Rules at the Pools: Keeping You and Yours Safe

The pool can be an great place to have fun, hang out with friends, and spend quality family time, but the truth is that the pool can be a very dangerous place, especially for young children and toddlers. The CDC states that on average, six people a year drown in pools, most of which are public facilities staffed with certified staff and lifeguards. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine states that drowning is the 4^th leading cause of accidental deaths claiming around 4000 deaths a year of which one third of these are children under fourteen years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that for every child who drowns, four are hospitalized for near drowning.

Among these statistics, there are several more confirming that injuries and accidents happen at the pool more often than we like to think. These statistics also suggest that most of the injuries and accidents that happen at pools are happening to our children. What can we do to prevent these things from happening to our families and friends? There are several easy ways to ensure the safety of you and yours.

The American Academy of Pediatrics gives us a few helpful hints to ensure that our children are safe at the pool.

· First and foremost, all children under thirteen years of age should be supervised by an actively observing adult who is well trained and knowledgeable with CPR. This does not include the staff or lifeguards.
· Second, be sure to practice touch supervision with children under the age of five. This means that the parent or adult supervising the child should be within arm’s reach.
· Third, do not substitute air-filled swimming aids for coast guard approved life vests.
· Fourth, ensure that safety is kept in and out of the water. Running, jumping or diving into shallow water, and swinging on pool fixtures such as rails and ladders are not safe.
· Lastly, it is important to remember that teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe in water.

Though most pool injuries and accidents there are some risks at the pool that apply to everyone. Here are some additional tips for both children and adults to stay safe at the pool

· Allow food to digest for at least 45 minutes to an hour before swimming.
· Apply sunscreen as directed on the packaging. Most directions on these bottles are ignored and sunscreen is applied incorrectly.
· Never dive in less than nine feet of water.
· Never drink alcoholic beverages and swim.
· Stay hydrated, cool, and in the shade.
· Always read and follow the rules and regulations posted at public swimming facilities.

Parents and supervisors of children tend to think that it is solely the lifeguard’s job to watch their children and ensure their safety, but it is the supervising adult’s first and foremost responsibility to ensure the safety of the children they are supervising. With these guidelines, tips, and your responsibility as a parent or supervisor, accidents and injuries are much less prone to happening so that your family can have a safe and fun time at the pool.

Sources:

National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC). Drowning Fact Sheet. Washington (DC): NSKC, 2004.
Retrieved January 2009 from
http://usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.cfm?folder_id=540&content_item_id=1032

Pool Alarms. (2007). Statistics on Pool Drowning of Children and Adults in the United States. Retrieved January 2009 from
http://www.poolalarms.com/pool_drowning_statistics.htm

American Academy of Pediatrics. The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) (1994). Pool Safety for Children. Retrieved January 2009 from
http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

Spreading Illness at the Pool: Learn to Stay Clean and Safe

Swimming and other water activities are a great way for families to stay active and spend some quality time together. After arriving at the pool you take notice of the lifeguards sitting in their chairs and the clear, inviting water. It seems as though it will be a safe and fun afternoon that you and your children will enjoy.

However, did you ever think about the kinds of germs and bacteria that also swimming in the same water. Recreational water illnesses are those that are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools. Chlorine does kill these germs but it is important to understand that it takes time. Germs are not killed immediately! Even well maintained pools can transmit germs from one person to the water and ultimately to you and your children before the chlorine has managed to terminate them. Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk to suffer from recreational water illnesses.

The most common source of germs and bacteria in the water comes from human fecal matter and coincidently diarrhea is the most commonly reported recreational water illness. Infectious diarrhea can contain hundreds of millions to a billion germs in a single fecal accident. Also, did you know that on average people have about 0.14g of feces on their bottoms which can contaminate pool water?!

Diapers on infants will swell once in contact with pool water causing fecal matter to easily leak into the pool that everyone is swimming in. Special swim diapers are resistant to swelling in water but are NOT leak proof and may give parents and pool staff a false sense of security regarding fecal contamination. Swim diapers and pants are not a solution for a child with diarrhea or a substitute for frequent diaper changing.

A properly maintained pool with continuous filtration and disinfection of water should help reduce the risk of spreading illness. However, it is still possible to be exposed to billions of germs during the time it takes for chlorine to work or water to be recycled through the filters. Here are 6 simple tips that can be used to keep you and your children safe from recreational water illnesses and reduce spreading.

Don’t swim when you have diarrhea
Don’t swallow pool water and avoid getting it in your mouth
Practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming, wash your hands after using the toilet and/or changing a diaper.

Take your kids on regular bathroom breaks and check diapers often (every 30 – 60 minutes).
Change diapers in the bathroom or a diaper changing area, not poolside.
Wash your child thoroughly with soap and water (near the rear) before swimming.


References:

Center for Disease Control. (2008). Six “PLEAs” For Healthy Swimming: Protection Against Recreational Water Illnesses. Healthy Swimming. Retrieved January, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/6_pleas.htm

Center for Disease Control. (2007). Questions and Answers. Healthy Swimming. Retrieved January, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/w_print.htm

Center for Disease Control. (2007). Swim Diapers and Swim Pants. Healthy Swimming. Retrieved January, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/swim_diapers.htm

Center for Disease Control. (2007). Diarrhea and Spreading Illness at the Pool. Healthy Swimming. Retrieved January, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/diarrhea.htm

Health Literacy

Helpful Links:


Bauman, D. (2007). New report estimates cost of low health literacy between $106-238 billion annually. Retrieved February 03, 2009 from National Patient Safety Foundation: http://www.npsf.org/​pr/​pressrel/​2007-10-11.php.

