Harrison County Health Dept., Home Health & Hospice

01/29/2026

When Someone You Love Is on Hospice 💛

If you have a parent, grandparent, spouse or another loved one on hospice and you’re not sure what to do, know this: you don’t need special words or perfect actions. Just being there matters.

Here are gentle ways to share meaningful time:
• Look through old photos, videos, or family keepsakes together
• Read a favorite book, poem, or scripture aloud
• Play music they’ve always loved
• Reminisce and share memories if they’re able
• Sit quietly and keep them company
• Hold a hand or offer gentle touch (with consent)
• Speak words of love, gratitude, and reassurance
• Keep the room calm and peaceful

You don’t have to fill every moment. Your presence, your voice, and your love are enough. 💛

01/28/2026

Stress vs. Anxiety 😰 vs 😟

Stress is usually a response to something external (like a big test or an argument) and often goes away once the situation is resolved.
Anxiety is more internal — a persistent feeling of worry or dread that may not go away even when there’s no immediate threat.

Both can affect your mind and body, causing symptoms like:
😣 excessive worry
😫 tension
🤕 headaches or body pain
😴 trouble sleeping
💓 high blood pressure

Ways to cope:
📝 Keep a journal
🧘‍♀️ Try relaxation exercises or apps
🏃‍♀️ Exercise & eat healthy
😴 Get regular sleep
☕️ Avoid too much caffeine
🧠 Challenge negative thoughts
🤝 Reach out to friends and family

If stress or anxiety is interfering with your daily life, please make an appointment with a professional. If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .

01/28/2026

💓 High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no warning signs—but the damage can be serious.

Hypertension happens when the force of blood pushing against artery walls stays too high over time. A healthy blood pressure is usually below 120/80, while consistent readings of 130/80 or higher signal hypertension.

⚠️ The scary part?
Most people don’t feel any symptoms as it develops. Meanwhile, silent damage can be happening to the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

🩺 That’s why early screening and regular monitoring matter.
Knowing your numbers can help catch high blood pressure early—before lasting harm is done.

👉 Check your blood pressure at our 3 Blood Pressure kiosks in Bethany. They are located at the Bethany Community Gym, Bethany Senior Center, and the Harrison County Health Department.

📣 Don’t keep this info to yourself—share this post and encourage someone you love to check their blood pressure.

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

Do low temps have you in low spirits? You're not alone! Cold weather can make your daily tasks a little tougher than usual. Remember to check in on your older relatives and community members to make sure they are adjusting well during this time, too. Everybody appreciates a little compassion to warm their hearts. 💕

Resources:
🔥 Warming Centers: Health.Mo.Gov/warmingcenters
☎️ Adult Abuse Hotline (report seniors or adults with disabilities who need help): 1-800-392-0210 or https://health.mo.gov/safety/abuse/

01/27/2026

Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). This coverage helps pay for care focused on comfort, pain management, and quality of life for individuals with a life-limiting illness. Services are provided through a Medicare-approved hospice provider, such as Harrison County Hospice, and are often available at little to no cost to the patient. Eligibility requires a doctor’s certification and the choice to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment.

01/26/2026

Home Safety Tip for Home Health Patients

Reduce fall risk by maintaining clear walkways, ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home, and wearing non-slip footwear. These measures help support safety, mobility, and independence.

We want you to stay safe AND WARM this week!!

01/26/2026

WIC certification appointment tomorrow? 👶🍼

A quick reminder to bring:
• Photo ID/proof of identity
• Proof of income & address
• Your child(ren)
• Immunization Record

We’ll see you soon! Call us with any questions!!

01/26/2026

💙 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Did you know most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented? Staying up to date on routine Pap tests and HPV screenings plays a huge role in early detection and prevention. Now is a great time to ask your healthcare provider if you’re due.

Have a teen at home? The HPV vaccine is most effective when given at this age—before possible exposure and when the immune response is strongest. Talk with your child’s doctor or schedule an appointment with Harrison County Health Department. (660) 425-6324.

01/26/2026

Cheese provides all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair, tissue maintenance, and metabolic health. Complete proteins are especially important for supporting lean muscle mass, satiety, and recovery—particularly in growing kids, active adults, and older populations.

Incorporating cheese into balanced meals can help increase protein intake without adding highly processed protein sources.
👉 Try this homemade mac and cheese recipe to boost protein while pairing it with complex carbs and calcium for a more well-rounded meal.

https://tinyurl.com/23n2zs3e

01/26/2026

Is grief weighing heavily on your heart? Come connect with others at our weekly Grief Sharing Lunch Group starting at 11 a.m. at the Bethany Senior Center.

01/25/2026

Bitterly cold conditions will continue through Monday. Wind chill values won’t be as cold tonight-Sunday AM, but for Sunday night-Monday AM, wind chill values will again plummet to as cold as -20°F.