
Question: How will care be provided for Hmong refugees in the U.S. who have TB?
Answer: Upon arrival in the U.S., refugees are provided a health assessment and follow-up care in order to prevent the spread of health conditions that could affect the public health and to identify and treat any health issues that could impede resettlement. These services are supported with funds from the Office of Refugee Resettlement's Preventive Health program.

Many refugees qualify for Medicaid which will cover their health care. For refugees not eligible for Medicaid, Refugee Medical Assistance is available for health care for the first eight months after arrival to the U.S.
Question: How has the Federal Government organized itself to respond to this important issue?
Answer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is leading the federal government's response to the health issues, working with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is also part of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of State. In Thailand, CDC and State Department officials are working with the government of Thailand, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other organizations.
Question: How common is TB, both in the US and worldwide?
Answer: Worldwide, 9 million new cases of tuberculosis are reported to the WHO each year. Tuberculosis is a leading infectious cause of death and about 2 million people die from this curable disease each year. In the United States, in 2003, 14,874 new cases of tuberculosis were reported to CDC, marking 11 years of decline since the resurgence in 1992. Fifty-three percent of these cases are among foreign born. In 2003, 108 of these cases were multi-drug resistant.
Question: Is tuberculosis an infectious and contagious disease that can be treated?
Answer: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with tuberculosis can die if they do not get treatment. Tuberculosis disease can be cured by taking several drugs for 6 to 12 months. It is very important that people who have tuberculosis disease finish the medicine, and take the drugs exactly as prescribed. If they stop taking the drugs too soon, they can become sick again; if they do not take the drugs correctly, the germs that are still alive may become resistant to those drugs. Tuberculosis that is resistant to drugs is harder and more expensive to treat. In some situations, staff of the local health department meets regularly with patients who have tuberculosis to watch them take their medications. This is called directly observed therapy (DOT). DOT helps the patient complete treatment in the least amount of time.
Question: What is drug resistant tuberculosis? Can people with drug-resistant tuberculosis be treated?
Answer: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) (i.e., tuberculosis resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin-the two most important drugs used to treat tuberculosis) presents difficult treatment problems. Treatment must be individualized and based on the patient's medication history and drug susceptibility studies. Unfortunately, adequate data are not available on the effectiveness of various regimens and the necessary duration of treatment for patients with organisms resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin. Moreover, many of these patients also have resistance to other first-line drugs (e.g., ethambutol and streptomycin) when drug resistance is discovered. Because of the poor outcome in such cases, it is preferable to give at least three, but often as many as four to six, new drugs to which the organism is susceptible. This regimen should be continued for a total of 18 to 24 months. MDR TB drugs should be given using a daily regimen under directly observed therapy (DOT). Intermittent administration of medications is generally not possible in treatment of MDR TB.
Question: Can people be vaccinated against tuberculosis?
Answer: BCG is a vaccine for tuberculosis disease. BCG is used in many countries, but it is not generally recommended in the United States. BCG vaccination does not completely prevent people from getting tuberculosis. It may also cause a false positive tuberculin skin test. However, persons who have been vaccinated with BCG can be given a tuberculin skin test.
Question: What is the difference between tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection?
Answer: People with latent tuberculosis infection have tuberculosis germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of tuberculosis disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others. However, they may develop tuberculosis disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing tuberculosis disease. People with tuberculosis disease are sick from tuberculosis germs that are active, meaning that they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their body. They usually have symptoms of tuberculosis disease. People with tuberculosis disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can cure tuberculosis disease.
Question: Should anyone who comes in contact with refugees be tested for TB?
Answer: To become infected, a person would have to spend a relatively long time in a closed environment, where the air was contaminated by a person with untreated TB who was coughing. A person with latent tuberculosis infection cannot spread germs to other people. If you have spent time with someone with tuberculosis disease or someone with symptoms of tuberculosis, you should be tested. People with tuberculosis disease are most likely to spread the germs to people they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers. Anyone concerned about possible exposure to TB, should go to your doctor or your local health department for a TB skin test.
Question: A few years ago, CDC established a National Action Plan to Combat Multidrug-Resistant TB, is this program still active?
Answer: The National Action Plan to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis has been revised and incorporated into a number of guidelines, including Treatment of Tuberculosis: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5211a1.htm

Other guidelines and recommendations can be accessed via the CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination website: www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/

There are a number of TB educational materials available in the Hmong language. These materials, along with other TB educational materials, can be accessed at the TB Education & Training Resources Website: www.findtbresources.org
Question: Please describe the current CDC tuberculosis prevention program available through the United States?
Answer: State and local health departments have the primary responsibility for preventing and controlling tuberculosis. However, other health care providers who provide tuberculosis services in settings such as private clinics, managed care organizations, HIV clinics, correctional facilities, and hospitals also have responsibility for preventing and controlling tuberculosis in communities.

Prevention and control efforts should be conducted through the coordination of health care providers in a variety of settings to ensure the provision of direct services for tuberculosis patients. Prevention and control efforts should include three priority strategies:
- Identifying and treating all persons who have tuberculosis disease. This means finding cases of tuberculosis and ensuring that patients complete appropriate therapy;
- Finding and evaluating persons who have been in contact with tuberculosis patients to determine whether they have tuberculosis infection or disease, and treating them appropriately;
- Testing high-risk groups for tuberculosis infection to identify candidates for treatment of latent infection and to ensure the completion of treatment.
Although tuberculosis care and treatment are often provided by other medical care providers, the health department has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that tuberculosis patients do not transmit M. tuberculosis to others. Health departments must ensure that medical services are available, accessible, and acceptable for tuberculosis patients, suspects, contacts, and others at high risk, without regard to the patients' ability to pay for such services.

