Flu Shot Fridays Suspended

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce the suspension of Flu Shot Fridays, due to waning vaccine supply.  Remaining adult vaccine will be administered through our regular Tuesday walk in clinics, until the supply is exhausted.

County residents can walk in and receive their immunization from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic.  Those without insurance will also be able to get vaccinated at no out of pocket cost, until the purchased supply is diminished. 

Residents are encouraged to call 646-5506 to make sure vaccine is available before making the trip. Those seeking children’s vaccine should call the health center at 646-5506 to make an appointment.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Early Date for November Blood Draw Clinic

Livingston County Health Center is offering its Adult Wellness Blood Draw Clinic this coming Wednesday, November 19th from 7 to 10 a.m. at their office, located at 800 Adam Drive.  The clinic is an effort to encourage adults to get recommended preventive screenings conveniently and at an affordable charge.  

It is the aim of public health to promote health and prevent disease-this service encourages our residents to take charge of their own health before problems arise. 

The health center is offering several basic blood tests for those 18 and older at the Adult Wellness Clinic, all of which require fasting the night before.  (To achieve the most accurate results, it’s best to not eat or drink anything but water after midnight the day before a blood test.)  A light snack will be available at the clinic, as well as water.  If you know you are a challenging draw, it might help to drink water when you get up in the morning and until your blood is drawn.

The CBC/Chem Profile is offered for $30. The CBC/Chem Profile is the most comprehensive blood test , measuring 35 different blood parameters that can have a powerful impact on the state of your health, including complete blood panel, cholesterol profile including lipids, thyroid function and more; a PSA prostate cancer marker for $10; the Hemoglobin A1C, a test that gives diabetics a picture of average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months, for $10; or Vitamin D (25[OH]D, which is short-hand for 25-hydroxyvitamin D) for a cost of $15. Current research is revealing connections between vitamin D deficiency and a myriad of health concerns, including cancer, depression, osteoporosis, immune dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, and more. 

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Diabetes Awareness Month 2014 - Show Me Health

More than 29 million Americans—or about 9 percent of the U.S. population—have diabetes, and it is estimated that one in every four people with diabetes does not even know they have the disease. Diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million). In Missouri alone, diabetes affects approximately 400,000 people. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.  

This November, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) and the Livingston County Health Center are encouraging people with diabetes to “Be Smart About Your Heart: Control the ABCs of Diabetes.”  This is a critical message because people with diabetes are nearly two times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than a person without diabetes.

The good news is that people with diabetes can lower their chance of having diabetes-related heart problems by managing their Diabetes ABCs:

·         A is for the A1C test (A-one-C).  This is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) level over the past three months.

·         B is for Blood pressure. 

·         C is for Cholesterol.

·         S is for stopping smoking. 

Managing the Diabetes ABCs can help prevent diabetes-related heart problems such as heart attack and stroke.  Many people with diabetes do not understand that having diabetes puts them at increased risk for having a heart attack or stroke.  People with diabetes need to understand how important it is to manage their disease, which includes controlling their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and stopping smoking.

The importance of family support is critical for people living with diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes in managing the disease and to staying healthy.  Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects the entire family in many ways.  For people with diabetes and their families, it’s important to work together to manage diabetes and prevent serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and nerve damage that can lead to amputation.  People with diabetes who have a strong family support system are better able to cope with the day-to-day challenges associated with the disease. Whether family means loved ones at home, school, work, place of worship, or in the community, having a support system is an important part of staying healthy.

It’s also important to know that having a family history of diabetes, such as a mother, father, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes, puts you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  The good news is that you-and your family-can take small, but important steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that affects a growing number of people. But diabetes can be controlled. It can even be prevented! Through lifestyle modifications, individuals can decrease some of the risk factors for diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have to conquer you.  With a sensible diet and exercise, you can take charge of your diabetes and help prevent its deadly complications. For those at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can even prevent or delay the disease. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and quit smoking!

If you have diabetes, ask your health care team what your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers are, and what they should be. Your ABC goals will depend on how long you have had diabetes and other health problems.

The Health Center offers free individual diabetes counseling by appointment.  So, if you are newly diagnosed, or could use help getting better control of your disease, give us a call at 646-5506 to find out more. 

Please visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/DiabetesMonth2014 for more information about the link between diabetes and heart disease, and visit www.livcohealthcenter.com to learn more about how Livingston County Health Center can help you control your diabetes. 

Flu Shot Fridays Begin This Friday, October 31st at Health Center

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce “Flu Shot Fridays,” beginning this Friday, October 31st.

