Wear Red to Support the Fight Against Heart Disease

Did You Know? Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.

Women are dying of heart disease at the rate of one per minute, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A few lifestyle changes can dramatically decrease your chances of developing heart disease.

• Don’t smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease by 25-30% in nonsmokers, so quitting will not only benefit you, but those around you as well!
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week can have dramatic health effects.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help keep cholesterol at a manageable level. Further, limiting sodium and salt can help lower your blood pressure. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables!
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease. Calculate your body mass index (BMI) to determine whether or not your weight is in the healthy range. Click here for help calculating your BMI.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure, so drink in moderation.

A quick response can help improve the outcome if you do suffer a heart attack. Learn the signs of heart attack, so that you can seek treatment immediately. Like with men, chest pain or discomfort is women’s most common heart attack symptom. However, women are more likely than men to experience the following symptoms as well:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold seat, nausea or lightheadedness.

These healthy lifestyle choices can have a major positive impact on your own health, but how can you help others avoid heart disease? Spread the word and “Go Red!” Each year on the first Friday in February, hospitals, small businesses, large corporations, schools, individuals and even landmarks “Go Red” in order to help raise awareness in the fight against heart disease in women. Show your support on Friday, February 3, Wear Redy Day, by wearing red.

For more information on heart disease and Wear Redy Day, visit the following links: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association-Go Red for Women.

Season’s First Flu Case Confirmed in Cascade County

The City-County Health Department has received confirmation of Cascade County’s first influenza case of the season from the Montana Public Health Laboratory.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms that may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is important that people realize that seasonal influenza is not the same as the stomach or intestinal illness that can occur year-round and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People sometimes mistakenly refer to that illness as the “stomach flu,” but it is not caused by the influenza virus. Influenza can be a serious respiratory illness that lasts for a week to two weeks and can cause serious complications, even death. Gastrointestinal illness or “stomach flu” usually only lasts 24-48 hours, and healthy adults generaly recover without complications.

The flu virus is contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets when sneezing or coughing. It can also be spread when a person touches an object that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes. Most people who get the flu recover within a week to two weeks, although complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic health conditions can arise. These complications can result in hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States “flu-associated deaths range from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people each year.”

CCHD wants people to remember that there are ways to help keep themselves and their families healthy this flu season. “A flu shot is still the best protection against the flu, and it isn’t too late,” states Jill Boettcher, CCHD Public Health Nurse, “and, of course, continue to practice good prevention habits-wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze and stay home when you are sick.”

Flu shots are available at the City-County Health Department every Tuesday from 8:00-11:30am and Wednesday through Friday from 8:30-11:30am and 1:00-4:30pm. No appointment is necessary. Shots costs $14 for children and $25 for adults. Medicare, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids are accepted along with cash, checks, credit cards and other insurances.

For more information on flu shots and other immunizations offered at CCHD, click here.

ACHIEVE Grant Means New Opportunities for Cascade County

A new year is underway, and the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) has some exciting plans to help make positive changes in Cascade County in 2012! To assist in implementing these plans, CCHD applied for an ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation and EnVironmental changE) grant that is intended to help make communities, such as Cascade County, healthier places to to live, work and play. The application was submitted with the intention of helping support an established and active coalition, Get Fit Great Falls, which has already begun working towards improving the health of Cascade County. Now, the wait is over and CCHD has some great news; the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) just revealed that CCHD is one of the 15 new communities chosen for the ACHIEVE program!

The opportunity to become an ACHIEVE community is a chance for CCHD, Get Fit Great Falls and national organizations to work collaboratively to help prevent chronic disease through policy, systems and environmental change strategies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity and arthritis, are pervasive leading causes of death nationally. Many times, preventable risk factors, such as tobacco use, insufficient physical activity and poor eating habits, contribute to the development of these diseases. ACHIEVE seeks to empower local communities to focus on issues such as these and will also assist in helping our community address one of the three priority areas of the Community Health Improvement Plan: obesity.

Cascade County is well poised to start work immediately because the Get Fit Great Falls Coalition is already fully active and ready to move forward. CCHD and community partners have begun working towards a healthier community by taking steps such as compiling a Community Health Assessment, developing a Community Health Improvement Plan, finishing the Downtown Master Plan and supporting coalitions such as Get Fit Great Falls. Another exciting component is that Cascade County will be mentored by RiverStone Health in Billings, Montana. RiverStone is an established ACHIEVE community and will share what they have learned about making local improvements in a Montana city that will promote healthy living.

