Public Health Press
September 2018

A Message from Our Health Officer

Back to School Lesson: The Dangers of E-Cigarettes for Students

As we send our kiddos off to start another school year, parents are encouraged to learn about and be aware of the hazards e-cigarettes pose to our children. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity among young people and manufacturers are creating devices that don't resemble cigarettes at all. In fact, that USB flash drive a student is carrying around may not be a flash drive at all. It may be an e-cigarette. To educate yourself and your kids about the dangers of these devices and the ways they may be disguised, click here!

In This Issue
We Are Hiring a Half Time AmeriCorps Member to Serve With Healthy People Wood County!

This half time AmeriCorps member will be responsible for helping recruit volunteers for initiatives connected to Wood County's Community Health Improvement Plan, focused on four health priorities including mental health, alcohol and other drugs, food systems & active communities, and achieving optimal health of youth and families.  If you know of anyone who may be interested, please encourage them to apply or send them this informational video on what AmeriCorps is all about!

Click here for the application!

                                             
River Riders Bike Share

Make sure you check out River Riders Bike Share! Sign-up by clicking here for a low-cost pay-as-you-go, monthly, annual, or student membership today!
Bikes are available at:
  •          Quality Foods West Grand Ave.
  •          Quality Foods Baker Drive
  •          Veterans Memorial Park
  •          McMillan Memorial Library
  •          Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo
  •          Pizza Hut - 8th Street                  
Farmers Markets in Wood County

Looking for a farmers market to attend? Click here for a complete list of available markets in Wood County!
                
Is Your Child Fully Vaccinated? 

Make sure that your children are up-to-date on vaccines. School-age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines . Making sure that children receive all their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things a parent can do to ensure your children's long-term health-as well as the health of friends, classmates, and others in your community. For more information, click here!

Call the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or your health care provider to see if your child is up-to-date with their immunizations.
Salmonella and Backyard Poultry 

More and more people are raising backyard poultry like chickens and ducks. There are many advantages to having back yard poultry but they can also carry bacteria that can make people sick such as salmonella.
For more information read this fact sheet and information sheet from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 

For questions or more information call the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or 715-387- 8646.
Bed Bugs

Do you think you are safe from bed bugs?
Bed Bugs are a growing problem and you need to be prepared!  If you ever sleep outside of your home, allow anyone to stay at your home, when you go to work, school, or any public spaces you could get bed bugs. Also, be cautious when purchasing used furniture and going to garage sales. Bed bugs are hitch hikers and will travel on you or your belongings. Then you carry them to their next home, which could be your home. Watch this video to help educate yourself and to know what to look for. Information and resources can be found here. It isn't just a hotel problem, you are at risk everywhere! 
Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Trainings 

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. On average, there are 123 suicides per day. The good news is that suicides are preventable especially when someone close to the struggling person knows the signs and can ask the lifesaving question. The Wood County Health Department and its partners offer free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings throughout Wood County. The QPR training equips attendees with the knowledge needed to be able to identify suicidal signs and the skills to intervene. If you would like to set up a training for a group or an organization please contact David Strong at dstrong@co.wood.wi.us or 715-421-8948.
Aspirus Riverview Clinic Behavioral Health

There's a new mental health resource in town! Ask your primary care or OB provider for a referral to Aspirus Riverview Clinic Behavioral Health. Telehealth is also available!
First Breath Program

Do you care for a child, want to stop/decrease smoking, and can use some extra money? Talk to a nurse at the Wood County Health Department to learn more about the First Breath program!  Call  715-421-8911 today! 
Healthy People Wood County Newsletter

Receive news and updates from the following coalitions: 
  • Recreate Health
  • Brighter Futures
  • Mental Health Matters
  • Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Prevention Partnership
To sign up today, click here! 

RESEARCH CORNER
Back to School Toxics Free

Did you know that a recent study showed that some markers, crayons, binders, and other common school supplies contain toxic substances such as asbestos, lead, and benzene? Safer School Supplies: A Shopping Guide is intended to help parents, teachers, and students make more informed decisions while shopping for school supplies that don't contain toxic chemicals. This shopping guide can serve as a vital tool for finding products free of several types of toxic chemicals.
UPCOMING EVENTS 
Car Seat Safety Check
4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly! Make sure that your children are riding safely.
  When: Tuesday, September 18th
              Tuesday, October 16th
             Tuesday, November 20th
                  Where: Marshfield Fire Department
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

For car seat safety checks at the Wood County Health Department in Wisconsin Rapids please call 
715-421-8911 to set up an appointment.

Screening of Heroin(e)/Panel Discussion
When: Wednesday, September 19th
Where: McMillan Memorial Library, Wis Rapids
Time: 5:30-7:30
The Wood County Drug Task Force is hosting a follow-up presentation to A Path Towards Progress with a screening of HEROIN(E) followed by a panel discussion from the Wood County Adult Drug Treatment Court staff and a graduate of the program. Join us for a free meal and presentation. To register, click here!

Free Community Wellness Event  
When: Saturday, October 6th 
Where: Mfld Clinic Health System, Froehlke Auditorium
Time: 9:00am - 2:15pm
The focus of this event is on Everyday Wellness: Empowering You. For full details and to register click here!

Drug Take Back Event
When: Saturday, October 27th 
Where: Copps (grocery pick-up area), Wis Rapids
Time:
Please bring all expired, unused, and unwanted medications for safe disposal. This event is a collaborative effort between Grand Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Wood County Health Department, and Wood County Sheriff's Department.

Wood County Pharmaceutical Drop-Off Locations
Bring all your unwanted, unneeded or outdated prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. For the locations and times of drop-off locations, click here!