February is American Heart Month

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Published on Thursday, 28 January 2016 11:53

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

Help to quit smoking for veterans

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Published on Monday, 25 January 2016 16:37

QuitLine Services for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), provides a national, toll-free smoking cessation quitline (Quit VET) for veterans who need support to quit smoking.

Trained smoking cessation counselors work with veterans to develop a personalized quit plan and discuss strategies to prevent smoking relapses. Veterans can receive up to four follow-up telephone calls to help them stay quit. Quit VET counselors are knowledgeable about the VA health care system and encourage veterans to also see their VA health care provider for support in quitting smoking.

Quit VET is not meant to replace existing quitline services available through 1-800-QUIT-NOW. It is available only to veterans who receive their health care in the VA health care system. Quit VET services are available in both English and Spanish by calling 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838), Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET.

For more information, please visit http://www.publichealth.va.gov/smoking .

Salmonella Discovered at Good Earth Egg Company

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Published on Monday, 21 December 2015 10:39

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has recently conducted testing at the Good Earth Egg Company processing facility in Bonne Terre, Mo., and received sample results that indicated the presence of Salmonella bacteria at the facility.  The facility has been ordered to remain closed until remediation efforts and re-sampling of the facility occurs.

DHSS urges individuals that may consume eggs from the Good Earth Egg Company to fully cook their eggs to 165 degrees, avoid cross contamination of raw eggs with ready to eat foods and wash their hands after handling eggs. Alternatively, consumers may choose to throw away any products from Good Earth Egg Company.

Symptoms of salmonellosis (illness caused by Salmonella bacteria) include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and/or stomach cramps.  Salmonellosis usually develops within six to 72 hours after a consumer’s exposure to Salmonella bacteria and generally lasts three to seven days.  Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted from person to person.  Some individuals who are infected may have no symptoms at all but may still transmit the Salmonella bacteria to others.  The spread of Salmonella from person to person may be avoided by careful hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom.

Consumers who may experience the symptoms described above should consult a health care provider and discuss the possibility of Salmonella infection, or other causes of such symptoms.  If salmonellosis is diagnosed, the local health department should be contacted to report the condition.

Missouri Warming Centers

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Published on Monday, 23 November 2015 16:10

You can find a map listing all of the Warming Centers in Missouri here.