“Receiving this grant will help facilitate the process for our community,” state Alicia M. Thompson, Health Officer for CCHD. She goes on to say that, “We have community partners and stakeholders who are already committed to this process. The experience, structure, mentorship and fiscal support from ACHIEVE will be invaluable for the positive development of our community, and we are dedicated to making the most out of this exciting opportunity.”

Concussions: Prevent, Recognize & Respond

The arrival of winter means that many of us will head out on the ice or hit the slopes to enjoy our favorite winter sports. Enjoying the many winter activities that are available in our area is a great way to keep fit and get some exercise during the long, cold winter months. However, pushing our physical limits can make us very aware of our body’s limitations, especially after an injury. One serious injury we all need to learn to prevent, recognize and respond to properly is a concussion.

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and if that sounds serious, it’s because it is! Any bump, jolt or hit to the head or body has the potential to make the brain move rapidly back and forth, bouncing or twisting in the skull. This can lead to stretching and damage of brain cells and chemical changes in the brain. Most individuals will recover from a concussion quickly and fully, but some may have symptoms that last days, weeks or even months.

Prevent–Concussions can be prevented. The proper protective equipment should be worn at all times, during practice and play. In order to provide the highest level of protection possible, helmets, padding and other protective gear needs to fit properly, be well-maintained and be worn consistently and correctly. Always practice safe playing and participation techniques. Following the rules of play will help to ensure that injuries, if they occur, are minimal. Finally, have a plan in place about what actions to take if an injury does occur. Find out if medical professionals are located nearby and what the quickest routes are to reach help.

Recognize–Recognizing and treating concussions early can help to prevent long-term effects. If you recieve any forceful bump to the head or jolt to the body that causes rapid head movement, be aware of these signs and symptoms of concussion:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Confusion
• Feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy

Observers can also help spt concussions in athletes and other individuals. Watch individuals that have had a blow to the head or jolt to the body for the following signs of concussion:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Confusion
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions and directions slowly
• Can’t recall events prior to or after the hit or fall
• Loses consciousness-even briefly

It’s important to keep in mind that some individuals may not experience or report symptoms until hours or even days after the injury occurs.

Respond–Like all injuries and illnesses, a quick response will help improve the outcome of a concussion. If you think you or someone you know has a concussion, contact a health care professional immediately. This means leaving the ice or the slopes and sitting out the game! Continuing with the activity can aggravate the injury; don’t return to the sport or recreation activity until a health care professional says it’s OK.

Your health care provider may conduct a number of tests, including CT scans or tests to assess memory or concentration skills, to determine the concussion’s effects on your health. You will be sent home with instructions to follow, and it’s important to do everything as your provider directs.

It may seem like concussions are a fairly common and mild injury, but any head injury is nothing to mess around with! Get some friends together to enjoy your favorite winter sports and activities, but remember to take any incident that may lead to a concussion seriously!

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information on Concussions and Other Mild TBIs and Concussions in Sports.

To learn more about the health care options available at CCHD/CHCC, click here.

MT Tobacco Quit Line can Help with New Year’s Resolutions

Area residents who decide to ring in the New Year by resolving to quit tobacco don’t have to do it alone!  The Cascade City-County Health Department wants to remind individuals that the Montana Tobacco Quit Line is a free service, available to smokers as well as smokeless tobacco users. Calling the MT Quit Line is toll-free, at 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669).  In addition to support, callers can receive free help including nicotine replacement therapy, for a limited time, and take advantage of cost reductions on Chantix or Bupropion (Zyban).

Beginning January 1, the Montana Tobacco Quit Line will offer 4 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (gum, lozenges or the patch), up from the 2-week supply that is routinely offered. In addition, the Quit Line is also offering Chantix for $50 per month (for up to 3 months) and Bupropion for three months for $5 per month.  “The free NRT and reduced costs offered are just in time to support New Year’s resolutions to quit tobacco for good” says Teddy Nault Tobacco Use Prevention Specialist, with the Cascade City-County Health Department.

Callers who enroll receive guidance from specialists who help each caller set a quit date, develop a personalized quit plan and participate in five proactive calls with a quit coach who will guide the individual through the quitting process. Individuals who have utilized the MT Quit Line have had a higher success rate than those who try to quit alone.

For further information about the MT Quit Line or any other tobacco inquiries please visit CCHD’s Tobacco Use Prevention program or contact Teddy Nault at (406) 452-0881 ext. 307.

Change is in the Air

June 23rd 2011 was an exciting day for the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) and Community Health Care Center, Inc. (CHCC). On that day, CCHD’s Board of Health, CHCC’s Clinic Board of Directors and the Leadership Team from both entities met for a strategic planning session. Many decisions were made to ensure both entities are moving forward together in a progressive manner. This includes s shared Mission Statement, a combined Vision and a three year Strategic Plan.

