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🎉 Holiday Greetings!
The holiday season is in full swing and we wanted to take a moment to express our warmest wishes to you. Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, we wish you all the best. Our team is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community throughout the year, and we look forward to 2024!
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🤝 UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing Partnership
Every spring and fall semester, Winnebago County Public Health welcomes a group of UW-Oshkosh (UWO) Nursing students for their community health rotation. The partnership enables students to work closely with our experienced team, obtaining practical, hands-on experience while contributing valuable support and services to the local community. This may include helping with home visits, sorting unused medications at community drop-off sites, immunization clinics, Parent Resource Hours, and childhood screenings.
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In addition to the above, the students take on special projects. Over the years, these have included:
- Creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces on the UWO campus.
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Providing education on sexual health and the Family Planning Only Services Program to students at UWO.
- Providing substance use education to students at UWO, including information about fentanyl, Narcan and other harm reduction services provided by Public Health.
- Developing specific programs that address community needs, such as providing vaccine education for childcare providers and offering complimentary vision screenings to children who might otherwise lack access to these services.
- Assisting public health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic by aiding in disease investigations and providing health and wellness services to support the well-being of staff.
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This partnership not only enriches the student's learning experiences but also enables Winnebago County Public Health to improve our programs for the community by:
- Expanding our services.
- Raising awareness about our services and partner organizations to individuals who may not be familiar with public health.
- Continuously improving our processes based on feedback from students and staff.
- Building public, private, and nonprofit relationships within the community to further the work of public health
Winnebago County Public Health is committed to offering professional development opportunities to individuals interested in public health. If you are interested and your degree includes a supervised experiential requirement, please fill out this form.
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To learn more about creating a partnership with Winnebago County Public Health, contact Alana Erickson, Public Health Supervisor, at 920-232-3005 or email [email protected]. | |
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🧼 Spread Cheer, Not Germs
Nothing brings down the holiday spirit like a case of stomach flu or a cold. Germs can spread quickly at holiday gatherings, as well as in airports, on airplanes, in taxis and in rideshare cars. Washing your hands is a simple, easy activity that can make a big difference in your health, and it's one of the best things you can do to help prevent the spread of diseases like the common cold, flu and COVID-19. Did you know:
- Touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can invite germs into the body without you even realizing it.
- Germs from unwashed hands can multiply in certain foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.
- Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to another person through objects like handrails, tabletops, or toys.
- Removing germs through handwashing helps prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections.
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The best way to wash your hands, in five easy steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
- Rinse under clean, running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
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🐧 Walk Like a Penguin
When the snow starts to fall, so do people. In fact, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in adults 45 and older. Protect yourself from a potentially life-changing injury this winter with these safety tips:
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Choose the right shoe. Shoes and boots need to fit properly and have soles with good traction. Snow boots or hiking boots will provide the best protection for the worst type of weather.
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Leave early. Falls are more likely to happen when you’re in a rush. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going.
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Walk like a penguin. Take short steps and walk as flat-footed as possible on icy or slippery ground.
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Keep your hands free. You’ll need them to help you balance, so avoid carrying heavy loads and keep those hands out of your pockets.
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Remove snow and ice from walkways frequently. Don’t wait for it to melt. Use salt sparingly on your sidewalks and driveway. Scatter it so there is space between grains. No more than a 12-ounce coffee mug full of salt is enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
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Keep the lights on. If you have exterior lights on your home, use them to help see where you’re walking at night.
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Advocate for your safety. If the entrances or sidewalks do not look safe outside of a business or venue, speak up and let someone know.
When these helpful hints don’t work, and you know you are going to slip, try to reduce your potential injury when falling.
- Roll with the fall. If you feel yourself falling, experts say you should bend your elbows and knees and try to take the hit on the fleshiest parts of your body, like the side of your thigh, buttocks and shoulder. The number one thing to remember is to protect your head. So if you find yourself falling, pivot to your side and tuck in your head.
- Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.
- Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.
- Most injuries from falls on ice are caused by the wrenching and twisting of the back as you try to catch yourself. These injuries typically heal with rest, but don't hesitate to seek treatment from your primary healthcare provider if you hurt yourself on the ice. Ironically, applying ice to the area in the first few days after the fall can help decrease any inflammation or pain you have.
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🚫 Prevent Underage Drinking During the Holidays | |
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You can’t always prevent your child from being offered alcohol, but you can help them be prepared if it occurs. During the holiday season, kids may have more exposure to alcohol. If you’re at a holiday party where all ages and alcohol are included, remember that kids are always watching and often try to emulate the behavior of the people they respect and admire. This is a good opportunity to lead by example and use your influence to help prevent underage drinking. Have age-appropriate conversations. Every child is different, but understanding where most kids around your child’s age are in their development can help start conversations about underage drinking. Not sure where to begin? Get tips on having age-appropriate conversations about alcohol. Giving kids the tools to handle peer pressure is one of the most important things you can do to help them make healthy choices.
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❤️ Mental Health During the Holidays
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel, and do other activities that can take a toll on one’s mental health. A study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that almost two-thirds of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse. If you feel anxious about the holiday season, that’s okay. Adjust at your own pace and take care of your mental well-being along the way. Here are a few tips:
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Focus on what you can control. Each year brings change and it’s okay if you feel anxious as a result. Control what you can. If you are nervous about travel requirements, research them in advance so you feel more prepared. If you’re feeling stressed by the media, take a digital break for a few days.