Carmona, Vice Admiral R. H.,M.D.,M.P.H,FACS. (2003). American Medical Association House of Delegates meeting: Health literacy in America: The role of health care professionals. Retrieved February 02, 2009 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon
General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/​news/​speeches/​ama061403.htm.

Glassman, P. (2008). Health literacy. Retrieved February 02, 2009 from National Network of Libraries of Medicine: http://nnlm.gov/​outreach/​consumer/​hlthlit.html.

Health Literacy. (2008). Retrieved February 03, 2009 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Health Resources and Services Administration: http://www.hrsa.gov/​healthliteracy/.

Health literacy and older adults. (2008). Retrieved February 02, 2009 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.health.gov/​communication/​literacy/​olderadults/​literacy.htm#p5.

Potter, L. (2005). Health literacy fact sheets. Retrieved February 03, 2009 from Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc., Family Health Research: http://www.chcs.org/​publications3960/​publications_show.htm?doc_id=291711.

Quick guide to health literacy: Fact sheet. (2003). Retrieved February 03, 2009 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Literacy Basics: http://www.health.gov/​communication/​literacy/​quickguide/​factsbasic.htm.

Statistics at a glance. (2008). Retrieved February 04, 2009 from Pfizer, Clear Health Communication Initiative: http://www.clearhealthcommunication.com/​media/​stats-at-a-glance2.html.

Piecing Together Your Health: One Letter at a time

Health Literacy
According to Healthy People 2010 health literacy is defined as "The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." (To read to entirety of Healthy People 2010 please visit [http://www.healthypeople.gov/Document/pdf/uih/2010uih.pdf])
Health Literacy Month is celebrated during all of October and is a time for promotional and educational campaigns.



Health literacy includes a variety of topics including, navigating health care systems, understanding your health insurance, knowing how to locate important health information, understanding your prescription drugs, understanding appointments slips and consent forms, and much more. Generally, the average person in American cannot perform one or more of these tasks. There are a few different ways that health literacy is measured including: Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) reading subtest (which is not specific to health topics but literacy in general), Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), and Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA).
Anyone can be at risk of having poor health literacy, but in general it affects the young, old, and those with low education level the most. In turn, those with low health literacy report poorer health status. They generally incur higher health care costs because they frequent their physician in part because of this low health literacy. The 2003 Assessment of Adult Literacy suggests that this lack of health literacy costs $106-238 billion a year. A study done by the National Academy on Aging Society estimated the costs at about $73 billion in 1998.
One of the largest contributors to having poor health literacy is the complexity of the health care system in the United States. The health care systems in the United States are made more complex when people do not understand how to navigate through them. Common barriers that people are stopped by include: evaluating physicians, evaluating hospitals, communicating with physicians, understanding Medicare and Medicaid, obtaining and understanding insurance, accessing information about a diagnosis, making a plan for the end of life, and privacy rights.

Strategies of the Heartland Task Force

Strategies:
“Strengthening Family/Community Ties for Substance Abuse Prevention” reduces substance abuse by addressing risk/protective factors as well as establishing new and strengthening old collaborations for prevention.
The HTF bases much of their strategy on the 40 Developmental Assets Initiative which emphasize the importance of positive experiences and characteristics youth need. This theory works to promote positive behaviors/attitudes and to protect youth from high-risk behaviors. Some examples of these assets would be support, empowerment, boundaries, constructive use of time, and positive identity. Visit http://www.search-institute.org/assets/ to learn more about the 40 Developmental Assets.

Another strategy that is significant to the HTF is the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). There are five parts in this model. The first part is to Assess which includes a profile of the population, their needs, and available resources. The second part is the Build Capacity during which mobilization and/or build capacity is assessed in order to address needs. The third portion is the Plan stage where a Comprehensive Strategic Plan is developed. Fourth is the implementation where evidence-based prevention programs and activities are installed. The fifth and final stage is used to monitor, evaluate, sustain, and improve or replace the implementations.

In summary the SPF urges communities or coalitions to systematically:
1. Assess their prevention needs based on epidemiological data,
2. Build their prevention capacity,
3. Develop a strategic plan,
4. Implement effective community prevention programs, policies and practices, and Evaluate their efforts for outcomes.

To achieve these goals, the coalition has implemented the following strategies:

Examples of School-based Prevention Education Programs
o Middle School Prevention Team
o 3-D (Drugged, Drinking, Driving) Month Events
o Alcohol Awareness Month events
o Red Ribbon Week
o Smokebusters
o Al’s Pals
o Kick Butts Day
o Give support/resources for MAP Testing Incentives


Examples of Community Based Programs for Family and Youth
o Cyber Safety Workshops
o Social Marketing Campaign
o Mother-Son Stampede
o Daddy-Daughter Dance
o Drug-Free Family/Community Nights at the YMCA
o Substance Abuse Prevention Trainings, Prevention Summits, Search Institute 40 Developmental Assets Training; Televised Community Forum on Underage Drinking
o KTVO-TV Activities: Anti-Drug PSA Contest, Annual Health and Safety Expo
o Retailer Watch Program- ensure that illegal access to alcohol, tobacco and methamphetamine will be limited; Choices Have Consequences-collaboration among area law enforcement agencies
o Give support/resources for Developmental Disabilities Art Show, local After-Prom activities, 4-H Trophies, etc.

