February is American Heart Month

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February is American Heart Month.  The Andrew County Health Department wants you to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by knowing your ABCS.

Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in the United States. Heart disease is responsible for 1 of every 4 deaths in the country. The good news is that heart disease and stroke can be prevented, and February - American Heart Month - is a great time to refresh your memory on the small but important actions you can take.

A: Aspirin

Talk to your health care provider and team to see if taking an aspirin each day is right for you.

B: Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. One in three American adults has high blood pressure - that's about 70 million people. Unfortunately, less than half of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. Work with your health care team to find out if you have high blood pressure. If you do, take steps to reduce it:

  • Get active by exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol.
  • Follow your health care provider's instructions when it comes to taking medicines or measuring your blood pressure at home.

C: Cholesterol

High cholesterol affects 1 in 3 American adults. Getting a simple blood test is the only way you can know if you have high cholesterol. Your doctor can suggest steps you can take to prevent high cholesterol or to reduce your levels if they are high.

S. Smoking

Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease. If you're a smoker, quit as soon as possible, and if you don't smoke, don't start. Get help from 1-800-QUIT-NOW or SmokeFree.gov.

Breastfeeding is also good for the heart! For moms, breastfeeding may help lower their risk of heart attack and stroke even a decade after giving birth. For babies, breastfeeding regulates their cardiovascular system, provides more oxygen to their heart and brains and provides essential nutrients their bodies use to grow and repair organs.

Learn more about Million Hearts and ways to protect your heart during February and throughout the year at MillionHearts.hss.gov

 

Mobile Job Bus

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MOBILE JOB BUS

The Missouri Job Center will have our Mobile Job Bus in Savannah

February 4

Access the same services offered at the Missouri Job Center

We will be located outside NODAWAY VALLEY BANK

301 S. US HWY 71 Savannah, MO

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Training & Tuition Assistance Job Placement, and SO much more!

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Nodaway Valley Bank

301 S. US Hwy 71 Savannah, MO

Date

February 4th

Time

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Cervical Health Awareness Month

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Andrew County Health Department wants you to know that there's a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. It's also a major cause of cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don't know they are infected.

The good news?

  • The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
  • Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, the Andrew County Health Department encourages:

  • Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
  • Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12

Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn't get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.

Additionally, breastfeeding can reduce a woman's risk of cervical cancer, and the longer she breastfeeds, the lower her risk becomes. The more these cells are used for what they were designed to do, the less likely they are to mutate and reproduce. Breastfeeding can also delay a woman's menstrual cycle, which in turn reduces the amount of estrogen in a woman's system. Breastmilk contains high levels of anti-cancers which seek out abnormal cells to destroy them.

Missouri DHSS launches new online reporting system for adult abuse and neglect

Missouri DHSS launches new online reporting system for adult abuse and neglect

MODHHS.jpgJEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has integrated a new online reporting system for mandated reporters to ensure all concerns of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly and adults with disabilities are reported quickly.

The new Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline online reporting system will allow for secure electronic submission of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation report information, from mandated reporters and public citizens into a secure, encrypted database available 24/7 on a web-based platform as an alternative to calling the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

“Holding those accountable who prey on and take advantage of vulnerable Missourians is a priority for our department,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS.  “Creating the online reporting system will allow DHSS to ensure the health and safety of those most in need.”

All mandated reporters are encouraged to partner with DHSS by entering reports online and allowing greater accessibility to the hotline for the public.

The Adult Abuse Hotline is operational from 7 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of the elderly or an adult with a disability call the Adult Abuse Hotline at (800) 392-0210 or visit www.health.mo.gov/abuse/ to report online. The online reporting system is available 24/7; however, it is only monitored by intake staff during the hotline’s hours of operation.

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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 http://health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.