“Celebrating Our Seniors” Health Fair Coming Up Tuesday, May 23rd

Livingston County Health Center will be hosting a “Celebrating Our Seniors” Health fair for older residents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23^rd in their classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive in Chillicothe.

There will be several vendors on hand, including Access II, Bella-Brooke Adult Day Center, Chillicothe Family Pharmacy, Chillicothe Fire Department, Chillicothe Hy-Vee, Grand River YMCA, Hedrick Medical Center, Hometown Pharmacy, Hope Haven Recycling, LCHC Diabetes Support, Northwest Area Agency on Aging, Senior Life Solutions, and University Extension.  Attendees also get a swag bag of giveaways, as well as entered in prize drawings.   The date is also the regular Tuesday Office visits day, so basic nursing services like blood pressure and adult immunizations can be requested.

Also coming up this month, free, confidential Memory Screening clinics through the Alzheimer’s Foundation will be held on Tuesday, May 30^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment. The National Memory Screening Program provides screenings to individuals concerned about memory loss with the objective of early detection and intervention.  Testing only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.   Results should be shared with the individual’s health care provider. To make an appointment, call 646-5506.

The Health Center is also creating a five-year plan for its Aging in Place Livingston County initiative.  If you have input on needed services, resources and education for those 50 and older, please share your ideas with Sherry Weldon, RN, Administrator.

Grins and Giggles Becomes a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Facility

Grins and Giggles Daycare today joined a growing number of Missouri early care facilities becoming a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care facility.  A breastfeeding friendly child care proactively supports the families they serve and their employees who choose to breastfeed their infants.  They provide time, space and other benefits to encourage breastfeeding after a mom returns to work.  Child care providers offering these supports receive positive feedback from their families and employees.

“Lactation support programs are a growing trend in businesses today as a means of improving family services to employees and clients,” said Amanda Kline, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.

Over 70 percent of Missouri mothers choose breastfeeding as the optimal form of infant feeding.  Yet, many of these women do not meet their breastfeeding goals.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified returning to work as a major reason why many women stop breastfeeding.  Child care providers are key to helping moms continue breastfeeding after they return to work.

Many studies have shown improved short- and long-term health of the breastfeeding mother and her child.  Breastfed infants tend to be sick less often and have a lower risk of allergies and other health issues.  Breastfeeding reduces a moms’ risk for cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.  Businesses that support breastfeeding moms report higher employee retention, lower absenteeism, higher morale, greater productivity and reduced health care costs.  

The Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Program is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition.  The program aims to bring an increased awareness about the importance of lactation support in child care facilities.  The program recognizes child care facilities with policies supportive of their breastfeeding employees and mothers of the children in their care.  Such policies offer a private space where mothers can pump or breastfeed, trained staff and supportive resources to help encourage breastfeeding. 

“We want our new mothers to know that we support their decision to continue breastfeeding,” said Ruth Summy, Owner/Director Grins and Giggles Daycare. “We are extremely pleased to be designated as a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care facility.”

To become a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care facility, providers must submit an application to the DHSS.  Application materials and a list of recognized facilities can be found at http://health.mo.gov/breastfeedingfriendlychildcare.  

9th Annual Back to School Bonanza

The Livingston County Children’s Wellness Committee will host the 9th Annual Back to School Bonanza on Tuesday, July 25th from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church Family 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 in grades K-5 who register for the event will receive a backpack with free school supplies donated by local business and organizations after visiting all of the booths.

“We’re excited that this is the ninth year we have been able to offer this great opportunity for the kids in Livingston County,” said Jessica Trussell, University of Missouri Extension. “Each year we are able to pass out more supplies and help more families than the year before.” 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 Food Pantry, located across from the Cultural Corner.  Applications are due on Monday, July 17th. 

Many local organizations will have booths at the event, including the Livingston County 4-H; Shoes from the Heart and local law enforcement and fire departments.  If you would like to participate in Shoes From The Heart and receive a FREE pair of tennis shoes for your child, please be sure to enter their gender and shoe size on the application so the shoes can be available the day of the Back To School Bonanza.   If shoes are needed for children in grades 6-12, please contact First Baptist Church at office@fbchilli.com or call 646.2834.

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.

