NEW PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE

The Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood (GHC) previously announced the release of the “It All Counts” Facebook page made available through the Department of Health and Human Services’ First Time Motherhood grant. The page provides information on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle to promote preconception health, healthy pregnancies, healthy birth out-comes, and health in general throughout the lifespan. The page provides tips on health-related issues including topics of exercise, nutrition, folic acid, and much more and gives “friends” the opportunity to ask questions or comment and get answers. GHC now has “scroll pens” available for local public health agencies and other healthcare/social services providers to use at health fairs or in their agencies for women of childbearing age to promote the Facebook page and provide a health factoid. For information on obtaining a supply of these pens for your event, contact Karen Schenk or Leslie Seifert at 573‑751‑6266.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Children need to have regular dental cleanings and exams, the same as adults. But for many resons, not all children are able to recieve regular dental care. This may prevent minor problems form being corrected, and may result in small problems becoming larger ones. No one wants this to happen, but it frequently does. In February, attention is drawn to this situation to remind parents to do something about it.

Start your kids on the path to proper dental hygiene, and this month is as good a time as any. Help them achieve good oral health, and you'll be helping them ward off diseases and conditions.