Mercer County Health Department

10/13/2025

💪 Health Benefits of Exercise

Here are some powerful reasons to make movement a regular part of your day:

🧠 Mental Health Boost

Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression

Improves mood by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine

Sharpens memory and focus

Helps you sleep better and wake up more refreshed

❤️ Heart and Body Health

Strengthens your heart and improves circulation

Can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol

Supports weight management and burns calories

Boosts energy levels over time

🦴 Stronger Muscles and Bones

Builds strength, flexibility, and endurance

Can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of injury

🧬 Longevity and Disease Prevention

Reduces risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers

Strengthens the immune system

🕺 Exercise YOUR Way

You don’t have to hit the gym or run marathons. The best kind of exercise? The one you enjoy and will actually do.

Consistency matters more than intensity. You don’t need to suffer to make progress—just move.

10/10/2025

🌍💚 World Mental Health Day

Your mind matters. Every day.
Today, we pause to raise awareness, fight stigma, and remind each other: mental health is just as important as physical health.

✅ Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote your physical and mental well-being, such as exercising, eating a nutritious meal, participating in a hobby, and getting enough sleep.
💬 Stay connected: Call a close family member or friend, utilize video chat, if possible, for added impact.
🧠 Manage stress: Practice deep breathing techniques.

Let’s create a world where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”
Together, we can build a future where mental well-being is a priority — for everyone.

10/09/2025

📢 Reminder: Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic TOMORROW! 💉

Don't forget — our Flu & COVID-19 vaccination clinic is happening tomorrow, Friday, October 10th!

🕘 Time: 8:00 am to 11:30 am
📍 Location: Mercer County Health Department

✅ No appointment needed
✅ Park and call the number on the sign for service

Protect yourself and others as we head into flu season. See you there!

10/08/2025

🚫 Think Va**ng is Safe? Think Again. 🚬💨

V**e pens may look harmless, but inside? A toxic cocktail. 🧪

🔬 What's in that cloud?

Formaldehyde – yes, the same chemical used in the preservation of deceased bodies

Toluene – commonly used as a paint thinner

Diacetyl – linked to "popcorn lung", a serious lung disease

Heavy metals like nickel and lead

Ni****ne – highly addictive and harmful to brain development, especially in younger adults

🫁 Your lungs weren’t made for this.

💡 Thinking about quitting?
Text “START MY QUIT” to 36072 — free, confidential, and judgment-free help is just a text away through My Life My Quit

Protect your health. Stay informed. You’re stronger than the v**e. 💪

10/07/2025

✅ Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety Tips
1. 📍 Proper Placement

Install on every level of your home, including the basement.

Place one near each sleeping area so it wakes you up if it sounds.

2. 🕒 Regular Testing and Maintenance

Test monthly by pressing the “test” button.

Replace batteries at least once a year (or when chirping indicates low battery).

Vacuum the detector to remove dust that might affect function.

Replace units every 5-10 years, depending on the model.

3. ⚠️ Know the Alarm Sounds

Loud beeping (continuous): CO detected — evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

Chirping (intermittent): Usually a low battery or end-of-life warning.

4. 🏃 What to Do if the Alarm Sounds

Evacuate immediately — get everyone (including pets) outside.

Call 911 or your local fire department.

Do not re-enter until emergency responders declare it safe.

10/06/2025

🥗 Make Every Plate a MyPlate! 🍽️

Want to eat healthier without the hassle? MyPlate makes it simple! Just fill your plate with:

✅ Fruits & Veggies – Half your plate
✅ Whole Grains – Like brown rice or whole-wheat bread
✅ Lean Proteins – Chicken, beans, fish, tofu
✅ Low-Fat Dairy – Milk, yogurt, cheese

Whether you're cooking at home, packing lunch, or eating out, MyPlate helps you balance your meals and feel your best.
It's not a diet—it's a smart, simple way to eat well every day.

👉 Start today at MyPlate.gov

Your plate. Your health. Your power. 💪

10/02/2025

🚗💉 Drive-Thru Flu & COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic! 💉🚗

Protect yourself and your loved ones this season — all from the comfort of your car!

📅 Date: Every Friday, beginning October 10th, ending December 19th
🕘 Time: 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Mercer County Health Department
900 N College St
Harrodsburg, KY 40330

✅ No appointment needed
✅ Fast, safe, and convenient
✅ Park and call the number on the sign for service
✅ Flu shots & updated COVID-19 vaccines available

💪 Stay healthy. Stop the spread.
📲 For more info: Call us at (859)734-4522

10/01/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We ask that you wear pink to stand with those fighting, admire those who have survived, and honor the lives that have been lost.

09/30/2025

09/29/2025

Be sure to use your WIC Farmers Market vouchers by October 25th.

09/26/2025

Today, we remind ourselves: you are not alone, your story matters.