Mission Statement

The mission of the Preble County General Health District is to promote and improve the good health and well being of the people living and/or working within Preble County.


Business Hours: Monday through Friday
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Health Awareness for Men

More than 300,000 men in the United States die from heart disease each year. That’s 1 out of every 4 men who die each year—a father, son, spouse, or colleague.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the United States in 2009, 206,640 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 28,088 men died from it. CDC provides men, doctors, and policymakers with the latest information about prostate cancer.

National Men's Health Week is celebrated each year the week leading up to and including Father's Day. During this week, individuals, families, communities, and others work to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, promote healthy living, and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Men can make their health a priority. Take action daily to live a healthier and productive life.
What can you do?
Take a bike ride. Toss a ball. Eat less salt. Try more veggies. There are many easy things you can do every day to improve your health and stay healthy.
Men, the women that care about them, and the communities in which they live, can do the following to assure being as healthy as possible.

Men:
• Lead by example. Eat healthy, be physically active, have regular checkups, get vaccinated, be smoke-free, prevent injuries, sleep well, and manage stress.
• Wear Blue: Choose a day that works for you, your group, or team and wear blue to raise awareness about men's health. Encourage others to wear blue.
• Get checkups, and be seen for health problems before they become serious.
• Stay up on the latest about men's health at CDC by signing up for e-mail updates in the top right corner of the Men's Health website

Women:
• Point out the connection between good health, physical, and mental performance in family, work, sports, and community activities.
• Encourage the males in your life to live a healthy lifestyle and get medical attention when needed.
• Recruit male friends or relatives with good health habits to help reinforce lifestyle messages.
• Remind him that his children and grandchildren will be influenced by the example he sets when forming lifelong health habits.
• Create an exercise routine that involves and is enjoyable for both of you

Community:
• Hold an educational event or presentation about men's health issues, healthy living, and health care.
• Plan a men's health fair and be sure to cover topics such as heart health, injury prevention, cancer, and workplace safety. Check out Tips for Planning Health Events.
• Encourage men to celebrate National Men's Health Week by seeing a doctor about health problems or getting a thorough checkup.
• Encourage men and boys in your life to live a healthy lifestyle and seek regular medical care and early treatment for disease and injury.

Preble County General Health District, along with ODH and CDC want you to live a healthy and productive life. Please obtain, and help your loved ones obtain, regular check-ups and health screenings. Contact your physician to schedule your exam today!!

For more information on this and other health topics visit www.cdc.gov .



www.cdc.gov

Special Board Meeting

Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 8:30 am

Held at the Preble County General Health District – 615 Hillcrest Drive, Eaton, Ohio 45320

Prevention of Tick-Borne Disease

black legged tick
June 5, 2013 - The risk of exposure to ticks and disease can be
reduced by using precautions:
• Avoid tick-infested areas (i.e. wooded or weedy areas).
• If exposure is unavoidable, tuck pants into sock tops or boots.
• Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to find crawling ticks.
• Use repellants and follow label instructions carefully.
• Check children for ticks frequently.
• Use caution when handling ticks and dispose of properly.

REMEMBER:Ticks have to feed for more than a day before they may transmit disease.If you are in a tick-infested area,check yourself,children,and pets daily.

DOGS
• Dogs can become infected with tick-borne diseases.
• Dogs should be kept in well-mowed areas during tick season (April-September).
• Treatments are available to control ticks on dogs. Always follow label instructions.
• Inspect dogs for ticks every day. Ticks should be handled with caution and disposed of safely.
• Keep yard and outdoor play areas well mowed to discourage tick infestation.

TICK REMOVAL
• If a tick is attached, remove it as soon as possible; this reduces your risk of infection.
• Shield fingers with a paper towel or use tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin. With steady pressure, pull the tick straight up and out.
• Do not twist or jerk the tick. This may cause the mouth parts to be left in the skin.
• Do not crush or puncture the tick.
• Do not use a flame or cigarette to remove a tick. This may cause the tick to burst and increase disease risk.
• After removing a tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water.

COMMON TICKBOURNE DISEASE SYMPTOMS
. fever/chills
. joint aches and pains
. rash
If you have been bitten by a tick and develop these symptoms within a few weeks,please contact your healthcare provider.
http://go.osu.edu/UgV and http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/
black legged tick

National Infant Immunization Week

April 20th through the 27th is National Infant Immunization Week.

Milestones Reached

Several important milestones already have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants worldwide. Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the United States. In addition:

•Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
•In the 1950s, nearly every child developed measles, and unfortunately, some even died from this serious disease. Today, few physicians just out of medical school will ever see a case of measles during their careers.
•Routine childhood immunization in one birth cohort prevents about 20 million cases of disease and about 42,000 deaths. It also saves about $13.6 billion in direct costs.
•The National Immunization Survey has consistently shown that childhood immunization rates for vaccines routinely recommended for children remain at or near record levels.
It’s easy to think of these as diseases of the past. But the truth is they still exist. Children in the United States can—and do—still get some of these diseases. For example, in 2012, more than 50 people were reported to have measles. In addition, in 2012, preliminary data from CDC reports more than 41,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the US, including 18 deaths. Most of these deaths were in children younger than 1 year old. This was the highest number of pertussis cases in any one year in the US since 1955.


