Butt Out!

Did you know that cigarettes are the most littered item in America and the world? Billions of cigarettes are flicked on our sidewalks, trails, beaches, gardens and other public places. Cigarette butts not only make the community look bad, they contain a toxic residue that is harmful to the environment.

Next time you see someone throw their cigarette butt on the ground, ask them to dispose of it properly. We can all make St. Louis County a healthier and more beautiful place to live.  

Health Statistic: 43% of adult smokers in Minnesota are in the contemplation stage of readiness to quit. People in the contemplation stage are planning to quit smoking in the next 6 months. ( Minnesota Partnership For Action Against Tobacco)  

Moonlight Skiing

Have you ever tried skiing by the light of the moon? It's guaranteed to be one of your most memorable experiences. It's Mother Nature shining her best light upon you. Find out how easy it is to find your way around the Carey Lake Ski Trails. Body movement and layer dressing will provide your with all the warmth you need - even if it dips way below zero. Moonlight skiing is simply unbelievable!!

Ski on your own or with some friends. The moon will also cast plenty of light a day or two before and after the full moon dates. The moon is higher and brighter the later you start, 8:00-9:00 p.m. is a good starting time.

2008 Full Moons - March 21 and April 20

Immunizations, Your Best Defense!

Regular check-ups to the doctor can be of value to both children and adults. Immunizations are your best defense against disease. Children need to keep up to date on their immunizations as well as adults. Tetanus and influenza are a few vaccines that are available to adults.

It is important to keep track of immunization records for both children and adults. In addition, if traveling abroad, contact your doctor to get the proper immunizations needed so you are protected from diseases that you may encounter. Immunizations are the best defense!  

Health Statistic: During the 2001-2002 school year there were 2,021 kindergartners in St. Louis County . Of the 2,021 enrolled children, 18.9% were not up to date on their immunizations. (Minnesota Department of Health)  

Work, Life, Stress, & Parenthood

Monday, March 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Topics to be discussed will be working together, family talk, limits and choices, and caring for yourself.

Jo Musich a University of Minnesota Extension Educator will be giving this presentation in the Greenhaven Elementary School Cafeteria.

Pediatric Speaker Information Nights are free of charge. Childcare is provided but space is limited. Certificates of attendance will be available.

You must register to attend and to reserve childcare. please call the Women's Education Coordinator at the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi at 218-362-6846.

Hand Washing 101

The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is washing your hands. You wash away the germs you picked up from other people and contaminated surfaces.

To correctly wash your hands, first wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Next, rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Continue for 10-15 seconds or the length of a little tune. Rinse well and dry your hands. By washing your hands you protect yourself as well as others.

Health Statistic: A large number of influenza-like illness outbreaks were reported in Minnesota schools. Schools reported 333 probable and possible outbreaks this season; compared to the previous three seasons’ totals of 199, 237, and 168, respectively. (Minnesota Department of Health)  

Safe Route to School Meeting

Hibbing Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally funded program coordinated by MN/DOT with the goal to increase the number of students walking and bicycling by improving conditions around the school.

Hibbing has its own unique safety concerns on and around the school campuses. A steering committee with public input will identify the issues and approve recommendations.

Student and Parent Survey's will be conducted in January and February and a public meeting will be held in the Hibbing High School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

For more information call 218-263-4850 or visit their website at: www.arrowheadplanning.org/hibbingsrts.

Protect Yourself from Pollution

We can’t live in a pollution free environment, but there are few things we can do to avoid exposing ourselves to pollution. Avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near very busy streets. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It deters pollution and dirt from the street. We don’t live in New York City or Los Angeles , but all cities and towns have some types of pollution.

Health Statistic: Mesothelioma is about five times more common among men then women in Minnesota, reflecting that most exposures to asbestos occur occupationally in jobs primarily held by men. Mesothelioma rates among men are significantly higher in Northeast Minnesota and in St. Louis Type County than the state average. ( Minnesota Cancer Alliance )

Mccarthy Beach State Park Event

Put on your skis, snow shoes or walking boots. Bring your sled. Join us outdoors on February 23rd at 6:00 p.m.

Illuminated groomed trail plus Moonlight! Warm your toes by the fire and enjoy hot chocolate.

Start from the Park office, some snowshoes are available. For more information call the park office at 218-254-7979.

Hibbing Parks & Recreation Office also has cross country skis and snowshoes available. For more information call 263-8851.

Moonlight Skiing

Have you ever tried skiing by the light of the moon? It's guaranteed to be one of your most memorable experiences. It's Mother Nature shining her best light upon you. Find out how easy it is to find your way around the Carey Lake Ski Trails. Body movement and layer dressing will provide your with all the warmth you need - even if it dips way below zero. Moonlight skiing is simply unbelievable!!

