Health Center Sponsoring “Wear Red” Photo Challenge

Livingston County Health Center hopes to raise awareness about Women’s Heart Health by sponsoring a “Wear Red” Photo Challenge this Friday, February 5^th.

“Wear Red” day is an event created by the American Heart Association to increase women’s awareness about their risk of heart disease and stroke, and educate about ways to lower that risk.  Heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women, more than all cancers combined.

To participate in the Health Center challenge, individuals or groups just need to wear red this Friday, February 5^th, take a photo and then post to the Health Center’s Facebook Page at: LivingstonCounty HealthCenter.    When posting, identify everyone in the photo so each individual can be entered into a drawing for a Go Red Gift Basket or free blood draw.   Watch the Facebook page throughout the week for more information about lowering the risk of heart disease.

For more information about the challenge, call 646-5506.

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

County Residents 60 and Older Can Benefit from Cost-Sharing

Thanks to a grant from the County Senior Citizen Tax Fund, Livingston County Health Center is now offering Shingles vaccination at a reduced cost to county residents 60 and older with no insurance or a co-pay through.   The Health Center also pays a portion of the cost to make the shot $100 or less.  Residents can get vaccinated through their Tuesday Walk-In Clinics, held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash, caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Nearly 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Anyone who has had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine in the past may develop shingles. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of getting the disease increases as you get older. About half of all cases occur in men and women who are 60 years old or older.

The vaccinations will be given through the Health Center’s regular Tuesday Walk-In Clinic from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.  Those interested in getting vaccinated should bring their insurance card so health center staff can determine the individual’s lowest possible cost.

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

Show Me Health - Shingles

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash. It is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Nearly 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Anyone who has had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine in the past may develop shingles. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of getting the disease increases as you get older. About half of all cases occur in men and women who are 60 years old or older.

Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.

Before the rash develops, people often have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This may happen anywhere from 1 to 5 days before the rash appears.

Most commonly, the rash occurs in a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. In other cases, the rash occurs on one side of the face. In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread and look similar to a chickenpox rash. Shingles can affect the eye and cause loss of vision.  Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.

Some people are have a greater risk of getting shingles. This include people who have medical conditions that keep their immune systems from working properly, such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and people who receive immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs that given after organ transplantation.

People who develop shingles typically have only one episode in their lifetime. However, a person can have a second or even a third episode.

Shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) reduces the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) caused shingles. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends shingles vaccine for people aged 60 years and older. Even people who have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

Livingston County Health Center offers shingles vaccinations for adults through our Tuesday Walk-In Clinic.  Some insurance companies pay all or most of the cost of the shot, others pay nothing.  If you have insurance, bring your card so we can determine the lowest possible cost.

The Health Center was awarded a grant through the Senior Citizen Tax Fund, to offset part of the cost to receive a shingles vaccination at age 60 or older.  The funds are intended for Livingston County residents who are uninsured or who have insurance with a co-pay.   LCHC also pays for a portion of the vaccine, making the final cost of the shot $100.   

Vaccinations will be given through our Tuesday Walk-In clinic beginning February 2^nd.  County residents may come in from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get vaccinated. 

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Source: CDC

Show Me Health - Adult Vaccinations

What Vaccines are Right for Me?

Most of us think getting vaccinations is only for young children.  Not so, even as adults, it is just as important to get vaccinated.  You may ask, “What vaccines are right for me?”  Here is a little question and answer that may help you decide.

I just graduated high school and am now ready for college.  Do I need any vaccinations? 

Along with your childhood vaccinations, you will need at least one Meningitis vaccination after age 16.  If you are attending school for a degree in a health care field, you will also need a Hepatitis B series and varicella vaccine if you did not receive them as a child.

We are expecting a new baby and I heard there is a vaccine that my family should receive…

All pregnant women in the 3^rd Trimester should receive the Tdap vaccine to help give the baby some passive immunity towards whooping cough.  All caregivers of the baby should also receive a Tdap at least 2 weeks before the baby is born.  One Tdap is sufficient, if you have had the vaccine in the past with other children.  Also, during flu season, a flu shot is recommended for all pregnant women and all household members.

I stepped on a rusty nail and had my last tetanus shot 7 years ago.  Do I need another?

Yes, if it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot you do need another.  If you have never had the Tdap vaccine, you will receive that vaccine as it has both the tetanus and pertussis vaccine.  If you have had a Tdap 7 years ago you will receive a Td.

I just was in a severe accident and had to have my spleen removed.  What vaccines do I need?

You will need the HIB vaccine only once.  A Prevnar13 is recommended, followed by Pneumonia 23 at least 8 weeks later.  There are 2 different Meningitis vaccines that are recommended, one is for meningitis B and is a new vaccine.  You will need a Flu shot every year.