Calvary Baptist Family Life Center is a new location for the event, due to its location in the center of town, hopefully assisting with transportation issues for some.  Students in Livingston County who are entering Kindergarten through fifth grade and their parents are encouraged to attend this fun event, there is no fee for admission and everyone is welcome.   

Health Center to Host Several Events During Older Americans Month

Livingston County Health Center will be raising awareness about Older Americans Month throughout May, with several opportunities to learn about aging well and get tested in various areas of health. 

Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme, Age Out Loud, was created to give aging a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say.

This theme shines a light on many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. What it means to age has changed, and OAM 2017 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.

The Health Center will use this awareness event to provide some resources and education for older people and those who care for them.  We can also use this opportunity to learn how we can best support and learn from our community’s older members.

Free, confidential Memory Screening clinics through the Alzheimer’s Foundation will be held on Tuesday, May 2^nd and Tuesday, May 30^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment. The National Memory Screening Program provides screenings to individuals concerned about memory loss with the objective of early detection and intervention.  Testing only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.   Results should be shared with the individual’s health care provider. To make an appointment, call 646-5506.

On May 16^th and May 23^rd—both Tuesdays—“Celebrating Our Seniors” Health Fairs will be held in the Health Center classroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Several vendors have been lined up for both events.  Those attending can learn about local services for older people, as well as issues they should keep in mind as they age.  If you would like to be a vendor and haven’t been contacted, call 646-5506.

On May 17^th, Cleaver Dermatology will be providing a Skin Cancer Screening Clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.  Appointments fill up fast for these clinics, so those interested should call 646-5506 to secure their spot. 

On May 25^th, the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Class will be performing their Tai Chi routine at Silver Moon Plaza between 12 Noon and 1 p.m.  Those who would like to learn more about Tai Chi and future opportunities to join a class at the Health Center should attend. 

The regular Adult Blood Draw Clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 31^st from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on a walk-in basis. 

The Health Center is also creating a five-year plan for its Aging in Place Livingston County initiative.  If you have input on needed services, resources and education for those 50 and older, please share your ideas with Sherry Weldon, RN, Administrator.

Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic at Health Center

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, May 17th 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 May 17th Skin Cancer Screening Clinic, call the health center at 646-5506. 

Health Center Announces Spring Walking Challenge

Registration is underway for a Spring Walking Challenge to be held April 10th through June 4th . The challenge is a continuation of Livingston County Health Center’s “Walk Chillicothe” Project.

Those interested can sign up now through Monday, April 10th to participate in the challenge.  Late registrations will be accepted, but the Health Center would like to get as many on the books by starting day as possible. Register by visiting www.livcohealthcenter.com or call 646-5506.

The requirements are simple: pledge to walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks.  Record walking on an exercise log and turn it in after the 8 weeks to be eligible for the prize drawing.  Logs are available at our office.  Even if you fall short of your goal, all entries submitted will be put in the drawing.

The walking challenge is an attempt to get people motivated to start a walking habit that will be established after the eight week period.  

Local worksites are also being targeted in the challenge to encourage employers to promote a healthy lifestyle to their workers. 

Baby Boomers Encouraged to get Tested for Hepatitis C

Livingston County Health Center will offer several opportunities for local residents to get tested for Hepatitis C in March.   

Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C has been called a silent epidemic because most people with Hepatitis C do not know they are infected.

While some people who get infected with Hepatitis C are able to clear, or get rid of, the virus, most people who get infected develop a chronic, or lifelong, infection. Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. But many people can benefit from available treatment options that can eliminate the virus from the body and prevent further liver damage.

In 2012, CDC started recommending Hepatitis C testing for everyone born from 1945 – 1965. While anyone can get Hepatitis C, up to 75% of adults infected with Hepatitis C were born from 1945 – 1965.

The only way to know if someone has Hepatitis C is to get tested.

The Health Center will be doing Hepatitis C testing by appointment through two special Tuesday nurse dates, March 14^th and 21^st, for a fee of $20.  Those who would like to be tested on one of these dates should call the Health Center at 646-5506 to schedule a convenient time.   Hepatitis C testing does not require fasting the night before.

Hepatitis C testing will also be offered through Adult Blood Draw Clinics on a walk-in basis on Wednesday, March 29^th from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., also for a fee of $20. 

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Ann at 660-646-5506 or email at ann.burchett@livcohealth.com.