The Livingston County Health Center is again sponsoring its annual “Mitten Tree

Residents Encouraged to Donate New or Clean Used Hats, 

Gloves and Scarves for Those Who Can’t Afford

The Livingston County Health Center is again sponsoring its annual “Mitten Tree.” The Mitten Tree project provides mittens, gloves, hats and scarves to community residents who cannot afford to purchase the items themselves.

This annual project would not be possible without generous donations each year from churches, service organizations and individuals.

The health center is especially in need of gloves for boys and men, including work gloves or casual wear and items for small children ages 0-5.  New or clean used gloves, mittens and hats to fit any size or gender are welcomed as well.

Donations can be dropped off at the health center, located at 800 Adam Drive, during normal business hours: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  If transportation is a problem, health center staff can arrange to pick up your items.  Call 646-5506 to find out more.

Individuals are also encouraged to refer residents in need to the health center Mitten Tree.

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

Health center offering free & reduced fee services for diabetics in November

Chillicothe, MO, November 14, 2018— Livingston County Health Center is offering free and reduced free screenings for those living with diabetes during Diabetes Awareness Month.

Free blood glucose testing is available on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and reduced fee Hemoglobin A1C tests for the first 50 who request it will be offered on Wednesday, November 28^th at the adult blood draw clinic from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Anita Perry, Certified Diabetes Educator, also offers free individual diabetes counseling by appointment. 

The Health Center hopes offering these services will help those living with diabetes to better manage their condition.   Call 646-5506 for more information.

No woman should die of cervical cancer - Show Me Health

No woman should die of cervical cancer. You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening tests and appropriate follow-up care. It also can be cured when found early and treated.

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Vaccines are available to protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer.

HPV is very common in the United States and is passed from one person to another during sex. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer. Talk to your health care provider about getting the HPV test.

Screening Tests -Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

The Pap test is recommended for women between ages 21 and 65, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Women should start getting Pap tests regularly at age 21. If your Pap test results are normal, your doctor may say you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Your doctor can perform both the Pap and HPV tests at the same time. If your test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may then say you can wait as long as five years for your next screening.

Thousands of women living in northern Missouri rely on the Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri for their health-care needs. CAPNCM Women’s Health Services clinics are open to everyone, regardless of financial or age restrictions. Fees for the strictly confidential services are charged on a sliding scale based on the patient’s income. Private insurance and Medicaid are accepted, as well as donations from patients and the public. Clinic staff includes a nurse practitioner and educators specifically trained in family planning services.

Reproductive health services provided through the clinics include: complete examination of the female reproductive system, Pap Smear tests to check for early signs of cancer, breast examinations, diagnosis and treatment of minor gynecological problems and diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted disease. Staff can also provide education on birth control methods and on natural family planning. Birth control supplies are also available at the clinics.

CAPNCM Women’s Health Services conducts a monthly clinic in Chillicothe. For information or to schedule an appointment, call the CAPNCM office at 660-359-2855 or toll-free 1-877-611-7600.

HPV Vaccine

Get the HPV vaccine if you are in the age group for which it’s recommended. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. HPV can also cause cancers of the penis in men, and anal and head and neck cancers in both men and women.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26.

Make an appointment today at the Livingston County Health Center for your or your child’s vaccination by calling 646-5506.  We offer three monthly clinics, all on Thursdays.  If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance does not cover vaccines, CDC’s Vaccines for Children program may be able to help.

Source: CDC

Health Center WIC Program Receives Loving Support Award of Excellence

Livingston County Health Center’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is the recipient of a “Loving Support Award of Excellence” from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The award program was established to recognize local agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. 

Of a total of 90 WIC local agencies recognized across the country, sixteen are located in the Mountain Plains Region.  The four local agencies in Missouri awarded the Gold level are: Andrew County WIC, Dunklin County WIC, Livingston County WIC and Taney County WIC.

Only local agencies that have operated a peer counseling program for at least one year, as well as met the required core components related to breastfeeding, peer counseling and community partnerships were eligible.  

