Monongalia County Health Department
  • HOME
  • SERVICES
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • MCHD Blog >
      • blog highlights
    • Video Library
    • Health Statistics
    • Education and Training
    • Posters
  • Dentistry
    • SMILE Express >
      • Portable SMILE Express Location Contact Form
      • SMILE Express Location Contact Form
      • Smile Express Referral Partner
    • Dental Services
    • Make an Appointment
    • Patients >
      • Child First Visit
      • Adult First Visit
      • Payment Options
    • Our Team
    • Contact
    • MCHD Dentistry Blog
  • Environmental
    • Contact Environmental
    • Food
    • Food Safety Training
    • Septic & Wells
    • Housing & Institutions
    • Recreation
    • Pools
    • Tattoo & Body Piercing
    • Rabies Control
    • Clean Indoor Air
    • Radon
    • Disaster Sanitation
    • Tanning
    • Fee Schedule
    • Online Permit Renewal
    • About Environmental Health
  • Clinics
    • Reproductive Health >
      • Family Planning
      • Adolescent Health
    • STD and HIV >
      • Syphilis
    • Immunizations >
      • Travel Clinic
      • School Immunizations
    • Communicable Disease >
      • TB Program
      • Influenza
      • Pertussis
    • Providers
  • Preparedness
    • COVID Dashboard
    • COVID-19
    • Testing & Vaccines
    • COVID-19 Links
    • COVID-19 Guidance
    • Mon Co. COVID-19 Stats
    • COVID-19 Press Releases
    • Recent Events
  • WIC
    • WIC Services
    • WIC Eligibilty Guidelines
    • WIC News
    • Doddridge County WIC
    • Harrison County WIC
    • Marion County WIC
    • Monongalia County WIC
    • Preston County WIC
    • Taylor County WIC
    • Breastfeeding
  • Mon QRT
    • QRT Press Releases
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Our Location
    • Board of Health >
      • BOH Meeting Agenda
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Job Opportunities
    • Notice of Privacy Practices

Tricks to get your Halloween treats safely

10/30/2019

 
Picture

Tricks to get your Halloween treats safely

By Kenzie Bostick

When people think of October, images that come to mind include cooler weather, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, and, most importantly, Halloween. While Halloween is known for being scary fun, these tricks, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can help prevent any real scares while celebrating.

One of the first steps in celebrating Halloween for many people is choosing a costume. Whether you prefer your costumes to be scary, funny, historical or based on the latest pop culture trend, it is important to consider your safety when dressing up to celebrate. If you will be walking at night, remember to add reflective accessories and walk facing traffic so that drivers can see you more clearly. The costume should fit well to prevent falling or blocking your vision. Many costumes include fake weapons or props, but they can cause actual harm if they are not soft and flexible. 

Face paint is a common part of costumes, but not everyone’s skin can handle it. Be sure to test face paint and makeup on a smaller area of skin before you apply it all over your face. Costume makeup can irritate the skin if it is left on too long, so always remove it before you go to bed. Some people like to go the extra mile and wear decorative contact lenses to complete their costume; be aware that these contacts can seriously injure the eyes.

Many people enjoy spending their Halloween trick-or-treating. While part of the fun of trick-or-treating is walking around to different houses to get candy, never go alone. Always walk in groups or with an adult, and never enter a house by yourself. 

When going from house to house, carry a flashlight with you so that people can see you clearly, and always look both ways before crossing the road to walk to the next house. It can be harder for drivers to see people walking at night, so stay as far away from the road as possible and try to only walk on sidewalks, if possible. Consider applying reflective tape to your costume.

Once you’ve been to every house, then comes the fun part of eating all of the candy you collected. For small children, some candies given out on Halloween can pose a risk of choking. Always look through your candy and remove anything that looks like it may be a choking hazard, as well as anything that might have been tampered with. Treats given out should always be in the original wrapper and should never be homemade. 

It also can be tempting to eat all of the good candy that night, but this can leave you feeling not so great. So it is important to pace yourself and eat the candy in moderation. 

