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 

Tai Chi for Arthritis - Show Me Health

Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits.  For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

In 1997, Dr. Paul Lam led a team of tai chi and medical specialists to create the Tai Chi for Arthritis program. It is easy, enjoyable and safe for people with arthritis to learn. Medical studies have shown the program to relieve pain for people with arthritis and improve their quality of lives, as well as preventing falls for the older adults.  For this reason, arthritis foundations around the world and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America are giving it their full support.

Although especially effective for arthritis, it is a great start for beginner to improve health and wellness. The program is proven to be effective to prevent falls, that is why health departments around the world have utilized it for this purpose. 

Tai chi is a slow motion, low-impact exercise that promotes physical and mental health and relaxation. It is practiced as an effective exercise for health through a series of flowing, graceful, gentle postures and movements. The gentle flowing movements contain inner power that can strengthen the body, improve mental relaxation and mobilize joints and muscles. Tai chi is an especially suitable therapy for arthritis because of the slow and gentle movements. Here are some of the benefits, according to Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE, Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Tai chi improves balance, strength and flexibility and lowers the risk of falls. A study from the Oregon Research Institute found that tai chi improved balance and reduced the frequency of falls and risks of falling among older people.

Tai chi also reduces pain, stiffness and stress. Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine noted that patients older than 65 with knee osteoarthritis who practiced a 60-minute tai chi class twice a week for 12 weeks showed a significant decrease in joint pain and stiffness compared with those in the control group. They also found the patients in the tai chi group had improved physical function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status. Both the Oregon and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers reported that tai chi improves sleep quality in older adults.

Other UCLA studies also suggested that tai chi helps people reduce high blood pressure and tension headaches.

Tai Chi for Arthritis isn’t for everyone.  If you are looking for a drop-in class you can attend when you have time, this is probably not the course you are looking for.  Learning the movements of Tai Chi is a progressive effort.  It takes time and repetition to learn the series of moves, so class attendees need to be present for as many classes as possible. 

Learning Tai Chi can also be slow-paced for some. Health Center Instructors have been trained in the Step-Wise Method created by Dr. Paul Lam, so each move is taught in steps.  The method intended to ensure safety for those with balance issues. 

The Health Center will be starting a new Tai Chi for Arthritis Class in May.  We will host an exhibition on Friday, May 4th at 10 a.m. for those that would like to learn more about Tai Chi, and see it in practice.  Classes will begin on Monday, May 7th at 10 a.m.  Classes are  set for Mondays and Thursdays through July 19th.   There is a $20 cost to attend this ten week series of classes, but participants who attend at least 50% of classes will get their money back.  Registration for the class will remain open for two weeks from the first class for those who missed getting signed up. 
 

Call 646-5506 for more information.

Sources: Tai Chi for Health Institute, University of Missouri Extension

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Class

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a new Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class for seniors 60 and older, or those living with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause balance issues and joint pain. 

There will be a free demonstration class led by Instructors Mary Taylor and Ann Burchett on Friday, May 4th at 10 a.m. in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is a low impact, graceful form of exercise using gentle movements that puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it suitable for adults that are age 60 and over. Tai Chi is proven to help reduce the prevalence of falls among and is rated as the highest level evidence-based program for senior adults for health and wellness.

Tai Chi has been proven to improve balance, increase leg strength, improve mobility, increase flexibility, reduce stress, improve posture and reduce the fear of falling.

Weekly one-hour Tai Chi classes begin at the Health Center on May 7th and will be held Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. through July 19th. There is a $20 cost to attend this ten week series of classes, but participants who attend at least 50% of classes will get their money back. Registration for the class will remain open for two weeks from the first class for those who missed getting signed up. 

For more information about the upcoming classes or to register, please call 660-646-5506

Smart Connections® Class Series Coming

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, RN 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.

Registration is underway for the Spring Walking Challenge

Registration is underway for the Livingston County Health Center’s Spring Walking Challenge to be held April 22nd through June 16th . The challenge is a continuation of Health Center’s “Walk Chillicothe” Project.

Those interested can sign up now through Monday, April 23rd 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.  Forms are available at the Health Center, or can be printed off the website.  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.

If you would like to sign up for the challenge, call 646-5506 or visit www.livcohealthcenter.com.  You can also stop by the Health Center office at 800 Adam Drive to register and pick up an exercise log while you’re there.

Show Me - "Changing Our Future Together"

April 2-8 designates National Public Health Week.  This year’s theme is “Changing Our Future Together,” which reflects the mission of public health in general. 

People often ask, “What is public health?”  Unless they have a need to access our services, many people have no idea what we do!   Here’s an attempt at explaining it:

Everyone deserves to live a long and healthy life in a safe environment. To make this happen, we must tackle the causes of poor health and disease risk among individuals and within our communities. Where we live, work, worship and play impacts each of use and can determine our health and how long we live.