Ski on your own or with some friends. The moon will also cast plenty of light a day or two before and after the full moon dates. The moon is higher and brighter the later you start, 8:00-9:00 p.m. is a good starting time.

2008 Full Moons - January 22, February 20, March 21, and April 20

Avoid Excessive Drinking

While studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and always have a designated driver when you are drinking.

Health Statistic: Data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for individual cities shows that Hibbing ranks high among cities in people killed or injured due to alcohol-related automobile crashes as well as people killed or injured that were not wearing seat belts. (Range Regional Community Health Assessment)

Do You Have a Doctor?

Having a primary care doctor is important for everyone. Even if you do not go to the doctor often, it is important to have a doctor who you can call if you need medical care. By establishing a relationship with a doctor, he/she will be aware of your medical history and conditions and can better treat your needs. If you do not have a doctor, call your insurance company and they can assist you in finding a doctor.

Health Statistic: Itasca County has significantly lower rates of preterm and low birth weight babies than either St. Louis County or Minnesota. St. Louis County has a high percentage of preterm births. St. Louis County and Minnesota have similar rates of low birth weight and very low birth weight births. (Range Regional Community Health Assessment)

CPR/First Aid Training

American Red Cross First Aid / CPR Training in Hibbing

Community First Aid & Safety - February 16th
Adult CPR - February 5th
Infant & Child CPR - February 12th
First Aid - February 26th
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Refresher - February 24th

For more information or to register call 218-263-4455 or 800-747-8644 or email pam@redcrossnorthland.org

Keep Both Feet on the Ground

Wear and tear on your feet can be a significant health problem we don’t often think of. Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly or have a member of your family check your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly. Put your feet up when sitting for long period of time. Keep your toenails trimmed and don’t smoke! By doing these simple things you will be a step ahead of the rest.  

Health Statistic: More than 43.1 million Americans have trouble with their feet, mostly from improper-fitting shoes. A huge public health risk, foot problems cost the U.S $3.5 billion a year. ( American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons)  

Have You Checked Your Medicine Cabinet Lately?

Many homes contain several medications, but the problem is, some of them may be outdated. We often forget to check the expiration date on our medications. Go through your medicine cabinet and throw away all of the expired medications. If drugs are kept for long periods of time they lose their potency. In some instances, the chemical make-up can be changed making the medicine toxic.
 
Health Information: Project Care in Hibbing is a community-driven effort to provide free health screening to those who lack insurance, transportation, a relationship with a physician, or have communication/ cultural barriers that prevent them from seeing a doctor.   Project Care is available at the Hibbing Salvation Army on the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Women's Self Defense Class

Bring your daughter, friends, and other women in your life to learn the baiscs of self-defense. Learn basic strikes, susceptible ares of the body, and how to free yourself form someone's grip.

This one session class will be held Saturday, February 2nd, at 8:00 a.m. in the High School Wrestling Room.

Call Community Ed. for more information or to register at 218 262 0417.

Drink Your Water!

A non-active person needs a ½ ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. That is 10, 8 oz. glasses of water per day if you are 160 pounds. An athletic person needs more water. The more you exercise the more water you need. Spread out your water intake throughout the day.

Health Statistic: There are approximately 36, 000 private wells in St. Louis Type County . In 2000, 659 wells were tested for coliform bacteria and nitrate nitrogen. 34.4% of the wells failed the initial test. ( St. Louis County Health Report)

Dieting

Things to remember

- ‘Crash dieting’ can affect your physical and mental wellbeing.

- There are no magical foods or ways to combine food that will help you lose weight.

- The best way to lose weight is slowly, by making small, achievable changes to your eating and exercise habits.

Four Simple Strategies to Beat Fatigue

Consider these energy boosters:

- Eat a low-fat diet with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grain. Avoid sweets and fatty fast foods.
- Try to get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Exercise regularly. Exercise uses energy, but it generates even more. It refreshes every part of the body, including your outlook.
- Relaxation that provides you with a sense of relief or inner calm can help give you more energy.  

Diabetes and Exercise

The Heart of Diabetes - Diabetes and Exercise seminar by DeAnn Zimmer, OTR/L will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi Multi-Purpose Room.

No registration is required. For more information call 218 362 6224.

Wing Chun Kung Fu Lessons

Learn the martial art made famous by Bruce Lee. Wing Chun Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that specializes in aggessive close-range combat. Men and women of any size or build can easily learn this. Participants are generally over the age of 16.

Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in room 119 of the Lincoln Elementary School. No classes on February 18, and March 19 and 24.

Call Community Education for more informtion and to register at 218 262-0417.