Mom of the Month - Janae Copelin

Breastfeeding, what a wonderful gift to give to your child, but oh so frustrating and disappointing when that natural God given method doesn't work.

My first child wouldn't latch and was formula fed & has turned into a healthy beautiful little girl, but this second time I was determined to make it work.

What could be better (and let's be honest, cheaper) than breastfeeding? Problem was my precious baby boy wasn't interested in latching on either.

Thankfully I had the support of the Livingston County Breastfeeding Counselor, Rachel!!

This time around I chose to pump & while it's time consuming and a bit of work I'm so very glad I made that choice. Those early days were hard, I won't lie, I felt like that machine was sucking out my soul every 2-3 hours & it can be disheartening to pump for 20 minutes and only get an ounce or two, but I pushed through and now we are in our 9th month of pumping!!!

I've learned over the past nine months that the key for me is consistency...the more often I pump the more milk I produce.

My advice to mommas out there that are thinking of pumping, just do it!! You'll be in a group of your own & no doubt some will think you crazy (especially when you mention you've pumped in parking lots & other odd places lol) but is it really that much different than regular breastfeeding? ...I think not!!



Holiday Travel Safety

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, many of you are making plans for trips to see relatives and friends.  While fitting all your luggage into the car and still leaving room for the presents you’ll bring home is important, there is an even more important concern: your safety and that of your passengers. 

When planning holiday travel, it’s important to follow a few driving-related precautions to help ensure your family’s safety.

Plan your route before you get on the road. Check for things like weather, construction, or severe traffic that may force you to detour from your normal path (in which case it would be good to have a GPS or map handy). Be aware of any tolls you might encounter and have plenty of cash on hand.
Take your car to a mechanic or service it yourself to make sure it is in top operating condition. Check all fluid levels and tire pressure, including the spare. Know phone numbers for roadside assistance in case your vehicle breaks down.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, and then leave it alone while you’re driving.  Any activity that distracts your eyes from the road is dangerous.  Cell phone use is the number one distraction.  You may not believe it, but the amount of time it takes to send an average text takes your eyes off the road for the length of a football field.  Let your co-pilot check your messages, decipher the GPS and help you watch for road hazards. 
If you are traveling with children, have plenty of activities to occupy them, as distracted parents can be a danger on the road. Make sure electronic devices are fully charged. Try to stop every two to three hours to stretch your legs and give yourself a break. The most important thing to remember is that every person in your vehicle should be wearing a seatbelt, no matter the age. It is especially important to make sure children are in proper seats corresponding to their size/age. Seatbelts increase your chance of surviving an accident by 75%.
Keep an emergency kit on hand, including flares, duct tape, a flashlight, bandages, water, snacks etc.  I always pack a blanket or two in the car just in case.  They may come in handy if you get stranded in cold weather.
When traveling with pets, they should be in a secured crate or special “pet seatbelt.”  That may sound ridiculous, but it is as important as making sure children are buckled. If you are in an accident your pet can become a projectile, not only injuring themselves, but possibly injuring yourself or passengers. Just like children, pets can be severely injured by airbags. They also can be a danger if left running loose in the car by distracting the driver, or (in the case of small pets) getting down by the gas and brake pedals, with the potential of causing an accident.
If your holiday travel involves parties including alcoholic beverages,  please, please get a designated driver or stay put until you are sober. 
Try to plan your travel when you are wide awake and alert.  Driving at night when traffic is lighter and kids can sleep can be convenient, but make sure you take turns driving and keeping each other awake if you have a partner.  If you don’t, even a short nap takes away some of the risk of driving when you’re too tired.  Exhaustion is a distraction, too!
Don’t let heavy traffic, impolite drivers or the possibility of being late stress you out. Remain calm, obey all traffic laws, and get to your destination safely!
All services of the Livingston County Health Center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

 

12 Ways to Health

Show Me Health

Christmas is a special time to celebrate and be thankful for family and friends. Give the gift that keeps on giving this season, the gift of health and safety to yourself and others.

Here is a rewrite of “12 Days of Christmas.” I think you will like the creativity shown. Sing along with the words to remind you to keep using healthy behaviors during the holidays and throughout the year.

1. The first way to health, Public Health said to me:

Wash hands to be safe and healthy.