County residents can walk in and receive their immunization from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on any Friday.  Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic.  Those without insurance will also be able to get vaccinated at no out of pocket cost. 

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.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis

Health Center Announces Upcoming Flu Shot Clinics

Livingston County Health Center has announced another opportunity for county residents to get vaccinated against the flu.

Livingston County residents 19 and older who would like to be immunized against influenza should call the Health Center at 646-5506. A flu shot clinic is slated for Wednesday, October 22^nd  from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic.  Those without insurance will also be able to get vaccinated. 

Parents interested in getting their child vaccinated against influenza should call the health center to make an appointment at one of our three monthly clinics.

Call 646-5506 to make an appointment, you must have an appointment to get vaccinated at any of the available clinics.  More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out. 

Domestic Violence - Show Me Health

I have a friend who is a mother of four children.  Not once during their early childhood years did she think of discussing domestic violence with them.  Nor did she ever imagine that one of her children would be a victim of domestic violence.  That’s just not something that ever happens to people we know, right?   Wrong!  Domestic violence can happen to anyone. 

Unfortunately, we have a tendency to think of domestic violence in the physical sense.  We forget that verbal blows are just as damaging as physical blows.  The bruises and breaks are not there for us to see but the damage is evident in behavior changes and lack of self-esteem.  What is really sad is so many times the victims themselves do not see the damage being done by the verbal abuse or they justify it by saying “it’s my fault,” constantly blaming themselves for somehow triggering the attack. “He wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t made him mad,” and so on.  Most victims of abuse will even deny the abuse to their families and friends many times before admitting it.

My friend knows this first hand, as she has now had two family members who have been the victim of domestic violence.  Her daughters didn’t see the name-calling and constant put-downs as abuse, but merely a new couple arguing.  Even after ending up with a concussion, one daughter still didn’t see herself as a victim of domestic violence.  It was her fault, of course, because she had provoked him.  It is very difficult to understand how a person can make excuses for the abuser and want to stay with that person.  Her family member did not want to give up on her marriage.  She believed that her husband could and would change and everything would be just fine.  My friend and her family were stuck in the position of watching from the sidelines, fearing late night phone calls as for a cry for help and hoping for the miracle that her husband truly would be able to overcome his abusive behavior tendencies.  It never happened, and she finally broke free and started a new life for herself and her children. 

First and foremost, if you know someone in immediate danger -- a friend, relative, co-worker, or if it's you -- call 911.

The thought of talking to someone you suspect is being abused -- a friend, relative or coworker -- about the violence may seem uncomfortable or frightening. Many people think it won't do any good. The fact is, by initiating a conversation about the violence, you are showing the victim that you care, and that she is not alone. You are breaking into the isolation. Here are some tips on how to handle the conversation:

1. Listen, don't judge. Her self-esteem, as well as her body, has been shattered. Let her know there is NO reason to be ashamed.

2. Let her know that it's not her fault, and that there is NEVER any excuse for violence in a relationship.

3. Suggest that she develop a safety plan.

4. Tell her how she can get help. Locally, she can call the Safe Haven Center at 646-1753.

5. Let her know she's not alone.

This epidemic of violence -- and silence -- is preventable. Non-violent men can serve as role models for impressionable young boys. They can stand up to abusers and let them know that their behavior is not acceptable. Mostly, they can end the social misperception that domestic violence is a "women's issue". And they can make a difference before it is too late.   Be one of those role models for your children, and be prepared to lend a hand to loved ones stuck in abusive situations. Don’t turn your back on the victim, you may feel helpless and frustrated to silently sit and watch, but there may be a time when your loved one will reach out, and you may be the only one she can call for help. 

This Saturday, October 11^th, the Domestic Violence Dinner Auction & Benefit will be held at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour.   There will be an abundance of main auction and silent auction items to bid on and a delicious dinner buffet of glazed baked pork chop, cheddar ranch potatoes, green beans, two salads, assorted desserts and beverages provided by Chillicothe Hy-Vee.   Tickets are available at Lauhoff Jewelry or at the door the evening of the event.  All proceeds from the auction will be used at our local shelter.

All services of the Livingston County Health Center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Health Center Announces Upcoming Flu Shot Clinics

Livingston County Health Center has announced two upcoming opportunities for county residents to get vaccinated against the flu.

Livingston County residents 19 and older who would like to be immunized against influenza should call the Health Center at 646-5506. Clinics are slated for Wednesday, October 8^th from 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, October 17^th beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic.  Those without insurance will also be able to get vaccinated. 