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Keep healthy habits. Taking care of your physical health can help stabilize your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve long-term mental well-being. Keep healthy habits in place, no matter your holiday plans. This may include going on a daily walk, getting a good night’s rest, or staying hydrated.
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Make time for yourself. Spending time with family or friends, especially if you have not seen them recently, can be overwhelming. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or going for a quick walk.
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Create new traditions. Don't be afraid to create new traditions that work for you and prioritize your mental well-being.
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Ask for help if you need it. If you are feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious, or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or a primary care physician for guidance and support.
Whether you feel excited, nervous, anxious, or stressed (or all of these!) about the coming holiday season, you are not alone. Even small actions can help you prioritize your mental well-being.
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🧸 Toy Safety
As the holiday season approaches, we want to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of toy safety for kids. With so many toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose safe and age-appropriate options. However, ensuring that toys are safe for children to play with is crucial for their well-being. To help ensure a safe holiday season, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Read labels and warnings: Look for age recommendations and any potential hazards listed on the packaging.
2. Consider the child's age and skill level: Choose toys that are appropriate for the child's age and abilities to avoid potential injuries.
3. Inspect toys for safety: Check for loose parts, sharp edges, and other potential hazards.
4. Avoid toys with small parts: Toys with small parts can pose a choking hazard for young children.
5. Choose reputable brands and retailers: Stick with trusted brands and retailers that have a good reputation for safety.
Additional Information:
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😷 Respiratory Illness Season
Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, COVID, and RSV by keeping up-to-date on your vaccinations. Vaccines provide safe and effective protection against severe illnesses and help us prevent the spread of diseases.
Most vaccines are FREE!
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Call your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination locations near you.
- Need additional help finding vaccines or don't have insurance? Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
- Still have questions about finding a vaccination location? Call us at 920-232-3000.
You can get COVID-19 at-home test kits mailed directly to you. Get 4 free tests at covid.gov/tests now! Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-0233. And if you have older at-home test kits, check the expiration dates as most have been extended. Find more information here: wchd.pub/testkitexpiration. Additional information about testing can be found on the DHS website.
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👋🏼 Say Hi to Our WIC Nutritionist!
Meet our newest WIC Nutritionist, Jennifer! She became a registered dietitian after receiving her degree from UW-Stevens Point. Jennifer has been with Winnebago County Public Health since August and has been doing wonderful things for our WIC families. In her free time, Jennifer likes to get outside, cook and bake, and spend time with her dogs. We are excited to have Jennifer on our team!
Learn more about our WIC program here ➡ wchd.pub/WIC
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by any time during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Please call ahead at 920-232-3000 or go online if you're interested in a car seat check, immunizations, or lead screening.
Tuesday, December 12 & January 9
1 - 4 pm
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, December 28
11 am - 2 pm
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
Click on the flyer to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages.
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🛷 Reindeer Round-Up
Sleigh-what?! Four young reindeer are loose at Winnebago County Community Park. Lace up your boots and grab your mittens because you're needed to find one reindeer every week this month. Make sure to follow Winnebago County Parks to receive information about each reindeer to help you find them.
When you find a lost reindeer, take a selfie with it, and send your photo to the Winnebago County Parks Department at [email protected]. A lucky winner or two from the photos received will be picked and rewarded with a special gift for helping find the missing reindeer.
For more information on BAGO visit winnebagocountywi.gov/parks/bago.
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✔️ Election Season is Here!
Elections for local school boards; city, village, and township boards; and the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors will be here before we know it! It is important to make sure you are registered to vote. By casting your vote, you are actively participating in the decision-making process and ensuring that your interests are represented. It is important to remember that every vote counts and can significantly impact the outcome of an election.
Have a passion for serving your community and making a difference? Running for public office is a way to make a difference on issues important to your community and no prior election experience is necessary. If you're interested, file paperwork with your local office as soon as possible to begin the process. You can get additional information by visiting elections.wi.gov or calling the Winnebago County Clerk of Courts, Julie Barthels, at 920-232-3340.
Important Deadlines:
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December 1, 2023: Declare your Candidacy and begin circulating your nomination papers.
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January 2, 2024: Declaration of Candidacy, Campaign Registration Form, and completed. Nomination papers are due at the office overseeing your desired office are due by 5 PM.
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February 20, 2024: Primary election if needed.
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April 2, 2024: General election.
Get more information about registering to vote, finding your polling place, and more at myvote.wi.gov.
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Public Health Information
Communicable Disease, Environmental Concerns, Community Resources,
WIC, and more!
Contact 920-232-3000 or visit our website.
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Non-Medical Related Information
Utility, Food & Housing Assistance, Elder Care, Crisis Intervention, Alcohol & Drug Recovery
Contact 211 or visit their website.
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Mission: Winnebago County Public Health protects and promotes health through services, partnerships, and equitable practices and policies so all can live their best life. | |
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STAY UP TO DATE!
Visit wchd.pub/newsletter to receive Public Health Happenings, press releases, or
public service announcements from Winnebago County Public Health.
Find a copy of this newsletter on our website.
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Please distribute widely. The format may be altered when forwarded in an email. Find a shareable link here. | | | | |
