Free At-Home COVID-19 tests

USPS is now mailing 8 free at home COVID-19 tests again to all U.S residential households. Follow this link to place your order - https://special.usps.com/testkits

Higher than normal tick counts this summer! How to remove ticks safely!

If you find a tick attached to your skin, simply remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers works very well.

How to remove a tick

1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the

mouth-parts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

1. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

2. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by

• Putting it in alcohol,

• Placing it in a sealed bag/container,

• Wrapping it tightly in tape, or

• Flushing it down the toilet.

Follow-up

If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor:

Tell the doctor about your recent tick bite,

• When the bite occurred, and

• Where you most likely acquired the tick.

Cited from The CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/index.html

Voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare®

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare® manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas. Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility. Additionally, as part of Abbott's quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. This investigation is ongoing. Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test. Abbott conducts extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished products are tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released. Additionally, retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport. While Abbott's testing of finished product detected no pathogens, we are taking action by recalling the powder formula manufactured in this facility with an expiration of April 1, 2022, or later. No Abbott liquid formulas, powder formulas, or nutrition products from other facilities are impacted by the recall. Cronobacter sakazakii is commonly found in the environment and a variety of areas in the home. It can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms. It's important to follow the instructions for proper preparation, handling and storage of powder formulas. To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, click on the button below to check your lot number. CHECK LOT NUMBER

ABBOTT POWDER FORMULA RECALL : FAQ