Loup Basin Public Health Department

The National Safety Council attributes 1.3 million crashes per year to cell phone talking and texting while driving.  Hand held or hands free, the distraction is the same. Take the challenge. The inaugural National "Cell Off" Day is June 29, 2011.

BURWELL - Loup Basin Public Health Department would like to remind you that tornadoes can strike with little or no warning, destroying entire neighborhoods in just a few minutes. But preparing ahead of time, knowing the signs of a coming tornado and familiarizing yourself with tornado warning systems can help keep you and your loved ones safe. According to the National Weather Service, the United States experiences 800 tornadoes in an average year. Tornadoes are extremely powerful, capable of destroying even well-constructed homes and buildings, uprooting trees and hurling heavy pieces of debris.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, crib standards are changing for manufactures and retailers starting June 28, 2011. The attached flyer provides useful information for Child Care Centers and others.

Lincoln - A common misconception shared by many people is that unintentional injuries happen as a result of “accidents,” when in fact, most injuries are predictable and preventable.  April is Public Health month in Nebraska and the American Public Health Association recognizes April 4-10, 2011 as National Public Health Week. This year’s theme is “Safety is No Accident: Live Injury Free.”

“Injuries are a major public health problem in Nebraska resulting in significant numbers of deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS).  “From 2004 to 2008, intentional and unintentional injuries were the fifth leading cause of death in Nebraska.  For Nebraskans age 1 to 44 years, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death.”

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Oral Health and Dentistry will team up with federally qualified health centers and Nebraska local public health departments to provide basic dental care to children eight and under enrolled in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start programs.

The program, entitled Oral Health Access for Young Children, extends the Office of Oral Health and Dentistry’s efforts into areas experiencing severe dental care shortages. A total of $349,000 in federal grant money will be given by the Health Resources and Services Administration to DHHS.   In turn, DHHS will award funds to 15 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and public health departments in Nebraska.

The program will provide preventive care through fluoride varnishes, a simple application that can help prevent long-term tooth decay. Altogether, 64 of Nebraska’s 93 counties will be served by the program. The programs will work closely with Head Starts / Early Head Starts, WIC clinics, preschool and elementary schools, and child cares across the state to improve the oral health of children across the state.

It’s not too early to think about the immunizations your student needs for next year. There’s a new immunization requirement for varicella (chickenpox) vaccine looming on the horizon. Starting July 1, 2011, a second dose of varicella vaccine or documentation of the disease will be required for all students, K-12, under newly updated rules and regulations.

"Chickenpox can be a severe disease,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state’s Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Studies show that one dose of varicella vaccine is about 85 percent effective in preventing the disease according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A second dose provides improved protection for children who didn’t build strong immunity the first time around."

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It usually causes a fever and itchy rash. Complications from chickenpox can include bacterial infections, pneumonia, dehydration and central nervous system problems (usually more severe in children 13 or older and adults).

The first dose of varicella vaccine was added to Nebraska’s list of required immunizations in 2004. The vaccine was first licensed in 1995. Children usually receive their first dose of varicella vaccine on or after their first birthday. The second dose can be given anytime on or after the fourth birthday.

Dr. Schaefer encourages parents to think about getting their students that second dose of varicella vaccine sooner than later to help avoid the back to school rush.

Children who have already had chickenpox do not need varicella vaccine. Parents, guardians or healthcare providers can provide a written letter confirming the child had the disease and the year it occurred.

For vaccination information, contact your local health care provider or Loup Basin Public Health Department toll free 1.866.5225795. DHHS’ Immunization Program is another good informational resource, call 402-471-6423.

For more information on school immunizations, go to: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/LifespanHealth/Immunization/docs/2011-2012_School_RR_English.pdf

It’s not too early to think about the immunizations your student needs for next year. There’s a new immunization requirement for varicella (chickenpox) vaccine looming on the horizon. Starting July 1, 2011, a second dose of varicella vaccine or documentation of the disease will be required for all students, K-12, under newly updated rules and regulations.