The strategies and interventions listed are not even the extent of the Heartland Task Force's activities. This organization is active and making a difference in the lives of the youth in Adair County, MO.

Please join us to prevent substance abuse and promote strong families and communities!

Anyone is welcome to join the Heartland Task Force. The coalition meets the second Monday of each month during the school year. Meetings are at 11:30 A.M. at the YMCA. If you have questions contact Matt Holt at (660)665-4224.

References:
(2003). Search Institute. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from What are Developmental Assets? Web site: http://www.search-institute.org/content/what-are-developmental-assets

(2007, January). SAMSHA NEWS. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from The Strategic Prevention Framework Web site: http://www.samhsa.gov/SAMHSA_News/VolumeXV_1/article9.htm

Hogan, Colleen (2009, February 12). Missouri still number one for meth. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from Connect MidMissouri.com Web site: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=259548

Heartland Task Force

Why is the Heartland Task Force Needed in Adair County?

The Problem:
Missouri has the highest rate of methamphetamine trafficking in the country. In 2004, 2,788 meth labs seized made Missouri the number one state for lab seizures. .Adair County is home to several at-risk target populations identified by the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment including: economically disadvantaged, school dropouts, youth victims of abuse, and homeless/runaway youth. Over 40% of high school dropouts in Adair County are because of methamphetamine related issues, and according to Kirksville Police Department, methamphetamine is also the greatest cause of crime in Adair County. Clearly, methamphetamine abuse has significantly impacted the overall health of all residents of Adair County, and needs to be stopped before the problem becomes out of control.

The Mission:
The mission of the Heartland Task Force (HTF) is “to guide Adair County youth and families to achieve their highest potential by reducing substance abuse using a comprehensive, long-term, and collaborative multi-sector approach.” It is believed that peer pressure is the primary reason for substance abuse in elementary and high schools in Adair County. The HTF strives to reduce peer pressure in these schools through prevention programming. If the youth are educated early then they will be more inclined to make the right decision about drug abuse.

The Vision:
Education of youth, however, is only half the battle to a drug-free Adair County. The vision of the HTF is “to reduce substance abuse among youth and over time among adults through increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors in our community.” In addition to education, the HTF’s primary objective is to eliminate the availability of illegal substances in Adair County. Meth labs, specifically, are a serious threat and have been a primary target of the HTF. In 2004 a grant was written by Dr. Carol Cox which provided almost $100,000 for substance abuse prevention in Adair County. This significant increase in funding allowed the Kirksville Police Department to pay overtime for officers to stop a greater number of vehicles leaving Kirksville to catch offenders, as well as significantly improve drug testing equipment. However, this grant was a matching grant where organizations within Adair County needed to raise $100,000 to receive that grant money. This grant was not maintained because the HTF simply did not have the manpower to maintain the effort of raising those funds every year.

The Organization:
The Heartland Task Force consists of professors, students, business owners, and a variety of other concerned community members who are all striving for a safer and drug free community. Anyone can join and make a difference in this organization, so please contact Matt Holt at (660)665-4224.



References
Gasch, J (2004, November, 4). Grant to Reduce Meth Use. Truman Index, Retrieved February 16.2009, from http://index.truman.edu/pdf/2004-2005/November4/Page%208.pdf

Hogan, Colleen (2009, February 12). Missouri still number one for meth. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from Connect MidMissouri.com Web site: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=259548

What Difference Does Developmental Assets Make

Whether we like it our not, there are many things influencing the way our kids grow up and the choices they make. Some things will lead them down a path to success and some will take them to a destruction and disappointment. With things being so busy these days, it is easy to forget the important foundations that help kids stay on the right path to positive choices.

One organization that has never stopped fighting the children of our nation for the past 50 years is the Search Institute. Though much research, they have created a framework of Developmental Assets that offers a positive and practical strategy for making a difference in the lives of our kids.

What are Developmental Assets?

Grounded in scientific research, Developmental Assets are 40 essential building blocks of healthy development. These assets are the core staples that young people need in their lives to help them grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Whether you are a parent or anyone who comes in contact with a child, you play a vital role in building these assets. These assets deal with support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.

Why do Developmental Assets matter?

Research shows that the more Developmental Assets young people experience, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors including underage drinking, violence, illicit drug use, sexual activity, gambling, eating disorders and school truancy. To illustrate this power, these charts show that youth with the most assets are least likely to engage in four different patterns of high-risk behavior, based on surveys of almost 150,000 6th- to 12th-grade youth in 202 communities across the United States in calendar year 2003.

	0–10 Assets	11–20 Assets	21–30 Assets	31–40 Assets
Problem Alcohol Use	45%	26%	11%	3%
Violence	62%	38%	18%	6%
Illicit Drug Use	38%	18%	6%	1%
Sexual Activity	34%	23%	11%	3%

The same kind of impact is evident with many other problem behaviors, including tobacco use, depression and attempted suicide, antisocial behavior, school problems, driving and alcohol, and gambling.

Just as important, the more assets they experience, the more likely they are to engage in positive or thriving behaviors, such as succeeding in school, helping others, maintaining good health and overcoming adversity, as these charts show.

	0–10 Assets	11–20 Assets	21–30 Assets	31–40 Assets
Exhibits Leadership	48%	66%	78%	87%
Maintains Good Health	27%	48%	69%	88%
Values Diversity	39%	60%	76%	89%
Succeeds in School	9%	19%	34%	54%

Now, helping a child develop more assets is by not means a “miracle cure”. There is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong or that your child is going make all the right decisions. All of the struggles and frustrations of caring for children are still going to be apart of life. But building assets does increase the odds for a better life for your child. It a goal to work for, an encouragement when things aren’t going your way, and it reminds you that the little stuff does, in the end, add up to make a big difference.

