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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder to focus on prevention, early detection, and vaccination. Cervical cancer is most often caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to six types of cervical cancer. While it can affect women of all backgrounds, women of color in Minnesota are at a particularly higher risk. Nearly half of all cases are diagnosed in women under age 50, with the most common age range being 40–54. As of 2022, about 3,520 women in Minnesota were living with a cervical cancer diagnosis. The encouraging news is that early detection saves lives—women diagnosed at an early stage have a 93% chance of surviving at least five years, compared to 52% for late-stage diagnoses.
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself. It prevents 90% of cervical cancers and also protects males from HPV-related cancers. The vaccine works best when started at age 9 and is given as a 2-dose series, six months apart. Getting vaccinated is an easy, proactive step that can make a big difference for your long-term health.
Equally important is regular cervical cancer screening through Pap tests, which can catch precancerous changes before they become cancer. Some women may notice symptoms like pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, but many women don’t have any symptoms at all—making routine screening essential. Steele County residents can find more information about screening and prevention through Minnesota’s SAGE Program: SAGE Program.
Steele County Public Health offers the HPV vaccine. Schedule your appointment on our website by clicking the button below.
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Protecting Your Family from Hepatitis B: Starting at Birth
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and many people do not know they are infected—about 1 in 2 people with hepatitis B have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). HBV spreads through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids and can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days.
In Minnesota, it is recommended that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) follows the science and guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to protect every infant from birth. Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent infection. Evidence shows that 90% of babies infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis B, and 50% of infected people do not know they have it. Additionally, 12–16% of pregnant women are not screened, and testing can be falsely negative about 5% of the time.
Steele County Public Health offers the hepatitis B vaccine for individuals of all ages, schedule yours today.
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National Radon Action Month
As we recognize National Radon Action Month, it’s an important reminder to continue protecting your home and family from hidden health hazards—especially during the colder months when homes are tightly sealed and heated. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the soil and can build up indoors, increasing the risk of lung cancer over time. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Minnesota homeowners face a higher risk than most, with about two in five homes having elevated radon levels due to our climate and home construction. Radon can enter any home, new or old, through cracks in foundations, sump baskets, crawl spaces, and exposed soil.
The only way to know your radon level is to test. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesota homeowners test their homes for radon, regardless of age. Steele County Public Health offers low-cost short-term radon test kits, available for pick-up Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Short-term tests take just 2–7 days and are ideal this time of year. For questions about radon testing, results, or home safety resources, contact Steele County Public Health at (507) 444-7650 or SCPHN@SteeleCountyMN.gov.
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Keep Kids Safe This Winter: Car Seat Tips
Think of buckling your child into their car seat like riding a roller coaster—if a bulky jacket kept the safety harness from fitting snugly, you’d take it off to stay secure. The same idea applies in the car during winter months. Thick coats and puffy jackets can prevent car seat harnesses from tightening properly, which can increase the risk of injury in a sudden stop or crash. For safer travel, remove bulky layers before buckling your child in, then place a coat or blanket over the harness to keep them warm.
Rear-Facing: Children under age 2 must ride rear-facing and should remain rear-facing until they reach the car seat’s maximum height or weight limit.
Forward-Facing: After outgrowing a rear-facing seat and at age 2 or older, children may move to a forward-facing seat with a harness and should remain until at least age 4 or until they outgrow the seat.
Booster & Seat Belts: Children must use a booster seat until at least age 9 or until they outgrow it and pass the 5-Step Test. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Have Questions? Contact us & ask for a Car Seat Technician: (507) 444-7650.
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 Owatonna Bold & Cold Winter Festival
Join Owatonna’s 8th Annual Bold & Cold Festival, taking place January 19–25. Whether you enjoy embracing the cold outdoors, getting creative with crafts, or staying active, there are a variety of activities for all ages and interests throughout the week. Click the button below to learn more.
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 Community Summit: Housing
Join Spero & United Way of Steele County for a free dinner and an opportunity to share your ideas and lived experiences regarding housing and what our community can do to make sure that housing crises are properly addressed. This event takes place on January 29th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 N Elm Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060.
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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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