National Public Health Week 2017 Proclamation

National Public Health Week 2017 Proclamation

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WHEREAS the week of April 3-9, 2017 is National Plublic Health Week, and the them is Healthy Missouri 2030:  Be and Advocate for Public Health;

WHEREAS since 1995, the American Public Health Association, through its sponsorship of National Public Health Week, has educated the public, policymakers and public health professionals about issues important to improving the public's health.

WHEREAS the home and neighborhood can impact an individual's health and opportunities to engage in healthy behaviors;

WHEREAS the public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, including emerging diseases, natural disasters and disasters caused by human activity.

WHEREAS public health action, together with scientific and technologic advances, have played a major role in reducing and in some cases eliminating the spread of infectious disease, and in establishing today's disease surveillance and control systems.

WHEREAS health must be a priority in designing our communities, from healthy housing to parks and playgrounds and walking and biking;

NOW, THEREFORE, we the Andrew County Commission, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of Missouri, do herby proclaim the week of April 3-9, 2017, as National Public Health Week 2017 in Andrew County Missouri and call upon the people of Andrew County to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and leaders better understand the value of public health and supporting great opportunities to adopt preventive lifestyle habits in light of this year's theme, "Healthy Missouri 2030: Be an Advocate for Public Health."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of March, two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

Bob Caldwell - Presiding Commissioner

Gary Baumann - West District Commissioner

Fritz Hegeman - East District Commissioner

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March is National Nutrition Month

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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.

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.

Prevent Drowsy Driving

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2017 Drowsy Driving Prevention Campaign

promo_crop.jpgDrowsy driving is a dangerous behavior that can result in serious injury or death. But despite the risks, drowsy driving is far to prevalent.

Drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to a s many as 1.2 million collisions, resulting in potentially 5,000 to 8,000 fatalities per year.

Take a Break. Drive Awake.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 2015 Traffic Safety Culture Index, 1 in 3 drivers (31.5%) admitted to driving within the prior 30 days when they were so tired that they had trouble keeping their eyes open. 

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.

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.