475 Western Ave., Suite A
Chillicothe, OH. 45601
Phone: 740-779-9652
Fax: 740-779-0744
BED BUGS: Bedbugs are a growing problem in this country and reports of them in Ross County have been received. However, at this time those most at risk of exposure are those who may stay in a hotel in a large city or travel abroad. For more information click here and/or here .
HEAT SAFETY: As the heat index soars, the need to protect yourself from heat-related injuries also increases. Those who work outside, the elderly, little children, and outdoor pets are in the greatest danger. The Ohio Department of Health Website has some helpful information on keeping yourself and others safe during these hot, hot days.
PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH): The number of pertussis cases in Ross County rose in 2009 to 26. The Tdap booster is now required for all children entering seventh grade. The Ross County Health District offers the Tdap booster for $6. The vaccine is offered in our Nurse-of-the-Day Clinic. No appointment is necessary. Adults who have or who work with children may also want to consider receiving the Tdap booster. Pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by a bacteria. While pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, it can be very serious in younger children. For more information about pertussis or the vaccine, click on one of the selections below.
Questions and Answers from the CDC
TICK SEASON: Tick season in Ross County runs from April through September. For more information on ticks, the diseases they can transmit, and removing them safely if they become attached, click here .
2009 ANNUAL REPORT: The Ross County Health District's 2009 Annual Report is now available for viewing. It can also be printed or copies can be obtained in the health district's Vital Statistics Office, 475 Western Ave., Suite 5A, Chillicothe, Ohio.
HEART DISEASE: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ross County, accounting for one-third of all deaths in 2009. There are a number of things you can do to improve your "heart health" and lower your risk of developing heart disease. This includes 30 minutes of physical activity daily; a balanced diet featuring more fruits and vegetables and less fatty foods and junk foods; and not smoking tobacco products. Below are a few sites that contain much more information on improving heart health.
The Mayo Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association
NEW CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAWS: Parents can click here for information concerning updated child passenger safety laws in Ohio.
2010 FITTING STATIONS: The 2010 Fitting Stations have been scheduled. Click here for the schedule.
CHILD VACCINATION SCHEDULE: The recommended child vaccination schedule for 2010 has been released. A note for parents with children who will be starting kindergarten in the fall: State law requires children entering school have the Polio, Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and DTaP vaccines. All of those vaccines are $6 each and are available at the health district's Nurse of the Day Clinic, which is open Monday-Friday, 8-11:45 am, and 1-4 pm. This is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary. For a schedule of all childhood vaccines, click below for the appropriate ages.
RADON: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the result of uranium breaking down in the soil, rock and water. It is invisible and cannot be detected by sight or smell. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Click on the link below for more information.
CHLAMYDIA: April is National STD Awareness Month. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Ross County and in the United States. It is most common in men and women aged 15-24. Although symptoms can be very mild and even non-existent, it can still have serious long term health consequences for women. For more information click here or here or visit:
HANDWASHING: Regular handwashing can keep you safe from germs and the sickness they can cause, including Influenza. For information click on any of the links below.
Handwashing guide from the CDC
Handwashing guide for children
QUIT SMOKING NOW: Smoking can be a deadly habit. If you smoke and want to kick the habit, call the Ohio Quite Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or click on any of the links below.
National Cancer Institute
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Surgeon General
American Cancer Society
American Lung Association
For Teens
ROSS COUNTY MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS: In the event of a disaster we need your help. If you are an active or retired doctor or nurse, a paramedic or an EMT, dentist, mental health professional, chiropractor, midwife, pharmacist, or just someone interested in helping our community, please consider volunteering for Ross County's Medical Reserve Corp Unit. If you want to join click here for a form you can print, fill out and return. Or if you'd like more information call us at 779-1039, or visit the Ohio Medical Reserve Corps page.
FLOODING: Floods cause $4.6 billion in damage in the United States every year. Flooding can occur at any time, but it is most common in the spring and early summer. For a brochure from the health district that can be printed or viewed, click here. For information from other sites click on the links below:
MENINGITIS: Meningitis is an infection of the fluids in the spinal cord or the fluids that surround the brain. It can be one of two types: bacterial - which is the more serious - or viral. For a fact sheet on either, click:
MRSA: Community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or ca-MRSA, is a bacterial infection of the skin. It first became an issue in healthcare settings, but has begun to become more and more common in people outside of the hospital setting. It has been most often reported in schools and in youth who take part in organized athletics. For more information try the links below.
CDC (for schools)
ODH Fact Sheet (for schools)