National Diabetes Awareness Month

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Published on Monday, 16 November 2015 16:05

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

The Andrew County Health Department would like to remind you diabetes can strike anyone, from any walk of life.

And it does - in numbers that are dramatically increasing. In the last decade, the cases of people living with diabetes jumped almost 50%, to more than 29 million Americans. If you are diabetic make sure you are following the proper dient, getting regular checkups and testing your blood sugar as often as your healthcare provider suggests. 

Visit Diabetes.org for more information.

Pond Ice Safety

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Published on Monday, 16 November 2015 15:56

With winter just around the corner the Andrew County Health Department would like to remind you ro talk to your children about pond ice safety.

Winter pond recreational activities such as sledding, ice skating and fishing are enjoyed by many rural families in Missouri. Remember that these fun winter activities are still pond-related activities and require additional precautions because ice is involved.

Always know the strength and thickness of the ice on the farm pond before doing any activity on the ice. Because ice is a complex formation, no ice is completely safe. Newly frozen ice is typically stronger than old ice. Ice that has thawed and refrozen can be weak and potentially dangerous. Temperature, precipitation (e.g., snow, sleet, rain), age of ice, water depth and water quality are all factors involved in the strength and thickness of ice. Just because ice may be several inches to a foot or more thick does not guarantee its strength. Inspect the ice conditions every time you go onto the ice because condition, strength and stability of ice can change quickly depending on the temperature, weather and sunlight.

Enjoy winter time activities, but please follow safety rules. 

Think twice before going out on that ice!

For more information and ice safety tips visit www.projectskipper.com.

Great American Smoke Out

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Published on Monday, 16 November 2015 15:43

Smoking is the most preventable cause of disease, disability and death in Missouri. Nearly 10,000 Missourians die every year from tobacco-related illnesses, including lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. More than 1,100 additional deaths are caused by exposure to secondhand smoke every year.

Click here to learn more.

You're the Key Behind Safe Teen Driving

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Published on Friday, 23 October 2015 12:11

Every day six teens die in car accidents in the U.S., many caused by inexperience. Get involved in your teen's driving habits by encouraging safety first. 

Make sure teens know the Eight Danger Zones and how to deal with them before jumping in the driver's seat.

Parents, need some help making a plan? Us this Parent-Teen Driving Agreement which outlines expectations and rules. Stick it on the fridge or by the door as your teen gains experience behind the wheel.