Halloween may be known for candy, but it doesn’t have to be completely unhealthy. Instead of candy, consider giving out healthier alternatives. Think small boxes of raisins. If you’re hosting a party, offer your guests healthy food, such as a fruit or vegetable tray. Not only can trick-or-treating earn you lots of treats, it is also a great source of exercise. It can be a win-win-win situation: more walking, more exercise, more candy.

Halloween is one of those holidays where many people go all out for decorating. Some people prefer to keep it simple and carve jack-o-lanterns, while others turn their home into a full-scale haunted house. No matter your preference, always keep any candles and lights in places where children and pets cannot reach them, nobody can trip over them or accidentally catch their costume on fire. Strobe lights are a common decoration that can be found in most haunted houses, parties and homes. These kinds of lights are not safe for many people to look at due to medical conditions, so it is important to take this into consideration when decorating.

With these tips, you can be sure to have a fun, safe Halloween full of good scares and tasty treats.

Kenzie Bostick is a public information intern at Monongalia County Health Department.

Oral hygiene: It's not something to brush over

10/24/2019

 
Picture

Oral hygiene: It's not something to brush over

By Kenzie Bostick

Oral hygiene for adults involves a bit more than simply brushing or flossing. Aside from brushing your teeth and flossing, it is also helpful to use products that contain fluoride. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding tobacco and alcoholic products. 

Having a dry mouth can cause your oral health to decline, so it is best to avoid this by making sure you drink plenty of water and avoid medications that can cause a dry mouth.  

If you are pregnant, the CDC recommends visiting a dentist before birth, in addition to brushing and flossing twice daily. Nausea and sickness caused by pregnancy can damage your tooth enamel, so rinse with baking soda in a glass of water to remove the stomach acid and keep your teeth protected.

Not practicing good oral hygiene can lead to several painful conditions, including cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and tooth loss. The risk of these painful diseases increases as people age. This is due to receding gums, dry mouth, and limitations on vision, physical movement, and psychological health. 

Cavities are the most common oral health problems. Your chances of getting cavities increases if your family has them, if sugary food and drinks make up a large portion of your diet, you have braces, or have special care needs. 

We already know that oral hygiene in the United States needs improvement, and that socio-economic factors can make a difference.

According to the CDC, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning. 

Also, the CDC reports, about 1 in 5 children ages 5 to 11 years of age have at least one untreated decayed tooth. About 1 in 7 adolescents ages 12 to 19 years old have at least one untreated decayed tooth. And, at 25 percent, children ages 5 to 19 years of age from lowincome families are twice as likely to have cavities than children from higher-income households. That figure is 11 percent.

MCHD Dentistry is a full-service dental office that your family can make their dental home. MCHD Dentistry takes several different insurances and West Virginia Medicaid and CHIP. There is also a new patient special, a sliding scale fee and CareCredit.

Contact MCHD Dentistry at 598-5108 for more information and to make an appointment. Following these tips can keep you smiling for a lifetime.

Kenzie Bostick is a public information office intern at Monongalia County Health Department.

Vaping: It's not the safe alternative to smoking

10/16/2019

 
Picture

Vaping: It's not the safe alternative to smoking

By Mary Wade Triplett

So I never had to try to quit smoking by starting to vape instead, although many other people have.

That’s one of the issues that has emerged as the relatively young vaping industry has come under fire recently because of illnesses and deaths attributed to the practice.

Of course, here at Monongalia County Health Department, we educate against smoking cigarettes, both the traditional and electronic kind. We counsel patients at MCHD Clinical Services, MCHD Dentistry and MCHD WIC to avoid smoking. It’s not good for heart or lung health, oral health and if a pregnant woman smokes, it can adversely affect her baby in several ways.

In the case of e-cigarettes, 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette products has been reported from 49 states, the District of Columbia and one U.S. territory, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, 26 deaths have been confirmed in 21 states. These numbers are of Oct. 8 and have been rising rapidly.

Most of these patients reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. And many of them also report a history of using vaping products that contain THC, a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis. This suggests that products containing THC play a role in this outbreak. It’s disconcerting that reports have noted that lung injuries associated with vaping look the same as chemical burns.