"Chickenpox can be a severe disease,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state’s Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Studies show that one dose of varicella vaccine is about 85 percent effective in preventing the disease according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A second dose provides improved protection for children who didn’t build strong immunity the first time around."

Loup Basin Public Health Department would like to promote awareness about colon cancer and encourage people to get their colon checked. Nebraska ranks 6th in the nation for the highest death rate due to colon cancer and 910 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Colon cancer is 90% curable if it’s found early,  60% of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented if men and women 50 years and older were screened regularly. 

If you are 50 years or older, these are things YOU can do to avoid becoming one of these statistics:
•    Have a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) yearly to detect blood in the stool from polyps.
•    Have a colonoscopy every 10 years to look for polyps.
•    Have polyps removed to prevent cancer from starting or spreading.

It’s not too late.

Who should get vaccinated……?

Families – Families are great at sharing. This is usually a good thing except for when it comes to the flu. By making sure everyone in your family gets vaccinated, flu won’t be one of the things your family shares this season.  Flu vaccination is important for pregnant women, children, and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age. This is necessary because, by getting a flu shot during pregnancy, moms-to-be can reduce the risk of influenza for themselves and their baby after he or she is born. Children of all ages are at increased risk of influenza illness. Getting the flu can cause them to miss school and activities, and sometimes result in hospitalization or worse, even death.

People with Certain Chronic Medical Conditions – People with certain chronic medical conditions are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications. These high-risk conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, neurological disorders, blood disorders, morbid obesity, HIV or AIDS, and cancer. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are a few examples of flu-related complications. The flu can also worsen chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and a flu infection can cause blood sugar to fluctuate uncontrollably in people with diabetes.

The American Cancer Society is marking the 35th Great American Smokeout on November 18 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.

Worksites in the LBPHD district are invited to apply for a 2010 Loup Basin Worksite Wellness Award.  This non-competitive award is available to any worksite in Loup Basin Public Health Department’s nine-county district that has a worksite wellness program in place, regardless of size or industry.  This award will celebrate the accomplishments of worksites with staff wellness efforts. All businesses meeting the criteria will be presented with a wall plaque at a recognition banquet on March 15, 2011.

You can apply online by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/loupbasinaward, or by completing the application and mailing or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it it to our office.  The deadline to apply is February 25, 2011.

Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids!  Extra sweets can promote extra weight and tooth decay.  Loup Basin Public Health Department would like to share some tips to help keep you and your child healthy during this Halloween holiday.

1. Small children should never go out alone on Halloween.  Always make sure an older sibling or adult is with them. The exercise will be good for all of you!

2. Treat your kids to a healthy Halloween dinner before going out and they will be less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it.

3. Limit their sugary treat intake – be a good role model and limit yours too – promote good health for your family through both your diet and physical activity.

It’s October and that means the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local health departments have officially started flu surveillance.

“Surveillance tells us where the flu is and how fast it’s spreading,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state’s Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS.  “If we can pinpoint outbreaks, we can take steps to contain them.”

DHHS uses multiple surveillance systems to track flu viruses:

Interested in heading up a staff wellness program at your worksite?  Build a culture of wellness at your worksite - learn the nuts and bolts here.  Local businesses will also share what they’ve done to help their employees become happier and healthier.

Tuesday, Oct. 5: Broken Bow @ Huckleberry’s, 9 am &  Loup City @ Loup City Community Center, 1:30 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 12: Ord @ Valley Co. Fairgrounds Conference Room, 9 am & St Paul @ St. Paul Library Conference Room, 1:30 pm

To register please e-mail Jennifer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1.866.522.5795.

Physicians should no longer delay vaccinating elderly patients against seasonal influenza until October or November, but instead encourage all patients aged 6 months and older to get immunized as soon as vaccine is available in their community, an official with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday.

