MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska County has recently seen an increase in the number of syphilis cases identified and reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

According to Mahaska Health Partnership Infection Control Coordinator Heather Cook, RN, BSN, syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause long-term medical complications if not treated correctly. “Most of the time, a simple blood test can be used to determine if a person has syphilis and it can be cured with the right antibiotics, but treatment will not undo any damage that the infection has already done,” Cook stressed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that any sexually active person can get syphilis or other STDs through unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the US, and about half of these are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. In Iowa, STDs are also a significant health threat, with more than 14,000 infections reported in 2015.

Syphilis has been called ‘the great imitator’ because it has so many possible symptoms, many of which look like symptoms from other diseases. The painless syphilis sore that you would get after you are first infected can be confused for an ingrown hair, zipper cut or other seemingly harmless bump. The non-itchy body rash that develops during the second stage of syphilis can show up on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, all over your body or in just a few places.

Cook said that syphilis can also affect the eye and can lead to permanent blindness. “You could also be infected with syphilis or other STDs and have very mild symptoms or none at all,” Cook explained. “However, it is vital to note that without treatment, STDS can lead to lifelong repercussions for a woman’s reproductive health, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.”

The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex. That means not having any vaginal, anal or oral sex (“abstinence”). According to the CDC, abstaining from sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and consistently and correctly using condoms are all effective prevention strategies. Safe, effective vaccines are also available to prevent hepatitis B and some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause disease and cancer.

“Washing your genitals, urinating or douching after sex will not protect you from getting syphilis or other STDs,” Cook said. “For everyone who is sexually active but particularly young people who have a higher incidence of STDs, screening and prompt treatment if you are infected, are critical to protect your health and prevent transmission to others.

“It is also vital to have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs,” Cook stated. “If you choose to have sex, you need to know how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.”

For more information regarding STDs, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov .

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.

Story provided by Osky News

MAHASKA COUNTY – Now that August is here, parents are preparing their children to return to school. MHP Family Practice Physician Eric Miller, DO, offers advice on preparing your kids to transition back into their school routine.

“After a long summer break, it may be hard to get some children excited to return to school,” Dr. Miller explained. “However, by preparing ahead of time, you can minimize the stress and anxiety that often comes with getting the kids back into a scheduled routine.”

One suggestion Dr. Miller offered was to start your morning and bedtime routines now. “If you ease your child back into their bedtime routine, any issues can be ironed out before the schedule is actually necessary. Try sending them to bed 15 minutes earlier each night and getting them up 15 minutes earlier each morning until you reach your goal. Making sure your child gets enough sleep is key to their overall health and attentiveness in the classroom.”

Dr. Miller also recommends planning meals ahead of time. “With school comes activities and your evenings can quickly get away from you. Planning out what to cook for each meal or packed lunches can make trips to the grocery store more efficient and save you from getting overwhelmed on busy days. You’re also ensuring your children get healthy and nutritious meals for optimal school performance.”

Another way to make sure your child is ready for the school year is checking with their primary care provider for up-to-date immunizations and physicals. “If your student needs a school sports physical, we are still offering those here in the Medical Group on August 15 from 9 am – 8 pm,” Dr. Miller reminded. “Scheduling a regular yearly physical is equally important for your child’s overall health, and what better time than right before they head into another year of learning!”

Reviewing your child’s schedule and activities is another important step in school preparation. “Make sure your child understands where they need to be and when to lessen their anxiety on the first day,” Dr. Miller urged. “If they are walking or riding the school bus, practice the route in case they have any questions. Preparation ahead of time can eliminate as many obstacles as possible.”

Family Practice Physician Eric Miller, DO, practices full-time in the MHP Medical Group. Growing up with a Pediatrician Mother and Farmer Father, Dr. Miller enjoys caring for families in a rural setting. He describes himself as more of a listener than a talker and enjoys hearing about a patient’s life experiences. In his free time, Dr. Miller enjoys the outdoors and building model trains. For an appointment with Dr. Miller, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

Back to school. (photo by Ginger Allsup)

Story provided by Osky News

UPDATE: The Washington Police have found the suspects involved.

On Wednesday, August 11, 2016, City of Washington Police Officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the 1000 block of E. 3^rd St. Upon an officer’s arrival they discovered a 2001 Chevy Malibu that had been reported stolen out of Ottumwa, IA.

During the investigation, officers have been able to link two suspects to the vehicle. They are Logan Neil Swanson date of birth of 5-19-1996, and William Braxton McCarroll date of birth of 5-15-1995. They are pictured below. These individuals are suspected to still be in the area.

The Washington Police Dept is asking for your cooperation in locating these two individuals. They ask that you not approach the subjects but contact the Washington Police Dept. at 319-653-2107.

The Washington Police Dept also asks that you make sure to lock your vehicles and your homes.

The charges contained in this press release are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.