When we break down these patients by age and gender, 70 percent are male and 80 percent are under 35 percent, according to the CDC.

Disturbingly, 16 percent of patients are under 18 years old and 21 percent of patients are 18 to 20 years old.

Clearly, it seems, not everybody who took up vaping did so in order to get away from traditional cigarettes, but instead, embarked on their smoking habits via vaping products.
Part of the reason teens were encouraged to take up vaping was the flavors available. Popular flavors include bubblegum, watermelon, strawberry milk, mango, cappuccino, mint, strawberry lemonade and grape.

So far, six states—Montana, Washington, Oregon, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts and Utah—have banned the sale of flavored vape products.

Plus, all vaping products will be more difficult to find as some of the country’s largest retailers have announced plans to stop selling them.

All the hullabaloo surrounding vaping has some of its fans up in arms. A friend of mine swears she feels better and is healthier than when she was smoking cigarettes. She supports studying the effects of vaping but worries that the bans that are happening now are knee-jerk reactions. 

I can understand her feelings. But as the CDC and researchers try to pinpoint the problem, it makes sense to take precautions, try to deter all smoking and even the sale of vaping, products.

At MCHD, we recommend that if you already vape, try to stop, or at least vape less. If you haven’t started, don’t start! That would also go for cigarettes.
 
The CDC is asking people to refrain from using e-cigarette products, especially those that contain THC. It’s also suggested that adults who vape avoid returning to traditional cigarettes. If you have symptoms that include a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and fatigue, fever or abdominal pain, see a health care provider.

Pregnant women should avoid smoking and vaping. And whatever you do, don’t buy vaping products “informally,” from friends, family members or “off the street.”

The Monongalia County Board of Health already added electronic smoking devices into the definition of substances that are banned in enclosed public places in the county. The Clean Indoor Air regulation was amended to include vaping and it took effect on Feb. 1, 2017.
​
If you need help quitting, you can always call the West Virginia Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. There is support out there for you.

Mary Wade Triplett is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Dept.

Feeling depressed? There is help out there for you.

10/9/2019

 
Picture

Feeling depressed? There is help out there for you.

By Cole McClanahan

Have you ever felt blue? It’s normal if you have.

With the many stresses and pressures of life today, it would be surprising if you hadn’t felt sad at some point or another. Even the little things in life—the things that are supposed to be easy—often become difficult. 

These can be things such as your commute to work, going grocery shopping or even cleaning. All are simple tasks, yet they can become aggravating and tiresome, and cause you to feel anxious or sad.

This, however, is all right. It’s healthy and normal to feel this way sometimes. What we need look out for is if these feelings continue for a period of time.

If they do, there may be larger problems than just a long drive to work. It could be a sign of depression or another mental illness. 

Many people are becoming more aware of this, and they’re seeking help for it. That’s great. People shouldn’t be ashamed to reach out. There is often a stigma around seeking help for one’s mental health, but these days, we know that the brain sometimes need attention just as the heart and lungs do. 

Although it is increasing, the number of people searching for solutions could be much higher.

One organization recognized this and is trying to help.

Screening for Mental Health, Inc. began National Depression Screening Day because of the millions of Americans that go undiagnosed with depression each year.

National Depression Screening Day has been held annually for nearly 30 years, on the Thursday of the first full week in October. This year, National Depression Screening Day falls on Oct. 10.

The goal of National Depression Screening Day is not only to screen people for potential cases of depression, but also to raise awareness for and educate the public on mental health. Depression affects nearly 15 million Americans each year. That’s about 6.7% of the United States’ adult population. 

But not everyone realizes this. Many believe depression and mental illness is something to be dealt with internally without turning to help from other people. Hospitals, clinics and universities are trying to combat this by participating in National Depression Screening Day. To aid in this, many health care providers offering free, anonymous screenings, both in-person and online, to detect depression.

National Depression Screening Day is part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, which started on Sunday and runs through Saturday. The goal of the observance is to break this stigma and provide support to those in need.

