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News

Polk County Health Department to Hold “Diabetes Day”

On Wednesday, January 11 from 8-11am, Polk County Health Department will hold a “Diabetes Day” at 1907 Carpenter Avenue in Des Moines.

“Untreated diabetes can cause debilitating consequences that can affect your every-day life such as losing a foot or leg to amputation or becoming blind. Imagine not being able to take your dog for a walk, not reading your grandchild a bedtime story, or not having a healthy baby,” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

Polk County Health Department will provide free screenings, education about medication, follow up care, and care management information for people with diabetes, or, those at risk for diabetes.

“We know the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing complications from diabetes. But, we also know people need information and a plan,” said Sandra Scholten, Polk County Health Department Family Nurse Practitioner.

According to the American Diabetes Association about 7 million people are living with diabetes and don’t know it. The main reason that many cases of diabetes do not get diagnosed is because many of the symptoms seem so harmless. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision.

“We will provide a free screening, review your results with you, and make recommendations for follow up care that might include additional testing, nutrition education, or medication.” said Ms. Scholten.

Screenings will be available, free of charge, to any Polk County resident. It is recommended that people fast for 8 hours and bring all prescription and over the counter medications that they are taking. Bring insurance cards as we will accept some types of insurance.


Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - October 23-29, 2011

During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29, 2011) Polk County Health Department Officials warn community residents how to reduce the risk their child might become lead poisoned.

“If your home was built before 1978 assume the paint is lead based. If you hire a contractor to work on your house, make sure they are certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health as a lead-safe renovator. If you do repair work yourself, make sure to follow lead safe work practices”, said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

Lead paint, which was banned from residential use in 1978, is the primary source of lead poisoning in Iowa. Disturbing lead paint creates hazardous lead dust. Lead is a neurotoxin and especially toxic for young children.

“Because not all contractors have the skills to keep the members of your household safe the law requires contractors working with lead to receive special training and become certified,” said Ms. Henkels.

According to Iowa law, contractors who disturb a total of one square foot or more of interior or exterior painted surface on projects in housing, child care facilities, or schools built before 1978 are required to receive special training and be certified as a lead-safe renovator.

“The keys to lead safe work practices are three-fold. Work Smart, Work Wet and Work Clean. Follow these guidelines and you will protect your child from any unnecessary risks from home repair work,” said Ms. Henkels.

Work Smart includes wearing proper personal protective clothing; shutting down the HVAC system and installing heavy duty plastic firmly and securely. Working Wet means mist the work area with water; wet scrape, sand, pry, saw, plane, drill and remove painted materials and using shaving cream to control dust when drilling. Working Clean includes using a tack cloth to wipe dust, installing catch bags under work and controlling the dust.

A short video about lead safe work practices can be viewed on the Polk County Health Department web page http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/Health/Pages/leadPoisoning.aspx


Some Hy-Vee Bagged Salads Recalled October 14th for Possible Health Risk

Hy-Vee officials said some bagged salads have been recalled due to possible contamination with listeria.

The voluntary recall involves 2,154 cases of various bagged salads produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC of Salinas, Calif.

Routine random tests conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture indicated the presence of the listeria organism in a bagged salad product produced by River Ranch for the Giant Eagle chain, based in Pittsburgh, Pa. River Ranch has issued the recall for Giant Eagle's Farmers Market brand salads and the Hy-Vee salads produced at its facility on Sept. 27.

These recalled products carry a "Best By" date of Oct. 14.

Hy-Vee officials said there have been no reported cases of customer illness due to consumption of the salads.

Four varieties of Hy-Vee bagged salads, each carrying a "Best By" date of 14OCT2011, are covered by the recall.

All potentially affected products have been removed from Hy-Vee stores.