2. The second way to health, Public Health said to me:

Bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

3. The third way to health, Public Health said to me:

Manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

4. The fourth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

5. The fifth way to health, Public Health said to me:

BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

6. The sixth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

7. The seventh way to health, Public Health said to me:

Get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

8. The eighth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

9. The ninth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

10. The tenth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

11. The eleventh way to health, Public Health said to me:

Prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

12. The twelfth way to health, Public Health said to me:

Eat well and get moving, prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

Have a Healthy & Safe Holiday Season!

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Livingston County Health Center Receives Report of First Confirmed Case of Influenza

December 5, 2013:  Livingston County Health Center has received its first surveillance report of a confirmed case of influenza in the county, coming two months earlier than past flu seasons.  

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

It’s important to remember that everyone plays a key role in limiting the spread of influenza and other “bugs” going around this time of year.  

Handwashing , next to vaccination, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of flu.  Don’t just say you’re doing it, make sure to do it.  Don’t just tell your kids to be sure to wash their hands, make sure they are doing it.  Have hand soap and towels, preferably paper towels, readily available in every bathroom and at every sink. 

Teach yourself not to touch your face: eyes, nose, mouth will prevent a lot of germs and viruses that might be on your hands or on surfaces you touch, from getting into your body and making you sick.  This sounds easy, but old habits are hard to break. 

Routinely wipe down your work surface, phone, computer keyboard, doorknobs, etc. with sanitizing wipes or a bleach/water solution. 

Grab those handy wipes for your cart at the grocery store.  They don’t make you look like a nerd, they remove the residue of probably thousands of grimy paws that have touched the handle of your cart. 

Stay home if you are sick, if at all possible.  Keep your kids home from school, even if they have to miss a game or a school party or program.  Avoid large crowds like sports events, church, community events, etc. if you or someone in your family is sick.  It seems like common sense, but how many times have you sat by someone hacking and coughing during one of these gatherings?   A sneeze can travel up to twenty feet. 

The flu shot does not protect from all types of illnesses going around in the winter.  Each year, the vaccine chooses 3-4 of the deadliest strains of flu in the world and creates a vaccine to prevent hospitalizations and death.  The vaccine is not 100% effective, but it provides way more protection than not getting the shot. 

County residents can walk in and receive a flu shot at our office from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on any Tuesday or Friday.  We have a good supply of vaccine right now, come get your shot while it’s still available. 

Adult vaccine will be given out until the supply is exhausted.   Those residents seeking children’s vaccine should call the health center at 646-5506 to make an appointment.

Health Center Receives Shipment of Adult Flu Vaccine

Livingston County Health Center has received a shipment of adult flu vaccine, and would like to announce that “Flu Shot Fridays” are back on, beginning this Friday, November 8^th.

County residents can walk in and receive their immunization from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on any Friday.  If Fridays aren’t an option, residents can also come in during our Tuesday walk-in clinic day during the same hours. 

Adult vaccine will be given out until we exhaust our supply.   Those residents seeking children’s vaccine should call the health center at 646-5506 to make an appointment.

What Does A Day in the Life of Diabetes Mean to You?

During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association will be asking the community to submit a personal image to the Association’s Facebook mosaic representing what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them to showcase the extraordinary effort it takes to live a day with diabetes. Facebook announced as of October 11th, more than 219 billion photos have already been uploaded to the social network.   The goal of the campaign is for Facebook users to share images about how they deal with the disease on an everyday basis, whether they or loved ones are inflicted.

Livingston county residents can post images of themselves or someone they care about, or otherwise represent how the disease impacts their lives.  The image will then make up a larger mosaic image that will embody the message of A Day in the Life of Diabetes. Search for “American Diabetes Association” on Facebook to find the information about the mosaic and click on the box that says “upload photo.”  It will take you to a page to view other photos and upload your own.

This year, the Association will change the mosaic image several times throughout November to show the many compelling images that represent A Day in the Life of Diabetes.  These photos that will embody the mosaic throughout the month will capture the essence of the campaign and the movement to Stop Diabetes®. In addition, the association will curate uploaded photos and incorporate them into a “larger-than-life” outdoor display in Washington. D.C. as part of its efforts to raise awareness about American Diabetes Month.   As an added benefit, CVS Pharmacy will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every uploaded photo up to $25,000.

The Association will also be working closely with NASCAR driver, Ryan Reed, to showcase the mosaic in the NASCAR series.  Ryan’s race car will be wrapped with photos from the mosaic and will be featured in his Nov. 9 race in Phoenix during American Diabetes Month.