Although CCHD and CHCC are working towards the shared vision of Healthy People in a Healthy Community, they will no longer be working under the same leader. Previously, the positions of Executive Director of CHCC and the Health Officer of CCHD had been held by the same individual, most recently Alicia M. Thompson. On December 7, 2011 the CHCC will have a new Chief Executive Officer, Russell Klinkenberg. Ms. Thompson will stay on as the Health Officer for Cascade County and will oversee the multiple City-County Health Department programs. The new Executive Director will assume the duties of running the Health Center, which provides quality affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care regardless of an individual’s income, insurance or ability to pay.

“This is a positive and progressive step for both entities,” says Alicia M. Thompson, CCHD’s Health Officer. She continues, “Having the top executive positions filled with full time employees will strengthen our ability to work together towards our combined Mission of preventing disease and illness, promoting healthy choices and delivering quality health care. Both the CHCC and CCHD will be getting the leadership and support they need while working in cooperation to continue providing the quality of services that the community deserves.”

To view the Strategic Plan which will guide the future of the CCHD and CHCC for the next three years click here.

Prevent Contact With Venomous Spiders

The Black Widow

As you begin to prepare your home and yard for winter, you may be greeted by the appearance of some unwelcome guests. Venomous spiders can be dangerous to outdoor workers, and can occasionally find their way into structures and buildings, presenting a risk indoors as well. Venomous spiders found in the United States include the black widow, the brown recluse and the hobo spider. Most spider bites occur because the spider is unintentionally contacted. You can lessen your chances of being bitten by educating yourself about the identification of these spiders and their habitats and by following some preventive measures.

Venomous spiders are most often found in places where they are unlikely to be disturbed: woodpiles, under eaves, in fences and retaining walls, under piles of rocks and leaves and near foundations. If they venture inside, as they may do when the weather grows colder, the spiders may be found between boxes or other storage items; behind furniture; in closets, basements and attics. Be aware that these spiders usually build their nests between objects; use caution when reaching into an area such as this.

Take the following steps to prevent coming in contact with venomous spiders:

• Inspect or shake out any clothing, shoes, towels or equipment before use, especially if it was previously piled with other materials on the floor.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots when working with stacked or previously undisturbed piles of materials.
  

  The Brown Recluse

• Minimize the empty spaces between stacked materials.
• Remove or reduce debris, including tall grasses and weeds, from around outdoor work areas.
• Store apparel and equipment in tightly closed bins or bags.

Hobo spiders are not uncommon in our area, are potentially dangerous and should be approached with caution. Hobo spiders are also known as aggressive house spiders because some may bite with little provocation and move forward to attack when cornered or threatened. Hobo spiders are poor climbers, so are rarely found above ground level. They are, however, more commonly found indoors than other venomous spiders. Hobo spiders can be identified by their large size, brown color and distinct yellow markings on their abdomen. Hobo spiders do not have dark bands on their legs like other similar looking spiders.

The hobo spider’s bite has been described as a light prick sensation. Within a few days, however, a severe, slow-healing wound may develop. This wound may scab over and appear harmless, but tissues underneath the scab can begin to die and slough away. If left untreated, this tissue loss may require surgical repair. A severe headache

A Hobo Spider

that does not respond to aspirin is the most common symptom. Other symptoms, including nausea, weakness, fatigue, temporary memory loss and vision impairment may be present, but do not always accompany a bite. It’s important to note that no known deaths have resulted from hobo spider bites; however, a person bitten should seek immediate medical attention.

For more information on venomous spiders, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To learn more about hobo spiders, visit the Montana State University Extension.

Get Your Flu Shot to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

It’s always important for people to do everything they can to stay healthy, but with the added stress of the holidays it becomes more essential than ever. There is one simple step that everyone can take to protect themselves, their family and the community this holiday season: get immunized against the flu.

Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-10, 2011, and it could not have come at a better time. The first two cases of influenza in Montana have been identified for the 2011-2012 flu season. The Cascade City-County Health Department wants to take this opportunity to remind people that it is not too late to seek protection from this potentially serious illness. Getting your flu shot now can give you the protection you need to stay healthy throughout the winter.

National Influenza Vaccination Week provides an opportunity for public health professionals, health care providers, communities and families from across the country to work together to promote flu vaccination before the traditional winter peak in flu activity. The flu is now in Montana, and it is important that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. The City-County Health Department provides flu shots on Tuesdays 8:30-11:30am and Wednesdays through Fridays from 8:30-11:30am and 1-4:30pm. No appointments are necessary, and the cost is $14 for children and $25 for adults. Cash, check, credit and insurance cards are all accepted. If someone is healthy and between 2 and 49 years of age, they may be able to get the vaccine through a nasal spray instead of the flu shot that is administered with a needle.