Customers are encouraged to check their refrigerators for the following Hy-Vee bagged salad products and return any unused product to the store for a refund:

  • Hy-Vee 8 oz Shredded Iceberg UPC number: 75450-12053 BEST BY 14OCT2011 A106A and A106B
  • Hy-Vee 12 oz. American Blend UPC number: 75450-12047 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
  • Hy-Vee 12 oz. Garden Supreme UPC number: 75450-12046 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
  • Hy-Vee 12 oz. Romaine Garden UPC number: 75450-12508 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B

No other products or code dates are affected by the recall.

The listeria monocytogenes organism can cause listeriosis, a condition characterized by high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms generally are mild and of short duration in healthy individuals, but the organism can produce serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and other adults with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.


New Grant to Address Lead Hazards Awarded to Polk County

Polk County was recently awarded a $2,475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead-based paint hazards in Polk County and Dallas County. Funding is also available to address additional indoor health hazards like mold, radon and pests in some of the homes. These funds will leverage over $2 million in additional local funds to allow Polk County Health Department, and their partners, to repair 142 homes in the two counties over the next three years.

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “This grant will allow us to continue to address lead poisoning in our community and fix a lot more homes. But most importantly, we will reduce the number of children who get lead poisoned.”

This is the second lead hazard control grant that has been awarded from HUD to Polk County. One hundred forty-three units (to date) have been made lead-safe through the initial grant. These units are listed in the Polk County Lead Safe Registry

“Wherever we find lead, we usually find additional health hazards, like pests, radon or mold. This grant will allow us to address some of those issues as well as the lead,” said Ms. Henkels.

Lead paint, which was banned from residential use in 1978, is the primary source of lead poisoning in Iowa. Two-thirds of Des Moines’ housing stock was built before 1978.

“These funds will allow us to enhance our pro-active strategy to reduce lead poisoning. We will conduct outreach to identify homes with lead hazards. We will fix the homes and we will reduce the risk that the children in 142 homes will become lead poisoned,” said Ms. Henkels.

Funds are available to assist homeowners whose income is less than 80% of the median family income and landlords whose tenants’ incomes are less than 80% of the median family income. In addition, to be eligible a child under the age of six years old must live, or spend significant time, in the home and there must be identified lead hazards. For more information call 286-2115 or 286-3596.


Annual Drive-Thru Flu Clinic to be Held October 1st at Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Polk County Health Department’s annual Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be held Saturday, October 1st at the Iowa State Fairgrounds between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This clinic will be for flu vaccinations only (pneumonia vaccinations will not be given). People attending this clinic (9 years of age and older) will receive their vaccinations without leaving their vehicle. Use the main entrance on Grand Avenue or the East 33rd Street entrance off University Avenue to access the clinic. A $15 donation is suggested and some types of insurance are accepted.

“The Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is a convenient way for families, people with mobility issues, or older adults to get a flu vaccination without scheduling an appointment or waiting in a crowded clinic room. Vaccination is the easiest way to avoid the flu and the Drive-Thru clinic makes it even easier.” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

According to The Centers for Disease Control, each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Although most who die are 65 or older, children younger than two are as likely as those over 65 to have to be hospitalized.

“We have learned that vaccination is the easiest way to reduce the spread of disease in our community. Because the flu is a very contagious disease that can possibly lead to hospitalization or pneumonia, we encourage everyone over the age of six months to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza as well” said Ms. Henkels.

Common misconceptions about the flu vaccine are addressed on the Centers for Disease Control’s website, www.cdc.gov:

  • *Most of the time the flu vaccination will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu vaccination has ranged from 70% to 90%.
  • *The flu vaccination cannot cause the flu and serious problems from the flu vaccination are very rare, the worst side effect likely is a sore arm and risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than one in four million.
  • *The flu vaccination that now protects against H1N1 is safe and has gone through the same rigorous testing that seasonal influenza vaccinations have gone through.

Types of insurance accepted include Medicare B, Medicaid, Humana, a Select One, Midland’s Choice, Secure Horizons, United HealthCare and Wellmark. More information about the clinic is available on the Polk County Health Department website at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health or by calling the Polk County Health Department Flu Line at (515) 286-3609.


