Free Sports Physicals at Doddridge County Health Department

Doddridge County Health Department is offering FREE Sports Physicals

Date: July 18, 2023

Time: 9am-11am (Last Check in at 10:30am)

Where: Doddridge County Health Department     60 Pennsylvania Street, West Union, WV 26456

Walk ins ONLY “First Come First Serve”

You may print your paper at home and bring with you completed, or forms will be provided at clinic.

https://www.wvssac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Student-Athletic-Physical-Form-2022.pdf

 

Doddridge County Health Department “Reduced” Blood Analysis Event

Doddridge County Health Department has been offering discounted blood analysis through the CEOs. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we will no longer be able to do the blood analysis through the CEOs. HOWEVER, we will be offering a reduced blood analysis through the Health Department directly. There will be no change in the charge of the panels. We will fax your results to your doctor’s office free of charge. If you would like a copy mailed to you there will be a postage charge of $0.65. You may bring your own stamped envelope if you wish to. Our first Doddridge County Health Department “Reduced” Blood Analysis Clinic will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 8am to 11am.

 

More information and dates to follow.

Press Release-Doddridge County Health Department Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prevent Tickborne Diseases as Summer Months Approach

Doddridge County Health Department

60 Pennsylvania Street

West Union WV  26456-8143

304-873-1531 (phone) or  304-873-2994 (fax) 

For Immediate Release 

 

June 7, 2023

 

Doddridge County Health Department Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prevent Tickborne Diseases as Summer Months Approach

 

Doddridge County Health Department urges residents to take preventive measures against tickborne diseases such as Lyme disease. Tickborne diseases are spread through the bite of an infected tick, infecting humans and pets. As of 2017, West Virginia was designated a high incidence Lyme disease state. 

 

According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services, Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease reported in West Virginia. Historically limited to the Eastern Panhandle, Lyme disease has progressively become more common in northern, eastern, and central West Virginia. 

 

“As the weather becomes warmer, I urge West Virginia residents to take precautions outdoors in areas where ticks are most commonly found,” said Dr. Matthew Christiansen, Commission for DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health and State Health Officer. “Remember to check yourself, pets, gear and clothing for ticks after spending time outside.”

 

Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever have also been reported in West Virginia. Tickborne infections can cause a variety of symptoms including fever, headache, chills, myalgia, and rash. Most infections occur from late spring through early fall when ticks are most active.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following tips when coming indoors: check your clothing for ticks, examine gear and pets, shower soon after being outdoors, and check your body for ticks.

 

When seeking medical assistance, it’s important to save any ticks that may have been involved with a bite which may help medical staff identify the tick. Medical treatments are effective in treating tickborne diseases and can prevent severe complications when given early in the course of infection. 

 

For more information, visit https://oeps.wv.gov/arboviral/Pages/tbd.aspx.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Radon Test Kits Available

Breathing radon gas in your home can cause lung cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that all homes be tested for radon.

 

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Environmental Health Services, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides West Virginia residents with free radon test kits upon request.

 

Request your free radon test kit:

Email: oehs.wvdhhr.org/rtia/radon

Phone: 1-800-922-1255

 

Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus is a disease that can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. The signs and symptoms mimic those of other diseases, making it hard to diagnose.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects many different parts of the body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself because it cannot tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.
Lupus symptoms can show up in many different ways and are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. This is why it can be hard to diagnose and is often called “the great imitator.” Lupus symptoms can range from mild to life threatening, so early diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are important. A rheumatologist is a doctor who has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, lupus, and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Lupus Health Disparities
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is the most common type of lupus and can affect multiple organs. While SLE can occur in anyone, it is more common among Black and Latina women and women of childbearing age (15 to 44). Ninety percent of people with lupus are women. Among women, Black and Latina women are 2 to 3 times more likely than White women to develop lupus and have more severe disease progression. In a study examining death rates among people with SLE, Black people had higher rates of death than White people, and deaths occurred sooner after diagnosis. Among those with SLE, Black people were significantly younger when they died than White people (average age of 52 vs. 64).
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus
People with SLE can have many different symptoms, including:
-Fatigue or extreme exhaustion no matter how much they sleep
-Muscle and joint pain or swelling
-Skin rashes (in particular a butterfly-shaped face rash across the cheeks and nose)
-Fever
-Hair loss
-Recurring mouth sores
Additional symptoms or conditions can include:
-Sensitivity to the sun
-Lung problems
-Chest pain when deep breathing
-Fingers or toes turning blue or white or feeling numb
-Heart problems
-Kidney problems
-Psychosis (disruptive thoughts and perceptions about what is or is not real)
-Blood cell and immunological abnormalities (anemia or clotting problems)
-Eye diseases
-Memory problems
People with SLE can have periods of lupus symptoms called flares, followed by symptom-free periods called remissions. They may have flares often, or years apart, throughout their life and with varying severity. There is no cure for SLE, but many people with the disease can manage their symptoms with proper treatment and lead a full, happy life. Getting an early diagnosis and getting treatment are critical to preventing long-term consequences and managing symptoms.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
There is no single test for SLE. To diagnose SLE, a doctor will take into account the patient’s symptoms, signs observed during physical exams, and the results of X-rays and lab tests. SLE may be hard to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other diseases. SLE may also be misdiagnosed, so it is important to see a doctor who specializes in rheumatology for a second opinion.
Other Types of Lupus Among Adults
Cutaneous lupus (skin lupus) affects the skin in the form of a rash or lesions. This type of lupus can occur on any part of the body but usually appears where the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Drug-induced lupus is similar to SLE, but it is caused by a reaction to some medicines. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 months after starting a medicine and disappear once the medicine is stopped.
How Is Lupus Treated?
Although there is no cure for lupus, it can be managed with proper treatment, and people with lupus can go on to live long, happy lives. The goals of treatment are to manage current symptoms, prevent future flares, and prevent damage to joints and organs by calming the immune system. Because the symptoms of lupus vary widely, management depends on a person’s individual symptoms and needs. Seeing a doctor regularly and following the prescribed course of treatments is important. Beyond that, adopting healthy behaviors and learning skills to manage the disease can also be beneficial.
To improve overall health and quality of life, people with lupus should:
-Be physically active
-Eat healthy meals
-Get plenty of rest
-Avoid smoking
-Wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure
Self-management education workshops, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, can help people with lupus learn how to manage daily life, medications, and interactions with doctors, as well as improve energy and pain management. Visit Learn More. Feel Better. for more information about self-management education programs and other tools and resources that can improve quality of life for people living with lupus.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a great time to check in on yourself and your loved ones. If you or someone in your life needs help, confidential support and treatment options are available. Find helplines and recovery resources at dhhr.wv.gov/bbh.

 

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin Cancer Awareness
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer. To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning.
Summer is full of outdoor activities. You probably put sunscreen on yourself and your kids when you go to the pool or the beach. But do you know you should protect your skin with more than just sunscreen anytime you’re outside?
Sun protection is important all year round, and it’s best to use several different kinds. When you’re working in the yard, watching a ballgame, or taking an afternoon walk, make sun safety an everyday habit so you can avoid getting a sunburn and lower your chance of getting skin cancer.
What’s In Your Tote Bag?
Here’s a tip to help make sure you and your family stay sun-safe. Get ready for summer with a tote bag full of different ways to protect your skin. Keep the tote bag handy so you can grab it whenever you head out for summer fun!
Some important things to pack:
-A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cover-up.
-A hat with a wide brim that shades your face, head, ears, and neck.
-Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
-Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection.
More Sun Safety Tips:
-Stay in the shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
-Can’t stay in the shade? Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin.
-Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Fast Facts About Skin Cancer:
-Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and includes different types.
-Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
-Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
-Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk.
-The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month:
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Hepatitis A is very contagious. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus — even in microscopic amounts — through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Symptoms of hepatitis A can last up to 2 months and include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. Most people with hepatitis A do not have long-lasting illness. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or during pregnancy or delivery. Not all people newly infected with HBV have symptoms, but for those that do, symptoms can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness. For others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues like liver disease or liver cancer. Age plays a role in whether hepatitis B will become chronic. The younger a person is when infected with the hepatitis B virus, the greater the chance of developing chronic infection. About 9 in 10 infants who become infected go on to develop life-long, chronic infection. The risk goes down as a child gets older. About one in three children who get infected before age 6 will develop chronic hepatitis B. By contrast, almost all children 6 years and older and adults infected with the hepatitis B virus recover completely and do not develop chronic infection.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. All adults aged 18-59 should receive the vaccine and any adult who requests it may get the vaccine. All adults 18 years and older should get screened at least once in their lifetime.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness, but for more than half of people who become infected with the hepatitis C virus, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. People with chronic hepatitis C can often have no symptoms and don’t feel sick. When symptoms appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.
Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis D is spread when blood or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Hepatitis D can be an acute, short-term infection or become a long-term, chronic infection. Hepatitis D can cause severe symptoms and serious illness that can lead to life-long liver damage and even death. People can become infected with both hepatitis B and hepatitis D viruses at the same time (known as “coinfection”) or get hepatitis D after first being infected with the hepatitis B virus (known as “superinfection”). There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis D. However, prevention of hepatitis B with hepatitis B vaccine also protects against future hepatitis D infection.
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV is found in the stool of an infected person. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus – even in microscopic amounts. In developing countries, people most often get hepatitis E from drinking water contaminated by feces from people who are infected with the virus. In the United States and other developed countries where hepatitis E is not common, people have gotten sick with hepatitis E after eating raw or undercooked pork, venison, wild boar meat, or shellfish. In the past, most cases in developed countries involved people who have recently traveled to countries where hepatitis E is common. Symptoms of hepatitis E can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. However, many people with hepatitis E, especially young children, have no symptoms. Except for the rare occurrence of chronic hepatitis E in people with compromised immune systems, most people recover fully from the disease without any complications. No vaccine for hepatitis E is currently available in the United States.

