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❤️ Happy Valentine's Day!
Love might make your heart skip a beat, but so can heart disease! Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Wisconsin? February is American Heart Month, and this Valentine's Day we encourage you to listen to your heart, know the risks of heart disease, and learn what you can do to manage conditions that lead to heart disease.
To keep your heart healthy, it is important to check your blood pressure regularly. You can do this at home with a blood pressure monitor and many pharmacies can also check your blood pressure for free. Always speak with your primary healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
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❤️ We Heart You Event
The We Heart You: Recovery in Our Community event is back this March! Join Bucks Assistant Coach Vin Baker and other local speakers at this inspirational event. The purpose of this event is to bridge the recovery community with the broader community, provide education and awareness about addiction and available resources, break down stigmas, and inspire change. This event is about listening, learning, and standing together.
Sessions include:
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Spectrum of Recovery - Meeting People Where They Are At: This session aims to foster a supportive environment, where questions are encouraged and experiences are shared, for an open discussion on the diverse pathways of recovery. Panel members will share how to navigate resources for those looking for help, explain why they are inspired to be peer professionals, and how the community can come together to do better.
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Coping with Trauma from Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Participants will learn how addiction and trauma affect the brain, develop strategies to help clients recognize dysregulation of the brain/body connection, and how dysregulation increases the risk of relapse. This session will teach simple activities to use when working with trauma and SUD clients to promote healing.
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Navigating the Local Landscape: Local experts will highlight drug and overdose death trends from recent years in Winnebago County, highlighting the complexity of our local landscape and the urgency of our work. Then we’ll hear about local resources to help people no matter where they are on their recovery journey.
Whether you are a person in recovery, medical prescriber, social worker, law enforcement agent, paramedic, elected official, or someone who cares about people dying in our community, this event will educate, connect, and inspire you. There is no better way to learn how we can all help save lives!
When: Wednesday, March 13; 12 to 5 pm
Where: UW-Oshkosh Culver Center - 625 Pearl Ave, Oshkosh (Free parking is available on-site in the main Culver Center parking lot.)
Click here to register!
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Social connections, support, and relationships are critical links to wellness and recovery. No one should have to struggle alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, there is help. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to resources in your area. | |
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🥫 From Field to Can
Did you know February is National Canned Food Month? Canned food has long been a staple in households worldwide, offering convenience, versatility, and extended shelf life. This month we want to acknowledge the importance of this staple food item in the fight against food insecurity. Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to food, whether due to financial limitations, transportation, or distance to a food outlet. 2023 data reveals that 8% of Winnebago County's population experienced food insecurity. That represents over 13,700 people who struggled to meet their nutritional needs at some point last year.
Canned food is an affordable and convenient source of nutrition for millions of people across the country who struggle to put food on the table:
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Canned food offers comparable nutrition to fresh and frozen food. It is filled with important nutrients including fiber, protein, and vitamins essential for a healthy diet.
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You can enjoy canned foods while watching sodium intake. Canned food contributes less than 1% of the sodium in diets and there are no-salt-added, low- and reduced-sodium options. A quick drain and rinse can further reduce the sodium content even more.
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Canned foods are minimally processed. After cleaning, peeling, chopping, and trimming, foods are cooked in the can to lock in nutrients and flavor.
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Steel cans are among the safest forms of food packaging. Steel cans are strong, tamper-resistant, and feature an airtight seal to help guard against foodborne illness and contamination. In addition, steel cans are the most recycled food package.
Want to help? You can donate canned food, and other non-perishable items, to local food pantries. Many food pantries have faced increased demand in the last year and your help would make a lasting impact for families in Winnebago County. Most organizations can provide a list of needed foods. Find information about food pantries from the Winnebago County Aging & Disability Resource Center on their website.
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We are thrilled to announce that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! For half a century, WIC has been providing essential nutrition support to families in need, ensuring that program eligible mothers and their young children have access to healthy food and resources to help them thrive.
Since its inception in 1972, WIC has served millions of families across the United States, helping to improve the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and young children. WIC provides a range of services, including:
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Healthy food vouchers
- Referrals to other healthcare and social services
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we want to recognize the incredible impact that WIC has had on the lives of families locally and across the country. We also want to express our gratitude to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have made this program possible, and who continue to work tirelessly to support families in need.
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Who qualifies for WIC?
- Pregnant women
- Postpartum mothers up to 6 months
- Breastfeeding mothers up to 1 year postpartum
- Infants and children up to age 5
- Fathers, guardians, and foster parents may apply for WIC for their children.