Medical epidemiologist Carolyn Bridges, MD, associate director for science in the agency's influenza division, said during a nationwide telephone conference call with clinicians that contrary to past CDC guidance, seasonal influenza vaccine offers effective protection throughout the entire influenza season, even for the elderly.

The rationale for waiting until later in the influenza season to immunize elderly patients was that earlier vaccination might give them less protection in January and February, when most infections have occurred during recent seasons. Maximizing protection is important, as aging decreases the body's immune response to the influenza vaccine.

Everyone can and should do something to protect groundwater. Why? We all have a stake in maintaining its quality and quantity.

•    For starters, 95 percent of all available freshwater comes from aquifers underground. Being a good steward of groundwater just makes sense.

•    Not only that, most surface water bodies are connected to groundwater so how you impact groundwater matters.

•    Furthermore, many public water systems draw all or part of their supply from groundwater, so protecting the resource protects the public water supply and impacts treatment costs.

•    If you own a well to provide water for your family, farm, or business, groundwater protection is doubly important. As a well owner, you are the manager of your own water system. Protecting groundwater will help reduce risks to your water supply.

For more information on protect your groundwater day visit http://www.ngwa.org/public/PYGD/pygd.aspx#act

This is an exciting time to plan school wellness activities.  There are ideas available to fit the budget and time restraints of every school.  Perhaps your school would like to supplement your existing curriculum with new, fresh health and wellness classroom activities.  Or, maybe you are interested in offering healthier meal options for your students.  Perhaps your staff members would benefit from supportive wellness programs, health screenings, or in-service presentations.

To assist schools in their wellness efforts, we are excited to host two upcoming workshops!  The workshops will be offered in two locations: in Broken Bow at Huckleberry’s Hideout on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., and in Ord at the Valley County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  (Choose to attend the workshop that is most convenient for you!)  A light breakfast will be provided.

Please RSVP to Jennifer at 866-522-5795 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By Judy Martin, Tobacco Free Nebraska Program Manager         
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Through the years, many smokers have thought that cigarettes labeled “light,” “low,” or “mild” were better for their health than other cigarettes.  Not so.  There is no scientific evidence to indicate that these “low-yield” cigarettes are safe.   

Federal law now prohibits the tobacco industry from distributing or introducing cigarettes containing those – or similar – descriptors in the U.S. market.

Eliminating these descriptors helps ensure that tobacco product labels and advertising are not misleading.

Beginning June 1, 2010, Loup Basin Public Health Department will take reports and collect dead birds of ALL species for West Nile Virus (WNV) testing.   Birds to be tested must be dead within 24 hours and in good condition.  Reported birds that qualify are collected and submitted for testing by the Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Custer County Emergency Management and Region 26 are providing a service to all of the residents in their emergency management regions. This service will provide severe weather warnings sent by telephone as well as alert notifications due to emergencies such as evacuation notices. Sign up by going to www.region26.org or www.sandhillsexpress.com and clicking on the CodeRed logo. Landlines and cell phones can be registered according to the type of information you would like to receive (tornado, floods, severe thunderstorm). For more information click here.

BURWELL- Loup Basin Public Health Department has confirmed the district’s first positive mosquito pool in Garfield County. The insects, collected on July 12, and the pool tested positive for the West Nile Virus.  No positive birds have been reported in the district to date.  It is important to remember that the majority of human West Nile cases are usually reported in August and September.    As of August 1 only two human cases of West Nile has been reported in Nebraska. Now is the time to protect yourself and your family from exposure to West Nile Virus.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans after they are bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus. With our frequent rainfalls and spending more time outside, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Limit your time outdoors, especially around dusk and dawn this is when mosquitoes are more active. If there is a need to go outdoors during these times wear lightweight long sleeves and pant. Also, be sure to wear DEET. DEET is a chemical which is effective in keeping mosquitoes away. Keep in mind the different concentrations of DEET and use the appropriate concentration for the time you will be outdoors.