Peer counselors are mothers who have personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to provide basic breastfeeding information and support to other mothers interested in breastfeeding.  They undergo training to provide mother-to-mother support in group settings and one-to-one counseling through telephone calls, texts or visits in the home, clinic or hospital.  Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are also available afterhours to support breastfeeding moms.   The Health Center’s WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is Amanda Kline.  She provides education through prenatal breastfeeding classes; support through a monthly group for moms; calls and texts to breastfeeding parents; rents breast pumps to moms going back to work; and encourages pregnant moms who want to try breastfeeding.

Peer Counselors have worked in the community to create Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces, many equipped with a pump and private room for nursing, held Normalizing Nursing in Public events at the Courthouse, hosted a Baby Shower for pregnant moms interested in breastfeeding and recruit moms for an annual breastfeeding support billboard on Washington Street.

The Health Center also employs an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Anita Perry, RN.   She is also available to assist families in their breastfeeding journey.   To reach either Amanda or Anita, call the Health Center at 646-5506.

Health Center to Host "Medicare 101" Presentation

Do you know everything you need to about Medicare? If you’re turning 65 and ready to start Medicare or know someone who is, please attend “Medicare 101,” a program presented by Missouri CLAIM on Wednesday, September 19^th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Health Center Classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive in Chillicothe.

CLAIM stands for Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri, our State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

CLAIM provides free, non-biased information to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions about their health care benefits.

Topics will include: 

•             Basic Medicare

•             Part A & Part B

•             Part D Prescription Drug Coverage

•             Supplemental and Medigap Insurance Options

•             Public Assistance Programs

•             CLAIM Program services

The Health Center will also be offering a follow-up Medicare Enrollment event on Tuesday, October 16^th where certified CLAIM counselors will sit down with you one-on-one to help you get the most from your health benefits.  Appointments will be made through Missouri CLAIM beginning in early October. 

CLAIM does not sell or promote any insurance company or its products.   There is registration for this presentation, we invite the public to attend and to spread the word to others who could benefit.

If you would like to know more, check out the CLAIM website https://missouriclaim.org

Upcoming “Eight Pillars of Joy” Meditation Series

Livingston County Health Center is excited to announce an upcoming series “Eight Pillars of Joy” Meditation Series led by Cristina Clerico.  Classes will be held every Tuesday, beginning on Tuesday, September 4th at 5:30 p.m. in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.   There will also be a daytime offering on Thursdays at Noon, beginning Thursday, September 6^th.

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves. 

Eight Pillars of Joy is based on a meeting held between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dali Lama in 2015, where they one of the most important of conversations: how can we find joy, despite the suffering that is intrinsically bound to life?  Finding truth in many different fields, from psychology to theology to their own storied personal experiences, these two men agreed on a set of positive qualities that can help people experience joy not as a fleeting emotion, but as an enduring part of their lives. This meditation series strives to help find out what personality traits to cultivate within your own heart and mind by learning these 8 pillars of joy.

Cristina started meditating 30 years ago and has been teaching for more than ten.  She is thrilled that research now proves the many physical, emotional and mental benefits of mindfulness.

Take advantage of this interactive Mindful Mediation Series to add more wellness tools you can use to reduce stress, improve concentration and put you in better touch with yourself.  There is no cost to attend, and no registration necessary, just arrive at class.

For more information about the upcoming classes, please call 660-646-5506.

HEALTH CENTER OFFERING SMART CONNECTIONS CLASS SERIES

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a Smart Connections® class series coming to Chillicothe beginning on Wednesday, September 12^th in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Smart Connections® is a free program from Trauma Smart® for parents and caregivers to connect, network and enhance skills in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Anyone who deals with kids can add tools to address challenging behaviors as well as to increase connection with your child.

Mary Taylor, RN and Maternal Child Health Coordinator at the Health Center will be the instructor. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at 5:30, as scheduled   Classes include: “Managing the Ups & Downs”; “Reading the Signs”; “Creating Comfort”; “Encouraging Growth”; “Feelings Detective” and more.  To view more of the schedule, visit our website at www.livcohealthcenter.com.

Smart Connections® complements the Trauma Smart program implemented in Chillicothe R-II grades Kindergarten through 5^th grade.  The project was funded by the Livingston County Health Center, Chillicothe R-II School District and special funding from the Crittendon Foundation.

There is no charge to attend classes.  Parents and Caregivers who are interested in attending should call the Health Center at 646-5506 to register, or visit our website: www.livcohealthcenter.com to access the online application.  

