MAHASKA COUNTY – Now that winter has officially arrived and cold weather is upon us, it’s important to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Physician Amy Montgomery, DO, suggests ways to keep the whole family safe when temperatures plummet and weather conditions decline.

“When it comes to winter weather, the most important thing to remember is to stay warm and dry,” Dr. Montgomery explained. “If you’re exposed to the elements, risky health conditions can set in much quicker, such as frostbite. To minimize your risk of a medical emergency, wear proper clothing and do not venture out in extreme temperatures unless absolutely necessary.”

When heading outdoors, Dr. Montgomery recommends choosing appropriate clothing for each situation. “If you’re going out in slick conditions, wear waterproof boots with good traction to avoid falls; which can result in sprains, strains or breaks. Wear a tightly woven, wind-resistant coat with inner layers of warm clothing. Try to keep as much of your body covered by grabbing a hat, mittens and scarf.”

When at home, make sure to keep your family and neighbors safe with cleared walkways. “If it snows, make sure to get sidewalks properly cleared for those travelling on foot,” Dr. Montgomery encouraged. “If there’s ice, use salt, sand or kitty litter to help it melt and increase traction. If you are working outside, make sure to take it easy; work slowly and carry a cell phone in case you fall and are unable to get back inside where it’s warm.”

For those who need to travel, Dr. Montgomery suggests proper vehicle preparation. “Make sure your car is equipped to handle the winter weather. Don’t drive on bald tires, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you and make sure someone knows your expected time of arrival.

“If you end up in the ditch, make sure your tailpipe is clear of blockages and try to tie something bright high up on the car for easier visibility to others,” Dr. Montgomery continued. “Run the engine and heater for only ten minutes every hour to conserve energy and continue moving your arms and legs while in your car.”

Should you fall or have prolonged exposure to the elements, make sure to seek medical care. “Hypothermia can be especially risky if not handled quickly,” Dr. Montgomery explained. “If someone has confusion, slurred speech, exhaustion, numb hands or feet, shallow breathing or violent shivering; get out of the cold immediately and change out of any wet clothes into something dry. Frostbite can show similar symptoms, along with part of the skin turning white and hard or black with loss of feeling. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms arise to better your chances of minimizing long-term effects.”

When it comes to winter weather, safety should be your number one priority. “Don’t go out in extreme conditions unless you absolutely have to,” Dr. Montgomery urged. “Travel prepared, keep your pets, family and neighbors safe, and dress appropriately for all conditions.”

Dr. Amy Montgomery has been practicing medicine since 2004. As an emergency physician at MHP, she is ready and waiting to care for patients as they present to the emergency department. She prides herself on being a good listener and remaining calm during stressful situations to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors will have their first meeting of the new year next Tuesday, January 10^th, at 7 PM. The meeting will take place in the George Daily Auditorium Board Room.

Items on the agenda include a presentation on the High School Video Production Course, consideration of approval of a purchase of a district vehicle and consideration of approval of the Home School Assistance Program. There will also be a review on progress of the board’s goals.

Again, the meeting of the Oskaloosa School Board will be Tuesday, January 10^th at 7 PM in the George Daily Auditorium Board Room.

Absentee ballots for the February 7, 2017 Special School Bond Election are now available at the Davis County Auditor’s Office.  Voters may vote early at the Auditor’s Office in the Davis County Courthouse during the regular office hours of 8 am to 4 pm through Monday, February 6, 2017.

Absentee ballots to be mailed must be requested in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, February 3.  Absentee request forms are available from the Davis County Auditor’s Office or on the Auditor’s webpage of the Davis County website at www.daviscountyiowa.org.  Forms should be dropped off or mailed to the Davis County Auditor’s Office, 100 Courthouse Square, Suite 2, Bloomfield, IA  52537.

The Davis County Auditor’s Office will pay the postage for all ballots returned by mail.  Ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight, Monday, February 6 (the day prior to the election), or may be delivered to the Davis County Auditor’s Office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

For further information, contact the Davis County Auditor’s Office at 641-664-2101 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.