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Be Safe with Your Toys at Christmas
December 9, 2009: Richland County, OH — Christmas is a time especially for children and for children this means toys. Each year more than 3 billion toys and games are sold in the United States with 65 percent of these sales occurring between Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas. Although toys are fun and educational they can be dangerous. Poorly designed and constructed toys, or toys that are inappropriate for your child’s level of development can cause serious injury, and in some cases, death.
The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and Safe Kids USA offer the following tips and suggestions:
What you should look for:
• if there is an age warning, stick to the recommendation. Do not buy “older” toys for young children.
• remember that young children may be especially vulnerable to choking on small parts and toys containing these should be avoided when buying for this group.
• there are various things you can check on the toy:
*sharp edges *hidden spikes *loose facial features, wheels, tires and other small parts: These should be securely fixed to the toy *secure seams: If the seams are loose and the stuffing accessible, a child could choke on it. *any cord on a pull along toy should be at least 1.5 mm thick *any holes or gaps into which children could put their fingers and suffer harm from the mechanical parts inside *brittle plastic which could shatter into small sharp pieces *folding mechanisms: How much damage would they do if a child’s finger were caught in them?
Remember to:
• show your child how to use a toy safely. Joining in can be fun
• check toys regularly and dispose of broken toys carefully
• encourage your child to be tidy. Toys left lying around can be a hazard for children, elderly people and others
• buy the right toy for the age of the child. If you have children of various ages then remember that a toy for an older child can be dangerous for younger children • remove any plastic bag in which the toy is wrapped, and dispose of it safely
• watch out for staples in the packaging
• check the toy when you are in the store before you buy it. Use the checklist above.
The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department cautions toy buyers to be aware of items with painted surfaces that may contain lead paint. The Health Department and Safe Kids USA suggests consumers sign up to receive products recalls with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov).

MILLIRON FIRE - Health Department Working with Ohio EPA
July 17, Mansfield — Thursday's fire at Milliron Industries, 2384 St. Rt. 39, is under control. However, firefighters and emergency responders expect the fire to continue to smolder and produce smoke for several days.
Weather conditions today have dispersed much of the heavy smoke and ash from the early morning blaze. Some low level smoke and steam is lingering in neighborhoods downwind of the facility and could continue as the fire smolders.
There is believed to be no immediate health risk from the smoke at this time. However, if people are having breathing difficulties, they should remain indoors with doors and windows closed, or temporarily leave the area. No mandatory evacuation has been ordered. If you are experiencing any continued breathing problems please seek medical attention.
Water runoff from firefighting activities is being contained in a retention pond on the Milliron property. It is not reaching local sewers or streams.
Ohio EPA is working with the Richland County Health Department and local emergency responders to monitor and prevent impacts to public health and the environment from the fire.
Milliron Industries shreds scrap metal including automobiles, appliances, metal clips and loose scrap.

Ohio Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is June 7-13
Posted June 5, 2009 — Ohio has one of the highest numbers of lead poisoned children in the nation.* June 7-13 is a week dedicated to bringing awareness to the problem and efforts in making Ohio Lead-Safe for our children.
Health Effects of Lead Poisoning on Children
Children ages 0 to 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning. When lead enters a child's body, it will damage the brain and the central nervous system. Lead poisoning affects the child's ability to learn by lowering IQ, and delaying speech and language development. It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can permanently affect children. In low levels, lead can cause decreased intelligence, attention deficit disorder, speech, language, and behavior problems, and delayed growth. Initially, lead poisoned children do not look or act sick. Lead poisoning, for the most part, is invisible.
You can prevent your child from having these problems:
• The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, as with most healthcare providers, recommends annual testing starting at age 1.
• Call the Health Department Clinic to schedule an appointment: 419-774-4700.
• Testing for lead poisoning can be done at any Community Health Screening. Call 419-774-4540 for a clinic near you or see the schedule at www.richlandhealth.org
Consumers and Homeowners
When it's time to remodel our homes, we try to do everything right, from picking a great paint color to getting the correct building permits. Yet many do-it-yourselfers are surprised to learn that their home improvements could cause lead poisoning to the children who live there.
Lead poisoning causes permanent learning and behavioral problems, and a common culprit is household dust from peeling or chipping lead paint. Repainting and repairs can also create lead dust. If you plan to repaint or remodel, be sure to contain and clean up paint chips and dust. Before you plan any work on your home, call 1-877-NOT-LEAD (1-877-668-5323) to receive free information about working lead-safe or visit www.epa.gov/lead.
For questions or information on lead based paint or lead poisoning, call the Health Department at 419-774-4520. The Environmental Health division also has several helpful brochures available on lead poisoning and lead safe remodeling.
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*Source: Northwest Ohio Regional Resource Center for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (ODH). An estimated 36% of Ohio children live in homes built prior to 1950 that may contain lead paint.

