Ottawa County Health Department

Every year, millions of people seek medical attention after they’re injured at home, so it’s important to know what to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
When an injury happens at home, it’s important to know what to do and have items on hand to help you understand how to react to injuries, stay safe, prevent further injury, and control pain in the injured individual.
Build a First Aid Kit With These and Other Items
• 25 assorted size adhesive bandages
• Five antibiotic ointment packets
• Two packets of 81 milligram aspirin
• An emergency blanket
• An instant cold compress
• Two pairs of large sized nonlatex gloves
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Tweezers

And for more information visit https://www.ready.gov/home-safety

Learn more about safe sleep for babies at www.babysafetymonth.org

September kicks off . helps you safeguard your home for your little loved ones.

Are you interested in learning about Annual Wellness Visits and preventive measures to improve your quality of life? If so, we are seeking participants to join us on September 20, October 18, and November 8th at the Golden Wheel Senior Center at 1 pm. Mara Pounds, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Fort Hays State University, will present on a benefit under Medicare Part B called Annual Wellness Visits. Each meeting will discuss a specific component of these visits and offer sign-ups for available activities. This is a part of a study to assess actions taken after education. It is voluntary, and the meetings will last about 20-30 minutes each.
Meeting 1 will discuss an Annual Wellness Visit and fall prevention strategies.
Meeting 2 will discuss the immunizations recommended for the population, and participants will have an opportunity to receive the updated influenza vaccine from us after the meeting.
Meeting 3 will discuss wellness/exercise and nutrition. Participants can sign up for Meals on Wheels services and/or a free exercise class at the Ottawa County Wellness Center. Jane Small, RN, from the Wellness Center, will present at this meeting.

A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes.
Learn About Fires
• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.
Remember that every second counts in the event of a fire. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.
And for more information visit https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Beat the Heat: Stay Safe During Extreme Temperatures! 🔥
Extreme heat is no joke! It's a period of scorching temperatures and high humidity, often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. During this time, your body works overtime to cool itself down, putting you at risk of serious health problems, even death.
Here's why extreme heat is so dangerous:
• It can lead to heatstroke, a condition where your body overheats and can't cool down on its own.
• It can worsen existing health conditions, especially for vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. By taking precautions and staying informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

And for more information visit https://www.ready.gov/heat

It's National Preparedness Month! ️
This September, let's not forget about being prepared online! Cybersecurity threats are just as important as having a disaster plan.
Here are some easy tips:
• Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords & consider a password manager.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security with MFA whenever possible.
• Think Before You Click: Don't open suspicious emails or click on unknown links.
• Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important files to protect against ransomware.
By taking these simple steps, you can be better prepared for the unexpected online threats.
What are your best cybersecurity practices? Share them in the comments!
And for more information visit https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity

Ottawa County Health Department currently has an opening for Public Transportation Bus/Van Driver 2. This position is responsible for performing tasks involving transporting all ages of passengers in a bus, van, mini-van, or automobile in a safe manner. The position consists of collecting fares, recording trip information, and completing and recording pre-trip vehicle inspections. This position also interacts with customers to provide information in response to service inquiries and to handle and resolve any issues while delivering the highest customer service to Ottawa County, the community, and other departments or agencies. The position works with the Transportation Program Manager to maintain the vehicles by serving as the front-line staff for preventative care and coordinating vehicle repairs.

Applications can be picked up at the Ottawa County Human Resources Office located inside the Ottawa County Courthouse at 307 N Concord Suite 208, Minneapolis, KS, or by clicking on the link above. Please call the Human Resources office for assistance at 785-392-6621. Applications can be returned via email at [email protected] or may be brought to the HR office. EOE

Our office will close at noon on Friday, 8/23, for maintenance. Regular hours will resume on Monday, 8/26.

It's City Hall Selfie Day!
What is City Hall Selfie Day? Organized by Engaging Local Government Leaders, it’s a yearly celebration of public service when people around the world gather in front of city halls, libraries, and other local government buildings to show community pride.

We are at the Minneapolis Library this morning with gifts and refreshments. Even if you did not register, we would love to have you join us!!!! We will be here until 11 am.

Join a FREE community baby shower open to all woman who are pregnant or have an infant less than one year! Contact the Ottawa County Health Department to register!

In observance of Memorial Day, we'll be closed on Monday, May 27th. We'll resume regular operations, including public transportation, on Tuesday, May 28th.

Wishing you a safe holiday weekend!

Safety recall information on this infant swing:

Recall Alert! Christy Schunn-Kids

Tummy Time is great for playing, not for sleeping. ALWAYS place your baby on their back when it’s time to sleep.

There is still time to register to attend this FREE event!!

Ottawa County Health Department Department of Health and Aging Services for Ottawa County, KS.

Are you pregnant or recently had a baby? Check out this free event just for you!!!!!

Ottawa County Health Department Department of Health and Aging Services for Ottawa County, KS.

👶✨ Join us for a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower! Let's shower growing families with love and support. Whether you're a parent-to-be or a friend wanting to spread joy, all are welcome! See you there! 🍼💕

We think our Public Health Nurse is pretty great!!

Join us in thanking Trisha Shoemaker-Smith, RN for all of the work she does for our county!

Recall Alert:

: Crate and Barrel Recalls Hampshire Cribs due to fall hazard. The mattress support pins can become loose and allow the mattress to fall, posing a fall hazard to children. Get free repair or full refund. CONTACT: Crate & Barrel at 800-967-6696 or www.crateandbarrel.com/customer-service/product-recalls

Full recall release: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Crate-Barrel-Recalls-Hampshire-Cribs-Due-to-Fall-Hazard

Research shows WIC has helped decrease iron deficiency and anemia in children by supplying families with access to fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C!

Learn how WIC can help your family eat and be well: signupwic.com

Here comes the sun!

All Health Department staff will be attending the Governor's Public Health Conference March 4-6. Regular hours will resume on Thursday, March 7th.

‼ ‼ ALL Transportation requests for those days will need to be made by 5pm on Friday, March 1, 2024 or by calling another service in our region. Check ksrides.org for more info. ‼‼

Unlock the power of Vitamin C with grapefruit!🍊Did you know one medium grapefruit provides you with 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs? Boost your immune system, fend off viruses and bacteria, and stay on top of your health!

WIC staff can share more about the importance of Vitamin C, and you can use WIC benefits to purchase grapefruit.

Find a WIC clinic near you: www.signupwic.com