Pottawatomie County, KS Health Department

08/31/2026

☀️Summer isn’t over yet! Continue to practice as high temps are forecasted through this week.

08/28/2026

Our Health Department team teamed up with KDHE to kick off work on our strategic plan!

Through group discussions, idea sharing, and identifying opportunities for growth, we are looking at ways we can continue to improve our services and the resources we provide.

We're excited about the work ahead and look forward to turning these ideas into action!

08/21/2026

If you're heading out this weekend, be sure to check the list!

🟢Harmful algal blooms (HABs) release toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.
🚤🐕HABs can be deadly to your dog.
🟡⭕Avoid water with foam, scum, paint-like streaks, unusual colors, a foul odor, or if decaying algae, dead fish or wildlife are seen on the shoreline.
🟡⭕Avoid water bodies with active HAB advisories
Dogs can be exposed by:
- Swimming in or drinking contaminated water.
- Licking algae or contaminated water from their fur.
- Eating algal mats or contaminated fish.
- Inhaling contaminated droplets.
🐶🚿Rinse your dog with clean water after swimming.
If you think your dog may have been exposed:
- Remove your dog from the water immediately.
- Prevent your dog from licking its fur and paws.
- Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean water while wearing gloves.
🔴 Seek IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE and tell your vet that HAB toxin exposure is suspected and which body of water was visited.
The signs of HAB poisoning in a dog include:
- Loss of appetite and energy
- Vomiting, excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Stumbling, tremors, convulsions
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash, hives, skin irritation
🚨KNOW IT. AVOID IT. REPORT IT. 🚨
🔗 Check to see if your lake, stream or pond is on the list of advisories for harmful algal blooms at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB
Lake advisories are posted on Fridays, from April-October.
📢 If you notice a harmful algal bloom, report it to KDHE at 855-422-5253, or at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB
🔗 Learn more about HABs: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c070c80592934730834c194280300ecb

08/21/2026

When temperatures rise, your body loses more water through sweat. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to help prevent heat-related illness.

💦 Keep these hydration tips in mind:
• Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Choose water more often than sugary drinks or alcohol.
• If you’re spending time outdoors, take regular breaks in the shade or a cool place.
• Check on children, older adults, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

⚠️ Know the warning signs: dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, or heavy sweating can be signs of overheating.

08/19/2026

Back- to-school season has started for almost everyone! Help your child start the school year healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

✅ Make sure immunizations are up to date
🚌 Review bus, walking, and bike safety
🥪 Pack healthy, balanced lunches and snacks
💧 Encourage plenty of water throughout the day
😴 Re-establish healthy sleep routines

A few minutes of preparation now can help make for a healthier and safer school year! For more information on back-to-school tips, check out this information shared from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

​There are many things you and your child can do to prepare for school that will make it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

08/18/2026

Check out the new Human Resources Specialist job opening at Pottawatomie County!
We have just a few job openings right now, so hurry and check them out!
Go to https://www.pottcounty.org/521/Jobs-County-Employment, click on the careers page to read about the open positions and apply today!

08/14/2026

Taylor Farms has recalled several prepared foods containing jalapeño peppers due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Recalled products may include:
🌶 Pico de gallo
🥑 Guacamole
🌮Taco dip
🥪Sandwiches, wraps and other prepared foods

The recalled products were sold at several major retailers, including Kroger, Target, WalMart, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, and affected products have been distributed in Kansas.

✔️Check your fridge and freezer for recalled products. If you have a recalled product, throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

08/10/2026

📚📱 Back to School. New Phone Rules.

As students head back to school, new phone policies may take some getting used to. Take a few minutes to talk with your child about what to expect, how they feel about the changes, and what the new expectations will look like.

💬 Start the conversation before school begins!

Looking for helpful tips? Operation Parent is hosting a FREE live webinar on August 25th to help parents navigate phone-free school policies and support their kids.
Register here:

Join Operation Parent’s free, monthly webinars featuring child psychologists and prevention experts. Topics include teen anxiety, va**ng, social media, trauma-informed parenting, and more—designed to empower K‑12 caregivers and spark meaningful conversations.

08/05/2026

Back-to-school season brings new routines, new
classrooms, and new opportunities to grow.

It’s also a good time to to your child’s
healthcare provider to check that their
immunizations are up to date.
If you need to access your child's immunization record, visit myvaccinerecord.ks.gov or give us a call at 785-457-3719 and we can assist you.

08/04/2026

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Many women do not breastfeed as long as they would like.
This is how to support breastfeeding mothers anytime, everywhere