For more information about the program, contact Mary Taylor, RN at 646-5506.

Foundation of Life

In a world filled with inequalities, crises and poverty, breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers.  Breastfeeding is a universal solution that gives everyone a fair start in life and lays the foundation for good health and survival of children and women. 

Celebrated every August around the world, World Breastfeeding Week’s 2018 slogan is “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.”  The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, whose focus is to “Protect, Promote and Support Breastfeeding Worldwide,” states that breastfeeding prevents hunger and malnutrition in all its forms and ensures food security for babies, even in times of crises.  And, with no additional burden on household income, breastfeeding is a low-cost way of feeding babies and contributes to poverty reduction.

The World Health Organization also promotes breastfeeding as the normal way of providing infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy and right after delivery, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Breast milk is perfectly designed for the child’s nutritional and immunological needs.  Breastfeeding is known as the natural and optimal way of feeding babies, and promotes bonding between mother and infant. Plus, there is strong evidence that optimal or exclusive breastfeeding has many lifelong positive health effects.  For the mother it helps with birth spacing, reduces risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and lowers the risk of hypertension.  For the infant it can combat infectious diseases, decreases incidence and severity of diarrhea, lowers respiratory infections and acute middle ear infections, prevents dental cavities, and increases intelligence.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by not only the WHO and WABA, but also the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts, for up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with complementary age appropriate baby foods up to two years of age or beyond. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, according to WHO, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large. Support can be in the form of giving reassurance, praise, information, and the opportunity for women to discuss problems and ask questions as needed. 

At the Livingston County Health Center, we offer support to all breastfeeding families in our community.  Upon request, we can provide infant weight checks, consultations with both a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Lactation Consultant, a monthly support group, and on August 14 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Health Center Conference Room, we are hosting a community Baby Shower for Mom’s To-Be (prenatals) and breastfeeding moms.  We will be providing a light meal with dessert, and lots of door prizes and give-aways.  Every participant will receive a pack of diapers just for attending.  We will have vendors from the community here to offer information about the services and support they provide for Mom’s and new babies.  Missouri Care will provide a short informational talk on some of the great benefits they offer to expectant mothers and new babies.  It will be a fun, supportive event! 

For more information about our breastfeeding services or our upcoming Baby Shower event or to register for the event, please call 660-646-5506 or sign up on the Livingston County Health Center Facebook site by August 3, 2018.

Stay Healthy At the Fair!

From watching calf roping at the rodeo to petting goats at the county fair, there are many ways to explore the animal world. Exhibits such as petting zoos and fairs allow children of all ages to have the thrilling experience of coming face-to-face with animals. This interaction allows people to learn more about animals and helps to build an important human-animal bond.

Working with farm animals can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for children. Caring for and showing these animals are great ways for children to learn about agricultural sciences and personal responsibility. However many farm animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and poultry, can carry germs such as Salmonella or E. coli that can make people sick.

Animals can carry germs even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs are shed in animals’ feces (poop) and can easily contaminate their bodies (fur or feathers) and anything in areas where these animals live and roam. People can become ill by touching farm animals or the areas where the animals live and roam.

Unfortunately, many people also become sick every year because of a visit to an animal exhibit. It is important to remember that animals sometimes carry germs that are harmful to humans. When people forget to wash their hands after petting an animal, or bring food or drinks into an area where animals are exhibited, they are at risk for becoming ill.

Luckily, there are simple steps that you can take to help prevent illness.

Who is at most risk?

Anyone can get sick from farm animals, but some people are more likely to have a serious illness:

• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults 65 years of age or older
• Pregnant women
• People with some illnesses (like cancer) that weaken immune systems

If You Are Visiting an Animal Exhibit Wash Hands Often

Find out where hand washing stations are located.

Always wash your hands right after petting animals or touching the animal enclosure.

Always wash hands upon exiting animal areas even if you did not touch an animal, after going to the toilet, before eating and drinking, before preparing food or drinks, and after removing soiled clothes or shoes.

Running water and soap are best. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as a sink is available.  Use hand sanitizers if running water and soap are not available.  Livingston County Health Center provides bottles of hand sanitizer with a colorful sticker at various locations throughout the animal showing areas at the fair.  Get in the habit of either washing your hands, or using a few pumps of sanitizer to kill those germs that will make you very sick later.

