475 Western Ave., Suite A
Chillicothe, OH. 45601
Phone: 740-779-9652
Fax: 740-779-0744
AMERICAN HEART MONTH: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ross County among both men and women. February is American Heart Month and a great time to adopt behaviors that can make your heart healthier and reduce your risk for heart disease. Below are a few links where you can find information and ideas for making your heart healthier.
Life's Simple 7
The American Heart Association
Go Red For Women
American Cancer Society
CARBON MONOXIDE: Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when a fossil fuel, such as kerosene, gas, oil, wood or coal is burned. Alternative heat sources, such as kerosene heaters, are often the most dangerous. CO poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and chest pain, and it can even be fatal. Click on the links below for more information.
ODH CDC Frequently Asked Questions
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: January is National Radon Action Month. 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.
COLD WEATHER SAFETY: Winter is here and cold weather can pose a number of health and safety risks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published a guide that contains a variety of information and tips for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.
SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE: The Ross County Health District has a limited amount of seasonal influenza vaccine in the FluMist form. FluMist is recommended only for healthy persons aged 2-49 years. They are being offered on a first come, first served basis through our Nurse-of-the-Day Clinic, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, and 1-4 pm. Walk-ins only, no appointment necessary.
2010 FITTING STATIONS: The 2010 Fitting Stations have been scheduled. Click here for the schedule.
NEW CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAWS: Parents can click here for information concerning updated child passenger safety laws in Ohio.
VACCINE INFORMATION: For more information about FluMist or the inectable vaccine, click here or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
THIMEROSAL IN VACCINES: Thimerosal is used in vaccines to prevent contamination and the growth of bacteria. There are concerns that, because it contains mercury, it can be harmful to an undeveloped fetus and to very young children whose immune systems are still developing. For more information visit the US Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS: Citizens, schools, businesses, employers, churches and others will find the most up-to-date information on planning and preparing for the fall influenza season by clicking here.
H1N1 (2009) MESSAGES FOR THE DEAF: For the hearing impaired and/or the deaf, this link to DeafMD.org provides messages using sign language.
H1N1 (2009) INFLUENZA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: There are a number of questions about the H1N1 (2009) virus and there are a number of sources of information. Here are FAQ sheets from: the Ross County Health District in English ; another from the Adena Health System ; and one from the Southern Ohio Medical Center En Espanol.
LAVARSE LAS MANOS UN FOLLETO EN ESPANOL: Haga clic aquí para un folleto en español sobre el lavado de manos. Además, los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades cuenta con información en español.
OHIO H1N1 (2009) INFLUENZA HOTLINE: The Ohio Department of Health has established a hotline for those who have questions about the current H1N1 influenza outbreak. The number is 1-866-800-1404 and the line is in operation Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Those who call the hotline will speak to a person, not a machine.
2008 ANNUAL REPORT: The Ross County Health District has released our 2008 Annual Report for the citizens of Chillicothe and Ross County. In addition to the online version, copies can be picked up at our offices during regular business hours.
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:
PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH): At this time there three confirmed cases of pertussis (or whooping cough) in Ross County, and several cases in Highland County and other southwestern Ohio counties. The Ross County Health District is recommending a pertussis booster for middle school age children and adults who work with children. 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 DTaP vaccine, click on one of the selections below.
Questions and Answers from the CDC
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)