Interested in learning more? Want to GET INVOLVED and MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of a child you know?

For more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and ways to help you get started, visit the Search Institute’s website at http://www.search-institute.org/

Help a child you know get on the path to a brighter future!

All the information shown is from:

Search Institute, (2008). The power of assets. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from Search Institute: 50 Years of Discovering What Kids Need To Succeed! Web site: http://www.search-institute.org/

The 40 Developmental Assets

The 40 developmental assets are positive experiences and qualities that young people need to help them to make healthy decisions. Grounded in scientific research these assets aim to protect youths from high risk behaviors and help become healthy, productive, and responsible adults. Parents and others who have contact with children on a regular basis contribute and help build these assets. The assets are broken down into external and internal assets which include support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.

The assets are divided into two major types:

• External Assets

• Support (family support, positive family communication, other adult relationships, caring neighborhood, caring school climate)

• Empowerment (community values youth, youth as resources, service to others, safety)

• Boundaries and Expectations (family boundaries, school boundaries, neighborhood boundaries, adult role models, positive peer influence, high expectations)

• Constructive Use of Time (creative activities, youth programs, religious community, time at home)

• Internal Assets

• Commitment to Learning (achievement motivation, school engagement, homework, bonding to school, and reading for pleasure)

• Positive Values (caring, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility, restraint)

• Social Competencies (planning and decision making, interpersonal competence, cultural competence, resistance skills, peaceful conflict resolution)

• Positive Identity (personal power, self-esteem, sense of purpose, positive view of personal future)

How do Kirksville Youths Rank?

In order to assess the health and well-being of local middle and high school age youths, the survey Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors was given to students at Kirkville High School (2006). Through this survey many developmental assets were assessed as above the national average and some fell short.

• Kirksville youths ranked above the national average for these developmental assets:

• Other adult relationships – receiving support from 3 or more nonparent adults

• Safety – feels safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood

• Creative Activities – spends 3+ hours per week in lessons or practice

• Kirksville youths ranked below the national average for these developmental assets

• Parent involvement in schooling – parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school

• Restraint – believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs

What’s Next? Moving from Awareness to Action

Since the results of this local survey have become known, greater insight has been gained about Kirksville youths. With the knowledge of which developmental assets Kirksville youths are lacking specific steps can be made to help fulfill these assets. Fortunately for our youths everyone – parents, grandparents, educators, coaches, neighbors, youths, workers, employers, health care providers and others – can help build these assets. By focusing on developmental strengths and weaknesses of the community we can begin to move forward, to help the children in our community get on the path to a brighter future!

Interested in learning more? Want to GET INVOLVED and MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of a child you know?

For more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and ways to help you get started, visit the Search Institute’s website at www.search-institute.org

Help a child you know get on the path to a brighter future!

All the information shown is from:

Search Institute, (2008). The power of assets. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from Search Institute: 50 Years of Discovering What Kids Need To Succeed! Web site: http://www.search-institute.org/

Why is Self Directed Services right for you?

Self Directed Services is "A means by which individuals who are eligible for state developmental disabilities services are empowered to gain control over the selection of services and supports, that meet their own needs."

The Self Directed Services program will "Enhance the ability of a consumer and his or her family to control the decisions and resources required to meet all or some of their objectives in his or her individual program plan." Self Directed Service programs are fairly new but are being implemented nationwide and are gaining much support.

Self Directed Service programs are guided by the vision that people with disabilities will determine their own futures, with appropriate assistance from families and friends. They are based on the following five principles:

1) Freedom- ability for individuals to plan a life and customize the purchase of needed
resources and services.
2) Authority- to control a certain sum of dollars in order to purchase necessary supports
3) Support- to arrange resources and personnel both formal and informal to assist an
indivudal with a disability to reside within the community.
4) Responsibility- to accept a valued role in the community and to be accountable for
spending public dollars that are life enhancing.
5) Confirmation- to recognize the importance that leadership in self-advocates in the Self
Directed Services program.

The services and supports selected must be provided with an inclusive, community setting. Services provided in congregate settings that cannot be purchased under the program include day programs, sheltered workships, and residential facilities. The Self Directed Services program will include important new resources designed to enhance the community integration and personal empowerment, and increase the positive outcomes for participants.

The program allows those who are participating to choose their preferred, qualified service providers, including the support broker and FMS provider. The support broker may assist in the person-centered planning process and can help develop and negotiate customized services. The FMS provider will pay bills and act as the fiscal employer agent for that participant. Regional Center Service Coordinators will continue to participate in the person-centered planning process, providing risk and safety management, technical assistance and training, and will also document and collect data to monitor service quality.

There are a number of advantages within the Self Directed Services program. Sometimes caregivers and other consumers are not happy with the quality of services they are being provided. If there has been problems with workers not showing up on time, or not available when needed, a self determination program might better meets your needs. One may also be able to receive more services for the same amount of money, since you will be hiring your own worker and therefore can negotiate the rate of pay. If you live in a rural area, agencies may have a difficult time recruiting staff, since a provider might have to drive long distances to get to some houses. A Self Directed program may be very effective since you may be able to hire someone who lives nearby to meet some of your needs.

Overall, there are many ways you can benefit through Self Directed Services. To find out more information or to see if you qualify contact the Regional Center or your case manger.