“We’re excited to further grow this campaign and heighten the overall awareness of diabetes in Livingston County,” stated Anita Perry, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator.  “Diabetes doesn’t stop.  It is 24/7, 365 days a year. By calling on our community to take a public stand through social media, we continue to shine a light on the issue of diabetes and those who live with it each and every day.”

In addition to supporting this ADA campaign, the Livingston County Health Center in observance of Diabetes Awareness Month is offering a Diabetes Workshop on Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 9-12 in the center’s conference room.

The workshop will offer information about “What is diabetes?”, meal planning, home glucose monitoring, and avoiding long and short term complications of diabetes.  The information offered in the workshop is based on self-care lifestyle changes that may need to be made to improve or control diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease.  Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050, and an additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.   If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.  People with diabetes, unlike those with many other medical problems, can’t just take pills or insulin in the morning, and then forget about their health the rest of the day.  Differences in diet, exercise levels, stress and other factors may all affect blood sugar levels.  So, the more people with diabetes learn how these factors affect them, the better control they will be able to achieve. 

 
Diabetes experts know and will tell you, despite all the advances in diabetes treatment, education and knowledge remains the cornerstone of diabetes care and management.  Diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications.
 
Join us for the workshop and see how the information can help you control your diabetes! 

Food Expiration Dates-What Do They Mean? - Show Me Health

Nutritious food is an important part of the health and wellness of an individual. The date on packages of food is a guideline to help consumers use food at its peak quality and before spoilage begins to occur. Also, proper storage conditions and times are essential in achieving healthy food that is safe to consume.
Types of Food Product Dating

“Open Dating” on a food product refers to an actual calendar date instead of a coded date. This type of date is found mainly on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. It helps the store to know when to pull these foods off the shelf. It can also benefit consumers to help determine when a product is at its best quality. It is not a safety date.

With the exception of infant formula and some baby food, product dating is not required by federal regulations. There is also no uniform system used for food dating by manufacturers in the United States. Although dating of some foods is required by more than 20 states, some states do not require any date codes.

“Closed or coded dates” are packing numbers used by the manufacturer identify and locate product if there is a recall.

These types of datings are typically found on shelf-stable foods, such as canned and boxed foods.

Dating Terms

• “Sell-By-Date”: tells the store how long to display the product for sale. The consumer should buy the product before the date expires.

• “Best-If-Used-By (or Before) Date”: recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

• “Use-By-Date”: the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer.

Except for “use-by-dates”, product dates don’t always refer to home storage or use after purchase. Even if the dates expire during home storage, perishable foods should be safe, wholesome and of good quality if handled properly and kept in the refrigerator or freezer.

Dating of Infant Formula and Baby Foods

Formula and baby food dating is for quality as well as nutrient retention. The “use-by-date” is selected by the manufacturer on the basis of product analysis throughout its shelf life. It is also based on the conditions of handling, storage, preparation and use printed on the label. Do not buy or use infant formula or baby food after its “use-by-date”.

Can Codes

Canned food must have a packing code to enable tracking of the product in interstate commerce. These codes, which appear as a series of letters and/or numbers, might refer to the date or time of manufacture. They aren’t meant for the consumer to interpret as “use-by” dates.  Cans may also display “open” or calendar dates. Usually these are “best-used-by” dates for peak quality.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says canned foods are safe indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90 F.  However, discard cans that are dented, rusted, bulging, leaking or swollen.

In general, high acid canned foods, such as tomatoes, grapefruit and pineapple can be stored on the shelf 12-18 months. Low-acid canned foods such as meat, poultry, fish and most vegetables will keep for 2-5 years, if the can remains in good condition and has been stored in a cool, clean, dry place. Normally food from these cans is safe to eat unless there is bulging or leaking.

Dates on Egg Cartons

If the egg carton has an expiration date printed on it, such as “EXP April 1”, be sure that the date has not passed when the eggs are purchased. That is the last day the store may sell the eggs as fresh. On eggs which have federal grademark, such as Grade AA, the date cannot be more than 30 days from the date the eggs were packed in the carton. Eggs can be stored at home, refrigerated, for 3 to 5 weeks if purchase before the expiration date.

Storage Times

Since product dates aren’t a guide for safe use of a product, follow these tips to make sure that food is still top quality.

• Purchase the food before the expiration date.

