Don't Let High Blood Pressure Change Your Life!              

Do you know your blood pressure numbers? 
High blood pressure affects 1 in 4 adults. Many adults tend to develop high blood pressure with age, however, it is not considered a part of the healthy aging process. High blood pressure is a serious disease that increases the workload of the heart and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and even blindness.  You may have heard high blood pressure referred to as the “silent killer” because many times there are no symptoms to indicate you have the disease. The only way to know you have high blood pressure is to check it regularly!

Factors outside of your control that contribute to high blood pressure include: race, heredity, and age.  Factors that are within your control include: avoid obesity and maintain a health weight, avoid too much salt or “sodium” in your diet, limit alcohol intake, stop smoking, and have an active lifestyle which includes a regular exercise routine. 

Please, feel free to come into any of the clinics and have a blood pressure evaluation.  A single elevated blood pressure reading does not mean you have high blood pressure, but it is a sign that further evaluation is needed.  If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure the staff will work with you to gain control of the disease. If medication is needed, many pharmacies now offer medications for $5 per month.  Since there is no charge to see the doctor at the clinics, this means you can gain control of your blood pressure and avoid heart disease, stroke or kidney disease for only $60 a year!  Come in to see us soon!

 

Podiatry Services Available

Feet tired? Sore? Problematic? 

Make an appointment to visit the podiatrist.  There is a minimal fee or medicare billing is available. Don’t suffer needlessly.
All podiatry services are offered at the North location due to construction at the South location.

Please call (708) 424-9200 for more information or to schedule an appointment

Identifying and Understanding Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.  It can be caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses and bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is often more severe than the viral form. 
Meningitis inhabits the mucosal membrane of the nose and throat, where it usually causes no harm.  Up to 5 – 10% of a population may be asymptomatic (shows no symptoms) carriers.  This serious,  debilitating and life threatening disease is spread by contact with nose and throat secretions of a person carrying the bacteria, e.g., kissing, drinking from a shared glass or straw, sharing eating utensils, coughing or sneezing directly into the face of another person, etc.
Early signs and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck (except in infants), nausea, often vomiting, a purplish-red rash in some cases, confusion or difficulties awakening from sleep.  In infants, poor feeding, extreme listlessness, irritability and sometimes vomiting may be the only symptoms present.
Transmission of viral and bacterial meningitis can be prevented by raising the level of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.  Persons should cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and discard used tissues promptly.  Wash hands thoroughly following exposure to respiratory secretions, including handling of soiled tissues and handkerchiefs. Persons should not share straws, cups, glasses, water bottles, eating utensils, cigarettes, etc.  Discouraging persons from kissing infants or toddlers on the mouth also can help prevent the spread of illness.  Also, of primary importance, is proper hand washing technique.  Wet hands with soap and warm water.  Rub hands vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds, making sure you clean under fingernails. Rinse well under warm, running water. When paper towels are available, use a paper towel to turn off the water faucet and throw the paper towel away.
The Stickney Health Department has meningitis vaccines available at your request.  Vaccinations differ upon the age of the recipient. The HIB Vaccine is available starting at age 2 months through 4 years of age. Starting at age 11, the vaccine for Meningitis (Groups A,C, Y and W-135) is available.  This last vaccine would give immunity to the strain of meningitis in the Chicago area. Stickney Public Health Department does have this vaccine in stock. It is also presently being offered to Chicago residents through mass vaccinations in the City of Chicago. 
Of course, the Chicago incident is a recent outbreak and deserves attention.  However, vaccine preventable diseases are not extinct as we have seen with other recent outbreaks of whooping cough, measles, hepatitis, mumps, etc..  Protect yourself and your family.  Come in to the clinic, ask your family physician or visit us online at www.stickneypublichealthdistrict.org to see if your immunizations are up-to-date. We would hate to see any of you become ill, when prevention was possible.
—Sharon Foy, R.N.
Director of Nursing..

Avoid Food Borne Illnesses

Typical signs of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In serious cases, high fever, bloody stool, and prolonged vomiting may occur. Young children, pregnant women, older people, and those with compromised immune systems are hit hardest.

Bacteria, whether in food or in the air, grow faster in warmer weather. Don’t just worry about the potato salad or egg dishes, says Dave Lenihan, Environmental Health Director for Stickney Public Health District. “You have to be careful with any food, including melons and lettuce,” he says. Outbreaks of foodborne illness for which fresh lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and other produce were the confirmed or suspected source continue to be reported to the FDA. The causes included E. coli, salmonella, cyclospora, and hepatitis A virus.

What you can do: It seems so basic, but not everyone does it. Wash hands well and often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before cooking or eating. Also wash surfaces when cooking, keep raw food separate from cooked food, marinate food in the refrigerator, cook food thoroughly, and refrigerate or freeze food promptly. Lenihan suggests following the FDA guidelines to never leave food out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90 F. Any other time, don’t leave food out for more than two hours. “Keep hot food hot and cold food cold,” Lenihan adds. “Wash off fruits and vegetables with cool running water.” Also, scrub fruits with rough surfaces like cantaloupe with a soft brush.

When you are packing food for a picnic, place cold food in a cooler with plenty of ice or commercial freezing gels. Cold food should be held at or below 40 F and the cooler should be stored in shade. Hot food should be wrapped well, placed in an insulated container, and kept at or above 140 F.

Those hit by a foodborne illness must stay hydrated so they could try chewing on ice chips or sipping clear fluid after vomiting has stopped. In the next day or so, eat only light foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, and soup. Seek emergency treatment if severe pain accompanies the illness, if vomiting doesn’t stop in a couple of hours, or if bloody diarrhea is experienced.

Did You Know?

You can get many immunizations free through Stickney Public Health District programs?  Congratulations if you and your children are up-to-date.  Being vaccinated means that you have reduced your risk of illness if ever exposed to a dangerous disease.  But, if you have delayed this important health detail, or have questions about immunization, please feel free to call or come in at your convenience.  Stickney Public Health offers vaccinations for children, teens and adults.
• • •
The Stickney Public Health District participates in the state’s “Vaccines for Children Program” which translates to free vaccines for many infants and individuals under the age of 18.  Stickney Township offers a “Well Child Clinic” every third Wednesday of the month.  This is a great time to get your child checked for growth and development and update immunizations.  Since this is a scheduled appointment for well children only, your child won't be exposed to sick patients which may be the case during regular clinic hours.  Call Shar for any appointment at 708.424.9200.
• • •
Health physical season has already begun. Stickney Public Health Clinics have a doctor available for school or work physicals Monday through Friday.  If your child will be entering kindergarten, sixth grade, high school or college a physical will be required.  Beat the rush by coming in now.  You may call ahead to be sure the doctor is available, however, no appointments are taken.

Don’t forget about your child’s state required dental screenings for kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade. Screenings are available by appointment at the dental Central and North Sites. The dental trailer is located in Burbank, call 708-878-3828 for appointments and location.
• • •
Seniors over the age of sixty can get help with grocery shopping, household chores, personal care or other activities of daily living through  Stickney Township’s Community Care Program.  For information call Teri at 708.424.9200.
• • •
If you need nursing assistance, Stickney Public Health District has nurses available to make free home visits.  These nurses provide disease monitoring, medication management, referrals when necessary and general advice with the objective of assisting seniors to remain comfortable and independent in their homes as long as possible.
• • •
If an agent for the State’s All Kids Insurance Program assists you with the necessary forms, there is a higher rate of acceptance.  Two agents at the South Township building (Burbank location) are ready to help you get the job done.  Feel free to call 708.424.9200 and ask for Lynn or Shar to get your application.