Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) Offers Communication Options for All

• Join MTAP in celebrating 30-Years of service to the citizens of Montana on February 19th at 1 PM in the Capitol Rotunda.
• Learn more about the communication services MTAP has to offer for those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, speech or mobility challenged.
• Find out if you or someone you know is eligible, and apply online.

National Children’s’ Dental Health Month

• Dental sealants are thin coatings that prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
• In the 2017-2018 school year, 62% of third grade children in Montana had experienced tooth decay, and almost 15% had decay that hadn’t been treated.  Only 48% of Montana’s third grade children had at least one dental sealant.
• Parents can ask their child’s dentist to apply sealants.  If a child does not have a regular dentist, the Insure Kids Now Dentist Locator can help locate one.

Fireplace Safety Tips

• Half of all heat source-related home fires occur in December, January, and February; follow these important safety precautions when using a fireplace or other heat source in the home, such as testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected and cleaned at least once per year. Even if the fireplace is used infrequently, inspections help to identify other problems, such as animal nests, that might cause issues.
• Help keep children and pets safe and avoid a home fire with additional precautions such as safety screens, keeping a fire extinguisher close by, and never leaving a fire in the fireplace unattended.

Winter Weather Tips for Pets

• Cold weather can pose serious health risks to pets including hypothermia and frost bite.
• Know when cold is too cold for your pet to be outside.
• Keep your pet safe during cold weather by knowing your pet’s limits, checking their paws frequently when outside, and consider using a sweater and/or booties.

Public Health Connects us All: Social Determinants of Health

• Conditions where we are born and live affect our health and quality of life.  These conditions are called social determinants of health (SDOH).
• SDOH can be social, economic, or physical and help explain in part why some people are healthier than others.  
• Public health connects us all; state, tribal and local public health are applying what we know about SDOH to improve the health of people and their communities.

Carbon Monoxide: The "Invisible Killer"

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that sends approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. each year to the emergency department.
• Winter is prime time for CO poisoning as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages; make sure to take extra precautions in winter months.
• Protect yourself and your family by installing and maintaining CO alarms in your home and by knowing the symptoms of CO poisoning.

Winter travel

• In 2017 about 9% of fatal crashes in Montana occurred during rainy or snowy conditions; being prepared for winter driving can help keep you safe.
• Keep your car maintained, follow safe driving practices (such as turning off your cruise control), and keep a winter weather kit in the car.
• Before heading out, prepare for your drive by checking Montana road conditions, and remember, don't crowd the plow!