A “kids only” flu clinic is slated for Thursday, October 30^th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

Call 646-5506 to make an appointment, you must have an appointment to get vaccinated at any of the available clinics.  More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out. 

Family Safety Fair

The local Community Wellness Committee and Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89 are teaming up to offer a Family Safety Fair Saturday, October 4^th at the Grand River YMCA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Everyone is welcomed to attend this family-friendly event.

The fair will feature interactive booths and displays about various safety topics including distracted driving, road safety, electric shock, farm safety, internet safety, firearm safety and more.   There will also be a Prescription Drug Take Back as part of the fair.  Anyone who would like to get rid of outdated or no longer used prescriptions should bring their medicines so they can be disposed of properly-not winding up in our water systems or falling into the wrong hands and being abused.

Also on hand will be the MoCHIP Child Identification program made possible by the Missouri Masons and brought to our community by our local Masonic Lodge the Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89.

 With more than 190,000 children processed through the MoCHIP Child ID program in 8 years, MoCHIP is clearly a presence in the community and vows to remain so! No parent wants to believe that the unimaginable could happen to them, though nearly 2,000 children are reported missing or abducted in the United States each day. The peace of mind MoCHIP provides to Missouri families is invaluable. GIRLS and BOYS ages 11-21 are statistically most susceptible to become missing. Once the child is processed through the program, which generally takes only 15 minutes, the parent is armed with a single pre-printed envelope that instructs authorities in the event of an emergency, something a parent in crisis would undoubtedly have trouble with, and a proactive measure to combat the time sensitivity involved in recovery. Within a matter of minutes the MoCHIP CD can be loaded into a computer directly from a police officer’s automobile and entered into the Amber Alert system.

Deemed “one of the most comprehensive child recovery and identification programs in the nation,” by The National Center for Exploited and Missing Children NCEMC—the Missouri Masonic Child Identification & Protection Program, MoCHIP is solely sponsored by the Masonic Children’s Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Masons. The program consists of five major components—digital photographs, digital fingerprints, vital child information and emergency contacts, a dental bite impression, and two laminated ID cards. The photographs, fingerprints, and child data are burned onto a mini-CD that is compatible with the AMBER ALERT system already in place. The dental impression provides a virtual diagram of the child’s biting surface, which, like fingerprints is unique to each individual, and further supplies enough saliva to provide a DNA sample that can also be used as scent source for trained canine search teams. Combined, this five-part process provides a dramatic, time-sensitive recovery tool for authorities.

On the day of the MoCHIP event, parents are urged to gather pertinent information about such as, doctor, dentist, and emergency contact and phone numbers, allergies, medications, and parent work, cell, and assorted phone numbers. Information Collection Forms and Permission slips can be downloaded from the www.mochip.org website and filled out ahead of time. Height charts and scales are available at the event to facilitate the most current details regarding the child. As would be expected, security and privacy are of utmost importance. All information and specimens are collected on site, processed and provided to the parent or legal guardian in a yellow envelope. At the end of each event, databases are erased using state-of-the-art software. The only item retained by the Masonic Children’s Foundation is the signed permission slip.

Parents should bring photo ID to claim their child’s packet-security of children is taken very seriously by the MoCHIPS program.  Parents who have participated in MoCHIPS in the past can also bring their existing CD to the event and have it updated.

Adults and children alike are welcomed to the Family Safety Fair. MoCHIP is not just for young children, children 21 and under can and should have this important identification kit created for their safety and the peace of mind of their parents.   Booths and activities are being creating for children and adults alike, with the hopes of making an impression to our community members about the importance of safety in our daily lives. 

Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89 and the Community Wellness Committee urge you to mark your calendar for this free, fun, interactive family event today!  Saturday, October 4^th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand River YMCA. 

If your organization would like to host a booth, or make a donation of giveaways for kids and adults alike, please contact Eric Turner at 646-6688 or Ann Burchett at 646-5506.

What You Need to Know - Increase in Respiratory Illness Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

In response to increasing numbers of respiratory illness (Enterovirus D68), the Livingston County Health Center wants you to know the facts so you can protect your family.

Enterovirus is a common virus.  With more than 100 types of enteroviruses, an estimated 10 to 15 million infections occur in the United States each year.  Most people who are infected with enteroviruses have no or mild symptoms.  However some enteroviruses, like Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), can be very serious.

Symptoms of the Enterovirus D68 are similar to the common cold.  Severe symptoms are possible with EV-D68, such as difficulty breathing. Children with cold like symptoms that experience difficulty breathing should consult their family physician. 

