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.