We get it. The days are getting warmer, spring is in the air and after a year of being cautious, it’s understandable that many people want to get back to at least a semblance of normalcy.

I’m one of them. I was looking forward to spring last year and instead I found myself shut up in my house when I wasn’t performing job duties that had become very stressful and time-consuming. 

In addition to the scrambling that was the hallmark of Spring 2020, there was also a huge fear of the unknown: How does COVID-19 spread? How will I deal with it if I get it? How long will stay-at-home measures last? 

And so on.

Now, the unknowns are still out there but they are fewer, and West Virginia has one of the best vaccination rates in the country. 

So this year, as the days are getting warmer and we at Monongalia County Health Department have incorporated dealing with COVID-19 into our daily duties, I am really glad it’s spring and plan to take advantage of it by spending more time outdoors in the ensuing months. 

But I’m still well aware that COVID is still out there and is still a threat, especially as more dangerous variants emerge around the world and in Monongalia County.

And, after a slowdown, cases have started to rise again. On Thursday, the state reported 433, the first time that figure had topped 400 since Feb. 26. And then Friday, the number rose to 499 and then to 566 on Sunday. 

So even though I’m fully vaccinated, I’m still playing it safe for now.

I still wear my mask when I’m around just about anybody other than close family. I still wash my hands a lot. I have gotten my at-home workout routines down and still have plenty of movies and TV shows to stream to keep me entertained.

I’m keeping in touch with my out-of-town friends via Zoom, emails and texts. I hope we can visit this year. We’re waiting to see what happens with this new rise in cases and the variants. And Zoom is great for a lot of things, like taking at-home but in-person yoga or other fitness classes anywhere in the world where they are offered to stream

So when will I return to the in-person, pre-pandemic activities I used to do? I haven’t set a date. I’m taking it day by day. 

Because that’s how a pandemic works. As much as we want to, no one can flip a page on a daily calendar and say, “Today is the day.” 

We get it that people want to do some traveling. The Centers for Disease Control offers recommendations on how to do that safely at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. It includes testing requirements for anyone arriving in the United States via airplane, advice specific to your destination and more. And if you were contemplating a cruise, the CDC strongly advises against it. 

Those restrictions might be a bummer for some. But I prefer to look at the progress that has been achieved compared to where we were a year ago. 

And, if we continue to be smart about our choices, how much better it could be this time next year.

Happy spring! Some individuals might have taken advantage of more time at home this past year by conducting a thorough house cleaning, including poisonous items.

Then there are people like me, who were kept busy by the pandemic and who are just getting around to this.

Either way, it’s never a bad idea to go through your home and check what items could be harmful to any residents, especially youngsters and pets, and what you can do about it.

In 2016, more than 9,000 West Virginia residents were accidently exposed to poison, according to the West Virginia Poison Center. Ingestion of poisons results in 12,781 calls made to the WVPC. 

In 2019, according to the National Capital Poison Center the 55 poison control centers in the United States provided telephone guidance for more than 2.1 million human poison exposures. Broken down, that’s:

• 6.4 poison exposures per 1,000 population
• 37.4 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years old per 1,000 children
• One poison exposure reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds. 

This year, March 21-27 is National Poison Prevention Week, established by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

So if spring doesn’t motivate you to inspect your house, perhaps these facts will.

Common types of poisonings include medication taken by someone for whom it hasn’t been prescribed, household cleaners, cosmetics and personal care products, toys and other foreign bodies such as small batteries, pesticides, gasoline and automotive products, plants and insect bites and stings. 

Potentially poisonous materials such as paint, chemicals, medication and insecticides should be kept out of reach of young children. Their scent and color often attract them to the product, according to the WVPC. 

Poisonings can be prevented with necessary precautions such as:

• Store all drugs and medications in their original containers.
• Never refer to medication as candy.
• Never put non-food products in food containers.
• Read and follow the directions on all products before using them.
• After using any drug or chemical, put the cap back on and store it out of reach and sight of children.
• Dispose of unused and out-of-date products properly.

The Morgantown Police Department has a drop-off box for unwanted and unused medications. It is in the lobby area of the department at 389 Spruce St. Drop-offs can be made from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24. During this time, the MPD sets up locations at area parking lots to make drop-offs easier and more convenient. This year’s locations are the Kroger stores on Patteson Drive and Earl Core Road, as well as the Walmart Supercenter on Hornbeck Road.

Insect bites and stings are more common in the warmer months but there are ways to avoid contact with potentially dangerous insects. Insects such as bees and wasps generally will stay away from humans; however, if one comes close, the best thing to do is to retreat slowly. Certain plants such as clover and flower trees, as well as strong perfumes and bright colors, can attract them. 

In West Virginia, there is only one harmful spider, the black widow, and two harmful snakes, the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. According to the WVPC, bites from any other spider will result in redness and pain but can be treated with soap and water and a cool compress.

If you’re bitten by any snake, remove constrictive items, immobilize the bitten extremity, stay calm and get to the nearest hospital emergency department. Anyone who is bitten by a snake should make sure they are up-to-date on their tetanus shot. 