Eat and Drink Safely

• Keep food and drinks out of animal areas.
• Food should be prepared, served, and eaten only in areas where animals are not permitted (with the exception of service animals).
• Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) products, including milk, cheeses, and cider or juices.
• Do not share your food with animals.
• Remember; wash your hands before preparing food or drinks and before eating and drinking.

Keep Children Safe Around Animals

• Children younger than 5 years old always need adult supervision in animal areas.
• Never allow children to put their thumbs, fingers, or objects (for example: pacifiers) in their mouth while interacting with animals.
• Hand washing should be supervised.
• Do not take or use strollers, bottles, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, or toys in animal areas.
• Children younger than 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems should use special precautions when around animal exhibits.

Livingston County Fair has one of the best livestock shows in the area.  Don’t miss the opportunity to get your family out to the fairgrounds to check out a variety of farm and domestic animals—just be sure to wash your hands well and often!

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Fourth of July Safety

It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe even a trip to the beach. Whatever you have planned, the Health Center wants you to enjoy their holiday by following these safety tips.

Fireworks… The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

If someone is setting fireworks off at home, they should follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

Grilling… Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills.

Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

 Swimming… The safest way to swim is with a lifeguard present.  Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

Other safety tips include:

• Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
• Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket.
• Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
• Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach.
• Don’t bring kids with diarrhea to the pool.  They may have an easily transmitted communicable disease.

The Sun… Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. 

• Reapply sunscreen often. 
• Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. 
• Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. 
• Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. 
• Protect the feet - the sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:

• Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
• Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

By keeping these safety precautions in mind this Fourth of July, we hope your family celebration will be a blast!

Source: Red Cross

Back to School Bonanza Slated for Tuesday, July 31st

The Livingston County Children’s Wellness Committee would like to announce the tenth Back to School Bonanza on Tuesday, July 31st from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church Life Center. The event is designed to empower parents and kids to learn to make healthy lifestyle choices in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, safety and overall wellness. All Livingston County students who register for the event will receive a backpack with free school supplies donated by local business.

This year, the event is adding more grade levels to accommodate more county students. “We’re very excited to offer this great opportunity to more kids in Livingston County,” said Jessica Trussell, University of Missouri Extension. “This year, students who will be in Kindergarten through eighth grade in the 2018/2019 school year are eligible to register for school supplies and a free pair of shoes.”

Families can 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 www.livcohealthcenter.com. Paper applications are available at the MU Extension Office, Livingston County Health Center and the Food Pantry. Applications are due on Monday, July 16th.

Many local organizations will have booths at the event, which parents and kids must visit to complete their passport and pick up their backpack and school supplies. 

Donations of school supplies or monetary donations to purchase supplies are still being accepted. 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.

Students in Livingston County who are entering Kindergarten through eighth grade and their parents are encouraged to attend this fun event, there is no fee for admission and everyone is welcome.

Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

Livingston County Health Center will be the site of a free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th by appointment only.  

Cleaver Dermatology of Kirksville will be providing two dermatologists to perform screenings at the clinic, opening up more appointment slots. 

You must have an appointment to attend this screening, as space is very limited.  If you receive an appointment and later need to cancel, please let us know, so we can fill your slot.  

It’s important to remember that skin cancer can happen at any age, it doesn’t just affect seniors after years of damage.  Skin cancers like melanoma are deadly and need to be treated sooner rather than later.  If you have never been checked for skin cancer, or have some spots, moles or other areas on your skin that concern you, come to this free clinic.

To make your appointment for the June 20th Skin Cancer Screening Clinic, call the health center at 646-5506.

Smart Connections® class series coming every Friday in June

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a Smart Connections® class series coming every Friday in June to the Livingston County Library Children’s Department.

Smart Connections® is a free program from Trauma Smart® for caregivers to connect, network and enhance skills in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Anyone who deals with kids can add tools to address challenging behaviors as well as to increase connection with your child.

Mary Taylor, R.N., and Maternal Child Health Coordinator at the Health Center will be the instructor. Classes will be held every Friday in June from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Department at the Livingston County Library.   Classes include: “Managing the Ups & Downs”; “Reading the Signs”; “Creating Comfort”; “Encouraging Growth”; and “Feelings Detective.”