• For perishable food, take it home immediately after purchase and refrigerate it properly.

• Once the product is frozen, it doesn’t matter if the date expires because foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely.

• Follow handling recommendations on the product.

Author: Richard Smith, Environmental Sanitarian

Source: USDA, Arizona Cooperative Extension

 

 

Light Up the Night Domestic Violence Event Set for Thursday

Light Up the Night Domestic Violence Event Set for Thursday

Livingston County Courthouse

Contact: Tawnya Jones, 973-6919

Monday, October 21, 2013

The Safe Haven Center for Victims of Domestic Violence would like to announce “Light Up the Night,” a special event scheduled for this Thursday, October 24th from 6-8 p.m. at the Livingston County Courthouse.

A group of volunteers for Safe Haven Center has planned and organized an event to raise awareness about domestic violence and ask for monetary donations and non-perishable food items for the local shelter.

The two-hour event will feature the Tornadoes, Addelyn Newsom, daughter of Angela Newsom and Jennifer Burnett, Domestic Violence survivor.  Tom Tingerthal is providing sound.   

The public is invited to stop by the Courthouse on Thursday evening to show your support for victims of domestic violence, and help a local cause.

Kids Only Flu Shot Clinic Announced

 

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a special opportunity for children to get immunized against the flu.  A “Kids Only” shot clinic has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 22^nd from 3 to 6 p.m. at our office, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Other opportunities in October for children to get vaccinated include: our regular morning clinic this Thursday, October 17^th from 7-11:30 a.m.  or our evening clinic next Thursday, October 24^th from 2 to 7 p.m.

Parents should make an appointment for their child or children by calling 646-5506.  Those with private insurance should also bring their insurance card to the clinic.   Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. 

For more information, contact the health center at 646-5506.

 

 

 

Health Center to Host Free “Yoga for Everybody” Class Monthly

 

Instructor Kasey Peyton Giving Back to Her Community

October 10th, 2013:  Livingston County Health Center is excited to announce a new monthly opportunity to improve you health through a “Yoga for Everybody” class thanks to a generous offer from local instructor, Kasey Peyton of Focused Fitness Group.

On the third Tuesday of each month, Ms. Peyton will lead a basic yoga class open to the public and at no charge.   Her first class will be held this coming Tuesday, October 15^th at 5:30 p.m. in the health center classroom.  Our office is located at 800 Adam Drive on the north end of town.

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. Yoga can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. We encourage our residents to attend this free class to learn more about this form of exercise.  

Safe Haven Center Provides Local Services to Victims

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for the community to come together to build awareness and a movement towards safe and healthy relationships for all individuals and families.  Domestic violence touches every person in our community and society as a whole; and violates a person’s dignity, safety, and basic human rights.

This past May, local residents who serve on the Green Hills Women’s Shelter Board of Directors gained enough votes to pass a resolution that transferred complete oversight and management of the Chillicothe Women’s Shelter to the Livingston County Educational and Housing Council.   The shelter was renamed the “Safe Haven Center” and obtained a new phone number: 660-646-1753.  To contact the local shelter, this is the number that should be used.  There is no toll free number at this time.

Pam Hull, a full time advocate, serves as the Residential Manager of the local shelter.  Board members include Trent Gann, Margaret Mata, Martha Berry, Sheriff Steve Cox and Ann Burchett.

The shelter has a service area of Livingston and surrounding counties, but will assist victims who present themselves in finding help wherever they will achieve the greatest success.   Victims are not required to stay at the shelter location in order to get help.  Women and children in the non-residential program receive all the same benefits and services as the residential program. A police report does not have to be filed in order to receive services, and visible injuries need not be present to obtain help.

Volunteers are desperately needed, and the Board would like to encourage former volunteers to get in contact with the shelter or one of the board members so we can get them involved again.  Our shelter was once a thriving resource in our community, and there is work to be done to restore it to its former state. The group hopes to involve many local individuals and organizations to develop and deliver programs and events to help victims of domestic violence.

Also in the works are two fundraising events in the coming months.   The group plans to hold a “Break the Silence: Light the Night” event on Thursday, October 24^th from 6-8 p.m. more details to come, and a Spaghetti Dinner and fun night at the Grace Episcopal Church on Thursday, November 14^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  The Safe Haven Center invites the entire community and county to join the movement for a safer and healthier community by attending one or more of our October awareness events.  We need you to help us make a difference and hope to provide a fun outing for families and individuals.

