ProfessionalsDirectory

Monthly Monitor

Howell County Health Department

411 Garfield, West Plains, MO 65775

Telephone 417-256-7078 fax. 417-256-1179

Website: http://www.howellcountyhealthdept.com

<<March 07 >>

Volume 60

 

·    CALENDAR

 

WIC Checks:  2, 6

 

WIC Recerts:  5, 9, 13, 14, 19, 20, 23, 26, 30

Immunizations:  12, 27

 

Family Planning:  8, 21, 22, 29

 

Willow Clinic:  7

M View Clinic: 28 

 

Cholesterol Screenings:  6, 20

 

Holiday’s: St Patrick’s Day 17th

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

GARDASIL NOW AVAILABLE AT HCHD

By Carma Wheeler, RN, DON

 

Gardasil is a new vaccine that helps protect against diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).  The vaccine protects against four HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18), which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

 

Genital HPV affects both women and men and is easily transmitted.  It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.   Many people who have HPV may not have any signs or symptoms, so they can pass the virus on without even knowing it.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2000 there were approximately 9.2 million young adults with genital HPV. 

 

There are more than 100 types of HPV.  For most people, the body’s own immune system will clear the virus.  However, there are a few types of HPV that cause a concern.  There are approximately 30 types of HPV that affect the genital area.  Some are considered “high-risk types” that can cause abnormal cervical cells and cervical cancer (such as HPV Types 16 and 18).  There are other types of HPV that are considered low-risk that can cause genital warts and benign changes of the cervix (such as HPV Types 6 and 11).  All types of genital HPV can cause abnormal pap tests. 

 

Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that is caused by certain HPV types.  This can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change to precancerous lesions or dysplasia.  If left untreated they can turn into cancer.  Certain types of HPV also cause genital warts.  They can be found on the inside or outside of the genitals.  These lesions are usually not precancerous, but can take multiple treatments to eliminate.

 

In June 2006, Gardasil was licensed by FDA and recommended by CDC. The vaccine is licensed for females between 9 and 26 years of age.  Gardasil is given as an injection of 3 doses.

Ø      First dose: now

Ø      Second dose:  2 months after the first dose

Ø      Third dose:  6 months after the first dose

 

For more information you can call the Nursing Department at 417-256-7078.

 

Salmonella in Peanut Butter

 

 

In the recent weeks the FDA has sent a warning out to consumers to not eat certain jars of Peter Pan or Great Value Peanut Butter.   

 

The peanut butter with a product code that begins with “2111” located on the lid of the jar could be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

 

Salmonella bacteria in food can cause food borne illness.  Symptoms of the illness can include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.  This illness in individuals with compromised or weakened immune systems can be very serious. 

 

If you have Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with the “2111” product code on the lid and have not been ill  you can contact Con Agra at 866-344-6970 about a refund.  If you are ill you will need to see your physician for testing to confirm the Salmonella bacteria. 

 

For more information contact the Howell County Health Department.

 

 

 

 

For National Nutrition Month® 2007, the Best Path to Fitness and Health Is to Be 100% Fad Free by Michelle Knight, Nutritionist

CHICAGO Diet fads come and go, and some may help you lose weight – in the short term. For National Nutrition Month® 2007, the American Dietetic Association says the most effective long-term way to achieve a healthful lifestyle is to be 100% Fad Free.

“You can lose weight on virtually any diet,” said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Roberta Anding. “If you eat less, you will lose weight. The question is, can you maintain a healthy lifestyle over the long term – your life? The real key to reaching long-term goals is to focus on your overall health.”

Through National Nutrition Month, created in 1973, the American Dietetic Association promotes healthful eating by providing practical nutrition guidance and focusing attention on making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits. National Nutrition Month also reminds consumers that registered dietitians are their most valuable and credible source of timely, science-based information.

Anding encourages everyone to keep in mind these National Nutrition Month key messages to enjoy a 100% Fad Free lifestyle:

  • Develop an eating plan for lifelong health. Too often, people adopt the latest food fad rather than focusing on overall health. Get back to basics and use the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid as your guide to healthy eating.
  • Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture. A single food or meal won’t make or break a healthful diet. When consumed in moderation in appropriate portions, all foods can fit into a healthful diet.
  • Learn how to spot a food fad. Unreasonable or exaggerated claims that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of foods may cure disease or offer quick weight loss are key features of fad diets.
  • Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness plus it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being, as well as your wallet. Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to communicate current and emerging science-based nutrition information and are an instrumental part of developing a diet plan that meets your individual needs.

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

 

Next Month: Info on Annual Rabies Clinic

& HCHD doing Sewage Permitting

 

Services
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Current Reports
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Restaurant Info
Restaurants: Inspections & Smoke Free Dining Guide

For more information:
Howell County Health Department
411 Garfield
West Plains, MO 65775 US
Email: parkek@lpha.dhss.mo.gov
417-256-7078

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