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Hi there,
This month, we highlight two very important observances, Woman’s History Month and National Nutrition Month. I feel honored to be part of Oakland County’s Health & Human Service team that is led by remarkable women. Our Deputy County Executive Madiha Tariq oversees two of the largest departments in the county and is the first Muslim woman appointed to a leadership role in the county. We are also joined by Khadija Walker-Fobbs who is the county’s first housing and neighborhood development officer. All the departments we oversee include many talented woman leaders who bring different perspectives and a more diverse workplace. Our County benefits from their creativity, collaboration and initiative. Join me this March as I salute the invaluable contributions women are making not only in public health roles, but in our workplaces, neighborhoods and communities across Oakland County.
Last week, Michigan reported the first case of measles since 2019 in an Oakland County child associated with international travel. This serves as an important reminder that vaccine-preventable illnesses are present. I urge you to make sure your family is up to date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe disease, especially before any spring travel. Our Medical Director, Dr. Russell Faust, offers the following reminders in an update this week.
In honor of Nutrition Month, our Healthy Oakland Partnership is hosting a special event for Farmers Market managers, farmers, and residents who sell homemade food products made at farmers' markets. If interested, we hope you can join us on March 5 - click here for more details.
Lastly, I invite you to enjoy an upcoming documentary about Public Health. The Invisible Shield premieres Tuesday, March 26, from 10-11 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. It reveals how public health has saved countless lives, protecting people from the constant threat of disease and increasing lifespans. It highlights the thousands of unsung heroes who work together to improve health outcomes, from the days of cholera and smallpox through the most recent battle with COVID-19. Check out the documentary trailer. I know myself and many of my colleagues here at OCHD are looking forward to this series demonstrating what we do!
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
OCHD nutrition programs highlighted during National Nutrition Month
During March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month and National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on March 13. We invite everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. The Health Division offers the following programs with RDN’s, nutrition and health education staff to help support you and your family as you work towards your nutrition goals.
Nutrition Services
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN’s) are healthcare professionals who promote health and well-being through expert guidance on nutrition and dietary habits. An RDN can work with you to develop a safe, realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul!
Our Nutrition Services team of RDN’s provide no-cost in-home and virtual visits to expectant mothers, infants, and children living in Oakland County who are nutritionally at risk. If you are interested in learning more, visit this link for more information. Also available on the website is a healthcare provider toolkit featuring up-to-date resources and client education material focused on maternal and child nutrition.
If you are interested in receiving assistance from an RDN, contact your insurance for possible coverage. You can also find RDNs in your area here.
Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
This year, WIC celebrates 50 years! Beginning as a pilot program in 1972 to reduce health disparities for low-income women, infants, and children, legislation formally established WIC in 1974.
Our WIC nutrition team is here to help income-eligible families with topics such as general healthy eating, specific vitamins and nutrients, how to deal with picky eaters, infant feeding and much more.
Did you know?
- One out of every two babies born in Michigan receives WIC benefits.
- A family of four may earn up to $55,500 per year and qualify for WIC.
- WIC participants receive help with nutrition education and breastfeeding, as well as referrals to other health services.
- Examples of WIC foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat/whole grain breads and tortillas, milk, iron- fortified cereals, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, milk, and yogurt.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit our website or call WIC at 248-858-1272.
Health Division Nutrition-Related Partnerships
What to do with a recalled food product
Do you ever wonder what you should do if you have a recalled food product in your home? A recall occurs when a product is taken off the market because there is a possibility that the food may be contaminated, mislabeled or as a precautionary measure. It is important to be aware because recalled foods can cause injury or illness.
If you have a recalled food product at home, do not open or consume the product. Instead, do one of the following:
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Dispose of the product following the instructions provided in the recall notice to make sure no one will consume it. If you've already prepared a recalled food item in your kitchen or still have it in your refrigerator, it's important to throw out the food and clean your kitchen.
Visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/ for food safety and food recall information from both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Stay safe and healthy on spring break!
Are you getting ready to leave the cold Michigan weather behind? Make sure you prepare for spring break by following these travel tips from CDC to stay safe and healthy while at your destination.
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Know travel requirements and recommendations for your spring break destination. Check the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
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Make sure you are up to date with routine vaccines before you travel. Routine vaccines protect you from infectious diseases that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are no longer common in the United States but are still common in other countries.
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Visit your healthcare provider. If you are traveling internationally, make an appointment with your healthcare provider at least one month before you leave. Discussing health concerns as well as your itinerary and planned activities allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.
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Plan for unexpected issues. Doing so can help you get quality health care or avoid being stranded at a destination. A few steps you can take to plan for unexpected events are to get travel insurance, learn where to get health care during travel, pack a travel health kit, and enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
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Protect yourself during travel. Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, avoid bug bites by using insect repellent, choose safer foods and drinks, practice safer sex and use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, and avoid drinking too much alcohol and illicit substance use, as these can put you in dangerous situations.
Health achievements celebrated during Women’s History Month
March is a time to celebrate Women’s History Month. Let’s take a moment to reflect and celebrate some recent achievements and barriers broken down for the health of women and girls across the public health landscape.
Even though steps have been taken at the federal and state policy level to address women’s health equity, women continue to experience health inequities. On March 10, we recognize National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Black women experience greater rates of HIV infections compared to women of other races (HIV.gov). This disparity is a result of stigma, medical discrimination, and inequitable access to prevention and treatment options. The Health Division offers testing, prevention and treatment services and supports all individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Find additional testing locations across the state. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) offers dental and drug assistance for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
More Health Division info
Check out our webpage page for information about our services and various health topics. You can also call 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.
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