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IN THIS ISSUE
- A Word from Health Educator, Meagan Rico
- Featured Article: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
- Employee Spotlight
- Maternal Child Health Division
- WIC Support Programs
- Childcare Licensing
- Careers at the Health Department
- Events and Activities
- FYI and Community Happenings
- Important Resources and Training
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Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Community Health Matters, brought to you by the Saline County Health Department. This month, we're shining a spotlight on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Join us in our mission to build a healthier future for our families and community by staying informed and taking proactive steps towards colorectal cancer prevention. Lastly, read on to stay in the know regarding community events, resources, training and more!
-Meagan Rico, MSN, RN, Health Educator
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Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests (FIT) Available at all Pharmacies in Salina, Lindsborg, Abilene, and Concordia
by Daniel Craig, MS, TTS, Cancer Outreach Coordinator for Tammy Walker Cancer Center
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women. When you combine men and women, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colorectal cancer is more common after the age of 50, however rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults have nearly doubled in the last two decades and colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for men under the age of 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death for women under the age of 50.
There are some risk factors that you cannot change such as your age. Your risk of colorectal cancer goes up as you age. Other risk factors include having type 2 diabetes and having a family history of colorectal cancer. You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting to and staying at a healthy weight, limiting intake of red and processed meats and eating more fruits and vegetables. It is also important to avoid excess alcohol and get regular physical activity. If you smoke cigarettes quitting can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and many other types of cancers. And the most important thing is to know yourself, your family history, and your risks and make sure to get regular checkups and cancer screening tests.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing colorectal cancer. All men and women should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 and continue getting screened until age 75. Those with a family history of the disease should talk to their physician about screening at a younger age. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening. Screening can be done either with a test that looks for signs of cancer in a person's stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).
In recognition of national Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 800 free colorectal cancer screening tests are being made available to anyone age 45 to 75 who have not had a recent colonoscopy. We use the Hemosure iFOB (FIT) test, which is an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions. The FIT test is a stool based test which detects hidden blood in the stool and should be done annually. The tests can be picked up at all Salina, Lindsborg, Abilene, and Concordia pharmacies from now until April 6th. Kits can also be picked up at the Saline County Health Department and the Auburn Pharmacy in Minneapolis. If individuals would like a test mailed to them they can call TWCC at 785-452-4848. The tests can be mailed back to Tammy Walker Cancer Center in the pre-paid postage envelope. Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 30. We will send participants and their primary care physician a copy of the test results. Grant funding from the Salina Charities League and Salina Regional Health Foundation is helping to underwrite the screening. We appreciate the support of our local pharmacies in making the tests easily accessible to all community members.
| | Health Department Employee Spotlight | |
March Employee Spotlight: Michelle Prindle, BSN, RN
Michelle Prindle, the Immunization Nurse at the Saline County Health Department, has been making a significant impact since joining the team just over a year ago. In her role, Michelle handles a variety of responsibilities, with her main focus being immunizations. She also specializes in travel vaccines and manages the immunization inventory for the clinic.
What Michelle appreciates most about her work at the Health Department is the supportive team environment. The clinic's collaborative atmosphere makes coming to work each day a pleasure for Michelle. Michelle states that, “I love my coworkers. They have welcomed me with open arms even though I have no vaccine experience before this job. We really are a team here in the clinic and they make it worth coming in to work every day.”
Outside of work, Michelle's life has been filled with exciting changes. In October, she not only got married but also became a stepmother. Her family has grown in other ways too, with the addition of two new cats, bringing their feline count to three. Michelle's adventurous spirit is evident in her past experience as a travel nurse, which took her as far as Idaho for a 13-week assignment. She's an avid fan of "The Office," able to quote the show for almost any situation, and enjoys gardening in her free time. Please join us in celebrating Michelle and the great work that she does for the Health Department!
Interested in learning more about immunizations at the Saline County Health Department? Click the button below to learn more!
| | Maternal and Child Health Division | | Saline County MCH (Maternal and Child Health Division) and the Bosom Buddies project strive to provide education, support, and lactation supplies to any community member who needs them. Click on the picture above to learn more! | | Careers at the Health Department | | Events and Activities for February & March 2025 | | |
March
National Poison Prevention Week..........March 17th-21st
St. Patrick's Day..........March 17th
World Down Syndrome Day..........March 21st
World Tuberculosis Day..........March 24th
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Child Life Month
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Irish-American History Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
National Women's History Month
Red Cross Month
April
Fathers In Focus..........April 4th
National Public Health Week..........April 7th-13th
Black Maternal Health Week..........April 11th-17th
National Infant Immunization Week..........April 21st-28th
DEA National Drug Take Back Day..........April 26th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
National Minority Health Month
Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month
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Join the Saline County Health Department for an incredible evening celebrating mental health awareness and community connection!
