Knox County Health Department

08/03/2026

Scan the QR to see when and where you might find the Hannibal Regional mammography van in Knox County, and schedule a mammogram.

08/03/2026

This was shared by SCH today, and I wanted to pass along. I had the good fortune to spend some quality time with the SCH wound clinic team last Spring and couldn't have been more impressed. Not only stellar skill, but the kindness and compassion I expect and appreciate from our rural health people! Congratulations to this growing clinic at Scotland County Hospital. --LMC

08/03/2026

Copying you by doing chores, such as sweeping with a broom, and by playing with toys in simple ways, such as pushing a toy car, are just a couple of developmental milestones you can expect from your 18-month-old.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/18-months.html to learn more.

07/30/2026

Ellis Fischelle Mobile Mammography will be back in town September 24, 2026 here at the Knox County Health Department. Call us at 660.397.3396 to book an appt. There are 10 openings available.

Be Well Knox County
Lori Moots-Clair

07/30/2026

WEEKLY WORD

Make a Splash—But Make It Safe!
There’s nothing quite like a hot summer day spent around the water. Whether you’re swimming at the pool, fishing at the lake, relaxing at a campground, or enjoying a backyard pool, water is a great way to cool off. But even a fun day in the water can turn dangerous quickly. A little preparation and a few simple safety habits can help keep everyone swimming, splashing, and smiling.

Keep an Eye on the Water
The most important water-safety rule is simple: watch children closely. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, sometimes without the splashing and yelling we might expect. When children are in or near water, an adult should stay close, remain alert, and avoid distractions such as phones or lengthy conversations. For young children and inexperienced swimmers, “touch supervision” is best—stay close enough to reach them quickly. Don’t assume someone else is watching. If several adults are present, take turns being the designated water watcher so everyone knows who is responsible.

Life Jackets Save Lives
Life jackets aren’t just for boat rides. Anyone who is not a strong swimmer should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around lakes, rivers, and other natural waterways. Children should wear them whenever appropriate, especially when boating or playing near open water.

Know Before You Go
Natural water can be unpredictable. Lakes and rivers may have sudden drop-offs, strong currents, slippery surfaces, hidden objects, or changing weather conditions. Before swimming, check local conditions and posted warnings. Never swim alone and avoid swimming during storms or when lightning is nearby.

Learn the Skills That Could Save a Life
Swimming lessons are an excellent investment for children and adults alike. Everyone should also know basic water-rescue and emergency skills. If someone is in trouble, don’t jump in after them unless you are trained to do so. Instead, “reach or throw, don’t go”—use a pole, rope, life ring, or other object to help from a safe location.

A safe day around the water doesn’t require complicated rules.
Stay alert, wear a life jacket when needed, know the conditions, and respect the water.
Those simple habits can make sure your best summer memories are the ones you bring home—not the ones you wish you could forget.

Michelle Chrisman, Health Educator

07/28/2026

Summer is beginning to wind down, but it is not too late to make memories with your children. Maybe you could do some of these activities shared by ParentLink.

Whether you're exploring a local park, having a backyard picnic, visiting the library, or creating sidewalk chalk art, there are plenty of fun and affordable ways to stay connected this summer.

Check out our Summer Activities below, and visit these websites for more events near you:

Columbia, MO: https://www.dbrl.org/events
Kansas City, MO: https://kcparks.org/events/
Springfield, MO https://thelibrary.org/programs/events
Saint Louis, MO https://stlouiscalendar.com/events/free

Call or text our WarmLine at 1-800-552-8522 for parenting advice or listening support, connections to local resources, and more fun activity ideas.

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

More information coming soon on our annual Family Fun in The Park Day at Edina Miller Park, August 11, 2026 from 2-3pm. Join Miss Phyllis, Michelle and Rhonda in some water balloon fun, and other games!

07/24/2026

Michelle Chrisman, Health Educator hosted a class on making home pantry staples (ex. Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Coffee Extract). She was assisted by local Debbie Perrigo. In a world of increasing costs, desire to reduce additives [including dye], and a focus on how to get back to the basics/natural living; Michelle is stepping it up on the health education front. Look for an announcement on a "Canning How to" course coming soon. Thank you, Michelle, and all the participants.

07/24/2026

Join me anytime today or next week in taking a Prevnar 20! For those of us over 50 years old this is taken to prevent invasive pneumoniae. I plan to take this now and then my annual flu shot in October. How can it even be possible that I am over 50?! Call 6603973396~ Be Well Knox County. Lori Moots-Clair, Director KCHD.