Sources:
Myths and Realities of Consumer Directed Services. Squillace, M. (2007)
Department of Developmental Sciences. (2008) About Self Directed Services. Retrieved
February 20, 2009. http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDS/AboutSDS.cfm
Services and Solutions for People with Disabilities. (2008)
http://www.ciboakhill.org/programs/content.asp?SubnavID=33

CHEERS to the Designated Driver

Creation of the CHEERS Program

Project CHEERS (Creatively Helping to Establish an Educated and Responsible Society) is an innovative health promotion program designed to increase the number of designated drivers throughout the state of Missouri. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs participating in CHEERS provide free non-alcoholic beverages to the acknowledged designated driver in a group of two or more.

CHEERS was created in April of 1986 by a group of students at the University of Missouri-Columbia who were part of an organization called PARTY (Promoting Alcohol Responsibility Through You). The purpose and mission of the CHEERS Program was to implement and coordinate a community-wide designated driver program in Columbia.

PARTY had such success with the program that they went to the Missouri Division of Highway Safety to get funding to create similar programs throughout Missouri. Currently, the project is funded entirely by the Missouri Department of Transportation Office of Highway Safety. State universities and colleges are encouraged to participate in program development. Educational and promotional materials are sent to each chapter so that facilitators can promote the program on campus and throughout their community. CHEERS currently has 21 community chapters across the state and over 200 participating establishments (cheers.missouri.edu).

Room for Growth

Despite the appeal of free non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers, the CHEERS program continues to be underutilized among college students. According to the 2008 Missouri College Health Behavior Survey, 67.9 percent of students surveyed at Truman State University were aware of the CHEERS program, but only 10.8 percent of students had ever used it. (http://pip.missouri.edu/members.html).

In Kirksville, one of the main barriers to the success of the CHEERS program is the alcohol policy at Truman. Printed material must not appear to condone alcohol use. Therefore, promotional items are intentionally vague and encourage students to go to the CHEERS website to find out more information. In addition, CHEERS coordinators are unable to distribute information regarding participating CHEERS establishments. In Kirksville, the Truman chapter has seven participating establishments. These include:

Ryan's Sport Bar and Grill 112 West Harrison

Too Tall's Two 220 North Elson

TP's Office 110 South Elson

Wooden Nickel & Woody's 114 South Elson

Dukum Inn 111 South Elson

Il Spazio 215 West Washington

La Fuente 1711 N Baltimore St

Please support bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that participate in CHEERS, and if your favorite place is not on the list, encourage them to adopt the program.

Resources:

(2008, May 2). Missouri College Health Behavior Survey . Retrieved February 10, 2009, from Partners in Prevention Web site: http://pip.missouri.edu/members.html that promoting the use of designated drivers is an excellent or good

Schlosser, J (2008). About CHEERS. Retrieved February 10, 2009, from CHEERS to the Designated Driver Web site: www.cheers.missouri.edu

The Truth about Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes (CDC, 2009).

In 2007, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (CDC, 2009).

Impaired driving not only puts the intoxicated driver at risk, but also puts every other driver on the road at risk. There are many personal choices you can make as a drinker or non-drinker to protect yourself from risky alcohol-related behaviors. The Missouri Department of Transportation has created a list of 8 tips for decreasing the negative effects of impaired driving (MODOT, 2008).

8 Tips for Decreasing Risk
1. Don't risk it - if you plan to drive, don't drink.
2. Encourage safe driving behaviors among family, friends and co-workers.
3. Choose a designated driver before partying. A designated driver is someone who drinks NO alcohol at all.
4. Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home if you have no designated driver and no other means of transportation.
5. Party hosts should include alcohol-free beverages for designated drivers.
6. Spend the night where the activity is being held if no other safe options exist. DO NOT DRIVE INTOXICATED.
7. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
8. Always wear your safety belt - it's your best defense against an impaired driver.
REMEMBER: Planning ahead of time who the designated driver will be is the easiest way to ensure everyone arrives home safely.

On a larger scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiled a list of effective measures for reducing deaths and injuries from impaired driving. One of those measures is implementing health promotion programs (CDC, 2009). The CHEERS program is just one program that encourages the use of designated drivers to decrease alcohol-impaired driving by using free drinks for designated drivers as an incentive. To learn more about the CHEERS program read the following blog post.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2009). Impaired Driving [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/drving.htm.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT). (2008, November 21). You Better Not Drink, You Better Not Drive You Better Watch Out, We’re Telling You Why [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.modot.mo.gov/newsandinfo/District0News.shtml? action=displaySS&newsId=23727.

Do you want to take control of your life and your resources?

Self-Directed Services might be for you!

If you or one of your loved ones need better disability services, then this program is for you.

You can hire a support broker to achieve this independence. A support broker is a person that will give you more individualized service. They can guide you through the process of hiring a personal assistant, occupational therapist, or any other disability service. Support Brokers can also help you get out into the community and make sure that there are resources are there for you when you need them.

Being self-directed is about:

• Control
• Power
• Achievement

Self-determination means...

• Having more control over your life
• Having more choices about what you do everyday
• Having more control over your future

"One of the most important things about self-determination is its power shift. Self-determination without the ability to control the resources is fantasy, and that's what makes self-determination different from anything else we have done." -Ellen Cummins

The power shift goes from just having your resources, to having the resources more PERSONALIZED and catered to your specific needs. There are many types of support brokers with different personalities and qualities and there is one out there for you!

If you have decided that self-directed services are for you, then contact your case manager for more details and to get started today!