If you can’t attend one of the upcoming events, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to:  Safe Haven Center, P O Box 346, Chillicothe, MO 64601.

Safe Haven Shelter would also like to encourage local businesses, churches and non-profit organizations to replace any existing phone tear-offs, brochures and other materials of the previous shelter with the new information.  If you are in need of these items, please call Ann Burchett at the Livingston County Health Center, 646-5506.

Changes to Health Center Immunization Program

Now Making Appointments and Billing for Insurance

September 30, 2013:  Livingston County Health Center has announced some changes occurring in the way they do immunization clinics at their office.  These changes go into effect October 1^st.

 Immunizations are an essential part of protecting your child’s health from devastating diseases. It is up to parents to make sure you child is up to date on the immunizations that spare them from illness and injury. 

Beginning October 1st, there will be some changes in the way the Health Center runs its immunization clinics.

Health Center staff will now be taking appointments for our three regular immunization clinics each month.   It is our hope that this change will be more convenient and efficient for our clients.  Previously, all clinics were provided on a walk-in basis.  A client might find themselves in and out at one clinic and waiting for long periods of time at another.  We hope the change will avoid this dilemma.

Another change to the clinics is the Health Center will be requesting your private insurance card and to bill for your child’s immunizations. Please be sure to bring your insurance card to the next clinic you attend.

Livingston County Health Center’s vaccine is provided through the VFC Program (Vaccines for Children), which provides vaccine for children with MoHealthNet (Medicaid) insurance, and those with no insurance coverage. 

Beginning October 1, 2012  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented changes and now our VFC vaccine may not be used for routine vaccination of any fully insured individuals.   We have purchased vaccine for those who don’t qualify for VFC. The local health department is a year behind on instituting this policy at their local agency.  Many counties have been doing this for awhile now.   If you have private insurance coverage please, check your policy to see if vaccinations are covered.

We realize there may be some confusion and questions with the new practices, but feel free to ask Health Center staff any questions or concerns you may have.

Check our calendar or call the health center at 646-5506 for the upcoming Immunization clinic dates.

All immunizations are administered according to recommendations of the Missouri Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Show Me Health - Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one killer in the United States.

Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it causes sudden cardiac death. With fast, appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — or even just rapid compressions to the chest — can improve the chances of survival until emergency personnel arrive.

Fatalities associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) affect 1 in 1,000 and can affect any age group.  Based on population, Livingston County could have approximately 15 fatalities per year due to SCA, 95 percent SCA incidents are fatal.

Sudden cardiac arrest symptoms are sudden and drastic:

·   Sudden collapse

·   No pulse

·   No breathing

·   Loss of consciousness

Sometimes, other signs and symptoms precede sudden cardiac arrest. These may include fatigue, fainting, blackouts, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations or vomiting. But sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with no warning.

When to see a doctor

If you have frequent episodes of chest pain or discomfort, heart palpitations, irregular or rapid heartbeats, unexplained wheezing or shortness of breath, fainting or near fainting, or you're feeling lightheaded or dizzy, see your doctor promptly. If these symptoms are ongoing, you should call 911 or emergency medical help.

When the heart stops, the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in only a few minutes. Death or permanent brain damage can occur within four to six minutes. Time is critical when you're helping an unconscious person who isn't breathing.

Take immediate action:

·   Call 911, or the emergency number in your area, if you encounter someone who has collapsed or is found unresponsive. If the unconscious person is a child and you're alone, administer CPR, or chest compressions only, for two minutes before calling 911 or emergency medical help or before using a portable defibrillator.

·   Perform CPR. Quickly check the unconscious person's breathing. If he or she isn't breathing normally, begin CPR. Push hard and fast on the person's chest — about 100 compressions a minute. If you've been trained in CPR, check the person's airway and deliver rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. If you haven't been trained, just continue chest compressions. Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions. Keep doing this until a portable defibrillator is available or emergency personnel arrive.

·   Use a portable defibrillator, if one is available. If you're not trained to use a portable defibrillator, a 911 or emergency medical help operator may be able to guide you in its use. Deliver one shock if advised by the device, and then immediately begin CPR starting with chest compressions, or give chest compressions only, for about two minutes. Using the defibrillator, check the person's heart rhythm. If necessary, the defibrillator will administer a shock. Repeat this cycle until the person recovers consciousness or emergency personnel take over.

Portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in an increasing number of places, including local churches, schools and some businesses. You can also purchase them for your home. AEDs come with built-in instructions for their use. They're programmed to allow a shock only when appropriate.

Grand River Heart Restart (GRHR) is a group of concerned citizens and medical professionals from the Chillicothe area that are united in the mission of “Reducing the fatal incidence of sudden cardiac arrest through increased awareness, training and strategic placement of automated external defibrillators.” The group is a member of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association and is affiliated with Take Heart America. 

The group is currently working to get more AEDs placed in the community, as well as offer a maintenance program called AED Concierge at a reduced cost through the company AED Authority. AED Concierge provides liability protection, medical oversight and direction through Saint Luke’s, a report to the patient’s physician, a loaner device overnight if the AED is used and replaces pads and battery for the machine.  For more information, contact Fire Chief Darrell Wright or Jennifer Dixon, RN at Hedrick Medical Center.

If you would like to be a part of this group or donate time or dollars to their efforts, call the health center at 646-5506 and ask to speak to Ann or Sherry, or get in touch with one of the other key organizers.

Source: Mayo Clinic and Grand River Heart Restart

September Mom of the Month - Jaime Pittman

Mom of the Month

Jaime Pittman & Jase

 

 

First of all, I have an amazingly supportive husband! After three unsuccessful attempts at in vitro, we were faced with the enormous task of whether or not to choose adoption in order to have a family.  The past two years have been filled with social worker visits, photo shoots, sleepless nights of worry and coming to terms with the fact that I would never be able to carry a child.  As I mourned the loss of any possible pregnancy, I began to research the possibility of inducing lactation as an adoptive mother. 

Initially, I was concerned that people would think I was “weird” for trying this but a lactation consultant put my mind at ease by encouraging me to do what I felt was best for my baby.  I asked my best friend what she thought and she said, “If you can’t grow your baby, the next best thing would be to feed him from your body!”  I also met with my physician, and he, too, was very supportive. 

Initially, I had to start by taking a few different medications necessary to cause the significant breast changes needed to induce lactation. 

Once I “tricked” my body into thinking I was pregnant, I had to make it think I had given birth so milk production would begin.  So, I stopped one of the medications, added a couple herbs and started a very rigid pumping schedule. 

Since we were notified of our son’s birth almost three months before he arrived, I was able to be well into the pumping phase before he was born.  I had actually been pumping for almost a month when he arrived.  This allowed my body to respond more naturally once I was able to place him to the breast.  All of the literature regarding induced lactation with adoptive mothers was very specific in stating that breast feeding is usually for bonding purposes and may not provide adequate nutrition without formula supplementation.  Once we were into a routine, I was able to nurse him at the breast a few times every day as well as give him a bottle of pumped breast milk.  We did have to supplement with formula, which was to be expected.

As an adoptive mother, you have let go of the hope of so many experiences, like ultrasounds of the baby, feeling your baby move inside you, going into labor and knowing you grew your baby.  Once I found out I would be able to attempt to breast feed my baby I was thrilled that I would get to experience such a wonderful miracle!  Breast feeding is hard work when you have your child naturally and even more difficult when you induce your lactation but it is worth it, every minute.  The bond that we have made is so special and I truly believe that nursing my son helped him build trust in me and know without a doubt that I am his mother.

 

 

Labor Day 5k Winners

Labor Day Race Winners

 

18 and Under

Male - Austin Minnis  - 1st -  30.07

Male - Kamden Ward

Female - Cadence James - 1st - 39.53

Female - Julia Minnis

 

19-25

Female

Tessa Wardenburg - 1st - 45.46

Rebecca Steinhoff

 

26-35

Female - Jenna Gibson - 1st - 27.27

Female - Angela Williams

Male - Nolan Parker - 1st - 31.36

 

36-45

Female - Jeannette Straker - 1st - 27.47

Female - Kristen Ward

Male - Lance Wheeler - 1st - 54.53

Male - Keith Sisney

 

46-55

Female - Slavica Calvert - 1st

Female - Jennifer Reeter

Male - Joe Hardie - 1st - 34.04

Male - Neal Burton

 

56 and Over

Female - Leda Beeler - 1st - 42.18

Female - Marian Burton

Male - Richard Witten - 1st - 23.52 -

Male - Tom Ashbrook