DTaP vaccines for children and Tdap vaccines for adults include immunity against tetanus and are available at Monongalia County Health Department. It is recommended that Tdap vaccines be updated every 10 years for adults.

According to the WVPC, household plants have become one of the leading causes of poisoning via ingestion in children. It is important to be familiar with plants in your household, and if you don’t know what kind of plants you have, have a gardening expert help or research them on the Internet. 

Any plant can cause unexpected reactions in anyone and it is best to call the WVPC if you believe a plant has been ingested. WVPC’s website contains a list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Don’t assume that because animals eat a plant that it isn’t poisonous. 

For more information about how to poison-proof your home or learn more about potential poisons, visit www.wvpoisoncenter.org or call 304-347-1379. To get a DTaP or Tdap vaccine, called MCHD Clinical Services at 304-598-5119 for an appointment.

The days are getting longer and the price of produce has been dropping. Spring is almost here.

March is also National Nutrition Month, and with some changes taking place at Monongalia County Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, we’re ready to embrace the warmer weather and the bounty of produce it will bring.

One of the changes that has been in the works for several months and was recently unveiled — a brand new kitchen in the MCHD WIC building in Morgantown — will allow our staff to not only create healthy dishes, but to make videos to post so any of our social media followers can test the recipes out at home.

“This is a really exciting project that will give not only our clients but also the entire community step-by-step instructions on how to turn ingredients into tasty meals,” said Cami Haught, MCHD WIC’s new program manager who came on board last fall. “This can lead to families eating not only more nutritiously but it also can help them stay on budget.” 

Haught majored in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on nutrition at West Virginia University, so obviously she’s going to be an advocate for eating right. Plus, it’s a major component of services at MCHD WIC, a federally funded nutrition assistance program that provides counseling and food packages for participants who qualify. Breastfeeding support is WIC’s other primary focus.

But while nutrition isn’t the sexiest topic, everybody’s gotta eat. And even Haught enjoys pizza and burgers occasionally. “It’s finding a good balance,” she said. “You don’t want to eat those every day. It’s trying to incorporate fruits and vegetables and also having your treats.”

Plus, who says fruits and vegetables have to be boring? A recent video on MCHD WIC’s Facebook page, @MCHDWIC, shows how to make Chocolate Fruit Dip to pair with strawberries and bananas, or any other fruit you might desire.

MCHD WIC will be filming and posting recipes year-round, but it’s also a great way to celebrate National Nutrition Month, which is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Like anything else, improving your nutrition can be broken down into steps that you can begin to incorporate into your life. Sweeping changes aren’t necessary. Choose an apple or grapes as a snack instead of a doughnut. Drink more water. Plan meals ahead of time to help keep you from running out for fast food. 

And you know what pairs well with eating right? Exercise. So maybe take the steps instead of the elevator or, with better weather upon us, go out and take a walk.

When you begin to feel better, that might be motivation enough to make additional changes. 

And because this week is Sleep Awareness Week, don’t forget that getting seven-plus hours in each 24-hour period is the third component to good health.

Here are some websites that will give you additional ideas and tips for healthier eating and sleeping.

One great tip for better eating that has nothing to do with what food you choose: Eat without distractions and take the time to enjoy your food. This is an important way to feel satiated and avoid overeating and other tummy troubles that can ensue if you just gobble your food.

Another tip is to not only keep up with MCHD WIC’s Facebook page, which will feature videos of the dishes we create, but also check out a new monthly feature in the Dominion Post, WIC Kitchen. It debuted today and provides some background on the dishes as well as recipes. 

Happy (and healthy) eating!

My freshman year of college, I had my nights and days backwards. I would stay up all night and then go to my morning classes, then come back to my dorm room and eat and then sleep for the rest of the day. After a while, I noticed this was not healthy for my body or my grades.

What made me switch my routine around was the day I slept through one of my exams. I emailed my professor and he let me retake it. But it still made me want to change my bad habit. One day I stayed up for a full 24 hours so I could be sleepy and fall asleep at night. This worked and eventually my sleep schedule got better. 

After switching my sleep schedule around I saw a drastic change in my grades. I knew I wouldn’t have been able to continue doing well in my classes if I had continued with the same sleep schedule that would keep me awake all night and sleep all day. 

A few years later, my sleep schedule still isn’t the greatest. But I have learned how important getting a good night of sleep is. It can really change your entire day. The more sleep you get, the more efficient you will work that day and more motivation you will have. You can’t get effective work done while being tired at work or school. 

I am telling this story because on Sunday, Sleep Awareness Week will begin. It’s an annual observance held by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), this year from Sunday to March 20. Ironically, or perhaps on purpose, Sleep Awareness Week will begin on the day that we spring forward an hour to observe Daylight Savings Time. Losing an hour doesn’t mean you have to lose it on sleep, though. 

After all, as I realized, prioritizing your sleep is an important and key factor in improving your well-being and overall health. 

Want to participate? Consider becoming a Sleep Health Advocate. By sharing helpful infographics and fun sleep tips, you are helping to remind your colleagues, friends and family about the importance of sleep health. 

