2015 Wellness Challenge

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Published on Monday, 30 March 2015 10:55

Public Health Week is April 6 - 12

Join in the Wellness Challenge

WELLNESS CHALLENGE POINT TRACKER INFORMATION
The first point tracker for the wellness challenge will be due by 4pm on Friday, April 10th. You will have 2 point tracker forms for the first week....going from April 1st through April 9th. Then your next point tracker will be for April 10th through April 16th and due on Friday, April 17th. Sorry for the confusion. Let us know if you have any further questions! Thanks for taking part in our Wellness Challenge!

• Download Wellness Challenge Registration Form here
• Download Wellness Point Tracker here

Andrew County Commission Proclaims Public Health Week

Lock Up Poisons

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Published on Monday, 16 March 2015 14:57

Young Children will Eat or Drink Almost Anything!

Children are curious, especially about things adults use. Just as they may mimic mom applying make-up or dad reading the newspaper, children may mimic how adults use the pretty-colored pills liquids and containers of all kinds in their environment. these things often engage a child's natural curiosity and urge to explore.

Each year, nearly 1 million children under the age of five are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household chemicals. To prevent access, keep anything that can be poisonous locked up and out of sight and use child-resistant packaging; remembering to reseal the package after every use!

Medicines

Medicines are often swallowed by young children who find them where their parents or grandparents have left them - in a purse, on a nightstand, in a pill container or some other convenient place. All adults should use child-resistant packages wherever young children live or visit. If child-resistant packaging is not an option, keep medicines in a locked container, out of reach - and out of sight - of children.

Household Products

Read the labels before using any household product and follow the directions carefully. Store household products in cabinets with child safety latches or locks.

Always resecure child-resistant packaging.

Keep All Products in Original Containers

Never put kerosene, antifreeze, bleach, paints or solvents in cups, glasses, milk or soft drink bottles or other containers used for food or drinks.

Never transfer dangerous products to a bottle without a child-resistant closure.

Keep Foods and Household Products Separate

Cleaning fluids, detergents, lye, soap powders, insecticides and other everyday household products should be stored away from food and medications. Death could be the result of mistaken product identity.

Never Call Flavored Medicine 'Candy'

When left alone, children may look for and find the bottle and eat or drink its contents.

To Reduce the Risk of Poisoning,

BE AWARE

If you suspect that a poisoning incident has occurred:

Immediately call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222

Open House March 27

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Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2015 12:26

OPEN HOUSE

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

(healthy snacks, give-aways, educational materials, blood prssure and blood sugar screenings, $25 cholesterol screenings, body mass index (BMI) screenings)

BLOOD DRIVE

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

(Community Blood Center)

Save a Life. Right Here. Right Now.

WELLNESS CHALLENGE KICK-OFF

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

(prizes for all who complete the challenge, major prizes for top performers)

Public Health: Better Health. Better Missouri

Risk of Human Salmonella Infections from Live Baby Poultry

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Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2015 12:10

Peep, chirp, quack! Live baby poultry, such as chicks, ducklings, goslings, and baby turkeys, can carry harmful germs called Salmonella. After you touch a chick, duckling, or other baby bird, or anything in the area where they live and roam, WASH YOUR HANDS so you don't get sick!

Often, live baby poultry may be put on display at stores where children may be able to touch the birds or areas where they are displayed. Because these birds are so soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger that live baby poultry can be, especially to children.

Cute but risky?

Each spring, some children become infected with Salmonella, but it is important to remember that illness can occur from these baby birds or adult birds at any time of the year.

Live baby poultry can carry Salmonella and still look healthy, but can spread the germs to people. Children can be exposed to Salmonella by holding, cuddling, or kissing the birds and by touching things where the bird lives, such as cages or feed and water bowls. Young children are especially at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.

Gastrointestinal (Enteric) Diseases from Animals

Check out CDC’s Gastrointestinal (Enteric) Diseases from Animals website, your one-stop-shop for information about zoonotic outbreaks, prevention messages, and helpful resources.

How do people get Salmonella infections from live baby poultry?

Live poultry may have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (feathers, feet, and beaks) even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can also get on cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Additionally, the germs can be found on the hands, shoes, and clothing of those who handle the birds or work or play where they live and roam.

How do people get infected?

People become infected with Salmonella when they put their hands or other things that have been in contact with feces in or around their mouth. Young children are especially at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths. It is important to wash hands immediately after touching poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam, because the germs on your hands can easily spread to other people or things.

How do I reduce the risk?

DO

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live baby poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
• Clean any equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed or water containers.

DON'T

• Don’t let children younger than 5 years of age, older adults, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
• Don't snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live baby poultry.
• Don't let live baby poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.
• Don’t eat or drink in the area where the birds live or roam.
• Don't give live baby poultry as gifts to young children.

What are the signs, symptoms, and types of treatment available for Salmonella infections?

Salmonella can make people sick with

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

Sometimes, people can become so sick from a Salmonella infection that they have to go to the hospital. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

You can learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of Salmonella infection by visiting the CDC's Salmonella website. If you suspect you or your child has Salmonella infection, please contact your health care provider immediately.

Are there any restrictions about owning live poultry?

Rules and regulations vary by city, county, and state ordinances, so check with your local government to determine restrictions about owning live poultry.