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Summer Food Safety: Facts and Best Practices
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans (48 million people) become sick from food poisoning each year. These incidents send 128,000 Americans to the hospital, and an estimated 3,000 die annually from foodborne illnesses. Food safety is especially important as we approach Memorial Day weekend. This weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer activities, many of which will involve preparing and serving food for family and friends.
Some vector-borne diseases will produce few noticeable symptoms in an infected person, and the illness may go undetected. However, the same diseases can also cause significant discomfort and illness, Including life-long disabilities or even death.
The following is basic information on West Nile virus and Lyme disease, both of which are carried by vectors common in Central Illinois.
www.moultriehealth.org/health-services/vector-borne-diseases-in-central-illinois/
The Infant Formula Shortage: Information and Resources
As the infant formula shortage continues in the US, many families are struggling to access the products they rely on to feed their babies. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) wants our local families and residents to be aware of available resources.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the following resources:
• USDA Infant Formula Safety website contains critical messages for consumers on infant formula safety and links to other helpful government resources.
• Questions and Answers for Consumers on Infant Formula – FDA question #12 addresses homemade infant formula.
• Powdered Infant Formula Preparation and Storage – This page links to CDC guidance on preparing infant formula.
• Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe? – This is an informative American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) web article on homemade formula.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – A webpage published by the Illinois Department of Human Services with information on how your county’s WIC program can potentially assist with additional resources during this shortage.
The Moultrie County Health Department also reminds you:
1. The WIC program assists pregnant women, infants, and children in meeting their nutritional needs. WIC provides supplemental food resources and nutrition education to program participants.
2. Check the lot codes on any formula you already have to ensure it was not part of the Abbott Nutrition recall of products in the Similac, Alimentum, and Elecare formulas. If the formula has codes identified in the recall, do not use it. Notify the place where you purchased the formula and obtain a refund.
3. Pediatric healthcare providers may be able to provide formula samples for their patients. They may also be able to recommend a nutritionally similar formula available in the local or regional area.
4. Smaller stores and pharmacies may have stock available, and calling beforehand can streamline the search. Local food pantries & discount grocery stores may also be a resource.
5. Look online for options from well-recognized infant formula distributors and pharmacies. Avoid purchasing formula online from unknown individuals on social media or auction sites.
6. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against watering down formula or attempting to make homemade infant formula, which may not be safe or meet an infant’s nutritional needs. The AAP offers excellent advice for families at healthychildren.org.
7. Hoarding formula will further impact the supply chain and exacerbate the stress of the shortage on the entire community. Inventory your formula supply. Use all on-hand formula, starting with the nearest “use by” date first.
The MCHD encourages you to contact our office at (217) 728-4114 for more information on the WIC program and other services we provide. We will continue to follow the infant formula situation and keep our public updated as new information and resources are available.
The CDC estimates that one in six Americans become sick from food poisoning each year.
Food safety is especially important as we approach Memorial Day weekend.
Learn how to prevent foorborne illness: www.moultriehealth.org/health-services/summer-food-safety-facts-and-best-practices/
A stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain. It also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. When either occurs, parts of the brain can become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or death. Learn how to identify a possible stroke and what to do. www.moultriehealth.org/health-services/may-is-national-stroke-awareness-month/
Help is out there!
Sometimes it's hard to ask for help within your own community. In those times know there are state and national helplines that can work as the first step to getting help and support that you need and deserve.
Crisis Text Line - www.crisistextline.org/
Free and confidential support for individuals in crisis available 24 hours a day 7 days a week Text HOME to 741741
National Helpline | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Free and confidential treatment referral and information service available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 1-800-622-4357 (HELP)
National Runaway Safeline - www.1800runaway.org/
This 24-hour 7 day a week national Safeline is for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help. 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or text: 66008
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Free and confidential support for individuals in crisis available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 1-800-273-8255(TALK)