Smart Connections® complements the Trauma Smart program implemented in Chillicothe R-II grades Kindergarten through 5^th grade.  The project was funded by the Livingston County Health Center, Chillicothe R-II School District and special funding from the Crittendon Foundation.

There is no charge to attend classes.  Parents and Caregivers who are interested in attending should call the Health Center at 646-5506 to register or visit our website: www.livcohealthcenter.com to access the online application.  Registration cards are available in the Children’s Department at the Library as well.

For more information about the program, contact Mary Taylor, RN at 646-5506.

Dehydration in Seniors - Show Me Health

Dehydration is a common and very serious condition in older adults – it can even result in death.

For seniors, dehydration can cause many major health problems, including: kidney stones, blood clot complications, passing out, rapid but weak pulse and lowered blood pressure.

There are many factors that make seniors more likely to become dehydrated.

Common reasons include: being less sensitive to the feeling of thirst, decreased ability to keep fluid levels in balance, less efficient kidneys, which causes urine to contain more water, common medications (like those for blood pressure) flushing water from the body, medications causing side effects like diarrhea or excessive sweating.

It may help seniors drink more water to understand why you need to stay hydrated, and how it helps your body stay functioning well.   Check out all these reasons to drink more fluids.

Process Medication.  When medications are filtered through your loved one’s kidneys or liver, he or she may have to drink more water to stay healthy. Daily water intake protects organs from permanent damage, prevents certain medical conditions such as kidney stones, and also enables the body to better absorb the medications.

Boost Mental Health.  Cognitive decline is a part of aging, but it can be slowed with some lifestyle changes such as drinking at least eight full cups of water every day. If your loved one has a tough time drinking enough water, you should try serving him or her ice chips or caffeine-free tea. Fresh produce is also an excellent source of water, and the additional nutrients can further boost your loved one’s cognitive health.

Fight Fatigue. Water is as important for your loved one’s energy levels as food, and chronic dehydration can impact his or her motivation. Dehydration can make the heart work harder to pump blood throughout your loved one’s body. This is one of the many reasons why many athletes drink water to boost their energy level before reaching for a snack.

Prevent Obesity.  A recent study at the University of Michigan Medical School shows that dehydrated people tend to have higher obesity rates than hydrated ones. Having a glass of water every few hours can enhance metabolism and suppress appetite. Drinking water just before a meal also helps reduce your loved one’s risk of overeating fatty and sugar-laden foods.

Enhance Cognitive Functioning.  Nearly two-thirds of the brain is water, and this is why confusion and fatigue are two common symptoms of dehydration. Dizziness can also arise when a senior is dehydrated, and this places him or her at risk for serious falls. Seniors who drink plenty of water throughout the day provide the nourishment their brains need to function properly.

Ease Digestive Discomfort. Digestive disorders are common in the golden years as a person’s bodily systems begin to slow down. Constipation, indigestion, and gas pains can be eased by simply drinking water, which helps break down food in the digestive system and enhances the texture of stools.

Prevent Urinary Tract Infections.  The burning pain or urgent need to urinate is preventable through drinking enough water. Not only will water help dilute bacteria and flush it out of the body, it also helps boost the functioning of a senior’s kidneys. While some seniors try to reduce their water intake to handle incontinence, this can lead to dehydration and urinary tract infections, which makes the issue worse. For this reason, doctors advise seniors to try other strategies to reduce leakage while continuing to drink the required amount of water to stay healthy.

Promote Joint Health. Senior adults frequently struggle with arthritis pain, which interferes with their quality of life. One method for healing the pain is to drink more water so the body has the fluids it needs to make lubrication for the joints. With more lubrication, seniors can experience less stiffness and pain as they move throughout the day.

Remember there are many sources of fluids. Older adults don’t have to drink only plain water to get hydrated. Coffee, tea, fruit juice, sweetened beverages, fruits, and vegetables all contain water. If your senior really hates drinking fluids, serve them more foods with high water content to increase their hydration.

Keep water easily accessible. Sometimes, making it easy for seniors to serve themselves could encourage them to drink more water. Try putting a lightweight pitcher of water and a cup near their favorite seat.