Parent Vaccination Schedule 0 - 6 years

Healthy Homes National Public Health Week

Saved Lives
2013 home final 032513.pdf

2012 Annual Report

Here is the 2012 Annual Report from the Health District.
2012 Annual Report

Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day

CHICAGO – Food preferences, lifestyles, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns all affect our food choices. That is why, as part of National Nutrition Month® 2013, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day."
Each March, the Academy encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating through National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme emphasizes the advantages of developing a healthful eating plan that incorporates individual food choices and preferences. This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Nutrition Month.
"There can be a misperception that eating healthfully means giving up your favorite foods," said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan A. Bergman. "Our 'Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day' National Nutrition Month theme encourages consumers to include the foods they love as part of a healthful eating plan that is tailored for their lifestyles, traditions, health needs and, of course, tastes."
The Academy strives to communicate healthy eating messages that emphasize a balance of food and beverages within energy needs, rather than any one food or meal. To this end, it is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that the total diet or overall pattern of food eaten is the most important focus of healthy eating. Most favorite foods can fit within this pattern, if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and combined with physical activity.
Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, "National Nutrition Week" became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. To commemorate the dedication of registered dietitians as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world, the second Wednesday of each March is celebrated as "Registered Dietitian Day." This year marks the sixth annual Registered Dietitian Day, which will be celebrated March 13.
"The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' vision of optimizing the nation's health through food and nutrition is strengthened each March as we celebrate National Nutrition Month. As registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered, we are able to translate sound science-based research into helpful information that people can understand and apply to their everyday lives," Bergman said.
As part of this public education campaign, the Academy's National Nutrition Month website includes a variety of helpful tips, games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition based on the "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day" theme.
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Annual Staff Training Day

The Preble County General Health District office will be closed Friday, March 1, 2013 for annual staff training.

Normal office hours will resume Monday, March 4, 2013.

Thank you!

February is American Heart Month

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text4baby

With text4baby, you'll get critical health and safety tips throughout your pregnancy and baby's first year.

Signing up is easy!!! Click on the link below.
https://www.text4baby.org/

Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home

Did you know that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint? Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious hazards.

Click on the link below for valuable information on:

-How lead gets into the body
-Health effects of lead
-Steps you can take to protect your family
-Where to go for more information

The Preble County General Health District has a HEPA vac available for use. A $50 deposit is required; this will be refunded when the vacuum is returned in the condition in which it was issued. Please contact our office for more information - (937) 472-0087.
Lead Brochure

Medication Disposal

Medicines play an important role in treating many conditions and diseases, but when they are no longer needed it’s important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to others. The Prescription Drug Taskforce of Preble County wants you to know there are secure drop boxes located at the Eaton Police Department, the Preble County’s Sheriff’s Office and the New Paris Police Department that residents can use to dispose of old and expired medications before they end up in the hands of someone who may abuse them.

Area citizens can use the boxes to drop off expired, unused or unwanted medication for disposal 24 hours a day. The service is free and designed so that citizens can turn in their medications without scrutiny. No questions will be asked. The new drop boxes were supplied by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to address the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and overdose in Ohio.

Preble County ranks 16th in the State of Ohio in annual death rates for drug overdose which doesn’t include data for drug overdose attempts. This rate has increased rapidly from 2006 and needs to be addressed and acted upon with help and participation of the local communities. Since 2010, the Prescription Drug Task Force has held semi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back Days to get unused dangerous drugs out of the home to keep families safe. The Prescription Drug Taskforce consisting of the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, the Preble County General Health District, the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board and Preble County Law enforcement.

Items accepted include: prescription patches, medications and ointments; over-the-counter medications; vitamins; medication samples and pet medications. Prescription drugs are accepted with or without a label on the container. Not everything can be dropped in the drop box though. Items not accepted include any type of needles, syringes or liquids of any kind.

Law enforcement officers will dispose of these medications in a safe, legal, and environmentally conscious manner.

2012 Flu Clinics

The Preble County General Health District will hold the first flu clinic for 2012 on Thursday, September 27th at the Gathering Place, 501 Nation Avenue, Eaton, OH, from 8:30-11:30am. This clinic is open to the public.

Beginning October 1st, flu shots will be offered during Immunization Clinics every Monday from 9am-11am and 3pm-5pm at the Health District. We accept Medicaid, Caresource, Amerigroup, Molina and Medicare part B.

