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๐ Happy New Year Winnebago County!
We're starting out 2023 with a new monthly publication, Public Health Happenings! Our newsletter features services and programs provided by our health department and resources that protect and promote the health of our communities. Public Health Happenings replaces our biweekly Situation Updates, which were primarily focused on COVID-19 and mpox resources. We encourage you to share our Public Health Happenings newsletter with others or have them sign up receive updates at wchd.pub/newsletter. We appreciate your support and wish you a healthy 2023!
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Our NEW Lead-Safe Homes Program helps coordinate and pay for the safe removal of lead hazards from homes and rental properties in Winnebago County. | |
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Lead can damage the brain, body and nervous system. "Even at low levels, it affects learning capacity, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement," says Scott Fischer, Lead Abatement Project Coordinator for the Winnebago County Health Department.
Common sources include lead-based paint, lead dust and contaminated soil. Kids under age 6 are more likely to get lead poisoning by putting things in their mouths that are contaminated with lead dust, eating paint chips and chewing on windowsills or door frames. Removing lead hazards ensures that kids do not experience long-term effects of lead exposure.
| For more information about the Lead-Safe Homes Program and to see if your home or rental property qualifies for free lead hazard removal, please visit wchd.pub/leadsafehomes, call 920-232-3000 or email health@winnebagocountywi.gov. | |
Click to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages. | |
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โข๏ธ January is Radon Action Month
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, tasteless, colorless radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Both old and new homes and buildings are at risk. Radon can enter through cracks in the foundation, openings around joints and pipes, and dirt floors.
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$5 Radon Test Kits in January
The only way to know if you have a safe level of radon inside your home or place of business is to conduct a radon test. The winter months are the best time to test because most homes are tightly closed up. The do-it-yourself test is simple and quick. If elevated levels are found, a radon mitigation contractor can be found at www.lowradon.org.
Radon test kits are half-off this month when purchased at our health department offices in Neenah or Oshkosh. We will also be selling kits at the Oshkosh Farmer's Market on Jan. 14 and 28.
If you have any questions or want more information on radon, please visit winnebagopublichealth.org or contact the Winnebago County Health Department at 920-232-3000.
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Click the images to download. | |
โ๏ธ Prepare! Don't let a winter storm take you by surprise. | |
Winter weather can be both beautiful and dangerous. Being prepared for what winter may bring ensures that you and your family will stay safe at home and on the road. These winter preparedness checklists provide basic guidance on what to have in your home and vehicle should you be stranded by heavy snow, an ice storm, or if you lose power.
Click here to print a Winter Preparedness Checklist.
๏ปฟFor more information, visit www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety.
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โ๏ธ January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year. Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer. If detected early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer.
HPV Vaccines at the Winnebago County Health Department
We offer free HPV vaccination for children ages 9-18 qualified under the Wisconsin Vaccines for Children Program. Learn more at wcvaccine.org and schedule an appointment.
Free Cervical Cancer Screening Provided by the Wisconsin Well Woman Program
The Wisconsin Well Woman Program offers free cervical cancer screening (and many more preventative care screenings) for women ages 45-65 women with limited income and little or no insurance, and women ages 35-44 who have symptoms or concerns. For more information or to see if you qualify, please call us at 920-727-8650 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org.
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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out; trained Lifeline counselors can help you or your loved ones through any mental health challenges you're experiencing. Call or text 988 or talk with someone online. | |
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๐ท COVID-19 Update
The CDC Community Level for Winnebago County is currently MEDIUM. Masks are recommended indoors in public if you or someone that you come into contact with is at high-risk of getting very sick. Find this information and more in our weekly COVID-19 Data Summaries.
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๐ช๐ฝ Wellness Classes Starting | |
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Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise involving gentle movements, poses and coordinated breathing. It's proven to reduce the fear and risk of falling by improving balance, stability and strength. This is a beginner class and poses can be adapted for people using walkers, canes or wheelchairs.
Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 24-March 2, 10-11 a.m., at the George Scherck Shelter at Memorial Park in Neenah.
To register, please call 920-886-6060.
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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.
Classes are on Fridays, February 3-March 17, 9-11 a.m. at Menasha City Hall.
To register, please call 920-232-3000.
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๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ง Parent Resource Hours
Have kids? Have questions? Drop in during our Parent Resource Hours for information on: developmental screenings, car seat safety, breastfeeding support, vaccines, safe sleep, nursing expertise, health and community resources. Appointments are needed for car seat checks and vaccine administration. Call 920-232-3000 to schedule appointments or for more information.
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Neenah Office (211 Commercial St.)
Every 4th Thursday of the month
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Next one is January 26!
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Oshkosh Office (112 Otter St.)
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Next one is February 14!
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๐ฉน COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing | |
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 Health Department (WCHD) 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 the Winnebago County Health Department.
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. | | | | |
