Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 07/18/2019 11:00 AM CDT

Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

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July 18, 2019

Breastfeeding Friendly online map enhanced

Growth in program prompts changes

We’ve given a facelift to the interactive map that features locations of Minnesota’s Breastfeeding Friendly workplaces, health departments, child care centers and maternity centers.

Instead of one map showing all locations, there are now four separate maps based on settings. Growth in the program, especially with an increase in Breastfeeding Friendly workplaces, prompted the changes.

The health department and maternity center maps also include additional recognition categories within those settings.

Financial Guide FAQ

Financial Guide questions answered

Q: Is food for a small group meeting an allowable expense?

A: Yes. A maximum of $10 per person, for up to six people (including community members and SHIP staff) is allowable for food/drink for a small group meeting.

Food for SHIP partner and/or community meetings is also an allowable expense.

Grantees are allowed to allocate resources for community members to be active participants so that community engagement is valued for its contribution to the process (e.g., child care, food, interpreters) and should use discretion with regard to appropriate food expense at partner/community meetings.

Events

Webinar: MnDOT Statewide Pedestrian System Plan Engagement Opportunities

Date: July 22
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Get an update on MnDOT Statewide Pedestrian System Plan and the engagement activities planned throughout the state. Learn about ways you and your local SHIP partners can participate over the next year.

Webinar: 1st Anniversary of the HUD Smoke-Free Housing Rule - Successes, Challenges and Next Steps

Date: July 23
Time: 11 a.m. - Noon

July 2019 marks the first anniversary of the implementation of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule prohibiting smoking in public housing. In this webinar, public health and housing law experts will provide an overview of the HUD rule, highlight legal issues that have arisen since implementation and discuss what's next for smoke-free housing.

Webinar series: SHIP Schools

Date: Aug. 13
Repeats: Second Tuesday of each month until May 12, 2020
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

The series will be an opportunity for local SHIP staff to network, share, learn and ask questions of others working on SHIP Schools across the state. Additionally, the series will provide strategies on implementing SHIP activities, as well as news and updates.

This week's gem

Inspiring employees to live their healthiest life

The City of Stillwater recently updated their centrally-located employee fitness room with support from Living Healthy in Washington County through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.

Previously the fitness room had rusty walls and pipes, stale air and inadequate storage but with a new coat of paint, ceiling fans, instructional posters and new storage racks, the space was freshened up. A rowing machine, a wall-mounted television and a charging station were also added.

The updated fitness room provides a clean and inviting atmosphere for all employees interested in incorporating physical activity into their daily routines. “Wellness at work is extremely important to me,” says Byron Theis, a Civil Engineering Technician and avid user of the fitness room. “I have lost weight, and have improved my overall health due to having a convenient place to work out.”

This summer, there will be a personal trainer to demonstrate how to safely and effectively use the fitness equipment. These sessions will be recorded so all employees can be encouraged and inspired to live their healthiest life!