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![Senior Scam](Health/Senior Scam.jpg)
National Senior Fraud Awareness happens in May and the Vilas County Public Health Department wants to remind families, friends, and caregivers of the fraud or scams that are targeting older Americans.
Types of Scams:
- Telephone Scams – Scammers will ask you to take immediate action, like wiring money or free or low costs that are only available “today”. They may even pose threats of going to jail or blackmail if you do not provide money.
- Email Scams – May appear like you’ve won something, and you need to “collect your winnings” by clicking on embedded links within the email that ask you to verify personal or sensitive information (social security numbers, date or birth, or usernames and passwords).
- In-Person Scams – Scammers will appear on your doorstep with a “free or low cost” product for you to purchase. They may offer to help with chores, housework, handiwork, or care giver services.
![Fraud-Icon-02-copy](Health/Fraud-Icon-02-copy.jpg)
Older adults are targeted by scammers as they are most likely to have a “nest egg", own a home, and/or have good credit. Scammers prey on older adults because data shows they are less likely to report a scam as they either do not know who to report the incident to or how to deal with the embarrassment and/or shame that comes with being victimized.
How to prevent being a victim of a scam:
- Never give your social security number (SSN), credit card information, or other personal information to others.
- Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers.
- Do not open emails you are unfamiliar with. More importantly, do not reply to such emails or click on any attachments.
- Do not answer unknown numbers. People who know you are more likely to leave a voicemail. To be safe, block unknown numbers or create a contact for them labeled as “SPAM” to remind yourself not to answer.
- Never make an “on-the-spot” decision. If the person says you have to act now, remain calm and do not fall for making an irrational decision.
- If a scammer says you have won a “free” prize but only have to pay for taxes, they are in violation of federal law (Anon, 2016b).
- Ignore pop-ups or notifications on your computer that state you have a virus or malware that can be fixed by a technician. This “technician” will ask for payment and then install a useless program onto your computer (Anon, n.d.a.).
- Do not listen to threats made by strangers.
- If the person mentions a company or product, search their name on the Internet to see if people have reported similar experiences and if they have been reported as scams (Anon, 2018).
- If you have been victimized by a scam before, beware of follow-up scammers who may offer to help you recover but for a fee (Anon, 2016b).
For more information, Beware of Scams Targeting Older Adults | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov) and Report a Scam - Stop Elderly Scams.
May is American Stroke Month, and for a good reason. According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States.
A stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” happens when oxygen and blood flow is cut off to any area of the brain. This lack of oxygen results in death of brain cells, which can lead to all sorts of health issues. The degree of the damage done when a stroke occurs largely depends on the size and type of stroke. People may experience only temporary weakness following a stroke, or they may be permanently disabled or pass away.
Recognizing the stroke warning signs of a stroke and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability, survival, or death.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Ways to prevent a stroke:
- Manage blood pressure
- Control cholesterol
- Reduce blood sugar
- Be active, exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm.
Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”
Being able to maintain good mental health is essential to every individual’s overall health and well-being. In a world that is constantly changing, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different challenges and obstacles around us. While society is getting more comfortable talking about mental health, it can still be hard to know “Where to Start” when pressures of work, school, relationships, and societal factors are impacting your daily life — what do you do when you think you might be experiencing signs and symptoms of a mental health condition?
Everyday tips to help you care for your mental health:
- Practice self-care. Healthy eating, exercise, get enough sleep.
- Limit screen time. Disconnect from electronics and social media.
- Do meaningful activities. Engage in things that make you happy, like cooking, drawing, volunteering, or caring for a pet.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness. Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and make you feel calmer.
- Avoid substance use. Keep alcohol to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Don’t “self-medicate”.
- See a mental health professional. Seeing help is not a sign of weakness and it’s proven that treatment is effective. Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable.
If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think. Research shows that talking and making connections with people is one of the best ways to reduce stigma.
For more information on Mental Health Awareness month, visit: https://www.mhanational.org/
Illness and Injury Prevention in the NorthwoodsCommon Tickborne Illnesses1. Lyme Disease
Symptoms include a bulls-eye rash, fever, headache, chills, muscle pain and joint pain. The bulls-eye rash, one of the earliest symptoms, typically appears between 3 and 30 days after the tick bite. Not everyone with Lyme disease develops the rash.
- Lyme Disease | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Lyme Disease | Lyme Disease | CDC
- Lyme Disease Fact Sheet
- Lyme Disease Fact Sheet Spanish
2. Human Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis
Symptoms include a sudden onset of a high fever (102 degrees or more), chills, severe headache and muscle aches. These symptoms appear between 1 and 3 weeks after an infectious tick bite. However, not all people have symptoms.
Although people of all ages can get anaplasmosis, it is most severe in the elderly. If left untreated, it can result in organ failure and death.
- Ehrlichiosis in Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Ehrlichiosis home | Ehrlichiosis | CDC
- Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis Fact Sheet
- Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis Fact Sheet Spanish
3. Babesiosis
Symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, being tired, headache and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually appear between 1 and 6 weeks after a deer tick bite but may take longer in some individuals. Most people infected with the babesiosis parasite will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. People who are immune compromised may develop severe illness. Babesiosis can be fatal.
- Babesiosis | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- CDC - Babesiosis
- Babesiosis Fact Sheet
- Babesiosis Fact Sheet Spanish
4. Powassan (POWV) Virus
Symptoms include a sudden fever, muscle weakness, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Severe illness can include confusion, paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, and meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and meninges). These symptoms usually appear between 7 and 14 days but can go up to 34 days, after being bit by an infectious tick.