The cost of the flu shot is $25 for ages 19 & older; and $14 for children 6 months - 18 years old.
vaccine administration form 2012.docx

Make Your House a Healthy Home

Click on the link below for information on how to:

-Keep your home clean and free of moisture
-Clean & protect against mold
-Prevent injuries in the home
-Regularly inspect your home to protect the health of your family
-Deal with pests/insects
Healthy Homes Booklet

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January is Birth Defects Prevention Month

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Protect Your Family from the Risks of Radon Exposure

The Preble County General Health District is offering vouchers for free radon test kits, provided by the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency.

Radon can be found anywhere in the United States; it comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, and gets into the air we breathe. It’s possible for radon to be found in any type of building – homes, offices, schools, etc. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell radon gas, testing is the only way to know if elevated radon levels exist.

Contact the Preble County General Health District at (937) 472-0087, ext 200 to receive a voucher or if you have any questions.

Safe Holiday Cooking!!!

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december 2012 food safety info.jpg

2011 Annual Report

2011 Annual Report

VECTREN - Live Smart - Natural Gas Safety

For information on natural gas safety, signs of a natural gas leak, and Vectren contact information, click on this link:
vectren.pdf

Mumps Facts

What is mumps?
Mumps is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands.
How is mumps spread?
Who gets mumps?
Anyone who is not immune from either previous mumps infection or from vaccination can get mumps. Before the routine vaccination program was introduced in the United States, mumps was a common illness in infants, children, and young adults. Because most pe
What complications have been associated with mumps?
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, and swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands located close to the jaw. The salivary gland most often affected is the parotid gland (located just below the front of the ear). Approximately one
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Mumps is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and sends the mumps virus into the air. The virus can land in other people?s noses or throats when they breathe or put their fingers in their mouth or nose after handling an infected surface.
Does past infection with mumps make a person immune?
The incubation period is usually 16 to 18 days, although it may vary from 14 to 25 days.
How soon after infection do symptoms occur?
Mumps is generally transmitted from about 3 days before symptoms appear to about 4 days after, although the virus has been isolated from saliva as early as 7 days before to as late as 9 days after onset of symptoms.
When and for how long is a person able to spread mumps?
Is there a vaccine for mumps?
Yes. Immunity acquired after contracting the disease is usually permanent.
Yes. Mumps vaccine is given on or after a child's first birthday, and is administered in combination with measles and rubella vaccine. A second booster dose is recommended after four years of age. The MMR (measles mumps rubella) vaccine is highly effectiv
Mumps can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal column), inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, inflammation of the pancreas, and deafness (usually permanent).
The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community. Children with mumps should not attend school during their infectious period.
What do I do if I think I have the mumps?
Stay home. Notify your physician for an appointment and evaluation.
What can be done to prevent the spread of mumps?

ODH Reports 2012's First Human Death in a West Nile Virus Case

Columbus, OH - Ohio's first human death in a 2012 West Nile virus (WNV) case was reported today by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which also continues to see widespread WNV human infection. The 76-year-old Hamilton County man was hospitalized with encephalitis.
Read ODH News Release

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Never Leave Your Child Alone Campaign

In 2010, forty-nine children died when they were left unattended in vehicles and were overcome by heat stroke - three of these children lived in Ohio. These children died in one of three ways:

-- They were left unknowingly in vehicles with the driver became distracted at the destination and forgot there was a child in the vehicle
-- The driver knowingly left the child in the vehicle as they ran an errand
-- The driver left the vehicle unlocked or the key fob in reach and a child or children climbed into the vehicle to play unattended.

The risks and causes of these hyperthermia deaths are well-known. Safe Kids USA's Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car Campaign is underway. To view safety tips to prevent leaving a child in a car and to prevent trunk entrapment
Click Here

ODH Releases Third Grade BMI Report

The Ohio Department of Health just released the 2004-2010 Third Grade BMI Report. This report is the result of collaborations between the Ohio Department of Health and many elementary schools throughout Ohio. This includes elementary schools in Preble County. This report represents a comprehensive look at the state of obesity for Ohio's 3rd grade children.

Though overall rates of overweight and obesity for these children have not increased in five years, they have not decreased either. In comparing the data collected in 2004-05 and 2009-10, more than 1/3 of Ohio's third graders remain overweight/obese.

However, there is good news for Preble County. Preble County was identified with lower overweight/obesity prevalence between 2004-05 and 2009-10.

The report also highlights a number of areas where strategies to improve the policies, systems and environments that impact healthy behaviors should be focused to reduce childhood overweight and obesity.

To view the complete report,
Click Here

Bed Bug Information

For an informative Power Point presentation about bed bugs...
Click Here

To view safety tips to prevent injuries for kids of all ages, visit the Safe Kids USA website
http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/kids-in-and-around-cars/never-leave-your-child-alone.html