Health department director outlines summer activities

From biometric screenings to mobile mammogram appointments to a diabetes prevention program, the Linn County Health Department staff ha a full lineup of activities this summer. (Journal file photo)

By Charlene Sims, Journal staff

LCJeditor@icloud.com

MOUND CITY – Amanda Snyder, Linn County Health Department Director, gave a report to the Linn County Commissioners on Monday, June 8, describing upcoming events and people served in May.

Snyder said the health department would be hosting the Kansas Traffic Safety Department for their three-day car seat technician class on Thursday, June 11.

As their class wraps up from 3 to 5 p.m., the students that are taking that class will be offering car seat check installations to either check to make sure your car seat is installed correctly or help you install your car seat. Snyder said that an appointment was not needed to have your car seat checked. Just come by the health department and they’ll get you all checked out.

Snyder announced that on June 18 during open enrollment for Linn County employees, the health department will be offering biometric screenings. Appointment slots for the screenings will be released this week via email and those screenings will be at the First Baptist Church in Mound City where they’re hosting open enrollment.

Snyder told the commissioners that mailers were sent out across the county last week.

The mailers include information on the health department’s rock snake, which promotes physical activity. Health department staff have distributed 126 rocks throughout the seven cities within Linn County.  As kids find those rocks, they return them to the health department.  The rocks will make a long snake that goes around the health department building. Then there are special rocks that say public health rocks. If a child finds one of those, they will get a prize.

Other information on the mailers includes:

• The mobile mammogram coach will be at the health department on July 16. Please call the health department to schedule your appointment.

  
  

• Information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

  
  

• How to join the new walking group, “Stride for Wellness,” that is being put together by the health department.

  
  

• Diabetes prevention classes are being set up by Danielle Casey, the head nurse,  who has been working hard on getting this program started for county residents. To sign up or get more information about those classes contact Danielle at 913-352-6640 or you can scan the code on the mailer, fill out a little bit of information and she will get contact you and see if you are a candidate for that program.

Snyder reported that the health department served 207 clients in May.

The health department staff also held a biometric screening for county employees on May 13 and attended the La Cygne Library Block Party where they provided education through games for the attendees.