|
· CALENDAR
WIC Checks: 1, 5
WIC Recerts: 4, 8, 11, 12, 19, 25, 29
Immunizations: 13, 21, 22
Family Planning: 7, 14, 20, 28
Willow Clinic: 6
M View Clinic: 27
Cholesterol Screenings: 5, 26
Holiday’s: None
Don’t forget the Sunscreen!! |
Successful Rabies Clinic in Howell County
On April 21 and 28 the Howell County Health Department sponsored the annual Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Howell County Residents. A total of 1220 pets were vaccinated across the county by local veterinarians at the various locations. “This is the largest number of pets that we have vaccinated at our clinic, almost 200 more that last year,” according to Environmental Public Health Specialist, Justin Frazier, with the Howell County Health Department.
Clinics were held at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds in West Plains, Mountain View Farmers Market in Mountain View, Willow Springs Booster Field and The Animal Clinic of Willow Springs parking lot.
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals and is transmitted primarily through bites. Annually, 7,000 to 8,000 rabid animals are detected in the United States, with more than 90 percent of the cases in wild animals. Rabies is found naturally in Missouri, occurring primarily in bats and skunks, although other animals are also found to be rabid each year, including domestic species such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.
Human deaths in the United States have become relatively rare because: (1) effective vaccinations have been available for dogs and cats since the 1950’s, (2) public health practices such as animal quarantine and testing are aggressively pursued, and (3) improved anti-rabies shots have been developed for persons exposed to rabies. “We really stress the importance of having pets vaccinated. We want to avoid pet owners from having to have unvaccinated pets euthanized or boarded at a veterinarian’s office for 6 months if they are exposed to a rabid animal,” Frazier said.
The Howell County Health Department would like to thank all the veterinarians, their staff, all locations that allowed clinics to be held, as well as everyone who turned out make this the most successful rabies clinic to date.
|
|
PORTION CONTROL By Michelle Knight, Nutritionist
Remember some of these visuals when eating out so you can choose your foods accordingly:
1) 1 oz. meat: size of a matchbox
2) 3 oz. meat: size of a deck of cards or bar of soap—the recommended portion for a meal
3) 3 oz. fish: size of a checkbook
4) 1 oz. cheese: size of 4 dice
5) Medium potato: size of a computer mouse
6) 2 Tbs. peanut butter: size of a ping pong ball
7) 1/2 cup pasta: size of a tennis ball
8) Average bagel: size of a hockey puck. |
PREVENT POISONINGS
Poison control centers across the nation receive more than 2 million calls each year about potential exposure to poisons.
Children are more likely to suffer serious consequences from poisoning than adults are, because they are smaller. Their bodies have faster metabolic rates and are less able to handle toxic chemicals. In fact, more than half of all poisonings occur in children under age 6.
Statistics show that 92% of poisonings happen at home. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that most poisonings involve everyday household items such as cleaning supplies, cosmetics, personal care items and medicines.
To prevent accidental poisonings:
· Keep medication locked up, out of sight and out of reach.
· Teach your children to respect medication – don’t ever refer to it as “candy.”
· Teach children to ask before they eat or drink anything. Remember, poisons can look like food or drink.
· Keep the hotline number for the National Poison Control Center by every phone (1-800-222-1222).
· Keep a 1 ounce bottle of syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal on hand for each child, but only use it if instructed to do so by Poison Control Center staff or a medical professional.
Cleaning supplies, cosmetics, art supplies, certain plants, alcohol and other items can also pose a poisoning risk to children. Do risk assessments of your home to identify which poisons are present and where they are located. Be sure to store all hazardous chemicals in locked cabinets out of a child’s reach.
For more information about preventing poisonings, contact your local public health department.
As Summer approaches so do the fairs, festivals and events around the area. There will be lots of fun and food on hand. Just remember any food booths at temporary events such as these must have a temporary inspection done before they can serve to the public. Here are the things they must have: tent or booth, metal stem thermometer, cooler or refrigerator, cooking equipment, household bleach, hand washing setup, 3 washing containers, food handling equipment, and proper clothing & hair restraint. For more specific info on each one of these contact Environmental Specialists Justin Frazier or Dawn Hicks at the Howell County Health Dept at 417-256-7078. |