People who are infected with POWV may have a variety of symptoms, from mild illnesses to life-threatening complications; some people may not have any symptoms.
- Powassan Virus | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Powassan Virus | Powassan | CDC
- Powassan Fact Sheet
Steps to Protect Yourself from Tick Diseases:
- Know when you’re in a tick habitat—brushy, wooded areas—where you will need to take precautions.
- Use a good tick repellent, such as a product containing permethrin or DEET, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wear clothes that will help to shield you from ticks. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are best. Tuck your pants into the top of your socks or boots to create a “tick barrier.”
- Check frequently for ticks and remove them promptly. This is an important step in preventing disease.
- Remove the tick slowly and gently using a pair of tweezers. Folk remedies like Vaseline, nail polish remover, or matches are not safe or effective methods of tick removal.
If you develop signs or symptoms of a tick-related illness after spending time in areas where ticks are found, you should seek medical attention right away.
Not all ticks spread illness or carry the organisms that cause disease and not every person who is infected with these organisms will develop symptoms.
Useful Resources:
Blastomycosis
![N-Blastomycosis-020824](Health/N-Blastomycosis-020824.jpg)
Blastomycosis is caused by a fungus that can cause disease in people and animals, particularly dogs. The fungus grows in nature and is typically found in:
• Acidic, sandy soils;
• Decaying wood and other plants; and
• By waterways with changing water levels.
It produces microscopic spores under certain conditions of temperature and humidity, typically in the spring and fall of the year. These spores become airborne when the soil or debris becomes disturbed. Blastomycosis develops when you breathe in the spores. Symptoms, however, do not typically occur until 1 - 3 months later. Blastomycosis is not known to spread from person to person.
Although anyone can be infected with Blastomycosis, the chance of getting this infection is low. Your chance of getting Blastomycosis may be higher if you are in construction, farm, log, hunt, or camp in areas with moist soils containing rotting leaves and wood.
As there are currently no effective ways to prevent Blastomycosis, it is important to know the symptoms of the disease:
• Fever and dry cough which may progress to weight loss,
• chest pain and
• persistent cough with thick sputum.
Other symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches or joint pain,
• Night sweats,
• Coughing (with or without blood),
• Weight loss,
• Shortness of breath and
• Chest tightness.
Blastomycosis symptoms look like pneumonia and other lung conditions, but it can affect other parts of the body, including skin and bone. Some people may not have any symptoms. Those with underlying health conditions have a higher chance of severe symptoms. Examples of underlying conditions are the following:
• Weak immune system
• Asthma
• Other chronic lung conditions such as COPD or emphysema
• Smokers
• Diabetes
• Older adults
Please contact your health care provider if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Blastomycosis Fact Sheet
Blastomycosis Fact Sheet - Spanish
Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae is a bacteria known as cyano-bacteria. Blue-green algae blooms come about when wind, warm weather, and heavy rains wash phosphorus material, like fertilizers, into the water. Blooms typically occur between mid-June and mid-September. Blue-Green Algae is smelly and looks like spilled paint or pea soup. Some blooms form a thick layer of scum on the surface of the water near the shore.
How can I keep myself, my family, and my pets safe at the lake?
1. Always shower off after swimming in lakes, rivers, and ponds.
2. If dogs swim in scummy water, rinse them off with fresh, clean water and don’t let them lick algae off their fur.
3. Don’t swim or allow your pets to swim in places where beach closure or water quality notices are posted.
4. Try not to swallow the water. Besides blue-green algae, lake, river, and pond water can contain other bacteria and parasites that can make you sick if you swallow it.
5. Always use safe water for drinking.
Algal poisoning in people can vary from lung and skin symptoms, to stomachache, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Common symptoms in pets are difficulty breathing, being tired, vomiting, and even seizures. If you or your pet develops any of these symptoms after being in contact with blue-green algae, you are encouraged to seek medical attention.
To find out more, please visit: dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/bg-algae/index.htm.
Water Lab and Water Awareness
We use groundwater every day and life as we know it would be impossible without it. Groundwater is the world's most sought-after natural resource, and it supports our entire ecosystem. Groundwater is water found in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock underground. Approximately 70% of Wisconsin uses groundwater for drinking.
The Vilas County Public Health Department would like to remind well owners to test their water every year to prevent illness caused by bad water. Special water sampling bottles must be used for water testing and are ready for pick-up at the Vilas County Public Health Department, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Water samples should be taken the same day as they are brought in for testing and can be dropped off at the Health Department, on Tuesdays only from 8am-12pm.
Vilas County offers the following water tests:
- Bacteria: $25.00
- Nitrates: $25.00 (For rush results an additional $25.00)
- Arsenic: $25.00 (For rush results an additional $25.00)
- Lead: $35.00 (For rush results an additional $35.00)
- Cumulative Only: $15.00
- Other metals: $35.00 (For rush results an additional $35.00)
- Homeowner Kit (Bacteria, Nitrates, Arsenic, Hardness, pH, Iron, Alkalinity and Chlorine): $80.00 (For rush results an additional $50.00)
***Nitrate tests can take up to 3-4 weeks for results.
Payment for all water tests needs to be either cash or check and is expected at sample drop off. Please make all checks out to Vilas County Public Health Department or VCPHD.
For more information, questions or concerns, contact Graydon Skok at 715-479-3786 or skokg@uwosh.edu.
Power Outages
A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:
- Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
- Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
- Cause food to spoil and water contamination.
- Prevent use of medical devices.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
For tips on food safety, visit: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
![poweroutage-blog](Health/images/poweroutage-blog.jpg)