Top 5 Steps Missourians Can Take to Protect Against Mosquito and Tick Bites

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Published on Monday, 23 May 2016 09:00

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends top five steps Missourians can take to protect against mosquito and tick bites

Prepare for summer by protecting against bug bites

With summer right around the corner, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) compiled the top five tips for protecting against mosquito and tick bites. Missourians all across our state will be enjoying our great parks, trails and streams, and should know all the proper precautions to take.

Additionally, while there have not been any cases of Zika virus locally transmitted in Missouri or anywhere else in the continental United States, these tips can help people protect themselves from all mosquito and tick-borne illnesses and ease concerns Missourians may have.

“We want Missourians to enjoy all the great parks, trails and streams our state has to offer, while also protecting themselves from mosquito and tick bites,” said Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Acting Director Peter Lyskowski. “A few easy steps, like wearing insect repellent or ensuring there is no standing water around a person’s home, provide protection against very serious diseases that bugs can carry.”

DHSS lists these top five tips as the best way to protect against bug bites:

Wear insect repellent on your skin and clothing

When used correctly, insect repellent is the best way to avoid mosquito and tick bites, and even children and pregnant women can use it. Consult the CDC for acceptable repellent: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html

Wear loose fitting clothing that covers skin

When weather permits, wearing long, loose-fitting shirts and pants can reduce your chances of getting bitten by a mosquito, especially when combined with the use of insect repellent.

Ensure windows, screens are secure and use air conditioning when possible

Keeping the doors, screens and windows in your home secure and intact, along with using air conditioning to keep your house cool when possible, will help reduce your exposure to mosquitoes by keeping them outside.

Eliminate standing water around your home

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in water-filled containers. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home.

Talk to family members and friends about the importance of mosquito bite avoidance

The best way you can help protect those you care about is by sharing these tips and suggestions with your friends or family members.

For more information, the CDC has more about avoiding insect bites, especially while travelling, that Missourians can review and consult: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites

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