Barber County Health Department

06/04/2026

REMINDER:

If your child has a Physical appt on Monday, June 8, you only have TODAY (6/4/26 NOW until 5pm) and TOMORROW (6/5/26 8a-11:30a) to pick up their form. It must be completed in its entirety and SIGNED by a parent/guardian prior to their appointment time. Children with incomplete forms may not be seen due to limited time!

211 E Kansas Ave
Medicine Lodge, KS 67104

06/04/2026

Heat
Higher heat makes the body work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Know the facts & prepare: https://www.ready.gov/heat

Before Extreme Heat During Extreme Heat Heat-Related Illnesses Summer Break Additional Resources

06/03/2026

Sun Protection
Sunscreen or sunburnt? It's no dilemma, pick protection.

More sun safe tips: https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html

Ways to protect your skin from the sun.

06/02/2026

Stress/Blood Pressure
Long-term stress may contribute to heart problems such as high blood pressure. Taking time to feel gratitude may improve your emotional well-being by helping you cope with stress.

Handling stress: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/

05/29/2026

Harmful Algal Blooms
Keep an eye out for harmful algal blooms (HABs) at the lake.

HABs can develop rapidly. They release toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Knowing how to identify HABs can keep your family, pets and livestock safe.

HABs can look like foam, scum, mats, or paint floating on the water surface. They can smell bad and the water can look blue, green, brown, orange, red or paint-like.

KNOW IT. AVOID IT. REPORT IT.

Check to see if your lake is on the list of advisories for HABs at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB Lake advisories are posted every Friday from April-October.

If you notice a HAB, please report it to KDHE at 855-422-5253, or at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB

05/29/2026

Arthritis
Get those joints jumping like they used to by lowering your risk for or managing your arthritis.

Learn how: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/841/Arthritis

05/27/2026

Fruits and Vegetables
Add color to your meals, add fruits and vegetables.

Eating fruits and vegetables: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/fruit-vegetables-and-heart-health

Learn how fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Get tips to boost your daily intake for better heart health.

05/26/2026

Skin Cancer Prevention
Protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays every day:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat
- Sun-protective clothing (UPF if possible)
- Seek shade (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Check the UV Index

Quick tip: If your shadow is shorter than you, UV rays are strongest.

Small steps now = healthier skin later. Learn more at kdhe.ks.gov/816/Cancer-Prevention-Control

05/26/2026

Physical Forms are in! Please stop by during our business hours to pick up yours!

These must be completed prior to your appointment date and time.

Our office is open:
Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm (open over lunch)
Friday 8am to 11:30am

Call us at 620-886-3294 for any questions

05/22/2026

Reminder! We will be CLOSED on Monday, May 25, 2026

Our office will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen at 8am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!