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· CALENDAR
WIC Checks:2, 5
WIC Recerts: 9, 10, 12, 16, 19, 22, 26, 30
Immunizations: 8, 25
Family Planning: 4, 11, 17, 18
Willow Clinic: 3
M View Clinic: 24
Cholesterol Screenings: 9, 23
Holiday’s: New Years Day-1st and Martin Luther King-15th-Closed
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State Health Department Warns of Safety Issues Related to Recent Winter Storm
Due to the power outages in Missouri caused by the recent winter storm, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is reminding Missourians about the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with gasoline or diesel generators.
According to Jane Drummond, director of the department, the first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning usually include headache, lightheadedness, dizziness and unexplained sleepiness. Drummond noted individuals should not wait for these signs, however, since at higher concentrations these symptoms may not occur, or may occur so rapidly that the victim does not have enough time to react.
All gasoline and diesel generators create carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that inhibits the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, a condition that can cause serious health problems, and even death, within a matter of minutes. More than 1,500 Americans die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The department warns that:
- Generators should only be used outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. Generators should be placed where the exhaust will not collect in one area or flow into a structure through open doors or windows.
- Gas and charcoal grills, including camping stoves also generate carbon monoxide. They should never be used indoors.
Other symptoms of exposure may include an inability to concentrate, memory loss, and loss of coordination. Chest pain, irregular heartbeat and heart attack are also possible. Infants, the elderly, smokers, and individuals with heart disease are at special risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition, candles and other open flame light sources such as lanterns should be used with extreme caution. The improper use of candles can create a substantial fire hazard. |
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It is now recommended that all VFC providers begin administering the SECOND dose of Varicella immediately!
This will be the same schedule as the MMR:
1st dose ----12-15 months of age
2nd dose ----4-6 years of age
MINIMUM AGE FOR FIRST DOSE IS 12 MONTHS
Minimum interval from dose 1 to 2 is:
3 months if first dose is administered at < 13 years of age*
4 weeks if first dose is administered at > 13 years of age
*If second dose is administered after at least 28 days following the first dose, the second dose does not need to be repeated. It can be counted as valid!
The reason for starting the 2nd dose of Varicella is 15% to 20% of children who have rec'd only 1 dose of the vaccine are not fully protected and may develop chickenpox after coming in contact with the virus. One additional dose may not provide the protection children need when approaching adulthood.
Recipe of the Month by Michelle Knight, Nutritionist
Peanut Butter Dippity Do-o
1 cup peanut butter
˝ cup corn syrup
1 T vanilla
1/2 cup milk
Mix all ingredients and heat over medium heat until blended. Stir constantly. Select several fruits and vegetables, cut into bite size pieces. Dip pieces into warm peanut butter dippity- do-o using toothpicks or fork.
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Some basic safety tips for candles and open flame light sources include:
- Never leave an unattended candle burning.
- Always supervise children around candles and open flames.
- Make sure candles are kept away from flammable objects such as curtains, paper and cabinetry.
- Candles should be only use on a sturdy, flat surface to minimize the risk of tipping.
- If large quantities of candles are used in an enclosed area, the risk of carbon monoxide also becomes a concern.
In times of power outages, the use of candles and open flame light sources are the single greatest fire risk factor in homes.
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning visit the DHSS website at www.dhss.mo.gov/CO/.
Building Strong Blood by Michelle Knight, Nutritionist
Iron is the portion of the hemoglobin molecule that picks up oxygen in the lungs and shuttles it, then releases it throughout the body. Anemia can occur due to inadequate intake of certain nutrients i.e. iron, protein and vitamin C.
Other Causes
* High amounts of lead in diet.
* High consumption of tea.
* High amounts of antacids consumed.
* High consumption of milk.
* Blood diseases such as thalassemia.
Signs and symptoms of anemia
* Pale.
* Weakness or fatigue.
* Irritability.
* Decreased attention span.
* Delayed motor development in infants and children.
* Decreased muscle tone.
Iron- Rich Foods
Meat, fish, organ meats, dark green vegetables, dried fruits, other- peanut butter, beans, and soybeans.
Smoke Free Bowling
By Dawn Hicks, Health Educator / Certified Environmental Specialist
Lightning Bowl of West Plains and the Howell County Health Department are please to announce that there will be smoke free bowling every Wednesday starting in January 2007. Bowling is great family fun and good way for everyone in the family to get physical activity. Now you can take your family out for some fun and exercise in a healthy smoke free environment.
Going smoke free even for one day a week is a big step and an important health decision for our community. Second hand smoke is the smoke you breathe when someone smokes near you. Second hand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of the cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. The Surgeon General released a report this year about the effects of second hand smoke, here are some of the facts stated in the summary:
§ There is no safe amount of secondhand smoke. Breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be dangerous.
§ Breathing secondhand smoke is a known cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Children are also more likely to have lung problems, ear infections, and severe asthma from being around smoke.
§ Secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer
§ Separate “no smoking “sections DO NOT protect you from secondhand smoke. Neither does filtering the air or opening a window.
§ Many states and communities have passed laws making workplaces, public places, restaurants, and bars smoke free. But millions of children and adults still breathe secondhand smoke in their homes, cars, workplaces, and in public places.
Missouri has a clean indoor air law. This law addresses smoking in public places, and worksites. This law can prohibit smoking in indoor public places or worksites, but not completely. The law defines what is considered a “public place” and what is not. There are exemptions to the law for some businesses. Businesses where there is no local ordinance prohibiting smoking can determine whether smoking is to be allowed within their facility. If so, then the law describes how the designated smoking areas must be established and posted.
Maybe someday Missouri will pass a law like Arkansas which requires all public places be smoke free. Until then business and community leaders can make a difference in the health of our community by having policies to reduce or ban smoking in public places. The Howell County Health Department is working with businesses to do that through a chronic disease primary prevention program, if any businesses are interested please contact Dawn Hicks, Health Educator / Certified Environmental Specialist at the Howell County Health Department, 417-256-7078. |