The flu vaccine is still the single best way to prevent the flu. As people travel and gather for the holidays it is more important than ever for them to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza.

Health officials also continue to recommend frequent and effective hand washing and covering all coughs and sneezes with your sleeve. Anyone who is ill with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school or work to prevent the spread of illness to others. For more information, visit CCHD’s Immunizations page or www.flu.gov.

World AIDS Day Recognition Award

An estimated 1.2 million American are living with HIV, and yet one out of five of them don’t know it.

Once every year, on December 1st, World AIDS Day is observed around the world. It is a global commemoration to remember the millions of lives lost to this disease, to draw attention to the needs of the millions of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, to promote education and prevention efforts, to honor the progress made in the battle against HIV/AIDS and to renew commitments made to tackle the effects of HIV/AIDS.

There are individuals in Montana who make a difference in the fight against the HIV epidemic each year. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) acknowledges their efforts by giving out the Governor’s World AIDS Day Recognition Award. This year, Trisha Gardner, CCHD’s HIV Program Case Manager earned the award through her hard work and dedication to the community. On World AIDS Day, December 1st, Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger and the Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Anna Whiting Sorrell, will be presenting the award to Ms. Gardner.

Ms. Gardner works tirelessly in her prevention efforts. She recognizes that the first step in stopping the HIV epidemic is for people to know their status, so she tests approximately 600 individuals per year throughout Cascade County. In addition to testing and education, Ms. Gardner also provides case management for HIV-positive individuals through the federally funded Ryan White program.

HIV has not gone away; there are still lives being affected by the disease and many things still to be done. World AIDS Day helps to serve as a reminder that it continues to be an epidemic around the world.

The CCHD encourages everyone to get tested today. Anyone with questions about HIV or AIDS can visit CCHD’s HIV page or call 454-6950 and ask to speak with the HIV Program Case Manager.

Happy Thanksgiving! Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday

Holiday celebrations gone wrong may make for funny and entertaining television or campfire stories, but very few of us wish to experience a holiday emergency! The fact is, many holiday-related emergencies, medical or otherwise, are preventable. You can make sure that your Thanksgiving celebration is safe and enjoyable for all who attend by following a few simple steps.

Avoid Food Borne Illness

It’s hard to feel thankful when you are battling a food borne illness! Take the following precautions to ensure that what you and your friends and family are eating will not make you ill.

• Thaw your turkey properly. The turkey should be kept in its original wrappings and thawed in a refrigerator, one day for every four pounds of turkey. Be sure to place the turkey in or over a pan to catch the drippings. You can also thaw your turkey by submerging it in cold water, one half hour for every pound of turkey, but be sure to change the water every thirty minutes. Your turkey should be cooked immediately after thawing.
• Avoid cross-contamination. Be sure that cooking utensils and fresh foods are kept away from uncooked turkey. Also be aware of any towels or potholders used to handle uncooked or undercooked turkey–these should not be used when handling other foods. Wash your hand and utensils often, especially after handling your uncooked bird.
• Cook your turkey thoroughly. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before being consumed. Use a food thermometer to help you ensure that your turkey reaches the correct internal temperature; use the thermometer to check the temperature of the meaty part of the breast, thigh and wing and also the stuffing inside the bird. After cooking, let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before removing the stuffing and carving.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Any leftovers should be properly stored and refrigerated as soon as possible. Any food left out for more than two hours should be discarded.

Prevent Fires and Burns

The National Fire Protection Association reports that three times the average amount of fires occured on Thanksgiving Day in 2009 than on a usual day. Many of these holiday fires, and the burn injuries that often result, happen in the kitchen and can be easily prevented.

• Residue left on the stovetop can cause flare-ups and burns. Reduce this risk by cleaning your stovetop and oven before doing a substantial amount of cooking.
• Avoid spilling hot foods or liquids by using the back burners first and rotating the pot handles towards the back of the stove. Long sleeves and dangling jewelry can also cause spills by catching on pot handles, so be sure to dress appropriately.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Turn off the stove if you must leave the room, and check your food regularly.

Accidents do happen, however, and a fire may break out. Small grease fires can be smothered by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the stove, while oven fires can be contained by turning off the heat and keeping the door closed. If the fire grows bigger, don’t try to contain it yourself; get out, closing the door behind you, and call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.

Following these tips can help ensure that the holiday memories you make are pleasant ones!