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<DIV>The following press release is now available online at: <A href="http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health/Documents/fighttheflu9-8-09.pdf">http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health/Documents/fighttheflu9-8-09.pdf</A></DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">September 8, 2009<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right" align=right><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right" align=right><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right" align=right><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">573.874.7632<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt">Health Department Launches Flu Information Website <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Citizens Encouraged to “Fight The Flu”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">In partnership with local public health agencies across Missouri, Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services announces the launch of a new campaign called “Fight the Flu”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">“This grassroots campaign developed by local public health agencies across Missouri encourages residents to work together to help protect our families and our communities against all types of flu, including H1N1” says director Stephanie Browning.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">As flu season approaches and H1N1 influenza continues to spread across the state, community members are urged to follow tips to protect themselves, their families and their community.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Protect Yourself <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
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<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">get a seasonal flu shot, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">wash your hands, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are sick, and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">choose a healthy lifestyle to build your immune system, including </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
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<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">get adequate sleep, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">reduce stress, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">stop smoking and using tobacco products, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">stay physically active, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">choose nutritious foods, and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">drink plenty of water. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Protect Your Family <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
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<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">get your family vaccinated against seasonal flu, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">establish healthy practices of hand washing and not sharing personal items, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">stockpile enough food, water and medication to last at least seven days in case you need to voluntarily isolate or quarantine yourself and your family, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">make arrangements for child care if schools close, and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">talk to your employer about flexible work options. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Protect Your Community <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
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<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">stay home if you are sick, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">keep kids home when they are sick (for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away without the use of medication), <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">cover your sneeze and cough with a disposable tissue or the crook of your arm, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">don’t share personal items like drinks, silverware or toothbrushes. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Printable materials, fact sheets, links to local public health agencies and other information can be found on the campaign website at <A href="http://www.figththeflumo.com/">www.figththefluMO.com</A>. In addition, residents can receive updates using the following tools:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Twitter account at www.twitter.com/fightthefluMO <o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/FighttheFluMo-Campaign/125270083116.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></LI></UL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Instructional videos on how to properly wash your hands, how to cover your cough and other pieces will be posted on the campaign’s YouTube account at www.youtube.com/fightthefluMO, and questions can be submitted and surveys filled out on the campaign’s blog at http://fightthefluMO.blogspot.com.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">“We need each member of our community to join in this effort to fight the flu this fall,” adds Browning.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“We know seasonal flu is coming. We expect to see H1N1 circulating as well, and we must work together to slow the spread of flu in our community.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">The website will be continually updated throughout flu season. Residents are encouraged to check back often for the most up-to-date information. For more information, please contact the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services at 573.874.7632.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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