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✔️ Be Aware, Be Prepared
September is National Preparedness Month. It's important to have a plan in place for disasters such as severe weather, floods, power outages, and medical emergencies. By creating an emergency kit, setting aside savings for a rainy day, and staying up-to-date on health screenings, we can be better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way. So take this opportunity to reflect on readiness and make adjustments to ensure you are truly prepared. Learn more on our website.
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📚 Help Fill Our Book Basket!
Reading to your child is not only a fun and enjoyable activity. It also helps improve their language and development.
We're looking for new and gently used books for children and teenagers to fill our Free Book Baskets. These books are available for anyone to take when they visit public health.
Book donations can be dropped off at either one of our public health offices during normal business hours:
- Oshkosh: 112 Otter Ave, Second Floor
- Neenah: 211 N. Commercial St, Second Floor
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” ― Dr. Seuss
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🚶🏼 Falls Risk Assessments
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, but falls happen all year round in Wisconsin.
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"Falls can happen to anyone, but being aware of the risk factors can help prevent them."
Erin Roberts,
Public Health Nurse
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While falls are common, they’re NOT a normal part of aging. Winnebago County Public Health offers FREE in-home falls risk assessments for individuals who are at risk of falling. And it is important to prevent falls from happening. | |
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What is included in a falls risk assessment?
A public health registered nurse visits your home to:
- Discuss your health history (past falls, blood pressure, medication, vision)
- Assess physical home conditions (rugs, grab bars)
- Provide education (tips, resources, available classes)
- Connect you to community resources
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How can you benefit from a falls risk assessment?
- Explore ways to build strength and balance
- Review potential risks in your home to decrease the chance of falling
- Provide tips for improving the safety of your environment and lifestyle
- Develop a plan for staying healthy and active
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One month following your visit, our staff will do a telephone check-in to make sure you are set and answer any additional questions. We're here to help ensure you or your loved ones are safe.
Know someone who could benefit from our Falls Risk Assessment? Call 920-232-3000 or email us at health@winnebagocountywi.gov.
Additional Resources
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And join Finding Balance Fox Valley for an educational event on September 27. Featuring a keynote speaker and mini sessions, this is an interactive experience designed to create awareness and offer a path to preventing falls.
When: Wednesday, September 27; 9 - 10:30 am
Where: Oak Park Place (2205 Midway Rd, Menasha)
Register Here!
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This September it's important to remember that we all play a role in preventing suicide. And suicides reached an all-time high in the US in 2022. Whether you're a friend, family member, coworker, or just a caring individual, there are things you can do to help those who may be struggling. From checking in on loved ones to knowing the warning signs, taking action can make a big difference.
When a suicide-related crisis occurs, friends and family are often caught off-guard, unprepared, and unsure of what to do. The behaviors of someone experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable.
There are a few ways to approach someone who is in a potential suicide-related crisis:
- Directly ask: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
- Talk openly and honestly.
- Secure or relocate items such as guns, knives, or stockpiled pills.
- Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your someone?”
- If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time.
- Express support and concern.
- Don’t argue, threaten, or raise your voice.
- Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong.
- Be patient.
We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to learn more about suicide prevention and spread awareness in their communities. This can include participating in local events, sharing resources on social media, and having open and honest conversations about mental health. Let's work together to prevent suicide and support those who may be struggling.
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🎒 Back to School BAGO Bags
The new school year is upon us and it can be tough to get back into the swing of things after a long summer break. And it's important to prioritize your physical health and stay active. We understand that the transition back to school can be busy and overwhelming, but BAGO is helping by providing free back-to-school bags full of items to keep kids and your family active and outdoors.
It's no secret that staying active is not only good for your physical health but also your mental well-being. Staying active doesn't have to take up a ton of your time. You can easily incorporate exercise into your daily routine without sacrificing studying or socializing.
Anyone can stop by the City of Oshkosh Recreation Department (425 Division St, Oshkosh) Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm for your free bag (while supplies last)!
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🗓️ Stay Up to Date!
It's fall and respiratory illness season is coming! One of the most effective ways to prevent diseases and their spread is by getting routine vaccinations. Vaccinations work by triggering the body's immune system to produce antibodies, which can then fight off the disease if the body is exposed to it.
Getting vaccinated not only protects you from diseases, but it also helps to protect those around you who may not be able to receive vaccinations. This includes people with weakened immune systems or allergies to vaccine components. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines you need based on your age, health, and travel plans.
And if you haven't heard there have been some changes in vaccines that are available this year. Those who are eligible can get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Don't wait until it's too late. Make a plan and stay healthy by protecting yourself and your community by getting routine vaccinations.
The Winnebago County Public Health Department offers free vaccines to qualified children (through the Vaccines for Children Program) and qualified adults. Call 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org for more information.
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We offer free car seat checks during our Parent Resource Hours. Check out the information below or visit our website. | |
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🚗 Child Passenger Safety Week
Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observes Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs this year from September 17-23. Child Passenger Safety Week exists to increase awareness for parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly buckling kids in the right seats for their age and size. And we want this awareness to remain year-round.