Enterovirus D68 appears to be spreading by close contact with infected people.   There is no vaccine or antiviral medication to treat EV-D68. 

The Livingston County Health Center provides the following recommendations to prevent the spread of EV-D68 and to also protect yourself and your family:

•          Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers.  The use of soap and water is very important to combat EV-D68.  Soap and water are the preferred method of hand washing.

•          Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

•          Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

•          Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

•          If you are sick, stay home.

The Health Center continues to monitor the situation and share information with local health providers.  While there are reports of increased cases across several Midwest states, there is not a surveillance system that can account for exact numbers of infections.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Senior Epidemiology Specialist C. Jon Hinkle says, “Using good hand hygiene, practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette and staying home if you are sick are the most effective tools to fight EV-D68.”

For more information on EV-D68 visit www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html or contact the Livingston County Health Center at 646-5506.

Health Center Receives Grant Funding for Community Container Garden Project

CHILLICOTHE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014:  Livingston County Health Center was recently awarded a Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) grant through the Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Community Health and Wellness. 

Grant funding will provide $35,989.40 to implement a Community Container Gardening Project at the North Missouri Center for Youth and Families, also known as “The Center.”

“We are very excited to work with our local partners to make this project a success,” said Sherry Weldon, Health Center Administrator.  “Everyone involved in the planning has talked and dreamed about the concept of a community garden in Chillicothe for years-this funding makes it a reality for our community.”

“Building community partnerships throughout the development of NMCYF has been vital and this is a great example of what can happen because of it,” said Daniel Savage, Executive Director of NMCYF. “Providing our members access to a hands on learning environment...not just in gardening, but planning, management, and responsibility is a huge step towards fostering their development.”

The funding proposal was the brainstorm of not only the Health Center and NMCYF, but also the University of Missouri Extension office and local Master Gardener Beth Weidner.  The group worked together to create a sustainable project involving students enrolled in The Center’s Power Up! Afterschool program.  Kids will not only learn about planting, tending and harvesting their own produce, but also have their own booth at the Chillicothe Farmer’s Market. This opportunity will not only teach entrepreneurship, but provide skills in meeting and dealing with the public, product display and presentation, and proper care of plants and produce.

Jena Eskew, the University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H LIFE Youth Program Associate, has been working with The Center for the past year to assist in making families stronger through education and opportunities and by identifying mentors inside and outside the family unit.  Plans are to form a 4-H club with the children attending The Center.  “Bringing the 4-H club ‘to’ the children is an excellent opportunity to get these children involved in an activity that not only teaches them specific life skills, but also gives them all the benefits of belonging to a successful organization that instills leadership, citizenship, and generosity as well,” said Eskew. 

An additional physical activity portion of the grant involves providing a positive environment in which physical activity and skill development are an integral part of the afterschool routine.  Providing a large range of physical activities for children increases their skill development.  Playground stencils designed to enhance movement and gross motor development will be purchased for use at The Center as well as other locations in the community.  

Show Me Health - Bag Lunch Safety

Whether it’s off to school or work we go, millions of Americans carry “bag” lunches.  Food brought from home can be kept safe if it is first handled and cooked safely. Then, perishable food must be kept cold until lunchtime.

Why keep food cold? Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in the “danger zone” -- the temperatures between 40 and 140 °F.  So, perishable food transported without an ice source won’t stay safe long. 

First of all, begin with safe food. Perishable food, such as raw or cooked meat and poultry, must be kept cold or frozen at the store and at home. Eggs should be purchased cold at the store and kept cold at home. In between, transport perishable food as fast as possible when no ice source is available. At the destination, it must be kept cold. Food should not be left out at room temperature more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F). 

Keep your preparation area clean, and foods separate. Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom, petting animals and so on.

Prepackaged combos that contain luncheon meats along with crackers, cheese, and condiments must also be kept refrigerated. This includes luncheon meats and smoked ham, which are cured or contain preservatives.

Pack just the amount of perishable food that can be eaten at lunch. That way, there won’t be a problem about the storage or safety of leftovers.

It’s fine to prepare the food the night before and store the packed lunch in the refrigerator. Freezing sandwiches helps them stay cold. However, for best quality, don’t freeze sandwiches containing mayonnaise, lettuce, or tomatoes. Add these later.

Insulated, soft-sided lunch boxes or bags are best for keeping food cold, but metal or plastic lunch boxes and paper bags can also be used. If using paper lunch bags, create layers by double bagging to help insulate the food. An ice source should be packed with perishable food in any type of lunch bag or box.

