Extreme heat is in the forecast this week, and it's important to be prepared. According to the American Public Health Association heat has quietly become one of the most dangerous public‑health threats of our time, causing more deaths annually than any other extreme weather event.

Communities across the country are seeing longer, hotter summers, and public‑health agencies are urging residents to treat extreme heat with the same seriousness as any other natural hazard.

Preparation is the most powerful form of protection. Simple steps can dramatically reduce risk:

• Staying hydrated
• Checking on neighbors
• Knowing cooling‑center locations
• Recognizing early signs of heat illness

For your convenience we’ve included a printable extreme‑heat checklist you can share at home, at work, or in your community. It’s a quick, practical tool designed to help you stay safe when temperatures spike and to support those around you who may be more vulnerable.

Winnebago County Cooling Locations

Heat Safety from DHS

The Winnebago County, WI Fair is July 29th through August 2nd, 2026 at the Sunnyview Expo Center

Tips for Staying Healthy at Animal Exhibits from the CDC

County fairs are a summer favorite in Wisconsin — the food, the rides, and of course, the animals. But along with the fun comes an important health reminder: animals can carry germs that make people sick, even when they look clean and healthy. A quick stop at the handwashing station can make all the difference.

Why Handwashing Matters at the Fair

• Animals can carry germs like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter
• Petting zoos and barns often have high-touch surfaces that spread germs easily
• Young children are especially vulnerable to infections
• Handwashing reduces illness more effectively than hand sanitizer after animal contact

When to Wash Your Hands

• After touching animals or their bedding, feed, or equipment
• After leaving the barn area
• Before eating or drinking
• After helping kids wash their hands

Handwashing Tips for the Fair

• Use soap and running water for at least 20 seconds
• Scrub palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails
• If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer - but wash with soap as soon as you can

A little soap goes a long way. By washing your hands after visiting animal areas, you help keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy.

WIC & Pregnancy: Your First Trimester Roadmap

Finding out you’re pregnant can bring excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. The first trimester is all about getting set up with the right care, support, and resources - and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is one of the most helpful places to start.

Step 1: Get Prenatal Care Started

• Choose a prenatal provider - OB/GYN, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
• Schedule your first prenatal visit - usually between 8 to 10 weeks
• Confirm your due date through exam or ultrasound

Understanding Provider Options

• OB/GYN: ideal for higher‑risk pregnancies or those wanting a more medical approach
• Certified Nurse Midwife: great for low‑risk pregnancies; works in hospitals or clinics
• Certified Professional Midwife: specializes in home or birth‑center deliveries

If you need assistance getting connected to a provider, contact us at 920-232-3000 and talk to a member of our Family Child Health Team, or a member of the WIC team.

How WIC Supports You During Pregnancy

For families that qualify, WIC is one of the most valuable resources available in early pregnancy. It provides:

• Nutritious food benefits to support a healthy pregnancy
• Prenatal nutrition counseling from trained staff
• Breastfeeding education and support
• Referrals to healthcare providers if you’re still choosing a prenatal care team
• Help applying for insurance or other assistance programs
• Connections to community resources such as childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, and material support
• Support for your whole family - including food benefits for infants and children up to age five

Oshkosh WIC Office

112 Otter Avenue

Oshkosh, WI

920-232-3350

Neenah WIC Office

211 North Commercial Street

Neenah, WI 54956

920-729-2945

Email Us

July is Chronic Disease Awareness month and our Healthy Aging Team wants to make sure you know about the 3-4-50 framework. The 3-4-50 framework is the health improvement strategy that aims at reducing chronic diseases by identifying the three leading behaviors that lead to the top four chronic diseases that make up more than 50% of premature deaths in the United States.

According to the CDC, three in four American adults have at least one chronic condition, and over half have two or more chronic conditions. Here are some ways to use the 3-4-50 model as a guideline for health:

Focus on small, daily habits that contribute to the 3-4-50 framework:

• Move more: Walk briskly for 15 minutes twice a day.
• Add color: Include one serving of vegetables with every dinner.
• Reduce sodium: Switch from packaged snacks to raw nuts or fruit.
• Quit smoking: Use free local quitlines or nicotine replacement therapy.
• Limit liquid sugar: Swap one daily soda or juice for water.

Track these early warning signs of chronic illness:

• Check blood pressure: Keep it below 120/80 mmHg.
• Monitor blood sugar: Get an annual A1C test to screen for diabetes.
• Know cholesterol levels: Track your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
• Listen to your lungs: Avoid secondhand smoke and chemical fumes

By taking small, actionable steps every day, we can reduce our chances of being diagnosed with a chronic disease.

Pre-Flight Check: Food Safety

When you think of EAA AirVenture, airplanes are probably the first thing that come to mind. Food, however, is likely a close second! While visitors may only spend a few moments deciding what to eat, your local Public Health Department spends months preparing to help ensure every meal served at the event is safe.

Did you know that every food pavilion, truck, tent, and vendor at EAA AirVenture is inspected by Winnebago County Public Health? These inspections help ensure that food is prepared and served in accordance with Wisconsin Food Code standards, so you can enjoy your favorite meals without worrying about foodborne illness.

EAA is a true melting pot - not only of people, but of cuisines from around the world. Our inspectors work closely with vendors to balance unique cooking traditions with safe food handling practices, helping preserve the diversity of offerings while maintaining high food safety standards.

Whether you're enjoying a longtime favorite or trying something completely new, you can dine with confidence knowing your local Health Department is working behind the scenes to help keep your EAA experience safe, enjoyable, and delicious.

We'll see you out at EAA! Stop by, say hello if you spot one of our inspectors, and enjoy everything AirVenture has to offer. Have a safe, fun, and memorable event!

~ Your Environmental Health Team

BONUS: Learn more about event food safety here!