Miller County Health Center

09/10/2025

💛 World Su***de Prevention Day – September 10 💛

Today is a reminder that every life matters and that together, we can help prevent su***de. 💬 Starting a simple conversation, checking in with a friend or family member, or sharing resources can make all the difference.

✨ Warning Signs to Watch For:

Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless

Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities

Extreme mood swings or changes in behavior

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available.
Call or text 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline – available 24/7.

💡 Let’s work together to break the stigma, spread hope, and support one another. A small act of kindness can save a life.

***dePreventionDay #988

09/09/2025

There are still appointments available for September 22nd to see our Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call 573-369-2400.

09/09/2025

DID YOU KNOW?!

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Missouri according to Missouri Vital Statistics Death Certificate Data. Often times, most people don't know they have high blood pressure. That's why knowing your numbers is so important.

Regularly check your blood pressure and talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure.

For more information: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10

09/05/2025

🛑 September is Emergency Preparedness Month 🛑

Disasters can happen at any time—storms, power outages, floods, or even winter weather. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared before an emergency happens.

✅ Build an Emergency Kit (enough supplies for at least 3 days):

Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and medications
Important documents in a waterproof bag
Extra clothes, blankets, and personal hygiene items
Supplies for pets 🐾

📝 Make a Family Plan:

Decide where to meet if you can’t be at home.
Share emergency contacts with all family members.
Practice what to do in case of fire, severe weather, or evacuation.
Preparing today can make all the difference tomorrow. 💡

👉 For more tips and resources, visit Ready.gov

09/03/2025

Our Women's Health Nurse Practitioner will be in the office September 10th and 22nd. If you've been thinking about scheduling an appointment, now is your time. Call 573-369-2400 to schedule an appointment.

09/02/2025

Anyone can develop high blood pressure. People are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly. This includes people in all age groups: children, young adults, adults and older adults.

For more information about high blood pressure, talk with your doctor. You can also visit:https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10

09/01/2025

08/30/2025

For those with concerns:

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), due to infection of Naegleria fowleri, is extremely rare, even though the ameba is common and naturally present in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Because it is naturally present, the activities someone engages in are what increase the risk of infection, and testing of the water does not aid in identifying areas of concern. Recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in warm freshwater across the United States and take appropriate precautions.

People can take actions to reduce the risk of infection by limiting the amount of water going up the nose. These actions could include:
• Hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water when taking part in activities in bodies of warm freshwater, especially if you jump or dive into the water.
• Avoid putting your head under the water in hot springs and other untreated thermal waters.
• Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high-water temperature and low water levels. Naegleria fowleri amebas thrive in these conditions.
• Avoid digging in, or stirring up, the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas. Naegleria fowleri amebas are more likely to live in sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers.

The investigation of the recent PAM case in Missouri is ongoing. DHSS is unable to provide additional details regarding where the case participated in recreational water activities. At this time there is no indication that any particular area of the Lake of the Ozarks is of more concern, or that this lake is particularly different from any other natural body of water during the hot, late-summer months.

08/29/2025

🚗 Drive Sober This Labor Day Weekend 🚗

Your Labor Day plans might include time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy time with family and friends. But remember — if your plans include alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel.

Every year, lives are lost on our roads because of impaired driving. Let’s keep our community safe:
✔️ Designate a sober driver
✔️ Call a friend or family member
✔️ Use a ride service if available

Getting home safely is the best way to end the holiday. ❤️

08/28/2025

🌊🚤 Stay Safe on the Water this Labor Day Weekend! 🚤🌊

Whether you’re heading to the lake, river, or pool, let’s make sure it’s a safe and fun holiday for everyone.

⚓ Boat & Water Safety:
✔️ Always wear a life jacket — even strong swimmers.
✔️ Never mix alcohol and boating.
✔️ Follow speed limits and boating rules.
✔️ Check weather conditions before heading out.

🏊 Pool Safety:
✔️ Always supervise children around water — no exceptions.
✔️ Teach kids to stay away from drains and pool covers.
✔️ Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby.
✔️ Make sure pools are fenced with self-latching gates.

A safe holiday is the best holiday — let’s all get home with good memories this Labor Day. 💙

08/27/2025

988 and 911: Know which number to use to get the right support at the right time