For additional information visit these websites:

• People First of Missouri
• Advocating Change Together
• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered

Resources used:
My Life: Going F.A.R.. (2005). Supporting individuals and families to self direct their lives through the maryland new directions medicaid waiver. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from http://www.tash.org/mdnewdirections/index.htm.

Dental Visits: What’s the big deal anyway?

The Importance of the Dental Check-up:

Following these simple guidelines can help you maintain a healthier looking smile as well as maximized oral health throughout your life. (ADA, n.d.).

1. Brush twice a day

2. Floss Daily

3. See your dentist for regular check ups.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important throughout your whole life. No matter what your age, practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly will prevent dental problems, not to mention save you time and money. As an added bonus, you can save your teeth and gums (ADA, n.d.)!

The American Dental Association recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist every six months or twice a year. Most dental insurance plans will cover those routine visits (make sure to check with your specific provider for more information). Preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments provide you with more than just “smile insurance” (although that is a nice additional benefit).

“Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal” (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).

Answers to Common Objections

Objection one: How am I going to afford all of this dental care?

Objection two: What if I am afraid of going to the dentist?

These are probably the most frequent reasons why people avoid the dentist: finances and dental fears and phobias (About.com, 2007). So let’s break it down into manageable pieces.

1. Objection one: Finances

Many people get frustrated after receiving a treatment plan for their dental work because of the high cost.

But did you know that the people who have an extensive treatment plan are usually the ones who have not visited a dentist in years? Regular checks ups are extremely important.

Take this example: Someone who needs a root canal and crown will most likely be looking at a bill for about $1700.00 for just one tooth. If the same person visited their dentist for regular check ups and cleanings, chances are that this problem could have been detected early and the same tooth could have been filled for less than a tenth of the price.

Most dental problems can be quite inexpensive if diagnosed early. Unless a cavity is filled, the decay continues to eat away at the tooth. When decay extends too far down the tooth, the only alternative is a root canal or to have the tooth pulled (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006).

The lesson here is: preventative care (even if it seems inconvenient) will save you a lot more than a large dental bill.

2. Objection two: Dental Fears

For a lot of people, the fear of going to the dentist is so intense that they will not even make an appointment. If you are feeling this way consider the following:

Dental problems do not get better on there own and they do not go away. It typically takes a severe toothache to get a person with dental fears into a dental office. By the time they are in the dentist’s chair, the tooth that is aching so badly will probably need a root canal and crown just to save it.

The ‘secret’ to preventing these unpleasant visits to the dentist are these 3 simple steps as mentioned above as well: brush twice daily, floss once per day, and schedule regular dental check ups.

When you consider the alternatives, these 3 steps to a healthy mouth are straightforward. And to add one more crucial reason why regular check ups are important: they could save your life by detecting any early signs of oral cancer.

The Bottom Line

If you do not want to pay a fortune for dental work, follow the three steps above. While there is no 100% guarantee that you will not ever need major dental work, the best thing you can do for your mouth is to take care of it every day. Try not to think of your dentist as an “emergency room” where you will only go if you have an excruciating toothache (About.com, 2007).


References:
About.com: Dental Health. (2007, May 21). Toothaches and the dentist: Visiting the dentist could prevent toothaches. About.com. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/a/toothaches.htm

American Dental Association News Releases. (2008, February 4). A reminder to parents: Early dental visits essential to children's health. American Dental Association. Retrieve February 6, 2009, from http://ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release01.asp

American Dental Association Topics and Resources. (n.d.). Oral health topics: Oral changes with frequently asked questions. American Dental Association. Retrieved February 6, 2009, from http://ada.org/public/topics/oral_changes_faq.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm

A Healthy Smile: It Only Takes a Few Minutes Each Day

Many people underestimate the importance of dental hygiene. However, according to the Surgeon General, oral health is a strong indicator of overall health and well-being. One easy way to improve your dental health status is through proper home care.

What can I do for my smile?

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months, or when the bristles fray. Flossing daily, which is often overlooked, is equally important. Floss removes cavity-causing bacteria that toothbrushes can not reach. In addition, you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. (ADA, 2005)

What products should I use?

• A soft-bristled toothbrush that easily fits in your mouth
• Fluoride toothpaste (about a pea-sized drop) and fluoride mouth rinses:
  These products help prevent cavities. However, fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow the rinse. (ADA, 2005)
• Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance (pictured above). The seal is an important symbol of any dental product's safety and effectiveness (ADA Seal, 2005).

What is the best way to brush?
Here are some simple steps for correctly brushing your teeth (UMM, 2008):

• Step 1: Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums.
• Step 2: Gently brush teeth (a small group of teeth at a time) in a circular motion, until the entire mouth is covered.
• Step 3: Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces, and in between each tooth.
• Step 4: Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
• Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. (Colgate, 2006) In just 120 seconds each time you brush, you are on your way to a healthier smile!

Click here for animations showing proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Following these quick guidelines will greatly improve your oral health. Brushing and flossing prevents cavities, removes stain, and freshens your breath. Oral diseases and conditions are associated with other health problems. (CDC, 2006) By taking care of your smile, you are taking an important step to a healthier you.


