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♨️ So, We Meat Again
Grilling season is in full swing and to make sure you have the most epic cookout, let's talk about some grilling safety tips:
- When using a grill, make sure it is clean, in good working condition, and at least 10 feet from your house.
- Protect yourself from burns by using long-handled grilling tools and wearing heat-resistant mitts. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
- Ensure meat reaches a safe internal temperature by using a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and discard any food that has been left out for more than two hours.
By following these safe grilling and food handling practices, we can all enjoy delicious outdoor meals this summer without putting ourselves or our loved ones at risk. Find more information here.
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👩 Prevention, Screening, Support
On average, over 5,400 women get breast cancer in Wisconsin each year. The Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) is committed to partnering with women across the state to improve their overall health and well-being. The program provides free or low-cost health screenings and preventative care services to women who meet certain eligibility criteria. Women who are eligible can receive a clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic exam, and pap test at no cost.
The Winnebago County Public Health Department coordinates the WWWP program for women in 9 counties: Calumet, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago. The program is currently servicing many rural and Spanish-speaking residents. It is collaborative in nature, working with healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure that women have access to the care they need. We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the health and well-being of women across Wisconsin.
You may qualify if:
- You are a woman 45-64 years old
- You are a woman 35-44 years old with symptoms or concerns
- You do not have health insurance or your insurance policy has a high deductible for screenings or tests
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Your income is within the program guidelines.
By participating in the Wisconsin Well Woman Program, women can take control of their health and catch potential health issues early on. If you are a woman who is uninsured or underinsured, we encourage you to learn more and see if you are eligible for our services. Translation and interpretation services are available. Together, we can partner for better health.
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🙅🏼 When in Doubt, Stay Out!
Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes and rivers that are home to many organisms, including algae. In Wisconsin, most algal blooms happen between mid-June and mid-September. Toxins from harmful algae (blue-green algae) or cyanobacteria can make people and animals sick if they swallow, touch, or breathe in droplets from contaminated water.
Blue-green algae blooms are often smelly, look like spilled paint or pea soup, and can change the color of the water to green, blue, turquoise, purple, tan, or white. Some blooms form a layer of scum or mats on the surface of the water. While some blooms can stay in the same location for a long time, others can quickly come and go with changing currents and wind patterns. If you wade into water up to your knees and cannot see your feet, the amount of algae could be unsafe. When in doubt, stay out!
And check out this interview with one of our environmental health specialists, Morgan Peterson, about blue-green algae!
Ways to Protect Yourself
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Know what an algal bloom looks like. Blooms can appear overnight and can vary in size and color.
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Look for beach notices. Check our website and beach postings to see if there are any advisories.
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What if you go in water experiencing a bloom? Shower immediately with fresh, clean water and monitor for sudden signs of blue-green algae-related illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, sore throat, skin rash, and blistering (especially if lake/river water was ingested).
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Watch where your pets play. If your pet comes into contact with blue-green algae, wash them off immediately with clean water.
If you get sick after swimming in a Wisconsin lake or river, please report it to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services by calling 608-266-1120 or completing the online form Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Illness or Sighting Survey. This helps measure the problem and determine when sampling efforts need to be increased or water bodies need to be closed to the public.
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❤️ ICYMI: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Recommendations
Did you know that from 2010-2018, the suicide rate in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties increased by 66 percent? In response to this alarming community crisis, Northeast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Mental Health Connection launched Project Zero, a suicide prevention initiative.
Many risk factors contribute to poor mental health in adults, including an annual household income less than $50,000, feeling isolated, spending several hours of non-work time on screens, and inadequate sleep. N.E.W. Mental Health Connection has recently released a report with recommendations aimed at improving the mental health of adults in the Fox Valley. The resulting recommendations are organized into three themes: basic needs, access to care, and social connection. These recommendations can serve as a road map for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to support and advocate for new projects, strategic plans, and priorities.
About N.E.W. Mental Health Connection
The N.E.W. Mental Health Connection is a collaborative effort between mental health professionals, community organizations, and individuals who are dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in our region. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in the Fox Valley has access to the mental health resources they need, regardless of their background or circumstance. Winnebago County is a supportive member of N.E.W. Mental Health Connection and we invite all individuals and organizations who share their vision to join in this important effort. Together, we can make a positive impact on the mental health of our communities.