When we think about the word “health,” we typically associate it with medical matters, so the definition of public health can seem a little confusing. Unlike the practice of medicine in clinical settings—like a doctor’s office or hospital—public health is not a one-on-one discipline, nor do those in the field practice medicine.

Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.

While a doctor treats people who are sick, those of us working in public health try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place. We also promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors, such as our Adult Blood Draw clinics that offer affordable preventive care.

Public health focuses on improving and protecting community health and well-being, with an emphasis on prevention among large groups of people. Public health workers keep communities healthy through child wellness, disease prevention, education, disaster relief, clean water, access to healthcare, and much more.

Public health works to track disease outbreaks, prevent injuries and shed light on why some of us are more likely to suffer from poor health than others. The many facets of public health include speaking out for laws that promote smoke-free indoor air and seatbelts, spreading the word about ways to stay healthy and giving science-based solutions to problems.

Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world.  Livingston County is our population, and we are proud to have served the county for over 40 years. 

Public health saves money, improves our quality of life, helps children thrive and reduces human suffering.

Why is public health important?

Most of us rarely think about these roles until a crisis, such as a devastating hurricane, captures our attention. But public health officials work on a daily basis to keep people healthy and safe, locally and around the world, by preventing disease and injury.

Public health initiatives such as vaccinations, family planning, motor vehicle safety laws, and clean air and water policies have increased life expectancy in the U.S. by nearly 30 years.

Public health connects us all.

Source: National Public Health Week, APHA

Show Me - It's Happening

Abuse and exploitation are constant dangers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The abuse is prevalent and pervasive, it happens in many ways, and it happens repeatedly to victims with all types of disabilities. In fact, they are four to ten times more likely to be abused than their peers without disabilities.  

Compared to the general population, people with developmental disabilities are at greatest risk of abuse and:

• Tend to be abused more frequently.

• Are abused for longer periods of time.

• Are less likely to access the justice system.

• Are more likely to be abused by a caregiver or someone they know; many are repeatedly abused by the same person.

• Are more likely to remain in abusive situations.

• Predators may perceive a person with disabilities as weak, vulnerable, or less likely to report abuse, making them easy targets.

• People with disabilities are often isolated and dependent on a small circle of friends or caregivers for critical support, including assistance with basic physical needs. These same caregivers are often the abusers, which poses a difficult decision for the victim who is required to choose between the potential for continuing abuse and an uncertain future.

• Many live in segregated environments, such as group homes, where abuse can occur – and be hidden – more easily. In addition, victims who are abused in group settings may have limited access to police, advocates, medical or social services representatives, or others who can intervene and help.

• People with limited communication abilities and/or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult to report abuse effectively.

• Many people with disabilities are afraid that they will not be believed when they do report abuse.

• Many people with disabilities have been verbally abused, resulting in low self-esteem and, in some cases, a belief that the abuse is somehow deserved.

• It is easier to abuse or exploit someone if you inherently believe that people with disabilities are less human, less valuable or don’t contribute to society. 

People with disabilities are more susceptible to abuse for many reasons. Some of these reasons are:

Children with disabilities have a higher risk of being abused or neglected. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 11 percent of all child abuse victims in 2009 had a physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral disability and children with disabilities are almost two times more likely to be physically or sexually abuse or neglected than children without disabilities. In addition, abuse is typically more severe, is more likely to occur multiple times and is more likely to be repeated for a longer period.

Many people refuse to believe anyone they know would ever consider abusing, neglecting, or exploiting a person with an intellectual or developmental disability.  But, adults with disabilities are being verbally, fiscally, physical, and sexually abused at an alarming rate.  

The good news is, you can help stop it.  This presentation will not only educate about the problem, but offer instruction on what to do should you witness or suspect the abuse.

This Wednesday, March 7, Ed Thomas from the Arc of Missouri, an organization that champions people with disabilities, will be here at the Health Center to give two victimization awareness presentations.  Ed has an extensive history of working to help make life better for people with disabilities, not to mention personal family experience.  He is a very dynamic and engaging speaker as well.

A morning session from 10 – 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30-2:30 p.m. will be held in our classroom.  There will be time for questions, discussion, and networking after both presentations, as well as refreshments.  Call 646-5506 if you would like to sign up for either session.

The Health Center would like to encourage people from all walks of life to attend, especially those who go into the home as part of their job, and those who include people with disabilities among their family and friends.   We are fortunate to have this program offered locally.  Let’s do our part to get educated about how to stop the abuse.    

If you suspect abuse of a person with disabilities, call the Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Hotline at (800) 392-0210 from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., 365 days a year.

For more information, visit: andwecanstopit.org

(published in the CT March 6, 2018)

Source: Disability Justice, Arc of Missouri