Monthly Monitor

Howell County Health Department

411 Garfield, West Plains, MO 65775

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

Website: http://abc.eznettools.net/ www.howellcountyhealthdept.com

<<September 06 >>

Volume 54   

·    CALENDAR

WIC Checks:  5, 13

WIC Recerts: 1, 8, 12, 14, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29

Immunizations:  11, 28

Family Planning: 7, 20, 21

Willow Clinic:  6

Mt. V Clinic: 27  

Cholesterol Screenings:  5, 26

Holiday’s:  Closed-Labor Day September 4^th

Shape Up West Plains

This year West Plains has decided to offer its own Shape Up challenge.  The Shape Up Missouri challenge has changed this year and participants will have to pay a $15.00 fee to participate.  The West Plains challenge will run the same 8 weeks as the state challenge, September 18-November 10.   

There will be a sign up at the West Plains Civic Center on September 15^th from 12 noon-6pm.  Participants who sign up will receive a free tee-shirt (until supplies last) and there will be area business / organizations there handing out information, incentives and coupons.  Organizations and Business that will be there are:  Pacific Beach and Tanning, West Plains Cyclery, The Firm Fitness Center, McDonald’s, University Outreach and Extension, Curves for Women, Subway, West Plains Bicycle Club, and True Essentials supplements and dietary aids. Project WOW, OMC, and the Howell County Health Department will offer free blood pressure screenings and body fat analysis.

During the 8 week challenge several events will be offered free to participants.  There will be incentives and door prizes given at each event.  Events will include The Firm Fitness Center hosting a presentation on the benefits on exercise and how to start an exercise program.  Participants will be able to stay and workout or take an exercise class for free.  There will also be an educational talk on nutrition and healthy eating presented by Jason Dinn, wellness coordinator for OMC.  Participants will also be able to go to the October Downtown West Plains stroll and walk the square and sign up for a free goodie basket filled with healthy snacks donated by IB Fruit and Nut.  They will also get a free pedometer after walking around the square.

Area businesses are encouraged to participate in the challenge by having a designated team leader and signing up employees for their team.  Team leaders will keep track over the eight weeks and report how many team members finished the challenge.  Recognition will be given to the businesses that have the highest percentage of participation compared with number of employees.

Also at the end of the 8 week challenge there will be a random drawing from the registration forms for prizes for individuals.

For more information contact Dawn Hicks at the Howell County Health Department at 417-256-7078 or hicksd@lpha.dhss.mo.gov

National 5 A Day Month 2006

Throughout National 5 A Day Month, adults and children are encouraged to make their fruit and vegetable intake count.

Eat a colorful variety every day.  To get a healthy variety, think color.  Eating fruits and vegetables of different colors gives your body a wide range of valuable nutrients and other natural substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases. 

Fill up, not out.  As part of a healthy diet, eating fruits and vegetables instead of high-fat foods may make it easier to control your weight.  You may also feel full on fewer calories.  That’s because fruits and vegetables are lower in calories and higher in fiber than most other foods. 

    Sun Exposure           

·   Long-term sun exposure is a key factor in the development of skin cancer

·   Most skin cancers are caused by unprotected sun exposure in childhood and adolescence

·   80% of a person’s sun exposure occurs before the age of 21

Deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, killed about 7,800 Americans last year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics

·   Long-term sun exposure is a key factor in the development of skin cancer

·   Melanoma often strikes people who suffer deep, intense sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence

·   80% of a person’s sun exposure occurs before the age of 21

Best line of defense against the sun is to cover up

·   Wear a hat, sunglasses (that block 99-100% of both UVB and UVA), cotton clothing with a tight weave

·   Stay in the shade; avoid the sun at peak hours (10-4)

·   Sunscreen with an SPF that is appropriate for your exposure (at least SPF 15)

Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays

·   UVA is ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths from 320-400 nanometers.  It passes through the Earth’s ozone layer and can cause early aging of skin.

·   UVB is ultraviolet rays with wavelengths of 280-320 nanometers.  The ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s UVB, but even a small amount can do substantial damage.  UVB causes skin cancer and may contribute to cataracts.

Use sunscreen with at least an SPF15, even when cloudy

·   Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming

·   Apply at least 30 minutes before exposure

·   Regular use on children can reduce their risk of skin cancer by almost 78%

Treat sunburn with a cold compress, not ice or butter

·   Pain relievers may also be helpful

·   Some cases may be helped by hydrocortisone

Check with your health care provider for a specific recommendation

You can reduce your chance of getting infected by avoiding mosquito bites.  Mosquito’s are most active at dawn and dusk.  Avoid peak mosquito times by staying indoors, or wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants or use an insect repellent containing Deet or Picaridin.  You can mosquito proof your home by eliminating standing water so they do not have a place to breed and lay eggs.  For more information contact the Howell County Health Department.