World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week, now in its 22^nd year, takes place the first week of August.  This is a time when the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Livingston County Health Center joins with mothers and families, health organizations, breastfeeding coalitions, and countries around the world to provide education and promote the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for infants, families, and society as a whole. It is celebrated in more than 170 countries worldwide.

This year's theme is “Breastfeeding and Work - Let's Make it Work.” Balancing work and family life, including breastfeeding, is increasingly necessary for women’s rights and a strong, healthy and vibrant workforce—and better society. According to Lactation Matters, the official blog of International Lactation Consultant Association, “today’s global economic and labor conditions are changing rapidly, with some positives but many negative implications on women’s health and livelihoods, as well as that of their children and families. By supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, all sectors of society will benefit. Benefits include productivity, family income and job security, women’s and children’s health and well-being, employers’ long-term profits and a nation’s socio-economic health and stability!”

Helping to encourage businesses to support breastfeeding, was the passing of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“Affordable Care Act”) amended section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) that requires employers to provide reasonable break times for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child’s birth, each time such employee has the need to express the milk. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.

 

Technically speaking, the needs of breastfeeding employees can be met through simple changes, and implemented inexpensively.  It is a known fact, that employers who provide lactation support to help mothers continue breastfeeding after returning to work reap benefits that impact the business’s bottom line, a few of which are:  cost savings, reduced absenteeism, lower health care costs, improved employee productivity and retention, and a family friendly worksite image for attracting new employees!

The last few years, in the Chillicothe/Livingston County area, the Livingston County Health Center, led by Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Rachel Snider, assisted at least 7 local businesses to receive a Missouri State designated “Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award.”  These businesses met goals set by the Missouri Department of Health showing that they provide excellent support for their breastfeeding employees, by providing: 1) a private place to express milk that is not a bathroom, 2) a flexible work schedule that allows time for expressing milk, and most importantly 3) a supportive staff and supervisor.   Along with these awarded businesses, we have seen at least 8 other businesses participate in becoming designated as a “Breastfeeding Welcomed Here Business.”  These businesses 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 also state that they are willing to provide a quiet, private area where the mother can nurse her child.  For a list of these local businesses or if you are a business wanting more information on participating,  check out the Livingston County Health Center’s website at www.livcohealthcenter.com and follow the tab under “breastfeeding.”

Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for infants and contributes to their healthy growth and development. Babies who are breastfed have fewer illnesses, mothers have fewer sick days to care for their infants, and companies benefit from decreased employee turnover and lower health care costs.  This year’s theme “Let’s Make it Work” involves EVERYONE. When working moms can continue breastfeeding, everybody wins!

For more information about the Livingston County Health Center’s breastfeeding support services call 660-646-5506.

” Child Abuse Prevention Training Coming Up Tuesday, August 11th

The Livingston County Children’s Wellness Committee will be providing, “Stewards of Children,” a child abuse prevention training, on Tuesday, August 11^th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Livingston County Health Center, located at 800 Adam Drive.

“Stewards of Children” is a two-hour, video-facilitated, interactive prevention training program created by the organization Darkness to Light, founded with the goal of reducing the incidence of child sexual abuse.  Participants will not only gain a better understanding of how to recognize the signs of abuse, but will also walk away knowing how to respond when they suspect abuse and how to better protect the children in their own lives.   The training also teaches the effects of sexual abuse on child victims. 

The goal of this program is to raise awareness and educate adults about child sexual abuse.  This program is designed to increase knowledge as well as change attitudes and behaviors regarding the protection of children. 

DeAn Witt, Child Advocate at North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center and Mary Taylor, RN and Maternal Child Health Coordinator for the Livingston County Health Center will be facilitating the training.

Sexual abuse affects one in 10 children.  Learning about sexual abuse is the first step in helping to prevent it.  Those interesting in attending this training should call the Livingston County Health Center at 660-646-5506 to register.  There is no cost to attend this training. 

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

Adult Blood Draw Clinic Wednesday, July 29th

Livingston County Health Center is offering its Adult Wellness Blood Draw Clinic this coming Wednesday, July 29th 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, most 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.

Take Precautions Due to Excessive Heat Warning

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning effective today and the rest of the week looks equally as hot and humid.  Livingston County is officially in the midst of a heat wave.

Do you have a heat wave plan? Heat ranks among the top weather-related killers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Missouri Department of Health advises residents to expect more heat waves in the upcoming month, when temperatures exceed 95 degrees. Climate change is causing the average high temperature to increase and for there to be longer and more frequent periods of extreme heat. Our bodies have less chance to recover during hot days and warm nights, placing everyone at risk for heat illness. When temperatures and humidity are high, sweat ceases to evaporate and the body's natural cooling system slows down or shuts down completely. Very hot weather can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and severe respiratory conditions, which can be fatal.

