|
Hi there,
I want to start this month’s newsletter with the pleasure of announcing a new leader who will help guide the Health Division. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter recently announced the appointment of Madiha Tariq as a deputy county executive. Madiha will lead the Health and Human Services and Public Services departments with more than 1,000 employees. She previously led Public Health at the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center since 2011 and is a faculty member, teaching public health classes at Wayne State University. I am thrilled to work with Madiha and the wealth of public health experience she will bring to our county. Please join me with a warm welcome!
Sadly, last week the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed the first influenza-associated pediatric death in Michigan for the 2022-2023 flu season. The reported death involves a child from Ingham County. It is an important reminder of the importance of the flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get a flu shot! You can still protect yourself during this flu season if you get the vaccine in February or later. For more information about flu shots offered by Oakland County, visit our website here.
Lastly, I invite you to watch the 2023 State of the County address on March 14, 2023, at 7 p.m. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will deliver his address via livestream and will provide updates on recent successes and a look forward to the county’s future goals.
Check out below for more health tips and upcoming programs in March and beyond. Wishing you a lucky and healthy month ahead with spring surely (and thankfully) on the way!
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
Fuel yourself with healthy eating during National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During March, learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating habits. The Health Division is committed to promoting proper nutrition through our WIC (Women, Infant & Children), Nutrition and Health Education programs!
Check out this video series from our WIC staff to get ideas for how to incorporate healthy nutrients into your meals!
Kindergarten dental screenings available
Oakland County Health Division is now available to offer Kindergarten dental screening for children who live or learn in Oakland County.
On Dec. 29, 2020, a new law was passed in Michigan recommending students entering kindergarten have a dental screening before or shortly after their first school year begins.
Dental cavities are a common childhood illness that can cause pain. Cavities can prevent children from eating and keep them awake at night. Both eating and sleep help kids learn. Dental screening helps identify and treat oral health problems, so children are well-rested, able to eat, and ready to learn!
Call 1-800-848-5533 to schedule an appointment. Schools interested in receiving in-school kindergarten dental screenings for student, please call (248) 858-1306 or dobiasl@oakgov.com.
March is Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Join us in celebrating the vital role of women in American history through this interactive, online exhibit. You can also learn about the contributions of women in public health and medicine.
Despite women making such important contributions to our society and culture, gender inequity, discrimination, and unconscious bias cause disparities between women of different races and differences in opportunities, healthcare access, and health outcomes. Check out these resources dedicated to supporting healthy outcomes for all women:
Virtual Baby Safety Fair for Caregivers this April
Caregivers are welcome to attend our free Virtual Baby Safety Fair on Tuesday, April 4 from 10– 11:30 a.m. The safety fair will include six short presentations about various safety topics.
Presentation topics include:
- Infant safe sleep – safe sleep friendly gifts
- Postpartum depression and coping
- Child passenger safety
- Vaping and marijuana risks and cessation
- Wellness visits
- Referrals and support from WIC
Caregivers who attend and participate in the event will be eligible for a raffle and other give-a-ways.
Registration is required at http://bit.ly/3XzkIYs or scan the QR code on the flyer below.
Every second counts - Poison help is available.
When poisonings happen, Poison Centers are ready 24/7/365 days with fast, free treatment advice by calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or visiting poisonhelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help provides life-saving information and calling a Poison Center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in American homes each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are - saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital.
Note: If an individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.
Health Division Flu & COVID-19 vaccination info
Check out our webpage page for information about COVID, flu, and other vaccinations and eligibility. Appointments are recommended and can be made online or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1- 800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Oakgov.com/health is the best place to receive the latest information. Add, update, or opt out of Health Division email or text communications by clicking here.
|
