National Public Health Week 2019 Proclamation

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Published on Monday, 25 March 2019 11:13

Andrew County Commissioners Proclaim April 1-7 National Public Health Week 2019

Check Smoke Detectors

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Published on Thursday, 21 March 2019 15:16

Just one day of your life can change someone else's forever.

Every day 7 people die from home fires. That's why the American Red Cross is rallying 30,000 volunteers to team up with fire departments and partners to Sound the Alarm.

We're installing 100,000 free smoke alarms from April 27 - May 12 in at-risk communities nationwide, to help prevent these needless tragedies.

Since 2014, we've saved more than 500 lives and made more than 600,000 households safer.

Visit SoundTheAlarm.org to volunteer for an event near you!

Contact Ralph Dishong 816-506-6786 or Ralph.Dishong@redcross.org for more information.

Flood Safety

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Published on Wednesday, 20 March 2019 11:25

As Spring rains arrive, so do the risks associated with flood water, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services warns

Precautions should be taken by all who work near floodwater to avoid exposure

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - As many northwest Missouri communities face rivers and creeks at or above flood stage, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reminds Missourians of the serious health and safety risks posed by floodwater.
“It is vital that everyone working near floodwaters realizes the risks that exist,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director.”Just as driving in moving or standing water is dangerous, wading in floodwaters or exposure while recovering from a flood can pose health risks.”

Children should be warned never to play in or near floodwater. Seemingly stable creek and stream banks may suddenly give away, throwing a person into moving water. Powerful currents can sweep people in, resulting in deadly consequences for them and rescuers. Additionally, floodwater may obscure storm drains or culverts.

In addition to drowning, floodwaters pose many risks:

• Floodwater can contain raw sewage and pose other risks, including infectious diseases, hazardous chemical exposure, and debris that can cause injuries
• Direct contact with floodwater can cause skin rashes, an infection of cuts or wounds or stomach illnesses including vomiting and diarrhea.
• Downed or broken power lines in floodwater pose an electrocution hazard.
• Sharp objects and debris, such as glass or metal objects, may be lurking in floodwater.
• Animals, insects, snakes and other reptiles that have been displaced due to flooding may be submerged or hiding in debris in or near floodwaters.

Clothing exposed to floodwater should be removed as soon as possible. Exposed hands, feet and any other skin should be washed with clean soap and water.

After working in or near floodwaters, monitor any cuts, scrapes or wounds for redness, swelling or drainage. Seek prompt medical attention if any of these symptoms develop.

Anyone involved with flood cleanup should have had a booster dose of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine within the past 10 years. Contact your local health department or your primary care physician if you need a Td vaccine.

More information regarding flood safety and recovery

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.

Living a Healthy Life

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Published on Friday, 15 March 2019 02:24

Living a Healthy Life

Wednesdays, April 10 - May 15, 2019

Living a healthy Life a a program designed to help you gain self-confidence in your ability to control disease symptoms. This program will help you build skills to manage and cope with chronic condition. This six-week course was developed at Stanford University and adds to services provided by your doctor or health-care provider.

This FREE program is sponsored by Arthritis Community Services.

To register, call 816-271-7057 or visit us online at moarthritis.org.