Polk County Health Department Announces Schedule for Flu Clinics

Polk County Health Department will be holding over 100 community flu and Pneumonia clinics beginning September 25, 2011 through November 19, 2011. The annual “drive-thru flu clinic” will be held on Saturday, October 1st. The full schedule is available at http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/Health/pdfs/2011PublicClinicSchedule.pdf.

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “When a high percentage of the community has been vaccinated against a contagious disease like influenza it is very difficult for it to be spread from person to person. But, in most years, fewer than one in three adults gets vaccinated against influenza.”

People who get influenza are also at greater risk for catching pneumonia. The following people are encouraged to get a pneumonia shot as well.

  • All adults 65 years of age and older

  • Anyone ages 2-64 with long term health problems; has a disease or condition that lowers the body’s resistance to infection and/or is taking a drug or treatment that lowers the body’s resistance to infection

  • Any adult 19 through 64 years of age who smokes or has asthma

“We know that getting vaccinated, staying home when you’re sick, and washing your hands are extremely effective at reducing the spread of disease in our community and those principles need to be applied with equal rigor to seasonal influenza,” said Ms. Henkels.

Since a higher percentage of children get the flu, and because of how easily they can spread it to others, it is recommended that all children over the age of 6 months be vaccinated against flu. Older adults, and people with chronic health conditions (who are more likely to get sick and be sicker than other people) are encouraged to receive their shots sooner rather than later.

“Flu vaccinations provide a higher level of protection for younger people than they do for older adults. To best protect your grandma, you and your children, should get a flu vaccination,” said Ms. Henkels.

To speed up the process at the flu clinics people can download the Consent Form from the Health Department Web Page (http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/Health/pages/diseasePrevention.aspx#flu) and bring the completed Consent Form to the clinic.

For updates or changes in the clinic schedule call the Polk County FluLine, 286-3609. A $15 donation is suggested for the flu vaccination, $35 for pneumonia. No one will be turned away because of inability to pay. Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Wellmark, Humana, Select One, Midland’s Choice, Secure Horizons and United HealthCare will pay for the cost in full. Bring your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card.


Cooling Shelter to Remain Open in Polk County

The Polk County Health Department Cooling Shelter at the Polk County Youth Shelter, located at 1548 Hull Avenue in Des Moines, will remain open until Sunday, July 24th at 7am. No one will be admitted to the shelter after 10pm each evening. A Polk County Health Department Nurse will be based at the Shelter at all times.

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “Today’s weather is a welcome change. But, it is inadequate relief after almost one week of dangerously high temperatures and humidity with more hot weather expected this weekend. We are not out of danger.”

The shelter is located 3 blocks west of the intersection of Hull Avenue and NE 14th Street (which is on the Bus Line). Anyone who needs transportation should call “211”. Food, beverages, blankets and cots will be available at the Shelter. Showers are also available.. Pets are not permitted in the Overnight Cooling Center. But you can also call “211” for assistance in sheltering your animal.

For more information, visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Overnight Cooling Shelter to Open in Polk County

To provide some relief from the extended heat and humidity Polk County Health Department will open an Overnight Cooling Shelter at the Polk County Youth Shelter, located at 1548 Hull Avenue in Des Moines on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. The Shelter will be open from 6:00PM to 7:00AM each night. No one will be admitted to the shelter after 10pm.

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “We know people prefer to stay in their homes. But a couple of hours in air conditioning significantly reduces their risk for illness”.

The #4 Bus stops at the intersection of Hull Avenue and NE 14th Street. The shelter is located 3 blocks east of the intersection. Anyone who needs transportation to the shelter or assistance getting from the bus stop to the shelter should call “211”. Food, beverages, blankets and cots will be available at the Shelter. Showers are also available. Pets are not permitted in the Overnight Cooling Center unless they are designated a service animal. But you can also call “211” for assistance in sheltering your animal.