I am a smoker and have chronic lung and heart problems.  Should I get a pneumonia shot? What about the Prevnar 13?

Yes.  You will need the Pneumonia 23.  You will also need a yearly flu shot.  At this time, the Prevnar 13 is not recommended for anyone with chronic health problems under the age of 65.  If you have a immune deficiency, then the Prevnar 13 is recommended.

I am 55 years old and have had shingles.  Can I get a shingles shot?

At this time the shingles vaccine is only recommended for those over the age of 60.  You do need a yearly flu shot.

We are planning a trip to Africa this summer.  What vaccines will I need?

Vaccines for international travel vary depending on where you will go and stay and what you will be doing on your trip.  My best answer is to look at cdc.gov/travel for specific vaccinations. 

I am turning 65 years of age.  My doctor told me that I will need some vaccinations.  What will I need?

You will need a Prevnar 13 and then one year later receives the Pneumonia 23.  If you did not get a shingles vaccine, it is recommended that you receive the shingles vaccine.   You will need a flu vaccine every year.

Okay, I am 66 years of age and my Doctor gave me the Pneumonia 23 today.  When can I get the Prevnar 13?

You will have to wait 1 year before you can get the Prevnar 13. 

If you have any other specific questions about vaccines and vaccination schedules, please discuss those questions with your doctor, or call us at the Livingston County Health Center at 646-5506.  You can also access vaccination information on the cdc.gov website for the most current vaccination information.  

Show Me Health - Holiday Travel

Many of us travel for the holidays, be it ten miles or a thousand.  Just like any time of the year, we should all keep our safety and the safety of others in mind.  This, as you probably know, can be challenging, especially if you’re transporting a carload, preoccupied with holiday stress or otherwise distracted from driving. 

The months and weeks leading up to Christmas are often a time of great excitement, but also more activities to attend, presents to buy, grocery lists to add to, cards to fill out, pictures to take, cookies to deliver and so on.  All this stress on our minds can sometimes cause us to go on autopilot. 

That being said, any time you are on the road, you should be vigilant about your own driving-as well as looking out for dangers you might encounter.   Keep these tips in mind to deliver your family safely to its destination and back:

Whenever you're on the road this holiday season, remember to always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can reduce your risk of dying in a crash by about half. Also, make sure your young passengers are buckled into appropriate safety seats. The safest place for children of any age to ride is properly restrained in the back seat. Data show that child safety seats reduce the risk of death in car crashes by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages one to four.

During the holiday season, and year-round, take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol. Following these tips can help you stay safe:

   Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.

    Take the keys. Don't let friends drive if they are impaired.

    Be a helpful host. If you're hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

Each day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.  Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

There are three main types of distraction:

    Visual: taking your eyes off the road;

    Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and

    Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving.

Distracted driving activities include things like using a cell phone, texting, and eating. Using in-vehicle technologies (such as navigation systems) can also be sources of distraction. While any of these distractions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction.

I seriously can’t figure out why any auto interior designers would put a DVD player in the front seat of a car, but I’ve seen them.  I’ve also passed drivers on the interstate holding their smart phone at the top of the steering wheel and watching a movie.   This would probably be an okay plan if there were no other cars on the road, but then again, probably not.

This past week, I followed a car texting and driving on Hwy 65 from Trenton.  To give you an idea of how horrible this person’s driving was: she spent more time on the rumble strips of the road than in between them, tailgated, regularly slammed on her brakes and so on.  If it hadn’t been around 8 in the morning, I would have presumed she was snot-slinging drunk. 

It definitely wasn’t the first time I’ve followed just such a person, and I’m sure you have, too.  Maybe you can explain to me why this type of driver isn’t as dangerous as a drunk driver?  Or why our state texting law only applies to teenagers.  (I would guess 99% of teenagers are much more proficient at texting than any adult I know.  Years of driving experience just doesn’t bridge that gap.)  We all know people who do this, and probably think they do it well.   If you are one of these people… give the world a gift and put your phone down.  You are very likely going to kill someone one day.   On that note…

Merry Christmas and safe travels to you and yours!

Source: CDC

Show Me Health - Depression

Depression.  To say it’s a real drag is the understatement of the century.   Most people have periods in their lives where they feel overwhelmed, sad, grouchy and despondent—but they usually pass when the circumstances of life improve.

This is not true of clinical depression.  With depression, the black cloud hanging over your head follows you everywhere and doesn’t go away on its own.  Sometimes you are bombarded by an emotional downpour of epic proportions that makes you wonder if you really are going to survive this black period in your life. 

I say this because I know firsthand.  I have struggled with periods of depression--first diagnosed in my twenties-- throughout my life.  The depression hasn’t been constant since that age, but it has reared its ugly head more than once in the past twenty years.