PUBLIC HEALTH DAY HONORS
Posted April 8 - The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department honored an individual, an organization, and a media personality at its annual Public Health Day breakfast and awards program.
“Friends of Public Health” awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the health department’s programs or public health within the community, were presented to John Dorsey of Richland County Jobs & Family Services and to the Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church. Robert Meisse of WMFD was honored with the “Media Award.”

John Dorsey has been with Richland County Jobs & Family Services for 15 years during which time he served as Healthchek and Pregnancy Related Services Coordinator. He worked with the Health Department on several committees, including Help Me Grow, Head Start, and the Richland County Child and Family Health Consortium.

The Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church has provided free food at the Minority Health Fair for four years. Not only is this an enormous undertaking, but the Wellness Committee makes sure that its menu provides healthy and nutritious food as well. The Committee purchases the food, prepares it, serves it and cleans up after. This is no small undertaking considering that they are serving breakfast and lunch to as many as 400 Minority Health Fair visitors and vendors.

Rob Meisse, who has spent most of his life operating radio and TV stations, received the 13th annual Media Award in recognition for coverage of health-related issues. He is station manager for Mix 106.1 FM WVNO, AM 1440 WRGM, WMFD TV, WOHZ TV and WMFD.com, as well as owner of REM Innovations.

Keynote speaker was Rosemary Chaundry, Director of Nursing at The Ohio State University, who spoke on this year's National Public Health Week theme of “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America.”

Public Health Day for Richland County focuses on the Health Department’s theme of “Protecting and Promoting Health with an Ounce of Prevention,” and is held annually as a part of National Public Health Week, held April 6-12 this year.

Mansfield Mayor Donald Culliver, Ontario Mayor Kenneth Bender, and the Richland County Commissioners presented proclamations for Public Health Day.

Above Photo Identification: Friends of Public Health Awards went to Michelle Moritz, representing the Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church and John Dorsey (middle) of Richland County Jobs & Family Services. Rob Meisse (right) of WMFD received the 13th Annual Media Award.

PUBLIC HEALTH DAY AWARDS BREAFAST, APRIL 8
Posted March 25 - The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department will host its annual breakfast and awards program April 8, observing the important role of public health in a healthy community.
The continental breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Health Department Building, 555 Lexington Avenue, and will be held in the Corley Room.
Keynote speaker will be Rosemary Chaudry, PhD, Director of Nursing at The Ohio State University. She will speak on this year's National Public Health Week theme of “Building the Foundation for a Health America.”
“Friends of Public Health” awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the health department’s programs or public health within the community, will be presented to John Dorsey of Richland County Jobs and Family Services, and to the 7th Day Adventist Church Wellness Committee.
The 13th annual “Media Award” for coverage of health-related issues will be presented to Rob Meisse, Station Manager for Mix 106.1 FM WVNO, AM 1440 WRGM, WMFD TV, WOHZ TV, and WMFD.com.
Special guest for the breakfast will be Martin Tremmel, Assistant Director for Administration at the Ohio Department of Health. He will present a video welcome from Alvin Jackson, MD, Director of ODH.
John Dorsey has been employed with Richland County Job and Family Services for 15 years. During his time at the agency, John has served as the Healthchek and Pregnancy Related Services Coordinator. As the Coordinator, he works with young families to insure children receive the medical care they need. John has participated on numerous boards and committees such as the Help Me Grow (ECCC) Collaborative, the Early Head Start Policy Council, the local Minority Health Care committee as well as the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, the Richland County Child and Family Health Consortium and the EMPAC Board of Trustees.
The Wellness Committee at the 7th Day Adventist Church has provided free food at the Minority Health Fair for four years. Not only is this an enormous undertaking, but the Wellness Committee makes sure that its menu provides healthy and nutritious food as well. The Committee purchases the food, prepares it, serves it and cleans up after. This is no small undertaking considering that they are serving breakfast and lunch to as many as 400 Minority Health Fair visitors and vendors. Members of the church participate in the national Adventist Health Study, a national survey conducted by Loma Linda University in California.
Rob Meisse has spent his entire life operating radio and TV stations from the backend of production to upper management. He has helped build the nation’s first independent digital television station at WMFD-TV. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for the TV production on the Miss Ohio Pageant and has been the producer for both the Rehab Telethon and Akron Children Hospital CMN Telethon. In addition, he is owner of REM Innovations.
National Public Health Week is celebrated April 6-12, recognizing the contributions of public health to the nation’s well being as well as helping focus public attention on health issues.
Public Health Day for Richland County on April 8 focuses on the Health Department’s theme of “Protecting and Promoting Health with an Ounce of Prevention.” Proclamations for Public Health Day are to be presented by Mansfield Mayor Donald Culliver, Ontario Mayor Kenneth Bender, and the Richland County Commissioners.
Public health in Ohio dates back to 1834 when Cincinnati and Columbus formally established boards of health. The state Board of Health was organized in 1886. Local records show that Richland County’s health department was officially organized in 1925 but documents of actions taken by the Health Department in Mansfield date back to 1910.
Reservations for the awards and recognition breakfast may be called in to Sue at 419-774-4544 by noon on April 6.