“We are concerned about the cumulative effect this extended heat and humidity will have on peoples’ health. People need some overnight relief.” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

Health Department officials remind people to stay out of the heat as much as possible, drink plenty of water (don’t wait until you are thirsty), and check on others twice a day. Also remember, never leave children or pets in a car and make sure pets have cool water and shade available at all times, if possible keep pets indoors.

“Using a fan may make you feel comfortable but it doesn’t reduce your risk for health problems. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness,” said Ms. Henkels.

For more information, visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Reduce Your Risks in the Heat

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Watch for Polk County through 7pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. For the most current list of “July 16-17 weekend cooling centers” available in Polk County visit our web page at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health. (A copy of the list as of right now is attached.)

The Polk County Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautionary actions to reduce their risk for health problems:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink more water than usual. Drink 2 to 4 cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids.

2. Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness: Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much possible. For the most current and complete lists of all daytime cooling centers” available in Polk County where people can seek relief from the heat visit our web page at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health

3. Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

For more information, visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Reduce Your Risks in the Heat

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Polk County through 7pm today. The Polk County Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautionary actions to reduce their risk for health problems:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink more water than usual. Drink 2 to 4 cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids.
  2. Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness: Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much possible. The attached list of locations are Daytime Cooling Centers and can be accessed by people seeking relief from the heat.
  3. Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

For more information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Heat Awareness Day, June 9: Extended Heat and High Humidity Can Be Dangerous.

Extended heat and high humidity is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous. More lives are lost from extreme heat than all other weather-related causes combined, including hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms and lightning. Stay informed and protect yourself. See the brochure for 2011 Heat Awareness Day.


Health Risks Increase with Very Hot Weather

The weather for June 6th and 7th is expected to be very hot and humid. Polk County Health Department officials remind people that this is a potentially dangerous combination. Make sure to check on friends and neighbors who have health conditions, especially those who stay at home.

“We have started to see very hot weather earlier than normal. Remember to take the necessary precautions. Drink plenty of water. Stay out of the heat. Check on others”, said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

Extended heat and high humidity is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous. More lives are lost from extreme heat than all other weather-related causes combined, including hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms and lightning.

A rapid increase in body temperature is possible, with high temperatures and high humidity, because the body cannot cool itself. For the body to cool itself, the body sweats and the moisture evaporates off of the skin. When it is humid out, evaporation doesn’t take place and the body cannot cool as well. Your body temperature can increase to a fatal 106 degrees in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Many public places, like malls, libraries, senior centers, are air conditioned and are open to the public as daytime cooling centers. Two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of health problems. For a full list of daytime cooling centers see Health Department web site.

Ms. Henkels added, “Not everyone has air conditioning. Others cannot afford to run it constantly. But there are ways for them to cool their homes and bodies and stay safe”.

At night, if it is cooler outside open up windows and doors to ventilate. Reduce indoor humidity by minimizing mid-day washing and drying clothes, showering and cooking. Unless you absolutely need them, turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances. Reduce your home’s heat gain by pulling drapes or shades.

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the indoor temperature is above 90 degrees, fans will not prevent heat-related illnesses. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “We know some people cannot or will not leave their homes. It is critical we identify people at risk and get them their resources they need to stay safe”.

Also remember, never leave children or pets in a car and make sure pets have cool water and shade available at all times, if possible keep pets indoors.

For more information, visit Health Department or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Measles Reported in Central Iowa

A confirmed case of measles has occurred in a Dallas County resident. This situation is being treated as a public health emergency because measles spreads easily and can cause serious illness and death.

Local public health officials in Dallas and Polk counties are working with the Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) to determine who this individual may have exposed to measles and are at risk of becoming ill.