On May 3rd, 2024, we're transforming City Lights Stage and 67401 Plaza into a vibrant hub of support, education, and empowerment.
Event Highlights:
- Live Performances: Enjoy engaging musical and artistic showcases
- Resource Fair: Connect with local mental health providers and support services
- Interactive Activities: Fun, age-appropriate experiences for everyone
- Free Admission
- All Ages Welcome
This free community event aims to break down mental health stigma, provide valuable resources, and create a supportive environment for all Salina residents. Whether you're seeking information, support, or just want to learn more about mental wellness, there's something for everyone!
Location: City Lights Stage at 67401 Plaza
Date: May 3rd, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Questions? Call or email Health Educator, Meagan Rico, at 785-833-7330 and ricom@salinecountyks.gov
Stay tuned for more details, or visit the event's Facebook page by clicking below!
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Ready to move more, feel better, and support a healthier community? Walk Kansas is back, and we’d love for you to join in!
This fun and flexible program encourages you to be more active, make healthier choices, and build a routine that works for you—whether you're walking solo, with a team, or tracking other types of physical activity.
🌟 How it Works:
✔️ Set a team goal to walk across Kansas (teams of six or go solo!)
✔️ Track your progress online
✔️ Enjoy weekly health tips and motivation
✔️ Build healthy habits that last
The Walk Kansas Program runs from March 30 to May 24, and it's open to all fitness levels!
Register by clicking the button below!
| | Important Resources and Training | | |
From Salina Regional Health Center -- Join us on Tuesday, March 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in SRHC's Conference Room #7. This FREE program is for anyone affected by diabetes. No registration is required.
COMCARE Exercise Physiologist Adrienne Gapter will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help individuals diagnosed with diabetes achieve their exercise goals successfully. This free presentation is open to community members living with diabetes.
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From Salina Family Healthcare Center -- Ready to learn life-saving skillsin a fun and interactive way?
-How to respond to medical and traumatic emergencies.
-CPR and choking relief for adults, children, and infants.
-Using an AED and handling environmental safety hazards.
-Taught with American Heart Association curriculum
-Each student will receive a 2-year certification.
UPCOMING CLASSES:
MARCH 19, 2025 | 8AM-12PM
MAY 29, 2025 | 1PM-5PM
Cost is $50/PERSON!
Must register prior to class. Payment required prior to date of class.
Register now at https://salinahealth.org/cpr-classes/
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Fathers in Focus: Supporting Families, Supporting Dads
Join the Saline County Health Department for an inspiring workshop dedicated to supporting fathers in their most important role! This event is designed to provide fathers with valuable resources, skills, and community connections to enhance their personal and family well-being.
Event Highlights:
- Hear from our expert speakers!
- Free catered dinner with choice of ribs or brisket
- Networking opportunities with local support services
- Interactive sessions focused on personal and family growth
We believe strong fathers create strong families. Whether you're a new dad, an experienced parent, or looking to improve your parenting skills, Fathers in Focus is here to support you.
Who Should Attend:
- Fathers of all ages and backgrounds
- Co-parents
- Father figures
- Community support professionals
Together, we can build healthier families and stronger communities. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!
Do you have questions about this event? Contact Kori Powell at the Saline County Health Department at powellk@salinecountyks.gov
Please RSVP at bit.ly/FathersInFocus or click on the button below!
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Celebrate Mom at Rolling Hills Zoo, where Moms receive FREE ADMISSION on Sunday, May 11th!
Show Mom how much you care with a trip out to the beautiful Rolling Hills Zoo & world-class Wildlife Museum!
NEW THIS YEAR - We'll have a Spring Craft Show, where guests can shop for spring & summer decor, plus gifts for moms, dads & grads!
Free Family Photo for Mom - Have a family photo taken by Beautiful Beginnings Photography against a beautiful backdrop.
| | Saline County Health Department |
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