To keep lunches cold away from home, include a small frozen gel pack or frozen juice box. Of course, if there’s a refrigerator available, store perishable items there upon arrival.

Some food is safe without a cold source. Items that don’t require refrigeration include fruits, vegetables, hard cheese, canned meat and fish, chips, breads, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, mustard, and pickles.

For hot lunches, use an insulated container to keep food like soup, chili, and stew hot. Fill the container with boiling water, let stand for a few minutes, empty, and then put in the piping hot food. Keep the insulated container closed until lunchtime to keep the food hot – 140 °F or above.

When using the microwave oven to reheat lunches, cover food to hold in moisture and promote safe, even heating. Reheat leftovers to at least 165 °F. Food should be steaming hot. Cook frozen convenience meals according to package instructions.

These tips may seem like a hassle, especially since many of us follow the ‘ten second rule’ with food, but one episode of food poisoning can be devastating. Protect yourself and your family by following simple food safety precautions when preparing sack lunches.

For questions or more information about food safety, call the health center at 646-5506 and ask to speak to Richard Smith.

All services of the Livingston County Health Center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Community Safety Fair Saturday, October 4th

The local Community Wellness Committee and Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89 are teaming up to offer a Family Safety Fair Saturday, October 4^th at the Grand River YMCA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Everyone is welcomed to attend this family-friendly event.

The fair will feature interactive booths and displays about various safety topics including distracted driving, electric shock, farm safety, internet safety, firearm safety and more.   Also on hand will be the MoCHIP Child Identification program made possible by the Missouri Masons and brought to our community by our local Masonic Lodge the Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89.

 With more than 190,000 children processed through the MoCHIP Child ID program in 8 years, MoCHIP is clearly a presence in the community and vows to remain so!

No parent wants to believe that the unimaginable could happen to them, though nearly 2,000 children are reported missing or abducted in the United States each day. The peace of mind MoCHIP provides to Missouri families is invaluable. GIRLS and BOYS ages 11-21 are statistically most susceptible to become missing. Once the child is processed through the program, which generally takes only 15 minutes, the parent is armed with a single pre-printed envelope that instructs authorities in the event of an emergency, something a parent in crisis would undoubtedly have trouble with, and a proactive measure to combat the time sensitivity involved in recovery. Within a matter of minutes the MoCHIP CD can be loaded into a computer directly from a police officer’s automobile and entered into the Amber Alert system.

Deemed “one of the most comprehensive child recovery and identification programs in the nation,” by The National Center for Exploited and Missing Children NCEMC—the Missouri Masonic Child Identification & Protection Program, MoCHIP is solely sponsored by the Masonic Children’s Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Masons. The program consists of five major components—digital photographs, digital fingerprints, vital child information and emergency contacts, a dental bite impression, and two laminated ID cards. The photographs, fingerprints, and child data are burned onto a mini-CD that is compatible with the AMBER ALERT system already in place. The dental impression provides a virtual diagram of the child’s biting surface, which, like fingerprints is unique to each individual, and further supplies enough saliva to provide a DNA sample that can also be used as scent source for trained canine search teams. Combined, this five-part process provides a dramatic, time-sensitive recovery tool for authorities.

On the day of the MoCHIP event, parents are urged to gather pertinent information about such as, doctor, dentist, and emergency contact and phone numbers, allergies, medications, and parent work, cell, and assorted phone numbers. Information Collection Forms and Permission slips can be downloaded from the www.mochip.org website and filled out ahead of time. Height charts and scales are available at the event to facilitate the most current details regarding the child. As would be expected, security and privacy are of utmost importance. All information and specimens are collected on site, processed and provided to the parent or legal guardian in a yellow envelope. At the end of each event, databases are erased using state-of-the-art software. The only item retained by the Masonic Children’s Foundation is the signed permission slip.

Parents should bring photo ID to claim their child’s packet-security of children is taken very seriously by the MoCHIPS program.  Parents who have participated in MoCHIPS in the past can also bring their existing CD to the event and have it updated.

Adults and children alike are welcomed to the Family Safety Fair. MoCHIP is not just for young children, children 21 and under can and should have this important identification kit created for their safety and the peace of mind of their parents.   Booths and activities are being creating for children and adults alike, with the hopes of making an impression to our community members about the importance of safety in our daily lives. 

Chillicothe Friendship Lodge #89 and the Community Wellness Committee urge you to mark your calendar for this free, fun, interactive family event today!  Saturday, October 4^th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand River YMCA. 