For more information, contact your dentist or visit our references:

About the ADA seal of acceptance. (2005, March 14). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from American Dental Association Web site: http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/index.asp

How to brush: Teeth brushing techniques. (2006, June 12). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from
Colgate-Palmolive Web site: http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/BrushingandFlossing/HowtoBrush.cvsp
Oral health: Brushing and toothpaste. (2008, January 17). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from University of Maryland Medical Center Web site: http://www.umm.edu/oralhealth/brushing.htm

Oral health in America: Summary of the surgeon general's report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm

Oral health topics A–Z: Cleaning your teeth and gums. (2005, March 14). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from American Dental Association Web site: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp

Pandemic of the Future: Avian Flu

What is the pandemic flu?

Recently, media reports have been informing the world of the pandemic flu and the horrific possibilities of it spreading. But what is the pandemic flu? What really will happen if it spreads? The World Health Organization states that “an influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has no immunity, resulting in epidemics worldwide with enormous numbers of deaths and illnesses” (World Health Organization, 2009).

The specific type of influenza health officials are concerned with is the avian flu. This type of flu travels by bird and the CDC states that infection results from “contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from those infected birds” (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). An example would be contact with contaminated domesticated chicken or ducks.

Symptoms

The avian flu is just as contagious as the regular flu. Regular flu symptoms usually involve respiratory illness such as sore throat, cough, fever, and muscle aches. The CDC states that “Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza symptoms to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications” (CDC, 2007).

As with the regular flu, the avian flu will spread when individuals who are infected cough or sneeze on others. Also, if those particles are spread onto surfaces and other susceptible individuals touch those surfaces they may become infected. With worldwide travels being more common today than in the past, it puts the world at a greater risk because it can easily be carried across countries. Thus, the importance of hand washing cannot be stressed enough.

The reason why pandemic flu is worse than the regular flu is because the regular flu comes in seasons, making everyone partially immune to it. The pandemic flu, or avian virus, undergoes mutations rapidly so that the body has never encountered such virus and no person can be prepared. Because of the rapid mutation the vaccinations towards the avian flu may not work because the strain of the virus may have mutated, leaving the vaccine ineffective.

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). Avian Influenza. Retrieved February 9, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm.

World Health Organization. (2009). Epidemic and pandemic alert and response. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/pandemic/en/.

Are YOU Ready in 3?-- Pandemic Flu Preparedness

Prevention

Because pandemic flu is so severe, it is important to prevent the spread and contraction of it in the general population. Vaccines can be made, but as the avian flu can mutate (change) so quickly, an effective vaccine is hard to produce and would probably not be available to many people right away in the case of an outbreak. This does not have to be a hopeless situation, however. In the case of a major outbreak, “businesses and other employers will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society” (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2009). Businesses should therefore take great care to make emergency plans today.

The majority of an American’s waking hours are spent at work, making their workplace one of the most logical places for preventative and protective care and a likely place they may contract pandemic flu if there is an outbreak. In addition, if there is an outbreak, it is projected that absenteeism could reach as high as 30 to 40 percent everywhere, people may need to stay at home for many days, and disruptions may occur in such critical areas as public safety and emergency response, fuel delivery and product shipping” (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 2009). As one can see, any of these scenarios could cause major problems for different worksites. Fortunately, one program that can prepare a business for a pandemic flu outbreak is the Ready in 3 Program, in which a business can create a plan, prepare a kit, and listen for information (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 2009).

How to Implement the Ready in 3 Program

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (2009), to implement the Ready in 3 Program, a business should:

1. Create an Emergency Planning Team

-Identify the most important areas of the business as well as what parts of the business could be shut down in the case of mass absenteeism

-Describe exactly how an outbreak could affect the business, processes, and people

-Prioritize the risks

2. Create an action plan/kit

-Share this plan with everybody in the business and other businesses

-Prepare all employees with this plan

-Practice the plan

-Review the plan yearly to keep it up-to-date

3. Listen for information

-About possible pandemic flu outbreaks

-Vaccinations or medications

-New information on the avian flu

More detailed information on the Ready in 3 plan can be found at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/.

Work Cited

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2009). Are you ready?. Retrieved
February 12, 2009, from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/Plan.html.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2009). Preparing for an influenza
pandemic: A guide to planning for business. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/PanFluBusinessGuide.pdf.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2009). Pandemic flu. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://pandemicflu.gov/index.html.

Got Skills? Then Lend a Hand!

VOLUNTEER AT THE BRUCE NORMILE JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER

A volunteer is someone who provides his/her time without compensation or promise of reward. You can support, enhance, and make a difference in the lives of children by donating your time at BNJJC through volunteering.

BNJJC is a residence for juveniles ages 12 to 18 who are alleged to have committed a law violation. The adolescents remain in detention until the court hears their case or until appropriate alternative arrangements have been made. You can assist to these juveniles by helping them with homework, participating in recreational activities, watching over them, or simply being a friend.

You may have a few questions like:

“Why should I volunteer?”
“What is in it for me?”
“What difference can I make? "

10 Reasons why you should volunteer

1. It’s free
2. It’s fun!
3. New friends and establish references
4. Role model for struggling adolescents.
5. Leadership experience
6. A positive impact on the community
7. Gain new skills and develop talents
8. Personal Growth
9. Satisfaction in the work you do
10. Acquire practical knowledge of successful non-profit work

Feeling inspired to volunteer? If so, please contact:

Garla L. Mills- Director of Residential Services
1400 S. Boundary
Kirksville Mo 63501
(660)665-2890

Living With Added Pressure: High Blood Pressure

My parents called me the other night and talked to me about how they are taking these medicines that the their doctor prescribed to them to manage their high blood pressure. Hold up. My parents have high blood pressure? It turns out that during their biannual doctor visit their blood pressure has climbed up really high, and now they are taking these meds to control it, like a diabetic would do to control his/her sugar. I guess my parents are now part of the 72 million Americans that have high blood pressure today, which is about 1 in 3 adults.

