Dawson County Health Department News

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1 Dawson County Health Department News O rgan i zation N am e October 2018 Volume, Issue Inside this issue: Domestic Violence 2 Red Ribbon Week 2 Breast Cancer Awareness Month 3 Flu Shot Clinics 4 Cold vs Flu 5 WIC Healthy Treats 6 DC Domestic Violence 6 Calendar W. Bell Glendive, MT Website: dawsoncountymontana.com Public Health: WIC Program: Home Health: : Tel: (406) Tobacco Prevention: Fight the Flu! By: Timber Dempewolf Many people might shrug off influenza the flu as a minor illness that is really nothing to worry about. While for some influenza may be mild, for others, it can be very serious, sometimes leading to hospitalization, medical complications, and even death. During the flu season, in Montana there were 979 hospitalizations and 79 deaths related to influenza. Getting a flu shot is the best way for everyone, ages six months and older, to prevent the flu. Flu season typically lasts from about October through March or April, and each year, the composition of the flu vaccine is reviewed and updated to better match circulating viruses. The best time to get vaccinated is before the end of October, but you can receive your flu vaccine at any time after that as well it will protect you through the entire flu season. It s important to note that the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide protection against the flu, but it can reduce flu illness, doctor visits, and missed work or school and can prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. October Events Eye Injury Prevention Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Health Literacy Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month National SIDS Awareness Month There are a number of choices when it comes to flu vaccine. A quadrivalent vaccine provides protection from four different strains of flu. In comparison, trivalent vaccines, only provide protection from three different strains. There is a high-dose vaccine, which is designed to create a stronger immune response. The high-dose vaccine is designed for adults age 65 and older, as they are usually at greater risk for severe illness and complications from influenza. Dawson County Health Department is offering quadrivalent vaccine this year. DCHD has vaccine for all ages and offers options for children who are uninsured or underinsured. Flu shots are available at the Health Department during regular immunization hours Thursdays from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm. Flu shots cost $38, and insurance is accepted. Additionally, DCHD will have the BlueCross BlueShield CareVan at the EPEC in Glendive giving free flu shots on October 4, from 2-5:30 pm. For more information, call DCHD at Mental Illness Awareness Week 11 National Depression Screening Day 15 National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day National Health Education Week 21 National Check Your Meds Day Red Ribbon Week 31 Halloween

2 Page 2 Dawson County Health Department Newsletter Domestic Violence Awareness Month By: Pam O Brien Domestic Violence is a community issue. It is not only in our homes; it is in our schools, our hospitals, our places of worship, and our workplaces. This September we to remember the lives that have been lost as a result of domestic violence, acknowledge the injustices faced by victims of domestic abuse and champion the need for societal change. Infants and small children who are exposed to violence in the home experience so much added emotional stress that it can harm the development of their brains and impair cognitive and sensory growth. Behavior changes can include excessive irritability, sleep problems, emotional distress, fear of being alone, immature behavior, and problems with toilet training and language development. At an early age, a child s brain is becoming hard-wired for later physical and emotional functioning. Exposure to domestic violence threatens that development. As they grow, children who are exposed to violence may continue to show signs of problems. Primary-schoolage children may have more trouble with school work, and show poor concentration and focus. They tend not to do as well in school. In one study, forty per cent had lower reading abilities than children from non-violent homes. Personality and behavioral problems among children exposed to violence in the home can take the forms of psychosomatic illnesses, depression, suicidal tendencies, and bed-wetting. Later in life, these children are at greater risk of substance abuse, juvenile pregnancy and criminal behavior than those raised in homes without violence. Some studies suggest social development is also damaged. Some children lose the ability to feel empathy for others. Others feel socially isolated, unable to make friends as easily due to social discomfort or confusion over what is acceptable. Many studies have noted that children from violent homes exhibit signs of more aggressive behavior, such as bullying, and are up to three times more likely to be involved in fighting. One Australian study showed that up to 40 per cent of chronically violent teenagers have been exposed to extreme domestic violence. This is an unspoken problem with no easy answers. Much can be changed by bringing this problem into the open. The message to all must be that domestic violence is damaging to everyone, including children who are exposed to it, and that it can be stopped. Children have the right to a home environment that is safe and secure, and free of violence. Children need to know that there are adults who will listen to them, believe them and shelter them. Children need adults to speak out and break the silence. This October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month start to be part of the solution by talking about domestic violence, lend an ear and don t ignore it. Credit: UNICEF Red Ribbon Week By: Lindsay Sadorf The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people.. Red Ribbon Week is October 23rd- October 31st. This year s theme is Life is Your Journey, Travel Drug Free. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The successful eradication of this and other drug production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a result, they murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Agent Camarena and his pilot Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar (taken separately on the same day). Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons. The red ribbon symbolizes their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. Today, the Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Source: redribbon.org