If your organization would like to host a booth, or make a donation of giveaways for kids and adults alike, please contact Eric Turner at 646-6688 or Ann Burchett at 646-5506.

Chillicothe named one of Missouri's "Breastfeeding Friendly Cities"

The City of Chillicothe recently learned it has been awarded the Missouri Department of Health's "Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Award" and named one of Missouri’s “Breastfeeding Friendly Cities.”  Chillicothe is the fourth municipality in the state to receive the honor, joining Springfield, Joplin and Jefferson City.

The Livingston County Health Center used monies from the Missouri Department of Health Maternal Child Health Section to purchase hospital-grade Medela breast pumps and pumping kits for the City of Chillicothe.  The pump and kits will be available to be used throughout the city departments including City Hall, Fire Station, Police Station, Green Hills Golf Course, and the Parks and Street Department.  Seven other local businesses have participated in the program and received the award.

Haleigh Heldenbrand, assistant to City Manager Ike Holland, applied for the Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Business and was awarded the Silver Award by the State of Missouri.  Livingston County Health Center would like to congratulate the City of Chillicothe on their hard work and dedication to the health of our city and the support of their breastfeeding employees.

"The award is given to employers who are friendly to those who are breast feeding. It's not only employee-friendly, but family-friendly," said Anita Perry, RN, IBCLC and coordinator of the Livingston County Health Center’s Breastfeeding Support Program.

“Receiving this award is not just the result of providing a quiet place to pump or nurse for staff. Creating a culture of support to women who wish to nurse is very important to long term success of breastfeeding, and we truly commend our local businesses who have taken steps to support local families,” said Perry.

“About 77 percent of women initiate breast feeding. The problem is it's very difficult to sustain, especially when rejoining the workforce.  It takes a team, and yes, a village effort to do the things required to have a successful breastfeeding experience.” 

Chillicothe also boasts seven businesses who have taken steps to become a “Breastfeeding Welcomed Here Business.”  To obtain this designation, the business and its employees confirm that they have a welcoming and friendly attitude toward mothers who come into their business or store and need to nurse their baby/child.  They provide a chair or booth in a quiet or private area such as a corner or dressing room where the mother can nurse her child. 

If you are a business that would like to become designated as breastfeeding friendly, you can fill out an application at our website 

www.livcohealthcenter.com under the tab “breastfeeding” or call the health center at 646-5506 for more information.

“Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal-For Life” Kicked off August 1st

Celebrated every year in more than 170 countries, World Breastfeeding Week aims to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.  World Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated this year, August 1-7, 2014.  This year’s theme acknowledges that when mothers and babies succeed in their breastfeeding plans, they can enjoy a lifetime of benefits.

Livingston County Health Center, a Breastfeeding Friendly WIC Clinic, offers a wide range of services for breastfeeding mom’s and families in our community. We have a private nursing nook that mothers can feed their babies in if they are out and about or after shots. We also offer breast pumps to moms that are on WIC, and with the Maternal Healthy Children Grant we are now also able to rent pumps, for a nominal fee, to breastfeeding mom’s in our community that are not on the WIC program.

Anita Perry, RN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant leads the Breastfeeding Support Program at the health center.  She has steadily added services and improvements to our offerings through various grants.  The health center offers a breastfeeding class at the health center and also at Hedrick Medical Center on a regular monthly basis.

Thanks to mini grants through the state WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program) several local businesses have taken steps to become designated as breastfeeding friendly worksites by setting up a lactation room for their employees and having a supportive atmosphere at the business.

Hospital grade breast pumps are available on loan to both WIC participants and local residents, to encourage mothers to keep breastfeeding after returning to work.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Rachel Snider and Amanda Kline work closely with WIC participants and meets with each mom and family several times during their pregnancy.  In talking with the moms and families, they teach not only about the benefits of breastfeeding, but also many of the helpful hints and techniques of the “how” to breastfeed. 

To celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness, the Health Center is also doing its annual media awareness campaign featuring local breastfeeding moms and their babies. 

A group of local breastfeeding moms organized a “Normalizing Nursing in Public” event at the Chillicothe Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 2^nd.   Thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world gather in their own communities to take part a synchronized breastfeeding each year.  

The health center’s Breastfeeding Support Group is also hosting a movie premiere of “The Milky Way” on Saturday, August 9^th at the health center.  Guests should arrive at 6 and the movie will begin at 6:30. There will be popcorn, snacks, drinks & door prizes for those who attend.