Please see Tuberculosis on the Hmong Health Family Health page for links to bilingual patient education documents related to tuberculosis.

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Journal article describing Hmong health information initiatives

Wed, 02 Feb 2005 17:01:30 -0500

"Working with Immigrant and Refugee Populations: Issues and Hmong Case Study" by Margaret (Peg) Allen, Suzanne Matthew, and Mary Jo Boland was published in the Fall 2004 issue of Library Trends. The journal issue focuses on consumer health issues, trends and research, with Tammy L. Mays, Consumer Health Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Region as issue editor.

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Abstract:

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There is a critical need to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate health information for immigrant and refugee populations. This article discusses the challenges related to providing health information for immigrants and refugees in the context of developing health education/health literacy programs. It includes lessons learned from National Library of Medicine (NLM) funded health information programs in Wisconsin, particularly the Hmong health projects funded by the NLM Specialized Information Services Division. Topics include special needs of immigrant and refugee populations; health care for immigrants and refugees; identifying and working with partner organizations; examples of successful efforts; and finding funding sources for health information literacy projects.

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The formal citation is: Allen, M., Matthew, S, and M.J. Boland. (2004). "Working with Immigrant and Refugee Populations: Issues and Hmong Case Study." Library Trends 53(2): 301-328. A pdf copy is posted on this website.

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Hmong Tobacco Cessation & Prevention [video recording]

Tue, 11 Jan 2005 16:59:27 -0500

The La Crosse County Health Department and La Crosse Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association produced this new Hmong language video with funding from the American Legacy Foundation. It includes a facilitator's guide with bilingual script. For more information, please see the video record in the Library Resources section of this website.

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Coalition celebrates 10th Annual Health Fair

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 11:08:12 -0500

The Minnesota Hmong Health Fair Professionals Coalition celebrated their 10th Annual Health Fair with a program and luncheon held August 26, 2004. This event recognized the sponsors and volunteers that make this program a such a success. The PowerPoint show linked here illustrates the preparations, health fair activities, and many of the volunteers. It also lists the volunteers and sponsors. Thanks to all who made this event such a success!

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Physician Ministers To The Hmong

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 16:08:06 -0500

This August 9, 2004 article from the Wisconsin State Journal describes the long journey Xa Xiong took to become a physician. In additon to the activities described, he spoke on diabetes at the May 15, 2004 Hmong Health Fair held in Wausau. He is very skilled teaching and interacting with the Hmong community. See Physician Ministers To The Hmong and the link to the pdf file with a photo of Dr. Xiong leading tai chi exercise.

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Hmong: Bravery, honor and sacrifice on the road to freedom

Sun, 25 Jul 2004 11:08:00 -0500

Wausau Daily Herald has recently released a newspaper that talks about the history of the Hmong people. It has profiles of Hmong individuals and their stories, most of them are from the Wausau community such as Dr. Kevin Yang, Peter Yang and Thomas Lee. Please contact the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association at (715) 842-8390, or the Wausau Daily Herald if you like a copy.

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 11:07:34 -0500

With funding from the Community Health Care Wausau Health Foundation, the UW Health Wausau Family Practice Center produced a 33-minute Hmong language video in 2003 to educate the Hmong community about sexually transmitted diseases, encouraging prevention and proper treatment. This program is suitable for adult audiences, as well as older youth in approved health education programs. Available as either a VHS cassette or CD-ROM, the program addresses the following questions:

What is a sexually transmitted disease?
Is there more than one sexually transmitted disease?
Can I get more than one STD at a time?
Can I get a STD more than once?
How can I tell if I have a STD?
Can all STDs be cured?
How can I reduce my risk for getting a STD?
Where can I get help if I think I might have a STD?

Infections covered include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes I and II, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Graphic illustrations are used to show the effects of these infections. Some can be cured, while others can only be controlled. Since they can also affect partners and unborn children, prevention is the first goal. With proper treatment, complications can be avoided.

After viewing this video, members of the Hmong Health Steering Committee said that they felt well informed of the risks of unprotected sex. The program's message is clear: these infections are serious health issues! Prevention and prompt treatment are the best strategies for healthy families.

In addition to the Wausau Health Foundation, this program is supported by Wausau Family Practice, the Marathon County Health Department, the Hmong Health Education Network, and the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association (WAHMA).

Since this is an important health issue, we are distributing copies at cost. You may copy the program in its entirety for free educational distribution. For more information, see:

Order form on Hmong Health website
Hmong and English scripts on the website
Evaluation form in English & Hmong &emdash; please use as discussion guide and return as indicated

Thank you for your support of Hmong health education!

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Hmong population data

Mon, 02 Feb 2004 17:58:00 -0500

Data and Statistics is a new topic on the Hmong Links page of this site. It includes information on two 2004 resources:

Hmong 2000 Census Publication: Data and Analysis, by the Hmong Cultural and Resource Center in Saint Paul and Hmong National Development in Washington DC. This resource includes comprehensive data tables and analysis of Hmong socioeconomic, educational and demographic trends across the United States, based on data from the U.S. Census.

This book is also listed in the Library Resources Books page. It is not available online, but can be ordered from Hmong National Development by following this link www.hndlink.org/datastat.htm.

We the People: Asians in the United States. This December 2004 U.S. Census Bureau report provides a portrait of the Asian population in the United States and discusses the eleven largest detailed Asian groups at the national level, including the Hmong. It is part of the Census 2000 Special Reports series that presents several demographic, social, and economic characteristics collected from Census 2000.

We welcome suggestions for additional resources on this topic, as well as anything related to Hmong Health.

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