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NOVEMBER 2019 MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Flu shots now available—pg. 2
Effects of vaping and e-smoking—pg. 2
November is National Diabetes Month—pg. 2
Join the Holiday Challenge— pg. 3
Health Department Updates—pg. 4
Upcoming Events—pg. 5-6
IN THIS ISSUE
Lung Injury associated with e-cigarette use or vaping cases are on the rise!
As of October 29, 2019, there have been 61 cases in North Carolina. Nationwide there have been over 1,600 cases and 34 deaths. The CDC is currently recommending that everyone refrain from using e-cigarette or vaping products due to the lack of information on the cause of this increase in severe lung injury cases.
November is National Diabetes Month
This November, help join together to promote healthy choices that can help prevent diabetes. You can help prevent diabetes by eating healthy and moving more.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas offers several resources in Montgomery County for preventing and controlling diabetes, including chronic disease self-management classes, diabetes education, and prediabetes classes.
Health News Vaping and e-cigarette Safety Concerns
There is currently an unexpected increase in the number of cases of lung Injury associated with e-cigarette use or vaping (EVALI), across the U.S. This epidemic has resulted in over 1,800 cases across 49 states as of October 29, 2019 as well as 37 deaths across 24 states. No one product has been identified as the cause, as many users have reported using various products, including nicotine, THC, and CBD, from a variety of sources. Since little information is currently known on the causes of EVALI, the CDC is urging users to stop using e-cigarette and vaping devices. The health effects associated with vaping and e-cigarette use may cause serious illness leading to hospitalization and/or death.
One resource available to NC residents, the Truth Initiative, serves as a further resource and has expanded its quit-smoking resources to include a first-of-its kind e-cigarette quit program. To access TRUTH’s new e-cigarette quit program, users can text “DITCHJUUL” to 88709. QuitlineNC (1-800-QuitNow or 1-800-784-8669) is also available 24/7 with online (quitlinenc.com), text and telephone programs to help
young people addicted to any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes.
National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month!
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of develop-ing type 2 diabetes.
To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living, MCDH is proudly participating in American Diabetes Month. Locally, 37.6% of Montgomery County residents live with or are at risk of diabetes. If you are at risk for diabetes it is important to see your doctor and get tested for pre-diabetes/diabetes.
Depending on your age, weight, and other factors, you may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. To help prevent type 2 diabetes:
Watch your weight
Eat healthy
Get more physical activity
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html and https://www.firsthealth.org/
Did you know?
1 Juul pod has the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.
Working to Prevent Opioid Overdoses in Montgomery County
Opioids are powerful pain reducing drugs; including prescribed pain medication such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl.
However some illicit drugs, such as heroin, are considered an opioid. Physicians typically prescribe opioids to treat temporary pain, but
regular use can lead to dependence and addiction. Opioid misuse can lead to overdose and death. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain in
hospitals, is now being found frequently in many illicit drugs purchased on the streets, which has lead to an increase in opioid related deaths.
Unintended fentanyl consumption has now made it’s way to Montgomery County According to NC DETECT there were 5 cases of medication or drug overdose last month in Montgomery County
and 1 opioid overdose. However, these numbers are likely under reported because of the illegal nature of misusing opioids.
Naloxone is a life saving medication that can block the effects of opioids and reverse and overdose. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about getting a naloxone kit to keep on-hand, just in case. It may save a life!
The MCDH partnered with First Health on a grant which funded the creation of an opioid treatment and recovery resource website which can be found at www.firsthealth.org/recoveryresources.
Don’t delay, get your flu shot today!
Flu Shots are now available at the health department. It is recommended that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. We can bill insurance and Medicaid! Without insurance, the cost is $30. It is important to get your flu shot early to maximize protection. This is an important step to making sure you and your love ones remain healthy this flu season.
Holiday Challenge
The Holiday Challenge is a FREE weight maintenance program that runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Instead of focusing on losing weight during such a hectic time of year, we encourage participants to maintain their weight throughout the holiday season. During the 7-week program we send weekly newsletters, daily tips, weekly challenges, and healthy holiday recipes directly to participant’s inbox to help them stay encouraged and motivated. Any adult over 18 years of age across the United States with a valid email address can join the Holiday Challenge. Participants can participate as much or as little as they would like to, as all recourses are sent to their email and/or are available online.
Go to esmmweighless.com to sign up for the Holiday Challenge!
Anyone can purchase naloxone without a prescription in Montgomery County at the following locations: CVS Pharmacy; C& R Drug in Mt. Gilead; White Star Pharmacy in Troy; and Walmart Pharmacy in Biscoe.
Health News
Department News Come to the Health Department for Your Well Child Visit
The Montgomery County Department of Health, in conjunction with Sweet Tee Grille, is offering coupons for 20% off a regularly priced meal for all new clients who come to the health department for a well child visit.