PROTECT YOURSELF, CHILDREN AND SENIORS FROM HYPOTHERMIA
Posted January 12, 2009 — With extreme cold weather expected this week, the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department is reminding Richland County residents to be aware of hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).
Hypothermia occurs when more heat escapes from your body than your body can produce. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia may include gradual loss of mental and physical abilities. Severe hypothermia can lead to death. For most people, hypothermia isn't a serious risk. Still, each year nearly 700 people in the United States die of hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to cold air or cold water temperatures are common causes.
When you're outdoors enjoying such activities as camping, hunting, ice fishing, and skiing, be aware of weather conditions and whether you or others with you are wet and cold. If you get cold and wet, move indoors and get warm and dry early — before you develop hypothermia.
Hypothermia usually occurs gradually. Often, people aren't aware that they need help, much less medical attention. Common signs to look for are shivering, which is your body's attempt to generate heat through muscle activity, and the "-umbles": Stumbles, Mumbles, Fumbles, Grumbles. These behaviors may be a result of changes in consciousness and motor coordination caused by hypothermia. Other hypothermia symptoms may include: slurred speech; abnormally slow rate of breathing; cold, pale skin; fatigue, lethargy or apathy. Persons exhibiting these symptoms need medical attention immediately.
Children are at greater risk for hypothermia than adults. Children lose heat more rapidly through their skin than adults and hypothermia in children can occur in temperatures as high as 40 degree F. This is especially true if clothing is wet or the weather is windy.
Senior citizens may be at risk due to normal age-related changes that can make it harder to feel when they are getting cold. Medical conditions and certain prescription medications can affect body heat or reduce blood flow putting seniors at greater risk for hypothermia. Even some over-the-counter medications such as cold remedies can cause problems.
Before you or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice that follows with the simple acronym COLD — cover, overexertion, layers, dry:
• Cover. Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves. Mittens are more effective than gloves are because mittens keep your fingers in closer contact with one another.
• Overexertion. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can give you chills.
• Layers. Wear loosefitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold more body heat than cotton does.
• Dry. Stay as dry as possible. In the winter, pay special attention to places where snow can enter, such as in loose mittens or snow boots.

WINTER "HIKE FOR HEALTH" IS FEBRUARY 21
Posted Jan. 6, 2009 — The Health Department will be sponsoring the annual Winter “Hike For Health,” Saturday, February 21, at Malabar Farm. The hikes through the woods to enjoy the winter wonderland at Malabar Farm will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hikes are self-guided and generally last about a half-hour. They are on easy trails so everyone in the family can participate. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Hiking is promoted as a healthy form of exercise in Ohio state parks. Hikers are encouraged to dress warmly and wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail conditions may be somewhat snowy and icy.
Since Pugh Cabin is closed, the starting point for hikers this year will be at the Visitor Center where maps of the walking trails will be available. Food and hot beverages for hikers will also be provided.
For more information about the “Hike For Health” call (419) 774-4544.

