State to check on residents' health (Door-to door!)

Seattle Times ^ | 7/20/06 | Warren King

[AnnaZ]

State to check on residents' health

By Warren King

Seattle Times medical reporter

Washington state health officials will soon start asking detailed questions about the health of some state residents — and even give them brief physical exams.

The door-to-door survey of 1,100 randomly selected households across the state will try to learn more about our health, and especially about our risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to better target preventive educational programs.

"We want to get a snapshot of [residents'] health ... and if we can't prevent the diseases, have early detection of them," said Dr. Juliet VanEenwyk, state epidemiologist for noninfectious diseases.

The Washington Adult Health Survey is sponsored by the state Department of Health and is designed to gather a cross section of state residents. The survey will begin late this month and will take about a year, VanEenwyk said.

[snip]

Participants will be given a $45 gift card for their help in the survey. Officials are not seeking volunteers; participants are being chosen to represent the diverse population of the state.

The survey is being financed by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kansas and Arkansas also were awarded survey grants.

[spanalot]

What - are they going to see how many potato chips I have and fine me?

[BenLurkin]

[PeteB570]

Hmmm, a lot of questions.

I wonder if there will be any "Do you keep any firearms in the house?" "Are they secured with gun locks?" "Are they loaded?"

The first mistake will be to let the yellow vested busybodies in the front door.

[ElkGroveDan]

The only health information government will ever get on my family at my front door is the dental health of my dog.

[AnnaZ]

What - are they going to see how many potato chips I have and fine me?

You never know. (But, just in case you need to know, I'll presume that one is too many.)

[AnnaZ]

Very funny.

[NautiNurse]

[AnnaZ]

The first mistake will be to let the yellow vested busybodies in the front door.

I agree. The fact that folks are "chosen" is just downright creepycreepy.

[Thinkin' Gal]

Why does the phrase "secure in their persons" come to mind? Perhaps a pitbull in every yard is a good idea. And you know the smokers will be punished first. After they take a "snapshot" of the ashtrays they'll head on over to the pantry and fridge. All the while hoping to spy out any firearms.

[NautiNurse]

After they take a "snapshot" of the ashtrays they'll head on over to the pantry and fridge. All the while hoping to spy out any firearms.

and home renovation projects without permits.

[AnnaZ]

I find the whole thing rather disturbing. "Secure in their persons" is right. What a novel concept!

Maybe one is only on their "diverse" list if one has utilized state funds for healthcare. Otherwise (but this should be regardless), stay the heck out of my life, please. Is that so hard?

Oh, for the days of limited government!

[kaylar]

Surveyors will wear yellow vests and carry photo identification

We've seen quite a few articles posted to FR on thugs masquerading as police doing no-knock raids in order to rob people. Guess in WA they've now been given a new fake identity to use while preying.

[kaylar]

Heh. I have that exact same doormat by my front door. Lots of people have commented on it-they get a chuckle out of it. They don't realize that the mat pretty much states how I truly feel about most visitors.

[facedown]

If you have questions about your rights as a survey participant, call the Research Ethics Review Board at the National Center for Health Statistics at 1-800-223-8118. Leave a brief message containing your name, phone number, and your NHANES survey concerns. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Thank you.

<CHICAGO ACCENT> Yeah 'n' I got yer concern right here for ya, Toots. </CHICAGO ACCENT>

[Wolverine]

Their final question will be "Are you a Conservative / Republican?"

[caseinpoint]

Wre they to come to my home, their first and final question would likely be: Is that really loaded?

[JDoutrider]

Seen this??? PING!

[Purrcival]

Quick! Hide the Ding-Dongs!

[ChEng]

"Feck Off."