We are excited to be a part of our community’s breastfeeding support services. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call Anita Perry, RN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Rachel Snider WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Certified Breastfeeding Educator or Amanda Kline, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.

Anyone who would like more information about the health center’s Breastfeeding Support Program should call 646-5506 and ask to speak to Anita Perry. 

July Mom of the Month - Beverly Brown

“I guess I never thought I could breastfeed for so long! And I did it! I'm so glad that the mothers I connected with were very supportive. It helped me through this roller coaster of a journey!”

Health Center to Offer Free “Hands-Only” CPR Class

Livingston County Health Center is offering free “Hands-Only” CPR at their office  next Thursday, June 26^th, over the noon hour.   Those interested should call to reserve a spot, as there is limited space per session.  The health center plans to offer Hands Only CPR on a quarterly basis, so there will be two more opportunities to get trained yet this year.

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting (such as at home, at work or in a park). It consists of two easy steps:

·         Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that).

·         Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Every five years, the American Heart Association publishes updated guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care. These guidelines reflect a thorough review of current science by international experts. The 2010 guidelines reported that in studies of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, adults who received Hands-Only CPR from a bystander were more likely to survive than those who didn’t receive any type of CPR from a bystander. In other studies, survival rates of adults with cardiac arrest treated by people who weren’t healthcare professionals were similar with either Hands-Only CPR or conventional CPR.

When interviewed, bystanders said panic was the major obstacle to performing CPR. The simpler Hands-Only technique may help overcome panic and hesitation to act.

Learning basic CPR skills may help save the life of a loved one in case of heart attack.

Call 646-5506 to find out more, or reserve your spot.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Dad of the Month - Tim Morrison

Kenda Oster, Tim Morrison & Daniel 

I believe the best support person a mother could have is her husband. Along with all my friends at support group my biggest supporter is Tim. We have both attended prenatal classes when I was pregnant with Summer and Daniel.

Even though our daughter was premature I always knew I was going to breast feed her. After she passed I donated my colostrum to a milk bank to help other mothers.

We have attended all the evening support groups since Daniel has been born. Tim is also there to encourage me when I get down or stressed when I feel I don’t make enough.

I would encourage all of you to get all your husband involved in your breastfeeding if you haven’t already it is something that you will all benefit from.

Drowning is Silent — Do You Know the Distress Signs?

Every parent should read this column! It may change your perception about how children drown, and remind you accidents can happen when no one is watching.

Drowning is silent.  If you are entrusted with the care of children, knowing the distress signs can save a life. Drowning can be silent even when there is plenty of help around, watching.

The day starts off like any other hot one. The sun is shining, bags are loaded with pool toys and kids are greased up with sunscreen.

Most parents are eager for a little “adult” conversation while their children swim. Like a distracted cell phone user, parents lost in conversation can be a hazard as they trust that multiple adults present will notice a struggling child. Unfortunately, this misconception can have disastrous consequences and many drownings occur as a result.

Are you mentally alert on the job? Because if you are watching properly, it feels like a job.  Switch from being a “corner of the eye” parent, instead keeping tabs on your swimmers and actually being present in mind and thought the entire time. This is more work if you are actively involved, and it doesn’t come easy.  You have to make a mental and physical effort not to get stuck in your phone, or grab for it constantly to take a picture.

You would think there are obvious signs that signal a person in distress in the water — such as splashing, screaming and thrashing about. This certainly can happen, but report after report states the people around a drowning victim didn’t know it was happening.

Drowning happens quickly — the larynx goes into spasms, shutting off airflow and thus oxygen and leading to cardiac arrest.

Watch the following distress signs:

• A person who is drowning cannot call for help
• People instinctively try to keep what air is in their lungs — screaming expels that air. Also, she said, most drowning victims inhale water very early on and are unable to make a sound.
• A drowning person doesn’t usually appear desperate.
• In the process of drowning, a person stays in one spot in a vertical (upright) position.

All of the person’s effort goes toward keeping the nose and mouth above water, which means he can’t move or propel himself out of danger. That’s why people so frequently drown even though they are close to shore — they just can’t get there. There’s also great fear, which is paralyzing in its own right. Generally, once a person gets into trouble, you have 30 to 60 seconds before he or she goes down and doesn’t come back up.

  First and foremost, shout for help and do everything you can to attract the attention of a trained lifeguard. Simultaneously, if possible, dial 9-1-1 or instruct someone else to do so. Be aware that there are certain distinct dangers facing rescuers. The sad truth is there are often not one but two drownings — the victim and the would-be rescuer. A drowning person will instinctively do everything possible to stay alive, often, tragically, trying to climb up onto someone attempting a rescue and dragging the rescuer down. However tempting, unless you are certain of your own safety, do not get into the water unless you have been trained in how to safely perform an in-water rescue.