I would like to share a couple of things with you from my experience.  First of all, having depression doesn’t mean you are ‘weak-minded,’ or a ‘cry baby’ or seeking attention.  It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry.  Second, don’t ignore or brush off treating the disorder because of some stigma attached. Imagine if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure.  You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) ignore doctor’s advice to control that condition with medicine or other treatment would you?  While you may be resentful or feel so bad you don’t even care if you get better or not, you just have to take the steps to care for yourself.  You owe that to the people in your life, and you owe it to yourself.

Clinical depression keeps a person from leading a normal life, and can interfere with sleep, appetite, and energy. The depression symptoms include:

•     Feeling extremely sad or empty
•     Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
•     Feeling very fatigued and slow or anxious and irritable
•     Loss of enjoyment in things, which were once pleasurable
•     Lack of energy
•     Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
•     Changes in appetite that lead to changes in weight
•     An increase or decrease in the need for sleep
•     Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempting suicide (if you are thinking of acting on ideas about suicide, it is important to get help or call your local 24-hour suicide hotline right away).

Depression is classified as major if the person has at least five of these symptoms for two weeks or more. However, there are several types of depressive disorders. Someone with fewer than five of these symptoms who is having difficulty functioning should still seek treatment for his or her symptoms. Tell your doctor how you are feeling. He or she may refer you to a mental health care specialist.

No one knows for sure what causes depression, but research tells us several factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. 

Treatment choices for depression depend on how serious the illness is. Major depressive disorder is treated with psychotherapy (counseling, or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor), medications, or a combination of the two.

The most effective treatment for depression is often a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Drugs tend to work more quickly to decrease symptoms while psychotherapy helps people learn coping strategies to prevent the onset of future depressive symptoms.

Some of the most effective types of psychotherapy for depression are cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. With cognitive-behavioral therapy, patients learn to change negative thinking patterns that are related to feelings of depression. Interpersonal therapy helps people to understand how relationship problems, losses, or changes affect feelings of depression. This therapy involves working to improve relationships with others or building new relationships.

If you’ve made it to the bottom of this article and think you or someone you love may be suffering from depression, give yourself the gift of self-care.  This is your one shot at life, and you deserve to be in a mental place where you can experience and enjoy it.  It may take awhile to get better, but things will improve with treatment.  Trust me.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Show Me Health - Halt the Epidemic of Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 11 Americans has diabetes. This is hard to think about, but according to the experts, almost 600 million of us may be living with type 2 diabetes by 2035. Already some 387 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014. Worse, a delay in diagnosis means that many people with type 2 diabetes will suffer from at least one complication by the time they are diagnosed with diabetes. 

This past Saturday, November 14^th was World Diabetes Day, an event to draw awareness to the epidemic of diabetes spreading across the world.  World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes:  The “Epidemic of Diabetes.”  WDD is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries.

Diabetes is the result of the body not creating enough insulin to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels in the normal range. Everyone needs some glucose in their blood, but if it's too high it can damage your body over time.

Symptoms may include: 

·         Feeling tired and lacking energy

·         Feeling thirsty

·         Going to the toilet often

·         Getting infections frequently

·         Getting infections which are hard to heal

·         Poor eyesight or blurred vision

·         Often feeling hungry

·          

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. World Diabetes Day is designed to reflect the realities of people living with diabetes.   This year the focus will be on healthy eating as a key factor in the fight against diabetes and a cornerstone of health.  It is well known that healthy eating can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and is an important part of the effective management of all types of diabetes to help avoid complications.    In fact, a healthy lifestyle could prevent up to 70% of type 2 diabetes, and healthy eating is a big part of that. 

To help prevent type 2 diabetes:  

Watch your weight.  Lose weight and/or maintain your weight within a healthy range.

Eat healthy. Meal planning around leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, lower fat and sugar dairy products as well as healthy oils and nuts and reducing your overall sugar intake is an essential part of healthy eating.  Eating the right quantities of different foods is also important for your overall health.  The portions on your smaller plate should be based on dividing your plate into portions of foods:  ¼ of your plate should be one serving of protein, ¼ of your plate should be one serving of carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread, for example) and vegetables to fill the other ½ of your plate.

Get more physical activity. Stay physically active and get regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing and mowing the lawns all count. Remember you don't have to do all of your daily activity at once.  For example, three brisk walks for 10 minutes in the day may be more manageable than one of 30 minutes. 

As always, remember to always check with your doctor before making any changes in your eating or activity habits.

The Livingston County Health Center provides free diabetes counseling and diabetes screening for a small fee by appointment.  The center is proudly participating in World Diabetes Day to raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living. The year-long diabetes awareness campaign draws attention to issues of importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.  The aim is to improve access to healthy food, save lives, reduce the global burden of diabetes and save billions in lost productivity and healthcare costs.

To learn more about the diabetes services that the Livingston County Health Center offers, visit our website at www.livcohealthcenter.com, or call 660-646-5506.