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Find income eligibility guidelines at here
Learn more about WIC by visiting our website or calling us at 920-232-3000.
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🦷 Children's Dental Health Month
Maintaining good oral health is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for children. During Children's Oral Health Month, we encourage families to make their children's dental health a priority. Poor oral health can lead to problems such as cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. These issues can be painful for children and impact their overall health and well-being.
Establishing a regular dental routine at an early age ensures good oral health. This includes brushing your child's teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Encouraging your child to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables also promotes good oral health. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can damage teeth and lead to decay.
Helping children develop habits that keep their teeth and gums strong and healthy will benefit them for years to com. Learn more from DHS on their website.
Do you or someone you know have limited access to dental health care? Tri-County Dental and Partnership Community Health Center offer dental services to those on Medicaid (also known as BadgerCare+ or Forward Health).
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Are you a dental provider in our area accepting new pediatric patients or looking to give back to the community? Our staff frequently interacts with families that could benefit from new oral hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. If you would like to partner with us in providing
these supplies, please email [email protected] or call us at 920-232-3000.
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☢️ Radon Reduction
January was Radon Awareness Month, and Winnebago County Public Health offered test kits for only $5. During the month 292 test kits were sold!
Routine radon testing is recommended in Winnebago County due to higher-than-average levels of the gas. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is by performing a test. If your home tests high for radon contact a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system (also called a radon mitigation system) in your home. Wisconsin DHS maintains a list of certified radon mitigation contractors. For independent consulting, call one of the Wisconsin Radon Information Centers.
Radon test kits are available for $10 year-round at Winnebago County Public Health or local hardware stores. Call 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org for more information.
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💝 Stay Safe, Get Tested
National Condom Day is February 14. This is a day to celebrate safer sex and relationships. Condoms help prevent sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. Many STDs don't have symptoms, so you could be infected without even knowing it. Left untreated, STDs can cause serious health problems, including infertility, chronic pain, and even cancer. You can pick up free condoms at Winnebago County Public Health in Oshkosh and Neenah (112 Otter Ave, Oshkosh and 211 N Commercial St, Neenah).
There are many other ways to prevent STDs. It's important that you Talk. Test. Treat to protect your health. Talk with your partners and doctor about sexual health. Get tested to know if you have an STD. If you test positive or think you may have an STD, work with your healthcare provider to get the correct treatment. Winnebago County Public Health offers confidential HIV testing by appointment. Results are ready in 20 minutes. A $15 donation is welcome but waived for those who are unable to pay.
Another FREE and private way to test for HIV and STDs is to request an at-home test from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at www.simplehealthkit.com/partnerships/Wisconsin.
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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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🚶🏼 New Stepping On! Class
Stepping On! is a falls prevention class proven to reduce falls by 30%. The class is geared toward older adults who have fallen, worry about falling, or are at risk of falling. Participants will learn strength and balance exercises. Additional topics including nutrition, footwear, medication, vision and safety.
When: Tuesdays, March 5 to April 16
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Elisha D. Smith Public Library (440 1st St, Menasha)
Register: Contact Winnebago County Public Health at
920-232-3000 or email [email protected]
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⭐ Memory Cafes
Do you know someone who has memory loss? Fox Valley Memory Project offers Memory Cafes welcoming people experiencing memory loss, along with family and friends who love and care for them. Attendees participate in activities, learning, music, conversation, refreshments, laughter and fun. Locations vary from week to week, but these events are held all over the Fox Valley. Registration is welcome but not required unless stated.
Questions? Call 920-225-1711 or email [email protected].
Learn more about Memory Cafes here.
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❤️ Arch of Love
February is all about love and heart health. Pick up a heart template from the Winnebago County Parks Department and create your own Valentine's Day message for someone you care about. When you finish designing your heart, bring it back to the Parks Department, and they'll laminate it and place it on the Bahling Memorial Archway on the Natural Way Trail in Winnebago County Community Park. Bring your special Valentine for a walk at the park and show them the Valentine's heart you created for them.
Get your Valentine's template here.
Learn more about BAGO here.
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Please go online or call ahead at 920-232-3000 to schedule an appointment if you're interested in a car seat check, immunizations, or lead screening.
Thursday, February 22
11 am - 2 pm
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
Tuesday, March 5
1 - 4 pm
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Click on the flyers to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages.
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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. | | | | |