I love my parents very much, so after I heard about this somewhat tragic news, I immediately did some looking around to find out what someone with high blood pressure can do to control it. And this is what I've found out which I immediately shared to my folks and now I am sharing it to you all.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute suggests that hypertensives ( a fancy name for people with high blood pressure) should take their prescribed medicines. There are medicines out there that can help control and/or lower your high blood pressure. Remember the following when you are taking your medicines:

• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding how much of these meds you should take and when you should take them.
  
• Know the names of your medicines
• Refill your meds immediately once they ran out.

Make sure you have follow-ups check ups with your doctor or as often as he or she advices. Regular checkups allow your doctor to keep track of your high blood pressure whether it has decreased or increased, and could right away adjust your medications. Another important thing you should do during your checkup is to ask your doctor any questions about your medications, your high blood pressure, and also about other methods to reduce or control it.

Learning the skill in taking and reading your own blood pressure can be a very helpful and convenient way of checking your blood pressure regularly. Have someone whether a family member or a friend learn this important skill, if you can't do it yourself, by having your doctor or a nurse teach them . Each time you check your blood pressure at home write down the date and then your blood pressure number. Show these results to your doctor when you visit him during your checkups. This will save you time and your doctor can immediately prescribed you the proper medications.

Medications alone cannot solve your high blood pressure problem. Another equally important way to reduce and control this disease is to change your lifestyle. This might be easy enough to hear ( or read), but to actually do this and commit to it is the hardest. Changing ones lifestyle into a healthy one includes:

• Not smoking
• Drinking moderately ( so goodbye weekend trips to the bars)
• Managing your weight
• Not eating that second serving of dessert
• Decreasing the amount of those delicious, salty, oily food we all love so much
• And EXERCISING!!!
  

Hey, if you all are committed in controlling or lowering your high blood pressure then you've got to change your unhealthy habits. This lifestyle changing thing is where my parents are also

having a hard time committing themselves into. Luckily they have each other to check or keep track of what the other person is doing. Ask your significant other or a friend to do the same thing. If you are serious in reducing your high blood pressure and living a healthy life then you should LIVE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.

Resources:

National Institute of Health ( n.d.). Living with high blood pressure. Retrieved February 11, 2008 from National Lung Heart and Blood Institute Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_LivingWith.html.

American Heart Association. (2008). 10 ways to control your high blood pressure. Retrieved February 11, 2008 from: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=578.

Why is High Blood Pressure a Big Deal?

Turn on your t.v. and you will be bombarded with commercials.  You will probably hear about some new medication that can help lower your blood pressure.  Why is it such a big deal?  There are often no symptoms of high blood pressure, so if you feel fine, why do you need to lower it?  

Let's start off by defining what blood pressure is.  Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood puts on the walls of your arteries.  Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers called systolic and diastolic readings.  The systolic (the top number in the reading) is the amount of pressure put on your arteries when your heart pumps.  The diastolic reading (the bottom number) is the amount of pressure put on your arteries when your heart is relaxing in-between beats.  A "normal" reading is below 120/80.  

So what is the big deal with having your blood pressure higher than normal?  

Having high blood pressure increases your risk for developing heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.  It is important to have regular blood pressure screenings because there are often no symptoms for high blood pressure and the only way to know if it is elevated is through having it tested.  

Hypertension (the clinical term for high blood pressure) does not discriminate between race, age, or gender.  Anyone can develop it, and once it happens, it usually lasts the rest of your life.  25% of all American adults, or one in four, has high blood pressure.  It is important to have your blood pressure checked as early as age 6.

High blood pressure makes your heart and arteries work harder than they are supposed to. Having high blood pressure and not treating it increases your risk for stroke, can cause blurred vision or blindness, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and hardening of the arteries.  

How do I know if my blood pressure is too high?

Having your blood pressure checked at the doctor's office, health department, or with an automatic machine is easy.  It takes only a minute or two and is relatively painless.  The chart below shows the classifications of hypertension.  See where your blood pressure reading falls.  If it is pre-hypertensive or hypertensive, you should see a medical practitioner for advice.  

	Blood Pressure Level (mmHg)
Category	Systolic		Diastolic
Normal	<>	and	<>
Pre-hypertension	120-139	or	80-89
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1 Hypertension	140–159	or	90–99
Stage 2 Hypertension	160	or	100

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/detect/categ.htm

Why do I have high blood pressure?

According to the American Heart Association, for 90-95% of all cases of high blood pressure, the cause is unknown.  For the other 5-10%, it could be caused by kidney abnormalities, structural abnormalities in the heart and arteries, or narrowing of certain arteries.  

What can I do?

You should work with your doctor to determine the best course of action.  This may include reducing the amount of fat and salt in your diet, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity.  Quitting smoking is important to lower your overall risk for heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.  Your doctor may also recommend reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.  There are many medicines that can help reduce and control blood pressure.  Your doctor will know if this is right for you. (High Blood Pressure, 2008)

Want more information?

Visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's webpage

The American Heart Association's webpage and click on "High Blood Pressure" under the Diseases and Conditions link

The Center for Disease Control's webpage 

Or visit your local health department for more information

It's never too late to take care of your heart.  

Sources Cited

High Blood Pressure. (2008, October 15). Retrieved February 9, 2009, from The American Heart
    Association Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2114 

Your guide to lowering high blood pressure. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2009, from The American
    Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html