The ABCs of whooping cough

posted 05:47 AM 05/20
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The current outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis, has been in the news for weeks.

Whooping cough causes a cough that can last several weeks. While it can be a mild illness in older children and adults, it can cause severe illness in infants and pregnant women. Infants are at highest risk for complications such as difficulty breathing, pneumonia, convulsions and even death.

So it’s important to know how you should respond.

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The ABCs of whooping cough

posted 03:55 PM 05/16

Dr. Diana Yu, Thurston County's Health Officer, offers advice on how to respond to the current outbreak of whooping cough.

Add some green to your spring clean

posted 04:00 AM 05/06

Spring is here, and nicer weather brings an opportunity to open windows, do some spring cleaning and try new approaches to creating healthier homes.

Breakfast helps you make the grade

posted 12:53 AM 04/08

Breakfast literally means “break the fast.” By the time breakfast rolls around, many people have gone 8-12 hours without eating. By comparison, we eat every three to five hours throughout the day. Breakfast makes an important contribution to both the mind and body, yet it is the most frequently skipped meal.

E-Cigarettes: What do we know about them?

posted 12:26 AM 03/25

Have you seen someone smoking without any smoke? Chances are they were using an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette.

Safely store, use household products

posted 12:47 AM 03/11

We know that our community works hard to keep children safe. It sometimes seems as though children are working just as hard to discover every unsafe opportunity.

Dental health is a part of overall health

posted 12:50 AM 02/26

Next time you are near a mirror, smile and take a good look at your teeth. How long has it been since your last dental exam? If it has been more than a year, or even six months, it is time for another checkup.

Get to know neighbors before next storm hits

posted 11:45 PM 01/28

The recent “snowpocalypse” serves as a good reminder of what additional emergency preparation we need in our homes. Before the memory completely fades, jot down a to-do list of things you wished were in place to help you better weather the last storm. Then see how many you can accomplish before the next disruption.

Healthy Homes program seeking volunteers

posted 01:36 AM 01/15

What do bathroom fans, handrails, doormats, cleaning supplies, stuffed animals, downspouts, and crawl spaces have in common? They all can affect the health and well-being of people living in a home.

Now is the time to move toward your wellness goals

posted 01:31 AM 01/01

Are you obese? Overweight? Chubby? Big-boned? Hefty? Any way you put it, if these words apply, you probably are not at your most healthful weight.