Any individuals who visited the following locations at the listed times should check to make sure they have received two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. Those older than their mid-50s and know that they had measles as a child do not need to be vaccinated. If you have been at these places during these times and have not received two doses of MMR (or are not sure if you have received two MMRs), you should contact your county health department or health care provider to be vaccinated.

May 11 American Airlines Flight AA3965
Departed Chicago O’Hare: 11:55 a.m.
Arrived Des Moines International Airport: 1:05 p.m.

Des Moines International Airport – main terminal and baggage area 1:00 to 3:45 p.m.

May 14 Mercy Central Pediatric Clinic
330 Laurel St, Ste 2100, Des Moines Iowa
10:00 a.m. to close (offices closed at 2:00 p.m.)
Mercy Medical Center – Main Entrance, including waiting room, registration, outpatient testing and blood draw station areas 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Noon to 3:00 p.m.

The symptoms of measles include any or all of the following: fever, cough, red/pink eyes, runny nose and a rash. Anyone, regardless of age, who has not had measles or has not adequately responded to two doses of MMR (less than one percent), can get measles if exposed. Measles can cause serious illness, pneumonia, deafness, and brain inflammation. Two to three people out of 1,000 who get measles die from the disease. It is easily spread through the air and there is no treatment for the illness, so prevention is critical.

If you were at the places during the times listed above and have any symptoms consistent with measles, call your health care provider immediately and arrange to be seen safely. Do not go to the doctor’s office, ER, local public health agency, or a walk-in clinic until arrangements are made to be seen by your health care provider in a place and manner that will not potentially expose others to measles. Until arrangements are made, stay home; do not go into any public places.

“All Iowans should check their personal and family immunization records to make sure their measles vaccinations are up-to-date,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “To be fully vaccinated, an individual should have had two doses of the measles vaccine, or have had measles in the past.”

For more information about measles, visit Measles Fact Sheet.

Media: photos of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Central Pediatric Clinic are available upon request.

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Upcoming Peer Leader Training

Upcoming Peer Leader Training for the Better Choices/Better Health-Self Management Program

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Access to Affordable Healthy Food for Everyone

Access to Affordable Healthy Food for Everyone is identified as one of our community’s ten health priorities in the Healthy Polk 2020 plan. An Issue Brief was developed to provide more information about this important priority and to point out the initial steps being undertaken to make our community a Healthy Polk county. Future Issue Briefs will be released as the work progresses.

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Task Force Organized to Fight Bed Bugs

The Polk County Bed Bug Task Force, which began meeting last month, announced the formation of four work groups: Community Policies, Education and Outreach, Model Ordinance and Multi-Unit Housing. The Task Force was convened by the Polk County Health Department at the request of the Metropolitan Advisory Committee (comprised of elected officials from Polk, Dallas, and Warren County).

“A few years ago the bed bug population began to alarmingly resurge in the United States. No community across the United States has been spared the experience of bed bug infestation. Contrary to common belief, everyone is at risk whether visiting acquaintances, traveling, or sharing living quarters”, said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

To tackle the issue Polk County has convened expert partners to mount a coordinated approach to the control and prevention of bed bugs in our community. The Task Force is comprised of businesses, public health, university, government, and non-profit organizations and agencies working together to bring awareness to the community regarding the challenges of control and the economic impact.

Ms. Henkels said, “The Task Force believes knowledge and empowering all residents with accurate information and guidelines can have a significant impact on preventing and controlling the spread of bedbugs.”

The committee is moving forward in developing an extensive coordinated community education and awareness campaign as well as Bed Bug Prevention and Control Guidelines. The group has defined a strategic plan and identified two priorities: Community education and awareness; and 2. Instituting best practice guidelines and policies.

“Although bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, they are a pest of significant public health importance. Bed bugs have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health and the economy”, said Ms. Henkels.

More

There are currently 31 members of the Task Force. The full list is available on the Polk County Health Department’s web site, along with additional information about bed bug issues. You can visit the Polk County Health Department’s website at (Click on Bed Bug Information)

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