HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-22 Board of Health Minutes North Andover .Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
,rhurs(jay—June 22, 2017
7:00 p.m.
1.20 Main Street,2"`' Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room
North Andover, MA 01845
Present: Thomas Trowbridge,Francis P.MacMillan Jr.,Larry Fixler, Edwin Pease,Joseph McCarthy,Brian
LaGrasse,Toni K. Wolfenden,Caroline Ibbitson
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pin.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ill. PUBLIC HEARINGS—not applicable
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting minutes from May 25,2017 were presented for signature.
Motion was made by Frank MacMillan to approve the minutes,the motion was seconded by Joe McCarthy,
all were in favor and the minutes were approved.
V. OLD BUSINESS—not applicable
V1. NEW BUSINESS -not applicable
VII.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND DISCUSSION—Mr. Larry Fixler announces that
his term as chairman and Mr. Joseph McCarthy's term as clerk begins tonight.
Brian LaGrasse begins a discussion on body art. Body art regulations were last updated in 2006.
It was geared toward tattoos. Today,there are new techniques and procedures which are mainly cosmetic.
Now,salons offer semi-permanent eye makeup, micro blading for eyebrows and permanent lip liner.
These techniques are being taught to cosmetologists. Today's regulations do not cover these practices.
Brian is requesting that the Board of Health examine these new techniques to ensure they are properly
regulated. Brian has joined a task force with the Boston Health Department which is focusing on the
modernization body art regulations. The Board of Health would be looking to ensure the environment is
clean, and the aesthetician or cosmetologist is properly licensed. In the fall of 2017, Brian will present to
the board ways to update the regulations. Toni Trowbridge has recommended that our regulations be
standard with other communities.
Larry Fixler discovered an article in The Wall Street Journal, dated Tuesday,April 25,2017 on
ticks. The article states that"Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S."
Symptoms include:ring like rash, arthritis,muscle pain,headaches,heart palpitations,and brain
inflammation and nerve pain. According to The Wall Street Journal"The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimates there are more than 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease a year,about triple the rate
2017 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 2
Board of Health Members: Larry Fixler,Chairman;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,M.D.,Member
Edwin Pease,Member;Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Member Health ft
I Staff.Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,
Caroline lbbitson,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health inspector;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department
Assistant
from two decades ago. Most cases are centered in the Northeast..." The best way to prevent is to use
insect repellent with DEET,treat hiking clothes with permethrin,wear long sleeves and pants. Tuck pant
legs into ones socks. Shower after being outside. Ticks must be latched onto host for 24—48 hours in
order to transmit the disease. Examine your pets. Ticks will die in direct sunlight because of this they are
less likely to be found in lawns. They are mostly in high vegetation areas, shrubs and bushes. To keep the
ticks out of the lawn,keep it cut short and put a barrier of mulch or stone between the vegetation and grass.
Tick season is year round however peak season is in the summer. They lay dormant in the winter when it
isbelow 42 degrees. Ticks are on the rise because their habitats are expanding. The best prevention is
awareness.
MOTION made by Frank MacMillan to delegate the Chairman of the Board the authority to
follow the spraying recommendations of the North East Mosquito Control District,Joe McCarthy seconded
the motion and all were in favor.
The North East Mosquito Control will give a presentation at the July meeting, Wheelabrator and
the Medical Reserve Core will be doing future presentations.
Starting in July, Caroline lbbitson will begin the blood pressure clinics located at the Senior
Center. They will be offered on the 2"`'arid 4"'Wednesday of each month. Cholesterol and glucose
screenings will start after approval from the Commonwealth.
Joe begins the conversation.on Fentanyl and opioid abuse. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid
pain reliever. Unfortunately,the Merrimack Valley has seen a rise in deaths from overdose, The Fentanyl
that is used in the medical field is not the same drug found on the streets. Drug dealers are now mixing
Fentanyl with Heroine which is highly addictive and inexpensive, ultimately becorning very profitable for
dealers. The addiction to Fentanyl/Heroine is a brain disorder that can take tip to 5 years to overcome.
People exposed to drugs between the ages of 12-25 have greater chances of addiction simply because of
adolescence.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS—not applicable
Ix. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Frank MacMillan to adjourn the meeting. Joseph McCarthy seconded the motion and
all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 pin.
Toni K. Woenden, Health Dept, Assistant
Reviewec�fij!:
All Board cI-Iealth Meinbers&Brian LaGrasse, Ilealth Director
&gned b):
J0P MCC Ca'rtk-y, Clepklol the Board Date Signed