|
WOW Women's Expo
Visit our Health Promotion and Education table at the WOW Women's Expo on Saturday, February 12th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Southbridge Mall in Mason City.
We will be promoting our Breast Cancer Early Detection Program as many Cerro Gordo County women qualify for FREE pelvic exams, pap smears, mammogram and breast screenings.
For more information visit our website. |
|
Department Quick Links...
|
 |
|
Updated Vaccine
Recommendations -
Meningococcal
Recently the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved updated recommendations for the use of meningococcal vaccines in adolescents and persons at high-risk for meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the brain, spinal cord coverings and can also cause blood infections.
It is now recommended that adolescents receive the vaccine around 11-12 years, with an additional booster dose at age 16 years. The goal of this new recommendation is to protect persons aged 16 through 21 years, when meningococcal disease rates peak.
The vaccine is available at our immunization clinic. The cost is $120 per dose. Free vaccine is available through the Vaccine for Children Program for eligible children through the age of 18.
If you have questions about the vaccine or the free vaccine program eligibility guidelines, call the clinic at 641-421-9321 or visit www.cghealth.com.
|
|
National Condom Week
Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases during intercourse. According to Planned Parenthood, when it comes to HIV, using a condom makes sex 10,000 times safer than not using a condom.
Latex condoms, used correctly and consistently, help prevent STDs that are passed through sexual fluids. Condoms are less effective for STDs transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, such as human papillomavirus and genital herpes. However, using a condom will reduce some of your risk to these diseases.
When using a condom:
1. Open the package carefully to avoid damaging the condom.
2. Put on the condom after the penis is erect but before any sexual contact. Unroll it all the way down to the base of the penis.The condom should unroll easily. If it doesn't, you may have it upside down. Throw it away and get a new one. Be sure there is about a half inch of space at the tip; squeeze out any extra air.
3. After sex but before the penis becomes soft, hold the base of the condom (where the ring is) and pull your penis out of your partner so nothing spills.
4. Carefully slide off the condom and throw it in the trash.
5. Never use an oil-based lubricant, since it will weaken the latex and make it break. Medications used to treat women's yeast infections can also weaken condoms.
You can get condoms free of charge at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
STD and HIV testing are also available by calling 641-421-9320 for an appointment.
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
As the excitement of the Holidays is over and winter continues to keep us stuck indoors, now is the time to focus on our health and wellness!
If you haven't already gotten your flu shot, now is the time! According to our state epidemiologist, influenza numbers are growing rapidly in Iowa and all three strains are prominent. Without the vaccine it is possible get the flu three different times. Timing is critical - visit our immunization clinic for your flu shot!
Continue to check out our website for timely public health updates and don't forget Public Health is here to answer your questions. Our staff is always willing to get out in the community and speak to various organizations, groups or businesses on public health topics including: environmental health issues, wellness, vaccine and immunization recommendations, public health nursing and much more!
Sincerely,
Alanna Davison
Public Information Officer
Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health |
|
|
Job Opening
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is looking for a full-time Registered Nurse. Visit our website to learn more. |
|
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Revised Vaccine Recommendations
Pertussis, also called "whooping cough," is a disease caused by bacteria that is easily spread from person to person. Pertussis is usually mild in older children and adults, but it often causes serious problems in very young children.
Pertussis symptoms have three stages. The first stage begins like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing and cough. The cough lasts for a week or two then slowly gets worse. The second stage is marked by uncontrolled coughing spells, vomiting after coughing, and sometimes a whooping noise that you can hear when the person breathes in. During severe coughing spells or spasms, a person may stop breathing. Between spells, the person often appears to be well. This stage lasts for about 2 to 6 weeks. In the final stage symptoms begin to gradually lessen. The person still may have coughing spells, but is beginning to get better. The duration of classic pertussis is about 6 to 10 weeks.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the following new recommendations:
- Tdap vaccine can be administered regardless of the amount of time the last tetanus containing vaccine was given.
- A single dose of Tdap vaccine is now indicated for adults 65 years and older. Especially if they anticipate having close contact with an infant less than 12 months of age (to include, grandparents, child-care providers, health-care practitioners).
- A single dose of Tdap vaccine is now indicated for children aged 7-10 years if they are not fully vaccinated against pertussis or who have an unknown vaccination status.
- Previous recommendation for a single dose of Tdap vaccine for persons 10-64 years of age still remains.
As we see an increase in pertussis cases, it's especially important for close contacts of infants to get vaccinated. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, and childcare providers. The illness is very contagious and can cause serious illness or even death in infants.
The cost of the Tdap vaccine is $49. Medicare does not cover the vaccine unless there has been an injury.
- Free vaccine is available through the Vaccine for Children Program for eligible children through the age of 18.
- Free vaccine (with a $10 administration) is available through the Patient Assistance Program for eligible adults 19 years of age or older.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM- Noon and 12:30- 4:00 PM. Extended clinic hours are offered on the first Monday of each month: 10:00 AM- Noon and 12:30- 6:30 PM. No appointment is necessary.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated recommendations for the use of the Tdap vaccine. One of the components in the Tdap vaccine is used to protect individuals from pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
|
|
Wellness Corner
Worksite Wellness Program
Our Wellness Service Section has recently developed a Worksite Wellness Packet that is available at no cost to local businesses to help start or enhance a workplace wellness program.
The packet highlights include:
- Assessment Documents - to help businesses conduct audits on their existing resources beneficial for successful wellness programs
- Tips and Advice - for promoting employee wellness programs from management all the way to front-line employees
- Community Services - detailing where to contract health services, find free wellness speakers, or identify area fitness facilities
- Reproducible Program Materials - to promote and implement healthy wellness competitions and/or behaviors at the worksite
Join us as we co-sponsor the Wellness Conference on Tuesday, February 22nd at the Clarion Inn in Mason City. Kelli Huniker, Wellness Coordinator at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health will be speaking on Components of a Low-Cost, Effective, Worksite Wellness Program. All participants will receive a worksite wellness packet.
Conference highlights include:
- Keynote speakers (including TV's Biggest Loser Season 8)
- Breakout speakers and sessions
- Breakfast and lunch
- Wellness expo
CEU's are available. To register or for more information on the Wellness Conference visit: www.mycwellness.com.
For more information about Worksite Wellness contact Kelli Huinker at 641-421-9312 or wellness@cghealth.com.
Visit our Online Wellness Center and learn more about nutrition, exercise and overall wellness. We have lots of helpful tips!
|
|
Please help us promote Public Health services. Forward this electronic newsletter to your friends, family, co-workers and professional associates.
Thank you for choosing the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health!
Our Mission Statement:
Dedicated to enhancing the health status of our communities through public health initiatives.
Our Vision Statement:
Building an integrated community health system supported by public and private partnerships to meet new and ongoing health challenges.
Our Value Statement:
We believe disease prevention, human dignity, respect for individual choices and access to quality health services are basic rights of all.
|
|
|