    What you can do safely, if no lifeguard is around, is grab a long stick or pole and extend it for the drowning person to grab onto. Hold on firmly and pull the person toward you, but don’t let the person pull you into the water. You also can grab and throw something that floats (such as a raft, life jacket, donut life preserver or even a beach ball or a Styrofoam cooler) to the person who is drowning, providing something he or she can hold onto to get to shore or to the pool’s edge. Assess the situation and, if able and capable, act immediately. Remember to keep yourself safe.

Never assume that any swimming situation is perfectly safe — stay alert and focused on what’s happening in the water and you may end up saving a life.

Source: DisasterMom

Distracted Parenting

In this world filled with ironies, it appears Smartphones are creating a new one.  While Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the other social media links are bringing people closer to family and friends all over the country and around the world, they are distancing parents from the people who are right in front of them…their kids.  We now have a new classification:  the distracted parent.  In fact, distracted parenting appears to be on the rise.  And with it comes a rise in child injuries and even deaths.

Cell phones are taking parents’ attention away from their kids, and with it go safe supervision, social interaction, communication and emotional bonding. 

In terms of safety, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted that emergency rooms are reporting a recent increase in nonfatal child injuries.  In fact, there has been a 12% increase of nonfatal injuries in children under the age of five based on data from the CDC from 2007-2010.

The distractions from cell phones have been blamed for many a toddler’s injury on the playground, at the pool and even at home.  Near drownings have been reported when caretakers took their eyes off their young charges.  In one case, a toddler sank in the deep end of the pool when his nanny just took her eyes off him for what she reported as being “20 seconds.”  In fact, security cameras showed that she was busy with her phone and hadn’t looked up for three minutes!

And most of us know what that’s like…we get a text and go to read it and then respond.  An announcement that it’s your turn to play “Words with Friends” or someone ‘Liked’ your picture of a hummingbird, or maybe  an alarm beeps to remind you to pick up the essential oils you ordered last week at a party, and on and on and on.  Our entire life can be totally wrapped up in that little box we hardly put down.  But, those “20 seconds” can easily turn into three minutes…three minutes too long to take our eyes off our young kids.  In fact, research has shown that kids engage in more risky behavior when supervision decreases; an even more important reason to keep your eyes on your kids.

As far as social interaction, communication and emotional bonding, a small pilot study released in the journal Pediatrics reports: Distraction by device is very common indeed.

Children who constantly see their parents playing with Smartphones at the dinner table can feel neglected, insecure or not worth your time.  You’re going to miss a lot of those benefits of eating meals together.   Often kids act up to get a parent’s attention away from the phone, but are often swatted away or appeased by the parent handing over the phone so the child can play a game.

And then there’s the disappointment I have seen on a child’s face when she looks over to the sidelines during her soccer game, or at the pool or just doing cartwheels in the yard, “Mommy…did you see that?” only to have her mom look up from her phone with a sheepish look on her face.  Even her mother’s earnest encouragement to, “Do it again and I’ll watch this time,” doesn’t take away the initial hurt.  I’m not judging here either, I’ve been that mom and I’m ashamed.

There has not yet been a comprehensive study on how parents' distraction by digital devices may impact children. But previous research has shown that even newborns are primed to gaze into a mother's eyes seeking social information. This is partly how bonds are formed. Very young children learn about their world largely through face-to-face interactions, vocalizations and touching with parents. They also develop language skills this way.

What messages are we sending our kids?  That the things on our phones are more important than they are?  And…is that really true?  Is the text message you were sending really worth the disappointment registering in your child’s eyes?

Look for something that’s active, engaging, meaningful and interactive. The good news is your schedule really does have room for two minutes of time, five minutes of time to look into our children’s eyes, have the conversation.

What these phones have done is to call our attention to the small screen rather than the present moment.  As parents we are missing so much of our children’s lives, opinions, and aspects of their character.  They are only young once, it’s your job not only to guide them and teach them how to be good people and live a healthy successful life…but also to cherish every moment you have with them before the day comes when they’re not interested in hanging out with you anymore. 

Create a lasting relationship with your child (or your spouse, or your siblings or your friends) by talking one on one with them, looking them in the eyes, actually DOING things together that don’t involve a phone.   Make a pledge to put your phone away and get reattached to people, instead of a device.

Source: Pediatrics, Parenting Today’s Kids