3 Volume, Issue Page 3 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! By: Ashley VandeBossche Approximately 38% of women in Montana will be diagnosed with cancer, with breast cancer being the most common cancer among women. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer even if she has no family history or other risk factors for the disease. Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily treated, which is why screening is important for early detection. Receiving routine mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when treatment is more effective. Women who are years old are at the highest risk for breast cancer and should get a mammogram every two years. Women who are years old should talk to with a health care provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. The Montana Cancer Control Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Ashley VandeBossche at (406) Ashley is the Region 13 coordinator for the following counties: Richland, Dawson, Fallon, Prairie, McCone and Wibaux.

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6 Services Provided by the Health Department Immunizations: Adults and children, Thursdays: 9:00 am-noon and. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment call Insurance Billing: Yes, the Dawson County Health Department does bill insurance for children s immunizations. WIC (Women, Infants and Children): Thursdays 8:00-12:00 and. Appointments may be made by calling : Walk in hours are Monday Tuesday: 1-5 pm, Wednesday: 8 am-noon and 1-5 pm, Thursday: No Clinic, Friday: 10 amnoon and 1-3 pm. Services are based on a sliding fee scale. To schedule an appointment call Blood Pressure Clinics: Wednesday-Thursday: 8-noon no charge. Labs: Wednesday 8:00-noon. Some labs require 12 hour fast. Home Health Services: In home services including skilled nursing. Certified Nurse Assistant, Homemaker and Meals on Wheels. Call for more information or to make a referral. Public Health Home Visiting: Home visiting program for pregnant women, infants and children. Services help to build parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete supports in times of need and social and emotional competence of children. Tobacco Prevention: Preventing tobacco use among youth and promote quitting among adult users. Free signs for CIAA compliance. Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Planning and coordination of community resources to prepare for public health emergencies. WIC s Healthy Halloween Treats! We are on the Web! Spread peanut butter between 2 Ritz crackers. Put pretzel sticks in for legs. Attach mini chocolate chip with frosting or peanut butter. Insert the skewers into the grapes, add 2 dots of icing to the final grape to make the eyes. Stick 2 mini chocolate chips to the icing to make pupils. If you would like to be on the mailing list for this monthly publication or submit an article for the next month, please Laureen Murphree at murphreel@dawsoncountymontana.com

7 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT ; 1-5 RICHEY FLU CLINIC 9-11:30 A.M. FLU CARE VAN EPEC PARKING LOT 2:00-5:30PM Office Closed ; 1-5 WIC 8:00-12:00; 1-5 Immunization & BP Clinics 9-12 & ; 1-5 WIC 8:00-12:00; 1-5 Immunization & BP Clinics 9-12 & ; 1-5 WIC 8:00-12:00; 1-5 Immunization & BP Clinics 9-12 & ; 1-5 Watch for the CareVan, Thursday, October 4th. Drive through the EPEC parking lot for your annual flu shot! 2:00--5:30 P.M. 4 5 DAWSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 207 West Bell St Glendive, MT