When You Prepare--Don't Forget Your Pet!

June is Pet Preparedness month! Ready.gov has lots of great videos that can help you get prepared in case of a disaster, but this one is really woofwhile. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMtY_qhMne4&feature=youtu.be 

Sexual Assault is a Widespread Issue in Thurston County

Sexual assault is more widespread than most people realize. Learning more about how to prevent assault, and what resources are available if you, or someone you love, has been assaulted, is an important first step. Start with the latest Health Matters column by Dr. Wood in The Olympian:
 http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article211970814.html

Toxic Algae Warning for Summit Lake Lifted

County

Commissioners

John Hutchings - District One

Gary Edwards - District Two

Bud Blake - District Three

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, May 17, 2018

CONTACT:  Media: Gabby Byrne, Public Information Specialist (360) 867-2514 or

byrneg @co.thurston.wa.us

Residents: (360) 867-2645

Toxic Algae Warning for Summit Lake Lifted

Lake samples have been below the level of concern for two consecutive weeks

OLYMPIA –  Thurston County Public Health has lifted the toxic algae-related warning for Summit Lake. Sample results for the last two weeks show that Anatoxin-a concentrations in the water are less than one microgram per liter, the level of public health concern.

The sample taken on May 13, 2018 had Anatoxin-a at 0.59 ug/L, below the level of public health concern for the second consecutive week. The results for the first sample taken on Monday, May 7, 2018 showed toxin levels were at 0.076 micrograms per liter.

Since April 24, Summit Lake has been under a toxic algae alert recommending not drinking or using the lake water for the roughly 400 homes that surround the lake.

Health Department staff will monitor the lake for toxin producing algae blooms only when residents report a new algae bloom. Residents can sign up for email updates and advisories for Summit Lake by calling Thurston County Public Health at (360) 867-2626.

“It’s important for residents of all our lakes to understand that algae blooms tend to increase in the summer months, when the weather is warmer,” said Art Starry, Environmental Health Division Director. “While science doesn’t yet know what makes an algae bloom become toxic, we do see patterns that indicate people should use extra caution in the warmer months. A catch phrase that may help is, ‘when in doubt—stay out.’”

Residents should flush their water systems any time an algae alert is lifted, prior to drinking from their taps. Instructions on how to do this are on the Thurston County Summit Lake Toxic Algae web page here: https://bit.ly/2ohXydE

For more information about blue-green algae and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website.

Healthy Homes Program Vendor List

A great new resource is coming to Thurston County! It's the Healthy Homes Program Vendor List. There are some great training opportunities coming up for vendors who provide home repair and home improvement services. Learn more here. 

Alert Still In Place: New Summit Lake Results For Friday May 11, 2018

This update is for Friday, May 11, 2018.

Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom.  Thurston County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents who use the lake for drinking water, recommending that no one should drink the lake water, or use the water for household water uses.  Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin.  

Lab results received today found Anatoxin-a at 0.076 ug/L, below the state advisory level of 1 ug/L. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death. The health alert for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue weekly until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks. A new sample will be taken on Monday, May 14th, 2018, with results anticipated Friday, May 18^th.

Public Health advises residents and the public that if your source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. This information line will be updated when lab results are received. 

Got Picky Eaters?

Want your little eaters to  try more new foods?  Roll up their sleeves and let them help you in the kitchen.  Open their world to a lifetime of self-sufficiency and nutritious foods! 

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/toddler-and-preschooler-tasks-in-the-kitchen

Restaurant Inspections And How To Use Them

Ever wondered what those restaurant inspections by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services really mean--or if you should eat at those restaurants? Well, here's some more information that you can use to make those decisions. 

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/05/08/thurston-county-public-health-restaurant-inspection-reports-and-how-to-use-them/ 

Summit Lake Toxic Algae Alert Still In Effect

This update is for Thursday May 3rd, 2018.

Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom.  Thurston County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents who use the lake for drinking water, recommending that no one should drink the lake water, or use the water for household water uses.  Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin.  

Lab results received today show that the algae bloom is producing high levels of Anatoxin-a. Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 2.47 micrograms per liter. The state recommends against consuming water with more than 1 microgram per liter of Anatoxin-a. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death.

Public Health advises residents and the public that if your source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

The health warning for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue weekly until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks. A new sample will be taken on Monday, May 7th, 2018, with results expected Friday, May 11^th.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. The Health Department also maintains an updated information line for residents at (360) 709-3080.

Tobacco Products Might Look Different--But They Are Still Unsafe

What Does Public Health Do For You?

Whether it's providing vital documents, or tracking disease, your County Health Department is working hard to protect our community. Learn more in the latest Health Matters column from County Health Officer, Dr. Rachel Wood.

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article210036959.html