Stanly County Community College Allied Healthcare Career Day
Health Department staff will be attending the Stanly County Community College Allied Healthcare Career Day to promote awareness of health department services and careers.
Opioid Overdose Prevention Article
MCDH Health Educator, Kimberly Burger, has written an article on preventing overdose related death and injury in relation to opioid misuse. This article can be found in the Montgomery Herald and on the MCDH website.
For more information, contact Kimberly Burger at (910) 572-1235 Ext. 1227 or [email protected]
International Walk to School Day
MCDH Health Education staff helped coordinate International Walk to School Day at Star Elementary School for the 6th consecutive year. On October 3rd, all students at Star Elementary walked to school to promote physical activity. Students who are normally dropped off by parents or bus in the mornings instead gathered at Star Town Hall and instead walked to school with Health Department and school staff as well as community volunteers. Star Policy helped ensure the safety of the walkers by providing traffic control in the area.
NC is Making WIC Better:
You can easily refer a family to WIC by filling out a one page referral form link at www.nutritionnc.com/mywic.
Remember that anyone on Medicaid, food stamps or Work First is automatically income eligible.
WIC is also offering on-line education services and nutrition education over the phone for some families. The E-WIC services make shopping for WIC foods much easier. Texting is now available to participants for appointment reminders.
Free Breastfeeding Support classes are now offered twice a month to all women. Contact Tiffany Craven at (910) 572-1393 Ext. 1217to sign up.
11/7—Car Seat Class—2 pm—Community Health Services Building in Troy
Receive a car seat for (included in the cost of the class) and learn to install it properly from a (CPST) certified car seat safety technician.
Register and pay by 2 days prior to your scheduled class. Stop by Montgomery County Department of Health to register or call us at (910) 572-1393 for more information. Payments can be taken at the department of health or mailed to the department of health at Kimberly Burger’s attention. Checks should be made out to First Health Safe Kids Program. Please have correct change when making a Car Seat Class payment.
$15/seat for individuals receiving public assistance (WIC, food stamps, Medicaid, etc.)
$40/seat for individuals not on public assistance.
11/11—The Montgomery County Department of Health will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.
11/18-11/22—Resilience Week
Be part of a week-long statewide event to build awareness of adverse childhood events (ACEs) and become educated on childhood trauma.
11/19—Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope will be broadcast on UNC-TV—8pm
11/19—Statewide Twitter Town Hall—9pm
Use #ResilienceWeek
11/21—Medicaid Registration Event—1-4 pm—Montgomery County Department of Social Services Conference Room
Anyone currently receiving Medicaid is eligible to attend this event and receive free help choosing and registering for Medicaid plans.
11/21—Great American Smokeout
Join the American Cancer Society for this annual event by giving up smoking for just 24 hours.
11/22—Safe Sleep Class—10 am—Montgomery County Department of Health
Learn about safe sleep practices for your baby.
Events
Events
November 2019 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7
Car Seat class
8
9
10 11 Closed
Veteran’s Day
12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21
Great American Smokeout
22
Safe Sleep Class
23
24 25 26 27 28 Closed
Thanksgiving
29 Closed 30
References American Diabetes Association (2019). The Burden of Diabetes in North Carolina. Retrieved from http://main.diabetes.org/dorg/PDFs/Advocacy/burden-of-diabetes/north-carolina.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Diabetes Basics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less. (2019). Holiday Challenge FAQ’s. Retrieved from https://esmmweighless.com/holiday-challenge-faqs/.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). National Diabetes Month 2019 Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/ndep/partner-community-organization-information/national-diabetes-month/toolkit
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2019). American Diabetes Month. Retrieved from https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/NovAnnounce.aspx
Truth Initiative. (2019). How Much Nicotine is in Juul? Retrieved from https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/how-much-nicotine-juul
For more information, contact the Montgomery County Department of Health at (910) 572-1393.
Kimberly Burger—Health Educator—Ext. 1227—[email protected]
Kyle Hiltbrunn—Health Educator—Ext. 1228—[email protected]
If you would like to join the mailing list and ensure that you receive future communication from the Montgomery County Department of Health, please email Kyle Hiltbrunn ([email protected]).
National Diabetes Month
Having diabetes means you are more likely to develop heart disease and to have a greater chance of a heart attack or a stroke. Over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes. The good news is that the steps you take to manage your diabetes also help to lower your chances of having heart disease or a stroke.
Manage your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Ask your health care team what your goals should be.
Develop or maintain healthy lifestyle habits.Follow your healthy eating plan and make physical activity part of your routine.
Learn ways to manage stress.Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, doing yoga, or listening to your favorite music.
Stay on top of your medications.Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
Stop smoking or using other tobacco products.You can start by calling 1-800-QUITNOW or visiting smokefree.gov.
Visit niddk.nih.gov for more information on diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
www.niddk.nih.gov 1-800-860-8747 [email protected] @NIDDKgov
