May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

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Published on Monday, 02 May 2016 14:09

With spring upon us and summer just around the corner the Andrew County Health Department would like to remind you skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotches or spots on your skin. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and it can almost always be cured when it's found and treated early.

Take simple steps today to protect your skin:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Put on sunscreen every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat
• Check your skin regularly for changes.

Prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis

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Published on Monday, 02 May 2016 13:41

What can be done to prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis?

• Do not have a turtle in any household that includes children under 5, the elderly, or people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems or other diseases. A family expecting a child should remove any pet reptile or amphibian from the home before the infant arrives.
• Remember, turtles are cute, but contaminated. Handle all turtles and surfaces that have come in contact with turtles as if they are contaminated with Salmonella, because there is a good possibility that they are.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling turtles on their cages, or after contact with pet feces. Do not touch your face, other people or any surfaces until hands are washed.
• Wash surfaces that the turtle or its cage has come in contact with.
• Separate the turtle from possible contact with food:
• Do not allow turtles to roam freely about a home or living area, and especially do not allow them in food preparation areas.
• Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe turtles or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums.
• If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.
• Separate the turtle from contact with high-risk individuals:
• Don't handle a turtle and an infant (e.g., feed, change diaper) at the same time.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling an infant or preparing a baby bottle.
• Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications from salmonellosis (e.g., children under 5, the elderly, or people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems or other diseases) should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians and any items that have been in contact with them.
• Turtles should not be allowed in childcare centers or nursing homes.
• Turtles in public settings (e.g., zoos and exhibits) should be kept from direct or indirect contact with patrons except in designated animal-contact areas equipped with adequate hand-washing facilities
• Food and drink should not be allowed in animal contact areas.

Shared Blessings Community Garden

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Published on Friday, 22 April 2016 16:56

Announcing!

You are invited to the Shared Blessings Community Garden.

908 Franciscan Way (South 3rd Street) Savannah, MO 64485

The Sisters of St. Francis are pleased to announce the refurbishment of their Shared Blessings Community Garden. Through local grants and generous volunteers, the garden has recently undergone a face lift and water is now readily available.

Anyone who has a desire to garden but not enough space, may apply for a 10 X 10 garden plot free of charge. Seeds are available, if needed. Volunteers will help to weed and water. First come, first serve!

As extra space is being planted in order to supply fresh produce to the Senior Center and the Andrew County Ministries Food Pantry, additional volunteers are needed.

To apply or to volunteer, or for more information: 816-324-3179

Prevent Slips and Falls

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Published on Friday, 15 April 2016 08:45

Slips and falls now rank as the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 and older. And, Missouri's rate of injury by falling is 31 percent higher than the national average. Here are some spring cleaning tips to help seniors prevent falls.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Seniors Prevent Falls

Clean Up Safety Hazards

Evaluate the overall safety of your home and identify possible problems that may lead to falling. Here are some things you can do to make daily activities less challenging and safer:

• Install handrails on both sides of stairs to support balance. Stairs should be in good repair, have strong, secure handrails, adequate lighting, and non-skid surfaces.
• Make sure walking paths are uncluttered and well lit. Remove unnecessary furniture that obstructs safe walking. Scatter rugs should be secured or removed.
• Adequate lighting is important throughout the house. Make sure you have a light near the bed that is in easy reach.

Bathroom

• Add non-skid adhesive texture strips to the tub or shower floor to avoid slipping.
• Remove all throw rugs that are not slip-resistant or use double-sided carpet tape to keep rugs from slipping.
• Install handrails and/or grab bats on the bathroom walls, especially near the toilet, bathtub or shower to help maintain balance.