Asthma and Allergy Awareness

Reducing Allergens in Your Home
Avoiding asthma triggers may help reduce the inflammation in your lungs, reduce symptoms, and reduce your need for emergency relief medication. Indoor allergy triggers, such as dust or animal dander, could affect your asthma if you are sensitive to them, and using a strategy that removes or minimizes these allergens may be helpful.
Allergens:
–Animal Dander-some people are allergic to the flakes of skin or dried saliva from animals with fur or hair. If you are sensitive and decide to have a pet:
*Consider keeping the pet outdoors
*Try limiting your pet to commonly used areas indoors
–Dust Mites-these tiny bugs, too small to see, can be found in every home in dust, mattresses, pillows, carpets, cloth furniture, sheets and blankets, clothes, stuffed toys, and other cloth-covered items. If you are sensitive:
*Mattress and pillow covers that prevent dust mites from going through them should be used along with high efficiency particulate air filtration vacuum cleaners
*Consider reducing indoor humidity to below 60 percent. Dehumidifiers or central air conditioning systems can do this.
–Cockroaches and Other Rodents-Pests like these leave droppings that may trigger your asthma. If you are sensitive:
*Consider an integrated pest management plan
*Keep food and garbage in closed containers to decrease the chances for attracting roaches and other rodents
*Use poison baits, powders, gels, paste or traps to catch and kill the pests. If you use a spray to kill roaches, stay out of the room until the odor goes away
–Indoor Mold-If mold is a trigger for you, you may want to:
*Explore professional mold removal or cleaning to support complete removal
*Wear gloves to avoid touching mold with your bare hands.
*Always ventilate the area if you use a cleaner with bleach or a strong smell
–Pollen and Outdoor Mold-When pollen or mold spore counts are high you should try to:
*Keep your windows close
*If you can, stay indoors with the windows closed from late morning to afternoon, when pollen and some mold spore counts are at their highest
*If you do go outside, change your clothes as soon as you get inside, and put dirty clothes in a covered hamper or container to avoid spreading allergens inside your home
*Ask your health care provider if you need to take or increase your anti-inflammatory medicine before the allergy season starts
Irritants
-Tobacco Smoke:
*If you smoke, visit smokefree.gov or ask your health care provider for ways to help you quit
*Ask family members to quit smoking
*Don’t allow smoking in your home or car
-Smoke, Strong Odors, Sprays and Fumes:
*Avoid using a wood-burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace if possible. Vent gas stoves to outside the house.
*Try to stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, and paints.
-Vacuum Cleaning:
*Try to get someone to vacuum for you once or twice a week if vacuum cleaning makes your asthma worse. Stay out of rooms while they are being vacuumed and for a short while afterward.
*If you must vacuum yourself, using HEPA filtration vacuum cleaners may be helpful