Experiment with beverages at different temperatures. Your senior may prefer hot drinks to cold, or the other way around. Experiment to find out which type they like better. Try warming up juices, making decaf iced coffee with cream, or adding soda water to make drinks bubbly.

Try something savory. Those who like savory foods may enjoy drinking hot soup broth. The broth can come from a can, box, or powder, but some older adults really like it – especially in cold weather.

Make popsicles.  Homemade popsicles made from fruit juice or a mix of juice and water are a great summer treat. But they’re also a great way to get fluids into your senior.

Offer smoothies, milkshakes, Ensure, sports drinks. Some stubborn older adults may really resist drinking fluids. If so, you can try enticing them with smoothies, milkshakes, Ensure, or sports drinks. Sometimes they’ll like the flavor or texture and be willing to drink these beverages.

Make it a point to ensure your senior loved one is drinking enough water daily. If your loved one has frequent incontinence, do not compromise on his or her water intake.

Sources: Daily Caring, Home Care Assistance

Ticks can carry many diseases

Whether people are enjoying the beautiful outdoors in Missouri or elsewhere, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends awareness of diseases transmitted by ticks.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Tick season is here and milder winters and warm spring temperatures could result in a higher numbers of ticks and tick-borne disease. National numbers recently released May 1 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that cases of diseases transmitted by ticks doubled from 2004 – 2016. In addition, new disease-causing agents that can be transmitted by ticks have been discovered in the past few years. Missouri is home to large numbers of ticks, which means that tick-borne diseases can pose a risk to persons who work or play outdoors.   

“As with the flu, we stated in October it looked like it might be a difficult year with high rates of flu and potentially severe strains and encouraged everyone to get a flu shot. Unfortunately, we did experience a very tough flu season,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. “Based on last week’s CDC report, we are again reminding every one of the potential of tick-borne illness in Missouri and encouraging you to take simple precautions to lower your risk of tick bites and tick-borne illness.”  At least six different types of tick-borne diseases have been reported in Missouri residents, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Lyme or Lyme-like disease, and disease caused by Heartland and Bourbon viruses. The majority of these cases occur in May, June and July.

Symptoms of these diseases typically begin within two weeks of a bite by an infected tick and for most people include a sudden fever, body aches and headache. “As I often told patients, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms in the summer when it is not flu season, you should talk with your doctor about the possibility of tick-borne illness,” continued Dr. Williams. Another possible sign of tick-borne disease is fever and a pus-filled wound that appears at the site of a tick bite, or a spreading rash that follows a tick bite or exposure to tick habitat. Not all ticks transmit these infections, and not all tick bites lead to illness. The majority of Missouri’s tick-borne illnesses can be successfully treated if they are caught early, but sometimes they are deadly.

As DHSS stated in April, everyone can safely enjoy the outdoors, whether at home or traveling, by using some simple precautions to avoid tick bites.    

DHSS recommends the following precautions to prevent tick bites:

• Use an insect repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing. Choose a product that lasts several hours whenever you spend time outdoors. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age.
• When possible, wear protective clothing (light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants) when outdoors to keep ticks off skin.
• Avoid tick infested areas including brushy areas, tall grasses, wood piles and leaf litter. When hiking, stay near the center of trails to avoid ticks.
• Reduce ticks around your home by keeping lawns mowed short, shrubs and trees trimmed, and remove leaf litter, wood piles, fallen branches, trash and debris from yards.
• People with pets should talk with their veterinarian about use of tick prevention treatments. You should regularly check your pet for ticks.
• Check for ticks while outdoors and again after returning from the outdoors. If possible you should change clothes and shower soon after spending time outdoors.

If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly. The longer it is attached the greater the risk of infection. To remove ticks:

• Using tweezers, grasp tick near its mouth and as close to your skin as possible.
• Pull tick firmly, straight out, away from skin. Do not jerk or twist the tick.
• Do NOT use alcohol, matches, liquid soap or petroleum jelly to remove a tick.
• Wash your hands and the bite site with soap and water after the tick is removed. Apply an antiseptic to the bite site.

If symptoms occur following a tick bite, or even after exposure to a tick habitat, be sure to tell your health care provider. For more information visit www.health.mo.gov/ticks.

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter