Health Department News

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Norovirus Cleanup Procedure Click Here

Digital Television Transition

On February 17, 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations in the US will stop broadcasting over analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.

Why?

The Digital Television Transition is taking place for two reasons: quality of service and accessibility for communications.  Digital Broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality along with the opportunity for additional channels and programming.  Additionally, the digital switch will free-up important parts of the broadcast spectrum for other uses.  The portions of the spectrum previously used for analog television transmission will in large part be made available for advanced wireless services, while a smaller portion will serve for communications among emergency personnel.

What do I Need to do to Prepare for the Transition?

The type of television you have is the most important part of determining what you need to do to prepare for the Digital TV Transition.  Below are a few of the most common scenarios facing consumers:

If you have a digital TV, which are mainly those purchased in the last 2 years, you don’t need to do anything to prepare.

If you have an older television, which receives cable or satellite service, your television should continue to work as it did prior to the transition.

Those televisions which are receiving free channels, via a rooftop or rabbit ear antenna will be the most affected by the transition.  To continue to receive over the air service, these televisions will require a digital-to-analog converter box.  If you choose not to purchase a converter, the television should continue to work with VCRs & DVD players and gaming consoles. 

What is a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box?

The Digital-to-Analog Converter box is a device that will allow older, analog TVs to receive over-the-air television channels after the transition to digital service has been made.  The converter box simply attaches in between your antennae and TV set.  One box is needed per television receiving over-the-air channels.

How Much Does a Converter Box Cost?

Estimates show that converter boxes will cost between $40 and $70, and they’ll be available at most places televisions are sold.  To assist consumers in meeting the requirements for the Digital TV Transition, the federal government has established the Converter Box Coupon Program.  Under this program, each household is eligible to receive up to 2 coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of the converter boxes. 

How do I get a Converter Box Coupon?

There are 2 ways to get Converter Box Coupons. 

1)     Contact the National Telecommunications & Information Administration at
        1-888-388-2009.

2)  Visit www.dtv2009.gov

The converter box coupons expire within 2 months of the date issued and not all retailers can accept the coupons.  Be sure that to check which stores are on the government approved list of retailers where converter box coupons can be used. 

What should I do With My Old TV Set if I Don’t Want to Keep it?

Your first thought may be to give your old television to a thrift shop for resale or perhaps to store it in the attic or basement with that old computer or microwave you’re hanging on to.   While donating your old television to a resale shop is a nice gesture, many resale and thrift shops are going to be overwhelmed with older, analog sets and will face challenges in selling and disposing of them. 

If you’re not going to continue using your analog television, consider recycling it.  When not disposed of properly, electronics such as televisions, which contain an average of 4 pounds of lead, pose a real threat to the health of our environment.  Considering that millions of analog TVs will be discarded leading up to and following February 17, 2009, recycling these televisions is a great step in helping to support the health of our communities.

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CDC Reports An Increase in Measles Cases in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control reported in a webcast Monday that the U.S. has had more cases of measles this year than at anytime since 2001.  Between January 1 and April 25, 2008, there have been 64 cases of measles including 4 cases in downstate Michigan.  The CDC investigation showed that two-thirds of the children were old enough to be immunized, but were not because of personal belief or religious exemption.

Measles is a respiratory illness that spreads through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person, or by airborne droplets.  Dr. Gail Shebuski, former Medical Director of Western U.P. District Health Department states that the initial symptoms include a fever, cough, red eyes, and runny nose.  After three to seven days, a characteristic rash develops that starts on the face and then moves down the body to the arms and legs, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.  One in three people with measles develops complications such as diarrhea or pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.  The disease can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, and people who have weakened immune systems.  Prior to the measles vaccine it was common to see thousands of cases and an annual death toll of 500 children.  Outbreaks like the present one take place in pockets of unimmunized children and adults.

It is important that parents who are making decisions about immunizing their children are aware of the measles risk that is ongoing.  The measles vaccine is very safe and effective, and we strongly recommend that unimmunized persons receive the vaccine.

Western U.P. District Health Department provides public health services to residents in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Gogebic counties.  In addition, its Superior Home Health and Hospice Division provides skilled home nursing and hospice services in the five counties.  Western U.P. District Health Department has offices in Hancock, L’Anse, Ontonagon and Bessemer.