Vancouver, WA – With low temperatures and high winds expected through the weekend, health and emergency management officials are urging seniors and other at-risk populations to protect themselves from cold exposure and homeless people to seek shelter.

“Prolonged exposure to cold eventually will use up your body’s stored energy, resulting in hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer/Public Health director. “This affects the brain, making hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may be unaware of their condition and… Read More

Vancouver, WA –Thousands of Clark County residents soon will want to dispose of Christmas trees.

Waste Connections, Inc. will pick up trees during its yard debris collection or regular garbage service available in most parts of the county. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into smaller sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris or garbage.

Yard debris customers may put smaller trees into their carts. They also may place a single 5-foot or less tree or section of a tree next to their cart for no additional charge. … Read More

Vancouver, WA – During the holidays, Americans will generate about 1 million extra tons of garbage each week. This waste is often gift packaging, wrapping paper and leftover food.

Fortunately, you can reduce, reuse and recycle during the holiday season without cutting back on holiday cheer, according to Sally Fisher, Environmental Outreach Specialist with Clark County Public Health.

Follow these tips if you dream of a green Christmas:

• Take inventory of things you no longer use and donate old toys and clothing to a thrift store before you buy more. Even if the… Read More

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Green Business program will host a free Morning Blend networking event from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Habitat for Humanity Store, 10811 S.E. 2nd St.

The Clark County Habitat for Humanity Store is a discount home-improvement outlet that sells donated building material, appliances, furniture and other products. The store is a source of financing for local Habitat for Humanity home-building projects and functions as a local hub for reuse and recycling.

Hear about the store’s mission and how employees implement green business… Read More

Vancouver, WA – Flu season is in full swing in Clark County. According to Public Health’s Influenza Surveillance Update for Nov. 13-19, laboratories testing for flu report a 25 percent positive rate countywide, a rate well above Public Health’s 10 percent baseline for high flu activity.

The report indicates an earlier start to the flu season than in previous years. Also, as people visit family and friends during the holidays, flu viruses will have more opportunities to spread.

“The good news is it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health… Read More

Vancouver, WA – The Board of Health is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Clark County Public Health Advisory Council. The position is for a federally-recognized tribe member who lives or works in Clark County.

The three-year term begins immediately.

The Health Advisory Council makes recommendations to the county councilors in their capacity as the Board of Health. The advisory council identifies needs and suggests ways to enhance the community’s health. Among the council’s top priorities are access to care, health inequalities, a sustainable food system, obesity… Read More

Vancouver, WA – Would your holiday kitchen pass a food safety inspection? Proper food storage, preparation and serving are important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly one in six Americans gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases each year.

Don’t take any chances with the health of your family and friends this holiday season. Follow these food safety tips:

Thawing

A fresh turkey should be cooked within two days of purchase. But if your turkey is frozen, never thaw it on the counter… Read More

Vancouver, WA ‒ The Youth Now video and graphics contest running through Nov. 30 provides a forum for youth 12 to 20 to document why they choose not to use marijuana. The contest encourages youth to enter creative, high-impact messages to win cash and other prizes. Posters, hand-drawn or digital, and 30-second to two-minute videos must illustrate the theme, Why do you choose not to use?

Entry instructions are available at www.youthnow.us.

Clark County Public Health will lend video equipment to schools or youth groups that… Read More

Vancouver, WA ‒Taking antibiotics for viral infections such as a cold, the flu or most bronchitis strains will not cure the infection or help you feel better. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.

Clark County Public Health is urging people with colds and flu not to seek treatment with antibiotics.

“Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good,” said Clark County Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick. “Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of later getting an infection that resists antibiotic treatment.”

Using antibiotics… Read More

Vancouver, WA – The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions representing southwest Clark County and agricultural interests on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

Commission members provide recommendations to the county about issues such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste reduction.

Members meet quarterly at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Applicants for the southwest Clark County representative… Read More