People do not realize how crucial getting a good night’s sleep actually is. This is why Sleep Awareness Week is so important. The recommended amount of sleep by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an adult is seven-plus hours per 24 hours. 


NSF shows polls of Americans sleep level in 2020. These polls show alarming levels of sleepiness and low levels of action and that Americans feel sleepy on average of three times a week. The alarming part is that 62% of these people try to “shake off” their sleepiness as their primary response. 

These Americans who report feeling sleepiness five to seven days a week report high rates of irritability, such as headaches and feeling unwell. The poll that Sleep in America put out, recorded that when people feel sleepy, it is generally because they are not sleeping as much as they should be as opposed to not have enough time to get the right amount of sleep. 

It’s also not surprising that many people’s sleep schedules have suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Different work schedules and different routines can contribute to a sleep difficulties. Large amounts of stress can change your sleep routine poorly. 

Working from home can change your circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes.

It's a shame, because getting good sleep is one factor in keeping your immune system healthy and fending off viruses and illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza.

The CDC provides tips on how to help you get a good night’s sleep and some habits that can improve your sleep health. These tips can help you feel better rested the next day and make sure you are getting the most out of your day.

Many individuals are probably aware of at least some of the tips. Go to bed at around the same time each night and wake up the same time each morning, even on weekends. Exercise during the day but not too close to bedtime. Make your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation and sleep, without electronic devices.

Sure, you’re not going to fix all of your bad habits overnight. But just like I did, you can make some changes that will lead to a better and more consistent sleep schedule… as well as better mental and physical health.

West Virginians who hear about the practice of human trafficking might think of it as something that only occurs in foreign countries. Or maybe larger states, such as Florida and California.

Katie Spriggs has firsthand knowledge that human trafficking is definitely is taking place in the Mountain State.

“Human trafficking is obviously happening here,” said Spriggs, the executive director of the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center in Martinsburg. 

Just the name of her organization offers proof of the acknowledgement of human trafficking in the state. From 1977 until 2018, the EPEC was called the Shenandoah’s Women’s Center, having been launched as a domestic violence shelter that took on new duties as the years went by.

“We added sexual assault in the 1980s, and then stalking and dating violence victims,” she said.

The EPEC worked its first human trafficking case in 2012. Another factor in the name change is that “we serve all genders, and it was hard to say that when “women’ was in the name,” Spriggs said.

Spriggs recently addressed the topic of human trafficking on a Zoom presentation for the Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT), along with Andrew Cogar, an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia, who prosecutes federal cases of human trafficking.

Cogar previously discussed the topic in late 2019 to the Monongalia County QRT, a collaboration among first responders, public health, peer recovery coaches (PRCs) and other health care and private partners dedicated to providing immediate and longer-term help to those struggling with substance abuse. Funded by grants awarded to MCHD, the QRT meets weekly to discuss strategies for getting treatment and services to individuals who need it.

“It’s good for everyone, including members of the QRT, to be on the lookout for situations that involve human trafficking,” said Brittany Irick, coordinator of the Monongalia County QRT. “That’s especially true for us, because substance misuse and addiction is one method for traffickers to keep their victims dependent on them.”

The two most common types of trafficking are sexual trafficking and labor trafficking, and sometimes those overlap, Spriggs noted.

In an interview after her presentation, Spriggs outlined the three types of human trafficking that are most common in West Virginia. 

These are familial, intimate partner and survival.

Familial is exactly what it sounds like, she added. “It’s commonly children, a mom or dad selling the child to a neighbor down the street for $300. The neighbor could be taking pornographic photos, could be selling the child out themselves, abusing the child.”

Parents who do this are often living in poverty and it’s also not uncommon for substance use disorder to be involved as well. 

“West Virginia has recognized that we are at high risk for familial trafficking,” Spriggs said. The state code was updated in 2017 with guidelines for West Virginia Child Protective Services to screen for human trafficking. “They gave CPS the authority to intervene,” Spriggs added.

Intimate trafficking also is pretty straightforward. It’s when someone forces a partner into sexual or labor trafficking, maybe to a landlord to pay the rent. Someone who does this might have groomed the partner from the beginning. Spriggs provided the example of a woman who struggled to fit in who met a much older man when she was in her 20s. 

“All it takes for them to get in is to say, ‘I would never hurt you, I will provide for you.’ It annoys me that people understand that children will fall for that but not adults. The want and need for love and safety and comfort do not go away.”

As for survival trafficking, that can happen with someone like a runaway, maybe someone who has been kicked out by parents for being gay. After living on the streets for a while, an individual is more apt to be taken advantage of in exchange for food, shelter and/or money.

The Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center helped 70 human trafficking victims in 2014. Now that number has risen to 100-200 annually. Spriggs is not sure if it’s because instances are going up or if it’s just being recognized more often.

“We are gathering data,” she said. “We want to be able to answer that in the future.”

Individuals who might think they know of a human trafficking situation can report it to the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. More information can be found at polarisproject.org or https://humantraffickinghotline.org.