SAFE WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Posted January 5, 2009 —Walking in winter weather, including snow and ice, is something that people either have to do or like to do. But be aware of the unique safety hazards associated with winter weather while "walking in a winter wonderland."
In Ohio in 2007, snow and ice caused 25,879 total vehicle crashes resulting in 5,274 injuries and 41 deaths. Also in 2007, Ohio pedestrians were injured in 2,162 traffic crashes with those crashes resulting in 107 deaths. Those pedestrians most often killed were either children or the elderly.
“Weather can play a major role in crashes whether you are walking or driving,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a Richland County Safe Communities Coalition partner. “Make sure you know the hazards before venturing out.”
To ensure your safety, experts advise winter walkers to remember the following tips:
• If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
• Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark "winter" colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially if they aren't expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. And don't forget gloves, and shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
• Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds of approaching motor vehicles. Wearing hats and scarves that cover your ears can also distort or even eliminate these sounds. Keep warm, but make sure you can hear what's going on around you.
• If you can, shop before the storm hits. If you have to shop, don't buy more than you can easily carry. Remember - the streets may be slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your balance.
• When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they are dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
• Because of road conditions, motorists may not be able to stop at traffic signals or slow down for pedestrians. Before you step off the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.
• 76% of traffic crashes involving pedestrians happen at non-intersections. If you must cross the street, do so at an intersection.
• Low light conditions contribute to pedestrian-vehicle crashes, with 13% happening at dawn (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and 23% happening at dusk (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Try to walk when the visibility is best for both you and the traffic.
• Bending your knees a little, and taking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling.

HOLIDAY DRIVING CALLS FOR PATIENCE
Posted Nov. 25, 2008 — The last thing anyone wants to deal with during the holiday season is a traffic crash. But a crash can be an unfortunate consequence because of the volume of traffic due to the traditional shopping season.

The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition wants to remind all road users that holiday driving calls for patience and concentration especially in shopping areas.

Chief Rodney Smith of the Ontario Police Department points out that things get really dicey for a drivers in the Ontario shopping zones during the holiday. “We have a much higher volume of traffic during the holidays,” Smith says. “That calls for being able to handle stop and go traffic, multiple turning lanes and decisions about when to pull into the traffic flow from parking lots,” Smith said. “If you aren’t able to react quickly or make poor decisions, you are at a much greater risk of having a crash.”

One of the major potential crash areas results from vehicles attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic to go from one shopping lot to the one across the street. He advises going to the nearest light and using the turning lanes rather than taking a chance on waiting for traffic to clear.

“Also,” Smith cautions, “don’t depend on another driver to make space or give you permission to make your turn if you are trying to turn left across multiple lanes. They may not be aware of traffic in other lanes that may run into you.”

In addition, Smith pointed out that there is a new sequence of lanes and signals at the intersection of Lexington-Springmill and Walker Lake Road that may cause confusion.

“Know where you are going and when turning make sure you stay in your proper lane. There may be vehicles turning with you and you may crash if you drift into their lane.”

Smith says drivers must be aware of other vehicles turning in front of them when coming out of parking lots and must be alert for sudden stops. A particular concern is drivers who may block intersections by advancing when the light is yellow.

“This is no time to be using your cell phone or for running lights,” Smith emphasizes. “Be focused on driving and patient at lights and forgive others who may not be driving as safely as you are. Don’t let frustration cause you to become an aggressive driver.”

Smith also says drivers must consider the road conditions.

“If it is snowing or wet or icy, your car will not stop as quickly so you need to leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Because you may not to able to turn as quickly, you must allow a bigger gap in traffic when pulling out of a parking lot.”

Finally, a number of crashes happen in parking lots from car improperly backing out of spaces or driving diagonally across parking spots rather than driving in parking lot traffic lanes.

Remember to be patient and focused on the driving task while commuting in shopping areas. Spread the holiday cheer and avoid getting entangled in a holiday crash.

FOOD SAFETY ALERT - CASE OF BOTULISM FROM CANNING
Posted September 17, 2008 — A family from a neighboring county was admitted to MedCentral over the weekend due to botulism.
Botulism is food poisoning caused by a bacterium growing on improperly sterilized canned meats and other preserved foods.
Because of the economy, more people may be choosing to preserve foods by canning. The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department is advising people with questions to contact The Ohio State University Extension office at 419-747-8755 for a copy of their brochure "It's So Easy to Preserve."
Those with an internet connection can find information at www.ohioline.osu.edu (click on "Food"; click on "Food Preservation"). Another site with a great deal of information is the home canning website at the University of Georgia. Go to www.homefoodpreservation.com

2009 NEIGHBORHOOD IMMUNIZATION and COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENING SCHEDULES RELEASED
Posted December 10, 2008 - Know where and when to go for shots and health checkups in your neighborhood in 2009. Click here for the Neighborhood Immunizations and click here for the Community Health Screenings.