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📝 Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review
The Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team has released its 2022-2023 Annual Report summarizes local fatal overdose data, themes, and recommendations for preventing overdoses in Winnebago County. The OFR team consists of 47 partners all working together to create change in our community and save lives.
The report also outlines ways to get involved, help, and support the team's work including:
For more information on the Winnebago County OFR Team or to read the full Annual Report, visit www.winnebagopublichealth.org or call 920-232-3000.
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⚠️ Now's the time to schedule back-to-school vaccines!
While summer is in full swing, back-to-school is just around the corner! Click here to see what vaccines your child needs for the school year. By staying informed and following the recommended vaccination schedule, we can help safeguard our children and the community as a whole.
The Winnebago County Public Health Department offers free vaccines to qualified children:
- No insurance
- Underinsured - a child who has health insurance, but the coverage does not include all vaccines
- Is on medical assistance (including BadgerCare)
- Native American or Native Alaskan
For more information please contact the health department at 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org.
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🐕 Animal Bites
Animals provide numerous benefits to humans, including companionship. Interaction with companion animals can enhance our physical and psychological health. However, when threatened or challenged, many animals will bite.
The vast majority of animal bites in the United States are inflicted by dogs. Animal bites are a common problem in the United States, with up to five million occurring each year (and many bites are not reported). Most dog bites are mild, but many result in injuries and infections that need medical care, including rabies.
Children make up the largest percentage of people bitten by dogs and they are twice as likely as adults to be bitten. It is important to educate children on appropriate behavior around all animals and prevention techniques such as avoiding stray dogs. And never leave a child unattended around any dog.
Follow these guidelines to help decrease the chance of a child being bitten by an animal:
- Never leave a young child alone with an animal.
- Teach your child not to tease or hurt an animal.
- Teach your child to avoid strange dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Have your pets licensed and immunized against rabies and other diseases.
- Keep your pets in a fenced yard or secured to a leash and properly trained.
The Winnebago County Health Department takes complaints on animal bites for the entire county and provides follow-up on bite quarantines for the city of Oshkosh. We also take calls for the county when a bat is found in a home or has had contact with a human or animal. We will walk you through the next steps for getting the bat tested for rabies. The health department does accept deceased bats as well to send to the state lab for testing. Questions? Call 920-232-3000.
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☀️ Sun Safety
Summer is in full swing and many of us are enjoying time outside. Spending time outside is a great way to stay active and get Vitamin D. But, if not properly managed, too much sun exposure can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system suppression.
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Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. And, according to the CDC, the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. The best way to protect yourself against the damaging effects of the sun is to limit exposure and protect your skin. By following some simple steps, you can still enjoy your time in the sun and protect yourself from overexposure.
How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
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Shade: Staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter to limit exposure, especially between 10am and 4pm.
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Clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved tops and bottoms, which can provide protection from UV rays.
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Hat: Wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck for the most protection.
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Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
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Sunscreen: Put on broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. And don't forget to reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
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🚲 Bike Safety
With the summer in full swing, there's no better time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors on your bike. Not only is biking a fun and enjoyable way to stay active, but it also has numerous health benefits. From improving cardiovascular health to boosting your mood, biking is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
However, it is important to prioritize safety while biking, especially during the summer months. Make sure to wear a properly fitted helmet, use hand signals when turning, and always obey traffic laws. It's also important to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
If you're new to biking, consider taking a bike safety course to learn the basics and gain confidence on the road. And if you're looking for a fun and social way to stay active, join a local biking group, or participate in community biking events.
For additional information:
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by anytime during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Appointments are necessary for car seat checks and immunizations.
Join us!
Tuesday, August 8
1 - 4 p.m.
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, July 27
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
Click on the flyer to download and share.
Contact us to request additional languages.
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❤️ You Can Save a Life
Did you know that just one blood donation can save up to three lives? By donating blood, you have the power to make a difference in someone's life. You can help patients who are undergoing surgery, battling cancer, or recovering from an injury and your donation can mean the world to them. And the best part? It's easy and safe to donate blood. So why not give the gift of life today?
Find Locations to Donate
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🩹 COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing
Get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed. Stay home if you are sick. Test before you go to a group gathering. Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. For county and state data please visit our website. Find vaccine locations here or call 920-232-300.
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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. | | | | |
