March is National Nutrition Month
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- Published on Thursday, 28 February 2019 09:11
The Andrew County Health Department would like to encourage you to eat healthy by offering these 5 tips to kick bad eating habits to the curb.
1 - Eat Breakfast
The key to a good breakfast is balance. Include lean protein, whole grains and fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. For example, oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk and sliced almonds and berries or crust-less quiche with mixed veggies, low-fat cheese and a slice of whole-wheat toast.
2 - Cut Back on Caffeine
Too much caffeine can interfere with sleep, can make you jittery and can cause you to lose energy later in the day. Skip unwanted calories and sugar by drinking it as plain as possible.
3 - Bring Lunch to Work
Preparing the week's lunches over the weekend - bake chicken, chop veggies, steam rice. Make sure your options include a combination of lean protein and carbohydrates.
4 - Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture, plus vitamins, minerals and fibers to your plate. Don't let winter stop you from enjoying produce either. It might be harder to find fresh options, but frozen and canned are great alternatives.
5 - Cook Dinner at Home
Making meals at home doesn't have to zap the last bit of your time and energy. The trick is to plan ahead. Use shortcuts such as pre-cut or frozen veggies and keep staples on hand such as low-sodium broth, herbs and lemons for flavoring. A quick and easy idea is to turn leftover beef into stew with beans, no-salt-added diced tomatoes and pre-cut veggies.
6 - For your baby
Breastfeeding is the best way to meet your baby’s nutritional needs during his/her first year of life. Breast milk contains everything the baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Its composition even changes according to the baby's changing needs, especially during the first month of life. There is nothing better for the health of your baby.
February is American Heart Month
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- Published on Friday, 01 February 2019 14:45
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.
Learn more about Million Hearts and ways to protect your heart during February and throughout the year at MillionHearts.hss.gov
This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #DH150006012 and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC28109, Maternal and Child Health Services for $9,095,311, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Energy Assistance Funds Available
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- Published on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 17:39
Need Help with Energy Bills?
Up to $1,125 in Energy Assistance is available!
Your energy bill(s) DO NOT need to be in threat of disconnection or off to qualify for assistance.
Elderly/Disable Households may begin applying October 1st. All other households may begin applying December 1st.
LIHEAP Monthly Income Guidelines:
- 1-person household = $1,366
- 2 - person household = $1,852
- 3 - person household = $2,338
- 4 - person household = $2,824
Complete the application even if you thing you may be over income; you may qualify for income deductions.
PROVIDE COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS BELOW WITH YOUR LIHEAP ENERGY ASSISTANCE APPLICATION:
- Current heating bill (natural gas, propane, electric, etc.)
- Current electric bill
- If your household does not receive food stamps, you will need to submit copies of social security cards for all household members.
- If your household does not receive food stamps, you will need to submit copies of income documentation such as pay stubs (for the prior month), current award letters, current pension statements, etc.
Don't forget to sign your application, provide a phone number, and include full social security numbers and birth dates for all household members.
Applying does not guarantee assistance
Cervical Health Awareness Month
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- Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2019 00:00
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
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.