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On July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we will be hosting our first Family Fun Day at Manthey Park, sponsored by the Follow Along Program. This event is designed to promote the Follow Along Program to parents of children aged 0 to 5 years old, while also highlighting the many services Public Health offers for this age group. Families can enjoy a morning filled with fun activities like face painting, rock painting, a photo booth, bubbles, crafts, and a light snack. It’s a great way to connect with other families and learn more about programs that support early childhood development.
The Follow Along Program is a free, easy way to track your child’s development from birth to age five. We know how quickly babies grow and how each child develops at their own pace—sometimes it’s hard to know what’s expected at each stage. The Follow Along Program sends families developmental questionnaires every few months to help monitor important milestones like cooing, sitting up, or walking. These simple tools are research-based and used by doctors and schools to provide a snapshot of how your child is doing. You complete the forms at home and return them in a prepaid envelope; our team reviews them and lets you know the results. If there are any concerns, we’ll follow up with next steps, resources, or referrals. This program helps parents feel confident and informed about their child’s growth and gives them ideas for what to work on next. Come to Family Fun Day, enjoy the activities, and learn how the Follow Along Program can support your child’s early learning and readiness for school!
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Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Early Literacy Grant
Steele County Public Health was thrilled to pick up new children’s books through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) Early Literacy Grant. This grant, offered in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight. The program prioritizes reaching diverse and at-risk families who may not otherwise have access to books, while also strengthening parental awareness of the importance of early literacy and language development. These books will be shared with local families through our programs to help promote reading, learning, and healthy development from the very beginning. We are grateful to SMIF and its partners for helping us get more books into the hands of young readers in Steele County!
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Measles Cases Confirmed in Minnesota
Measles, a highly contagious virus, has recently been confirmed in Minnesota. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left. Measles can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death—especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Early symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red rash typically begins on the face and spreads down the body. If you think you’ve been exposed or start to experience symptoms, call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic to avoid exposing others.
The best way to protect yourself and your community is by getting vaccinated. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and the most reliable defense against measles. Two doses of the vaccine provide long-lasting protection and are recommended for all children and adults who are not immune. MDH urges all Minnesotans to check their immunization records and make sure they and their families are up to date.
Vaccines are available at Steele County Public Health for those who qualify. To schedule an appointment, call (507) 444-7650 or click the button below.
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Staying Safe in the Sun
As the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays begin to get stronger and stronger, it is important to remember to protect yourself from the long-term effects of prolonged exposure. While spending time outdoors is a great way to enjoy the warmer months, overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health risks—including sunburn, premature aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. Fortunately, most UV-related harm is preventable with the right precautions.
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outside—even on cloudy days—and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. A good rule of thumb is to use about one ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover the whole body.
It’s also important to remember that sunscreen alone isn’t enough. Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection can offer added layers of defense. Whenever possible, seek shade during peak sun intensity hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Special care should be taken with infants and young children. Babies under 6 months of age should not use sunscreen, as their skin is especially delicate. Instead, they should be kept out of direct sunlight completely. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, use a wide-brimmed hat, and keep them shaded with a stroller canopy or umbrella when outdoors.
UV safety is a simple yet powerful way to protect your overall health. By adopting sun-safe habits early—and teaching them to children—you can reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer over time.
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 Owatonna Main St. Downtown Thursdays
Steele County Public Health’s Mobile Unit will be at all Downtown Thursdays events this summer! Join us on July 3rd, August 7th, and September 4th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM to learn more about the wide range of programs and services we offer for individuals and families in our community. Stop by our mobile unit to ask questions, grab resources, and play a fun game for a chance to win a prize.
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 Rainbowatonna's Pride in the Park
Steele County Public Health will be at Rainbowatonna’s Pride in the Park on Saturday, July 12 from 2–7 PM at Central Park in Owatonna! Stop by our booth to learn about our programs, play fun games, and grab health resources. This family-friendly event will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, art activities, and more. Come celebrate with us and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community—we hope to see you there!
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Steele County Public Health (SCPH) is dedicated to preventing disease, promoting wellness, and protecting the health of Steele County residents through a variety of services such as family health programs, immunization clinics, and home health care. SCPH also provides resources for radon and water testing, health education, and emergency preparedness to realize its vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities. |
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