August is National Breastfeeding Month
National Breastfeeding Month begins each year on August 1st and runs through the end of the month. A lot of research has gone into the health benefits of breastfeeding in recent years, with studies showing that breastfeeding provides benefits to the mother’s health as well. Among other reasons that breastfeeding is so beneficial, studies have revealed that breast milk is perfectly designed for babies which can help to protect them against diseases and infections, with the benefits lasting into adulthood.
The Health Department's WIC Program has an award-winning Breastfeeding Program. For more information about the program and benefits contact the WIC office at 410-313-7510. The WIC Program also has Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who can provide breastfeeding support to WIC participants. Call us at
410-313-7510.
Other Resources:
Cases of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Are on the Rise Throughout the Region
Doctors across the East Coast have reported rising incidences of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), including the reported infection of two Major League Baseball players in New York. HFMD is a virus that commonly affects children but can impact individuals of all ages. It is transmitted through close personal contact with an infected individual or contact with contaminated objects, surfaces or feces. The symptoms include: fever, sore throat, painful blisters in the tongue, gums and inside of cheeks, and a red rash on the palms and soles. This virus remains most contagious during the first week of the illness.
The best way to prevent infection and transmission of this virus is to maintain good hygiene. Frequent hand-washing, disinfecting common areas and reinforcing general good hygiene practices with children can help prevent the spread of HFMD.
More information:
Health Department Podcast - The Doctor Is In
The first episode of the Health Department podcast,
The Doctor Is In aired on Howard Community College’s Radio station beginning in July. This episode looked at the state of the opioid crisis. It featured the very personal story of a Peer Support Specialist helping others into recovery and a view of what the State is doing to address the issue.
You can listen at:
https://dragondigitalradio.podbean.com/category/the-doctor-is-in
Featured Video
Howard County Health Department Peer Support Specialist, Scott Sheldon, talks about his experience with substance misuse and the purpose of the Good Samaritan Law.