The organization believes that screening people for mental health problems should be viewed the same way as someone being examined for diabetes or high blood pressure is. But it’s only through the public’s participation that this can occur. 

In addition to screening for depression, National Depression Screening Day also has services for generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. All of these are common and treatable. 

Despite the resources available, few people utilize them. Only about half of Americans diagnosed with depression each year seek treatment for it, according to Screening for Mental Health, Inc. Of those who do, nearly 80% show an improvement in the four-to-six weeks following the beginning of treatment.

Interested? Know someone else who might be? Take the time to check out the online screening at helpyourselfhelpothers.org. 

Cole McClanahan is an intern in the Monongalia County Health Department's public information office.

October is the best time to get a flu vaccine

10/2/2019

 
Picture

October is the best time to get a flu vaccine

By Mary Wade Triplett 

It’s October. Have you thought about scheduling your flu vaccine yet?

Monongalia County Health Department’s Clinical Services began administering vaccines for influenza on Tuesday. You can call 304-598-5119 to make an appointment to get one.

October is considered the sweet spot—the ideal time frame—by MCHD’s public health nurses for people to be inoculated against the flu.

Any earlier, and you risk your protection waning before flu season is over. In West Virginia, flu can last until April and sometimes even May.

Any later, and you risk getting together with family and friends when holiday celebrations commence near the end of November in closed quarters as the weather is getting colder, just in time to exchange germs along with gifts. 

It takes about two weeks for a flu shot to become fully effective, so you don’t want to wait too long.

That said, at MCHD Clinical Services, we also like to say it’s never too late to get your flu shot, even if it’s December or January. But you’re risking getting the flu during that time period. At best, you’ll just miss out on work and some holiday cheer. At worst, you could become very sick and develop complications, such as pneumonia.

And, as Dr. Diane K. Gross, MCHD’s regional epidemiologist told a class last year at West Virginia University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the effects of the flu vaccine do not last from year to year. 

“You may have some antibody protection” from last year’s shot, but the boost generally waxes and then wanes within about six months. Because of the approaching weather and holiday season, as well as that flu usually is winding down by or in April, that makes October the most logical time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that flu activity is low right now. According to CDC surveillance, in a chart that dates back five years, flu usually begins in fall with cases spiking around December. Two years ago, we experienced a bad flu season. Last year’s was milder.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Children, older people and those with conditions that compromise their immune system are especially vulnerable to flu and should be inoculated. Also, pregnant women should vaccinate for two—not only for themselves but also for their babies, who cannot get inoculated during their first six months. And, people 65 years old and older might want to consider the Fluzone high-dose vaccine that offers four times the antigen of the standard dose. 

In addition to getting a flu shot, there are other actions that help you avoid getting sick. These are commonsense habits that people should practice anyway. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with warm water and soap, for about the length of time that it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Keep surfaces in your home and office clean. Avoid people who are sick.

If you do come down with flu, ask your doctor about antivirals, especially if you are elderly or have underlying health conditions that could put you at increased risk of severe disease. Administered quickly enough, they can help lessen the length and severity of a bout with flu. 

Also, if you get sick, stay home from work. If you really need to seek medical attention, do so, either to get antivirals or if you develop a secondary infection that could require antibiotics. But otherwise, the cure for flu without complications is generally rest, fluids and time. Antibiotics do not help you recover from a flu virus.

Please consider scheduling your flu vaccine now. You can get one at your doctor’s office or at MCHD Clinical Services. Once again, call 304-598-5119 to make an appointment.

Mary Wade Triplett is the public information officer for Monongalia County Health Dept.

    MCHD logo

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Picture
Lee B. Smith, MD, JD
Health Officer
Monongalia County
Health Department

453 Van Voorhis Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Hours M-F 8:30-4:30
(304) 598-5100


Home Page
MCHD Services
Public Health Nursing
Environmental Health
WIC Program
MCHD Dentistry
Threat Preparedness
Food Safety Training

Provider Information
Health Statistics

Contact Us
Location/Directions
Training Opportunities
Job Opportunities
Privacy Practices
Website Notices

Contact Us
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter