Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Attention environmental professionals: Are you looking to boost your knowledge on environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information, and pollution prevention activities? Join us as we learn how to manage for today and prepare for tomorrow during the annual Kansas Environmental Conference, August 7-8 in Wichita, Kansas.

Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/3SeHlBG.

Planning to swim in the lake this weekend? Make sure to check if it's is on the list of advisories for harmful algae blooms.

See the list at https://bit.ly/3TUCchV or call the HAB Hotline at 855-422-5253.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised people to stop consuming, selling or serving Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones or gummies. As of July 16, there have been a total of 69 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations across the United States. KDHE is currently investigating potential cases.

Consumers who experience symptoms should contact their local health care provider or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. If you consumed the products after January 1, 2024 and experienced symptoms, please fill out the KDHE confidential illness report form: https://bit.ly/3WuYd9u.

Learn more about the recall and the specific products: https://bit.ly/3WtLKTE.

Stay connected with and never miss an important update! Through a brand-new communications tool, KanCare can send texts, calls and emails to notify members about essential updates and reminders. Members who wish to receive these notifications can opt in through the Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal (SSP) (https://bit.ly/3SdS5zZ).

If you haven't created an SSP account yet, reply to a message from KanCare, and we'll help you get set up.

A special congratulations to our very own, Jade Ramsdell, for being honored for her commitment to her work and her inspirational impact within the government sector🎉

High blood pressure or hypertension affects nearly half of all American adults - and some don't know they have it. By making changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk and enhance your quality of life.

Start your heart-healthy journey by following a few suggestions from the American Heart Association:
❤️ Eat a well-balanced, low salt diet
❤️ Learn ways to manage stress
❤️ Enjoy regular physical activity

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bwuNg8

Add a blood lead test to your back-to-school checklist. A simple test for lead poisoning is the only way to know if your child has been exposed. Ask your doctor if your child should be tested during the next check-up. Learn more: https://bit.ly/48iNOAv.

Did you know by donating blood you can save up to three lives? Find a site near you and schedule a donation time: https://bit.ly/44PfT2e

If you or someone you know needs to access a cooling center, the United Way can help you locate cooling centers or shelters in your community, as well as other services you might need. In Kansas, call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Resource Directory Online: https://bit.ly/4cZH11A.

Sports help kids build confidence and grow into healthy, active adults. Want to help kids stick with sports? Prioritize fun and physical activity over competition in youth sports programs.

Learn more about the National Youth Sports Strategy at https://bit.ly/467mHca.

Social connectedness and being a part of a community can lead to a longer life and improved well-being. When you have social connections you're more likely to make healthy choices, have better mental and physical health outcomes, and better ability to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Learn ideas for increasing social connections: https://bit.ly/3S9h9rZ.

The Kansas heat can be dangerous, and some people can be more susceptible to heat-related illness:

🌞 Adults aged 65+
🌞 Infants & children up to 4 years
🌞 People with chronic conditions
🌞 People with low income
🌞 People who work or play sports outdoors

Find answers to frequently asked questions about heat stress -- how to recognize it and how to treat it: https://bit.ly/3KvJl4g.

It's important to remember to watch for harmful algal blooms and check the lake advisory list. They can develop quickly and can be very dangerous to pets or livestock that swim in and drink the water or eat dried algae. Be sure to avoid water that is bright green or has scum, a paint-like surface, or floating blue-green clumps.

Check to see if your lake is on the advisory list: https://bit.ly/3TUCchV.

Child Care Licensing is hosting events to discuss the Review of 2024 Regulation Updates. The events will take place virtually using Zoom.
There are a number of sessions are available to attend and registration is not required:

For Home Providers:
🔹 July 15 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: https://bit.ly/4cVrZJX.
🔹 July 22 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3VYDbih
🔹 August 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: https://bit.ly/4cVrZtr

For Centers and Preschools:
🔹 July 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3WjX3xG
🔹 August 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: https://bit.ly/4eXREUi

Looking to join ? We're currently hiring! Take a moment to review open opportunities or subscribe to be notified when new jobs are posted by using the Notify Me button on the site: kdhe.ks.gov/jobs.

On the road to success, our Kansas Tracking Program has a story to tell. They have worked very diligently to create interactive data stories on tickborne disease and harmful algal blooms to help you learn how you and your family can stay safe.

Learn more using our interactive data stories: https://bit.ly/3VYE3DA.

Lower your risk of developing cancer:

🍷 Limit alcohol consumption
🥗 Maintain a healthy weight
🧘🏽‍♀️ Exercise regularly
🎗 Get screened

To see if you are eligible for free breast or cervical cancer screening in Kansas, call Early Detection Works at 877-277-1368 or visit our website: https://bit.ly/3Umc01Q.

Connections are important for your health! Learn more about ways to connect in your community: https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/improving/index.html.

This Social Wellness Month, discover the small things you can do to nurture your social connections and improve your health, like joining a book club or volunteering in your community. https://bit.ly/3QMSx7K

Do you garden? If your home has lead-based exterior paint, it can deteriorate causing lead to get into the surrounding soil. Be sure to wash your hands after gardening and learn more about lead poisoning prevention: https://bit.ly/3zzFy3t.

Practice safe sun and beat the heat by keeping strenuous activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day -- 10 am to 2 pm -- and use the buddy system. Find more sun safety tips: https://bit.ly/4bHOmBI.

Healthy looks good at every age. You're never too young or too old to take steps to be a healthier you. Get started today: https://bit.ly/3RZDIiK.

It may be hard to believe, but school will be starting again soon. Call your health care provider today to schedule your child's wellness check-up and make sure your child is current on immunizations.

Knowing how to identify harmful algae blooms can keep you and your family safe.

Tips to keep in mind:
🟢 Blooms can develop rapidly and cause illness for animals and pets.
🟢 Lake advisories are posted weekly at https://bit.ly/3TUCchV.
🟢 You can report blooms in public waters by calling 855-422-5253.
🟢 When in doubt, keep out.

Learn more and see examples of harmful algae blooms: https://bit.ly/4eaaHKF.

Children can get arthritis too, and childhood arthritis can cause permanent physical damage to joints. This damage can make it hard to do everyday things like walking or dressing and can result in disability. However, some children with arthritis achieve permanent remission, which means the disease is no longer active.
Learn more about juvenile arthritis: https://bit.ly/4cm5Ch0

Celebrate safely this holiday weekend!

Last year in Kansas, there were at least 257 firework-related Emergency Department visits, a 54% increase from the previous year. Learn tips and tricks to stay safe: https://bit.ly/3VSyiHr.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment -- which includes the Office of Vital Statistics -- is closed July 4. From our family to yours, have a safe, healthy holiday!

While it is important to stay informed, constantly monitoring news or social media can cause additional stress. Schedule regular time away from your devices to enjoy doing things that you love.

Are you on grilling duty? Make sure to follow these steps to keep you and your family safe:

▪️ Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other groceries
▪️ Keep meat, poultry, and seafood refrigerated or chilled at 40°F or below until you're ready to grill
▪️ Thaw food in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave
▪️ Always marinate food in the refrigerator
▪️ Wash your hands with soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood
▪️ Don't cross contaminate utensils or plates

Learn more tips on how to safely grill: https://bit.ly/3xPMZD1.

Fireworks can be stressful for our fur babies too. Help them cope by:

✔ Getting exercise
✔ Avoiding fireworks
✔ Providing a safe space with music or TV playing
✔ Entertaining with toys and treats
✔ Not acknowledging the fireworks
✔ Making sure they are wearing ID tags or have a microchip