Extreme heat especially endangers seniors, young children, people with disabilities, and individuals with breathing conditions and other chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Those without air-conditioning, fans, or access to cooling shelters are also at risk.

Livingston County Health Center recommends that every household have a heat wave plan in case of power outages. Have air conditioners serviced and obtain electric fans now. Keep cases of bottled water on hand. Listen to news reports of the location of community 'cooling centers' -- often public libraries or churches -- so household members know where they are located if the power goes out.  In our county, the following locations serve as cooling centers during daytime hours: Livingston County Health Center, Grand River Multi-Purpose Center (Senior Center), Livingston County Library, Grand River YMCA, Calvary Baptist Church, Community Resource Center, City Hall Walking Track and RSVP/Threads.  For more specific hours, call the health center at 646-5506.  During extreme heat days, people should check on their vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Locally, many will be exhibiting and visiting the Livingston County Fair this week.  The Health Center would like to encourage everyone to keep themselves and their animals hydrated this week during extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Tips to prevent heat illness:

Do not leave a child or pets alone in a parked car, even for a minute. Call 911 if you see a child left unattended in a vehicle. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing sugar, alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. (Check with a doctor before increasing fluid intake if you have epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver disease, or if you are on a fluid-restrictive diet. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Stay indoors on the lowest floor possible. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat or use an umbrella. Use sunscreen. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself, and has been linked to skin cancer. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Be careful trying to cool down too quickly; a cold shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can lead to hypothermia, particularly for the elderly and children. In these cases, cool water is better than ice cold water.

Limit outdoor activity, especially mid-day when the sun is hottest. Work out or hold team practices early in the morning, or in the early evening.  

Heed the following heat danger warning signs and take suggested actions:

Heat cramps occur in the muscles of the limbs or abdomen occurring during or after physical activity in high heat. Sweating results in loss of fluids and salts that cause muscle cramps. Address heat cramps by resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water.

Heat exhaustion is more severe, occurring when a person is overheated along with reduced or unbalanced intake of fluids. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, weakness, clammy skin, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, rapid breathing, irritability, and fainting. Take these simple steps to reduce heat exhaustion: Move the person indoors or into shade. Loosen or remove the person's clothing. Encourage the person with heat exhaustion to eat and drink. Get the person to a cool shower or bath. Call your doctor for further advice.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer cool itself, and can be a life-threatening event. Prompt medical treatment is required. Symptoms include: flushed, hot and dry skin with no sweating; high body temperature (above 103 F, taken orally); severe, throbbing headache; weakness, dizziness, or confusion; sluggishness or fatigue; decreased responsiveness; and loss of consciousness. If heat stroke occurs, take these steps: Call 9-1-1 immediately. This is a medical emergency. Get the heat stroke victim indoors or into shade. Get the person into a cool shower or bath, or wipe them down with continuously soaked cool washcloths while awaiting emergency responders.

Extreme heat should be taken very seriously.  Often people are already in the midst of a crisis when symptoms become evident-stay hydrated and cool.

Registration Deadline for Back to School Bonanza Coming Up

The registration deadline for the annual Back to School Bonanza is looming for Livingston County students entering grades Kindergarten through 5^th grade for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year.  Families wishing to take part should get their students registered by Wednesday, July 15^th. 

Due to the success of the program, families must register for the event online, or submit a paper application, in order to receive the free backpack and school supplies. Online applications can be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/livingston or at www.livcohealthcenter.com.  Paper applications are available at the MU Extension Office, Livingston County Health Center and the Salvation Army.  Applications are due on July 15th. 

Any student in Livingston County is eligible to receive a free backpack and school supplies through this event, including children who are homeschooled, or may attend a school in another county, but reside in Livingston. 

Besides the backpack full of supplies, students get to take home even more freebies and educational information thanks to local businesses and organizations.  This year kids can look forward to new booths from Chillicothe Hy-Vee, Hometown Pharmacy, Walgreens, Green Hills Community Action Agency, North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center, Shoes from the Heart, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Livingston County Library.  Also on hand: 4-H, Northwest Health Services, Premier Eyecare, Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe Police Department, Chillicothe Fire Department, Livingston County Sheriff’s and Grand River YMCA.  If you are a non-profit organization or healthcare provider and would like to have a booth, please call Mary Taylor at 646-5506. 

Donations of school supplies or money to purchase supplies are also still greatly needed this year.   Anyone interested in donating may call Jessica Trussell at 646-0811 or mail their donation to the University of Missouri Extension Office at 2881 Grand Dr., Suite 2 in Chillicothe. Checks should be made payable to MU Extension.