Health care notebook

Springdale school meals cut sodium

Sodium content has dropped in Springdale school lunches after a year of reduction efforts, a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study found.

Researchers at UAMS Northwest Regional Campus published their results in an article in Preventing Chronic Disease, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal agency selected Springdale in 2016 as one of eight sites to participate in a five-year sodium-reduction program.

At 30 Springdale schools and five community meals programs, UAMS staff proposed ways to reduce sodium in food available to patrons, who often are people with low incomes. UAMS nutrition staff also taste-tested lower-sodium recipes with school district personnel.

At the end of the program’s first year, an analysis found that sodium content had fallen by 11.2 percent in school meals and 16.6 percent in community program meals.

Continuing efforts within the program will include training in knife skills to help food service staff prepare fresh meals. They will also include product placement interventions, such as moving unflavored milk to the front of coolers, researchers wrote.

Doctor recognized for anti-HPV work

A De Queen pediatrician has been recognized for his efforts promoting a vaccine against human papillomavirus, or HPV, in Arkansas.

Dr. Floyd Gonzalez is among clinicians, practices and health systems in 32 states to be honored with the “HPV Vaccine Is Cancer Prevention Champion” Award this year. The award is given by a group of partners that includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Association of American Cancer Institutes and the American Cancer Society.

A news release from the Arkansas Department of Health said Gonzalez has achieved high rates of vaccination in his practice by communicating the vaccine’s benefits and answering parents’ questions in English and Spanish.

The vaccine can help prevent some types of cervical, mouth and throat cancer. HPV causes 33,700 of these cancers each year, according to the CDC.

The federal health agency recommends that children receive the vaccine around ages 11-12.

Sherwood seeks 15 blood donors

Sherwood is looking for at least 15 donors to give blood at a Wednesday drive.

The city co-hosts the drive at Bill Harmon Recreation Center, 51 Shelby Road, with the Arkansas Blood Institute. Donors should meet age and weight requirements, which are available online at arkbi. org.

The drive runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and donors will receive a free health screening and a T-shirt.