According to NHTSA, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, and many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Take the time to review the safety guidelines for your child's car seat, ensure it is properly installed, and encourage others to do the same. Let's work together to keep our children safe on the road.
Learn more about Child Passenger Safety Week from the National Safety Council.
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🍽️ Food Safety Month
September is National Food Safety Month which aims to raise awareness about the importance of food safety education and to help prevent foodborne illnesses. Food illnesses are caused by a wide range of sources and understanding the root causes of food poisoning is essential to prevention and treatment. Bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli are common culprits of food poisoning, often found in undercooked meats, raw produce, and unpasteurized dairy products. Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A can also cause food poisoning, often spread through improper food handling or contaminated water. Additionally, toxins produced by certain molds and bacteria can lead to food poisoning, as can chemical contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. It's important to take steps to prevent food poisoning to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of getting sick from contaminated food:
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Wash your hands: Before and after handling food, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Keep food separate: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods.
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Cook food thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to a safe temperature.
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Chill your food: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours and keep your fridge at 40°F or below.
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Be mindful of expiration dates: Don't eat food that has passed its expiration date or has been sitting in the fridge for too long.
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Environmental Health Specialist Morgan Peterson inspects a local food vendor to ensure the safety
of the food and the community.
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Our Environmental Health division helps keep the community safe by doing routine inspections at permanent and temporary food establishments in Winnebago County. The goal of sanitarian inspections and licensing is to prevent communicable diseases and foodborne illnesses.
If you think you or someone you know got sick from food, please report it to public health. Report it even if you don’t know what food made you sick. Reporting an illness can help us identify a potential foodborne disease outbreak and keep others from getting sick.
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By staying vigilant about food safety, properly handling and preparing food, and staying informed about potential contamination risks, we can all work together to prevent food poisoning and protect our health.
For More Information:
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👋🏼 Meet our Healthy Lifespan Division!
Did you know that we have a Healthy Lifespan Division at Winnebago County Public Health? This division promotes health throughout all stages of life by providing health education and advocacy, community engagement, and coalition work. Focus areas include injury prevention, maternal and child health, aging adult services, and improving health access. Several members of this division will be at the Time of Your Life Senior Expo on October 3. Come learn about our services and the new Wellness Plus classes happening all over Winnebago County!
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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. Please call ahead at 920-232-3000 or go online if you're interested in a car seat check or immunizations.
Join us!
Tuesday, October 10
1 - 4 p.m.
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, September 28
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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Please note: There will be no Parent Resource Hours on Tuesday, September 12. | |
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💪🏼 Wellness Plus Classes
Our Wellness Plus classes are researched and tested to help those over 55 self-manage their health. Wellness Plus Classes bring healthcare professionals, advocates, and the community together to ensure that evidence-based, self-management programs for health and well-being are available, accessible, and routinely referred to.
For more information on our Wellness Plus classes please call 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org.
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Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention is a low-impact exercise involving gentle movements, poses, and coordinated breathing. It's proven to reduce the 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.
Upcoming Dates: Thursdays, September 7 to November 9
Time: 1 - 2pm
Where: Menasha Senior Center (116 Main St, Menasha)
Register: Call the Menasha Senior Center at 920-967-3530.
Upcoming Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 3 to November 9
Time: 10 - 11 am (beginner class) and 11:15 am - 12:15 pm (intermediate class)
Where: Memorial Park (1175 Appleblossom Dr, Neenah)
Register: Call the Neenah Park and Rec at 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 and learn about nutrition, footwear, medication, vision, and safety.
Upcoming Dates: Tuesdays, September 19 to October 31
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Oshkosh Seniors Center (200 N Campbell Rd, Oshkosh)
Register: Call Winnebago County Public Health at 920-232-3000.
Upcoming Dates: Mondays, October 2 to November 13
Time: 1 - 3 pm
Where: Neenah-Menasha YMCA (110 N Water St, Neenah)
Register: Call Winnebago County Public Health at 920-232-3000.
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❤️ Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Are you helping a spouse, partner, parent, or friend? Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week program that will help you cope with the challenges that come with your role as a caregiver. By taking care of your own physical, emotional, and financial needs, you become a better caregiver.
When: Mondays, September 18 to October 23; 4 - 5:30 pm
Where: Oshkosh Public Library (106 Washington Ave, Oshkosh)
Register by September 15. Contact Alisa Richetti at 920-236-1227 or email arichetti@winnebagocountywi.gov.
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🩹 COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing
The new COVID-19 vaccine is coming soon! Only those without insurance will be able to receive the vaccine at the public health department. Watch for additional information from us and contact your local pharmacy or primary care provider to get vaccinated.
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 920-232-3000.
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Looking for additional information, have questions, or have feedback?
Contact Winnebago County Public Health for information on:
Communicable Disease, Environmental Concerns, Community Resources, WIC, and more!
Call 920-232-3000 or visit our website.
Need additional resources for:
Utility, Food & Housing Assistance, Elder Care, Crisis Intervention, Alcohol & Drug Recovery
Call 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 the Winnebago County Public 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. | | | | |
