Grundy County Health Department
1716 Lincoln / Trenton, MO 64683
PH: 660.359.4196 FAX: 660.359.5470
|
Grundy County Health Department 1716 Lincoln / Trenton, MO 64683 PH: 660.359.4196 FAX: 660.359.5470
|
|
Public Health PostApril - June 2003
Contents Adult Immunizations--Diphtheria/Tetanus
April is Public Health MonthApril is Public Health Month across the country. Public health has had a significant impact during the past 100 years in helping residents live longer and healthier lives. Its foundation is based on protecting and improving the health and safety of children, adults, and seniors. Public health's mission is to ensure healthy living and working environments. By identifying and addressing patterns of disease, illness, and injury in populations, public health has contributed to the decline in illness and injury. Over the last century, public health has achieved many successes important to the health of the population. Vaccinations have resulted in the eradication of smallpox, elimination of polio in the Americas, and control of measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. Control of infectious disease has improved dramatically due to clean water and improved sanitation. There has been a significant reduction in the incidence of diseases such as tuberculosis. We now have safer and healthier food, healthier mothers and babies, and safer workplaces. During the past 100 years, the nation has seen a decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke. The public health system is made up of worldwide and national organizations, such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services is the state health governmental body; locally there are 115 local public health agencies like the Grundy County Health Department. County Health Departments were created by Missouri statute back in the 1930s and their primary functions were caring for the indigent, tracking and controlling disease outbreaks, and conducting environmental inspections to assure food and water safety. Most departments consisted of a nurse working for the county commission. Since that time, most county health departments, including yours in Grundy County, are supported by a mill tax of their own. Since September 11, the role of public health professionals in protecting citizens from bioterrorism threats, such as smallpox, and environmental threats to water and food supplies, has grown considerably. However, even before the increased threat of terrorism we were already monitoring the county for communicable disease and investigating confirmed cases to help contain a possible outbreak. We still perform our core functions and offer many services designed to educate and prevent, not just treat and protect. Here are just a few of the services we offer:
Public health plays an important role in protecting and promoting health throughout the world and here in Grundy County. Come visit us at the Grundy County Health Department to find out how public health makes life better.
Lead PoisoningChildhood lead poisoning is an environmental health problem that affects thousands of Missouri's children. Missouri is the largest producer of lead in the United States. In addition, in Missouri, 28% of housing was built prior to 1950. This means that more than one out of four housing units in Missouri contains lead-based paint. Grundy County has been designated a high-risk county for lead poisoning by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Lead poisoning is a special concern for children under six because they engage in more hand-to-mouth behavior and their bodies absorb more lead than adults. Young children can have lead poisoning without showing any signs or symptoms. Elevated lead levels may affect the health of a child in a number of ways, including:
Missouri's rate for elevated lead levels in children is three times the national average. A lead level screening is recommended for children at ages one and two or for any child under six who has never been screened. Lead level screening consists of a simple blood test, which is available at the Grundy County Health Department at no charge. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 359-4196.
Protect Children from Lead PoisoningDon’t Play in the Dirt--Encourage children to play in grassy areas instead of dirt. Plant grass to cover bare patches of dirt in the yard. Take Your Shoes Off--Remove shoes when entering the house to avoid tracking in dirt. Wash Bottles, Toys, and Hands--Wash bottles, pacifiers, and toys often. Make sure your children wash their hands after playing outside and before eating and sleeping. Keep Play Areas Clean--Mop or vacuum areas where children play regularly. Wash window sills and frames. Get Plenty of Iron & Calcium--Children who get enough iron and calcium in their diet will absorb less lead. Iron rich foods include eggs, lean red meat, and beans. Dairy products and calcium-fortified juices are good sources of dietary calcium. from the EPA
Mosquitoes & West Nile VirusSpring weather brings the return of mosquitoes, and West Nile Virus, to Missouri. Although first seen in New York in 1999, Missouri reported its first human cases just last summer. WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes--the insects feed on infected birds and then bite people. People that contract West Nile may experience fever, headache, and skin rash or show no symptoms at all. In severe cases, however, the illness can cause disorientation, tremors, or inflammation of the brain. Most people recover fully. Children and people over 50 are at the greatest risk of contracting West Nile Virus. The best way to protect yourself from WNV is to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:
For more information about West Nile Virus in Missouri contact the Health Department. from MOHAKCA
Adult Immunizations -- Diphtheria/TetanusImmunizations are not just for children, adults need protection against vaccine-preventable disease also. Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that is transmitted by droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands. As the disease progresses, the throat can become blocked so breathing is restricted. Diphtheria kills one of every ten people that become infected. Tetanus, or lockjaw, is also caused by bacteria. Tetanus is often contracted through a puncture wound or a deep scratch. Tetanus causes painful muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and stomach and is fatal in about 40 percent of cases. Because tetanus can be contracted through an injury, adults should receive a booster for tetanus and diphtheria every ten years. The Grundy County Health Department offers free tetanus boosters for adults and children. A physician's order is required for a tetanus that is given as a result of an injury. For more information about adult immunizations, contact the Health Department or visit the Immunization Action Coalition website at www.immunize.org. from Immunization Action Coalition
SleepSleep researchers agree that sleep is the most important part of the day for processing new information; missing sleep impedes the brain’s ability to store facts and data efficiently. During sleep, the brain "plays back" the information it has "recorded" during the day. To avoid sleep problems, maintain a regular sleep schedule seven days a week, go to bed when you're sleepy--don’t force yourself to stay up late if you’re tired. Also, avoid caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, and alcohol in the evening. Sleep experts recommend 8-9 hours of sleep per night. So get a good night’s rest and improve the rest of your day.
|
Grundy County Health Department is an Equal Opportunity
Provider.
|
