Board of Health Meeting - December 15, 2011

Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 131E-13(d), notice if hereby given that the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell District Board of Health (the "Board"), the governing body of the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell District Health Department (the "District Health Department"), shall hold a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2011 in the Administrative Conference Room at the District Health Department's offices at 221 Callahan-Koon Road in Spindale, NC 28160.

At this regular meeting, the Board will consider a resolution to approve the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement by and between the District Health Department and CareSouth Health System, Inc. and its affiliates ("CareSouth"). If consummated, the Asset Purchase Agreement will effectively sell substantially all of the assets used in the operation of the District Health Department's home health agency to CareSouth. Copies of the Asset Purchase Agreement will be available for the public to review at the law office of Dameron, Burgin, Parker, Jackson, Wilde & Walker, P.A., at 26 West Court Street, Marion, North Carolina 287526. The Asset Purchase Agreement will be available for viewing on weekdays starting on Monday, December 5, 2011 through Thursday, December 15, 2011 between the hours of 9:00a.m. through 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m.

National Children's Dental Health Month

One of the best habits you can teach your child is proper dental care – and the earlier the better! The first set of teeth, commonly called baby teeth, is important for helping the jaw grow to its proper shape and size. Baby teeth are necessary for developing good speech habits, maintaining spaces for permanent teeth, and chewing foods. Since baby teeth do so much, they need good care.

For Healthy Smiles follow these dental health guidelines:

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
• Pacifier use should stop by age 12-18 months. Use beyond the age of 3 can cause dental problems as well as speech problems.
• Long term use of sippy cups containing any liquid other than water, can increase chances of tooth decay for your child
• Encourage healthy eating habits. Limit sweet snacks, especially soft drinks. Soft drinks are full of sugar that promotes decay and acid that erodes the teeth. Sugary foods are best served as desserts. Brush teeth after eating foods with sugars.
• Help your child brush his/her teeth after meals and snacks, and especially at bedtime.
• Floss your preschooler's teeth daily, especially the back molars. Preschool children can't floss well for themselves. Flossing removes plaque and debris from the sides of the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach.
• If your child has not already had a dental exam, make an appointment for the first dental checkup. Having a dental checkup before a problem occurs can be a positive first dental experience.

Pre-school Dental Progam Smile Day

The Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department will be partnering with the McDowell Hospital's Preschool Dental
Program to offer Free Dental Screenings to all children from 0-5 years of age. 

Kids can enjoy plenty of Free Activities such as:

• Giant Inflatables
• Swimming in the YMCA Pool
• Healthy Snacks
• KidSenses Stuffee Program with two showings (10:00AM & 11:30AM)
• Meet SpongeBob SquarePants
• And much more

The Smile Day will be held at the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion on Thursday, March 1 from 9:30AM until 12:30PM.

Ladies Night Out Educational Forum (February)

The Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department has joined with the McDowell Hospital in a collaborative effort to present the Ladies Night Out Educational Forum.  This is a educational series for women where Women's Health Issues are addressed.  The Forum began in January where women from the community were invited to discuss Women's Breast Health.  Alma Bartlet from the McDowell Health Department's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program was one of the speakers.  

Future forums will be held the second Tuesday of each month at the McDowell Hospital's Business Services Board Room in Marion.  In February, the forum will be held February 7 from 5:30pm until 6:30pm.  The featured topic will be Women's Heart Health presented by Dr. Adam Kinninger.

To learn more about the Ladies Night Out Educational Forum, please call Alma Bartlet at 659-6628.