Southern Seven Health Department

05/31/2026

Quitting to***co isn’t easy—but it is one of the best things you can do for your health.

To***co use is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and many cancers. The good news? It’s NEVER too late to quit, and your body starts healing sooner than you think.

Why quit?
Lower your risk of stroke and heart disease
Improve your lung health and breathing
Boost your energy and overall wellness
Protect those around you from secondhand smoke

Thinking about quitting? Start small:
• Set a quit date
• Identify your triggers
• Find support (friends, coworkers, or a program)
• Talk to your healthcare provider about options

Let’s work toward healthier, to***co-free lives together. 💙 ***coDay

05/30/2026

World Multiple Sclerosis Day reminds us that awareness, compassion, and support can make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between the body and the brain. While symptoms vary from person to person, many individuals living with MS face invisible challenges every day.

Today, Southern Seven Health Department encourages everyone to:
• Listen without judgment
• Learn more about MS
• Support friends, family, and coworkers living with chronic illness
• Help create communities built on understanding and inclusion

Awareness starts with conversation, and every conversation helps reduce stigma.

05/29/2026

Have you seen me? There is a good chance you haven't. Public health work is often times silent, working behind the scenes of your community.

This is a gravid trap. Every year, environmental health staff place these traps throughout our seven counties to collect mosquitos. Once mosquitos are collected, they are brought back to Southern 7 and tested for West Nile Virus. When West Nile Virus is detected, the community is notified through public channels.

Keep an eye on our social media pages throughout the year on how to protect yourself from mosquitos and ticks!

05/29/2026

Ticks love outdoor adventures almost as much as you do. Don’t give them a free ride!

05/29/2026

World Digestive Health Day is a reminder that digestive health is an important part of overall wellness, and that includes colon health.

Regular colorectal cancer screenings can help find problems early, sometimes before symptoms even begin. Many at-home screening kits check for hidden blood or other warning signs that may need further evaluation.

FIT is an at-home test for patients age 45 to 75 that detects blood in the stool with 97% accuracy. Although FIT does not determine if the patient has Colorectal Cancer, blood can be an indicator of colon polyps. While regular colonoscopies are the best screening choice for Colorectal Cancer, FIT is a good option for patients who are hesitant to begin the coloscopy process or are needing an in-between colonoscopies screening because it does not require a prescription or prep.

For more information: Call (618) 634-2297.

05/28/2026

📣 Help us spread the word! 📣

From public health services and family planning to Head Start, wellness programs, environmental health, lab draw services, and more — Southern Seven is here to support our communities every day!

With seven counties to serve, we want to make sure everyone has access to important information, resources, programs, and opportunities close to home.

Please take a moment to:
➡ Like our page
➡ Share this post
➡ Invite your friends and family to follow us

Together, we can help more people learn about the services available throughout Southern Seven’s communities!

05/28/2026

Salmonella Outbreak

Salmonella Alert:
Moringa leaf capsules: 18 people sick in 14 states, 7 hospitalized.
Moringa leaf powder & capsules: 119 people sick in 36 states, 32 hospitalized.
Do not eat recalled moringa leaf capsules or powder products.
See the notice for recall details: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/moringa-05-26/index.html

05/27/2026

Why travel for lab work when healthcare is available close to home? Southern Seven Health Department offers convenient LabCorp blood draw services locally for patients with provider orders.

Call 618-634-2297 to learn more or schedule your appointment

05/26/2026

Did you know “family planning” is about so much more than just planning for a baby?

Family Planning services help individuals take control of their health, future, and personal goals — no matter what stage of life they’re in. That can include:
• Free condoms
• Birth control options
• STI testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Emergency contraception
• Health exams
• Education, answers, and support

A lot of people hear “family planning” and assume it only means pregnancy or starting a family, but it’s really about giving people access to safe, confidential healthcare and helping them make informed decisions for themselves.

Southern Seven’s Family Planning Program is here to provide judgment-free, supportive, and 100% confidential services to our communities.

Questions? Call (618) 634-2297

05/25/2026

Did you know women are at a higher risk for stroke than men?

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability among women, and some risk factors are unique to women—like pregnancy, certain birth control methods, and hormonal changes.