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October 2007 – National Physical Therapy Month, American Pharmacists Month, Fire Prevention Week, National Health Care Quality Week

Each month, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) identifies general themes which coincide with the scope and vision of the Department's boards and bureaus. You can view a full listing of events that the DCA will be attending, many of which correspond with the theme of the month, on our Outreach Events Calendar.

National Physical Therapy Month

National Physical Therapy Month celebrates the health and well being of any person's single most valuable possession: their body. When injury or disability occurs, it is often times the physical therapist who people turn to in order to overcome their pain and loss of mobility. A physical therapist is a licensed health care professional who evaluates a patient's physical status, establishes goals and a plan of care, and administers treatments to promote optimal health.

The Department of Consumer Affairs regulates and licenses physical therapists in the State of California through the Physical Therapy Board. The Board's mission is to protect the public from the incompetent, unprofessional, or criminal practice of physical therapy. It provides three principal types of consumer services: verification of education and background prior to licensure, information about physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, and investigation of complaints against physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Choosing the right physical therapist, with an expertise in your area of injury, is an important step on the path to recovery. The American Physical Therapy Association has an extensive database which can help you find a physical therapist. You can verify a Physical Therapist's license on the Physical Therapy Board's Web site by clicking this link. If you have received substandard treatment or if you feel your Physical Therapist is operating without a license, you can file a consumer complaint through DCA's on-line complaint process.

Before you can be treated by a Physical Therapist, you must receive a diagnosis from a health care practitioner. The Department of Consumer Affairs stresses the importance of only working with licensed professionals. To find out if your health care professional is licensed with the State of California, click here. The DCA's Medical Board is also an excellent resource for finding and learning about Physicians.

American Pharmacists Month

Medicine can improve your quality of life, but it can also cause harm if not taken correctly, or in combination with other drugs. This is where the role of your pharmacist is most important. Choose your pharmacist carefully and use only one pharmacy so all your medication records are in one location. October is American Pharmacists Month and the theme is "Know Your Medicine, Know Your Pharmacist.”

Pharmacists are medication resources for consumers, and DCA's Board of Pharmacy is a great place for consumers to learn more. To verify whether your pharmacist is currently licensed to practice in California, click here. You will also find information for consumers including tips about buying drugs from foreign countries, or on the Internet, and tips about how to save money when buying prescription drugs. To find information about how to file a complaint against a California pharmacist, click here.

Board of Pharmacy meetings are held at different sites throughout California. Consumers and interested parties are encouraged to attend. Agendas and meeting materials are posted on the Board's Web site approximately 10 days prior to meetings. The next public Board meeting will be held October 24-25, 2007. Join the Board at the Marin Senior Information Fair on October 10, 2007.

Your pharmacist can help you avoid harmful drug interactions, and determine whether a medicine will work safely with other medications, or herbal supplements. Talk to your pharmacist about what foods, drinks, or activities should be avoided while taking a medication, and what to do if you miss a dose. Your pharmacist is key to helping you get the most from your prescription and non-prescription medicines.

Fire Prevention Week (October 7-13)

The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8, 1871. That tragedy killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,000 structures.

The Department of Consumer Affairs' (DCA) Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation is a strong State fire safety advocates, encouraging families and businesses to take the needed measures to reduce injury or casualties. The Bureau develops and regulates flame-retardant standards, which bedding and upholstered furniture manufacturers follow to ensure homes are safe. In the event of a residential fire, compliant bedding and upholstered furniture can be a significant factor in controlling a fire. Click here to find out more about the Bureau and California's flammability requirements on furniture and bedding.

Firesafety.gov is an informative government Web site on preventing fires and avoiding injury. Fire safety is all about being prepared. Having a planned and practiced family escape route, and checking smoke alarms, will reduce fire related fatalities in the event of an emergency.

National Health Care Quality Week (October 15-21)

National Healthcare Quality Week is designed to unite healthcare professionals and encourage the recognition and celebration of quality achievements. Moreover, this week increases awareness and appreciation of health care quality throughout the community.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) houses many boards and bureaus which operate within the scope of the healing arts. These entities act as the regulators of the physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and care givers of California. Click on the board or bureau link below to learn more about how DCA is protecting consumers, and helping you stay lively and healthy, both physically and mentally.