Fight the bite!
It’s that time of the year again, the ticks are coming out! Follow these easy steps to protect yourself from ticks while enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful wilderness:
- Wear clothes that cover any bare skin.
- Use repellent that contains 20% or more DEET.
- Check for ticks after at the end of each day and make sure to change your cloths and take a shower as soon as possible.
- Lastly, avoid taking short cuts through thick brush and grass.
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All About WIC - Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
What is the purpose of WIC?
The purpose of the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women as well as infants and children (under age 5).
WIC provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding information, and referrals to other health and nutrition services. WIC also promotes and supports breastfeeding.
How can families sign up for WIC?
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Slow Roll Bike Rides
The Living Well Coalition of Fond du Lac County works with community volunteers to bring you slow rolls! Slow rolls are group bike rides for individuals of all levels and abilities. Rides are about 5 miles long, at a conversational pace, and volunteer led.
The next ride is May 8th! Follow the Facebook page @SlowRollFondy for all meeting locations and updates. No registration required.
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No Menthol Sunday
As the FDA considers action that would remove menthol - an additive that makes smoking easier to start and harder to quit - groups across Wisconsin are gearing up to observe No Menthol Sunday. The annual day of observance event engages faith leaders and congregants, community organizations, elected officials and others, in activities that raise awareness about the impact of menthol and other flavored tobacco products, such as vapes, on health.
Sadly, tobacco companies have had great success in marketing menthol products to communities of color. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) reports that 85% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to 29% of white smokers. Here in Wisconsin, 9 in 10 Black smokers use menthol.
If you smoke and are ready to quit, call 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669), text READY to 34191 or chat online if you are ready to quit.
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May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day!
Beach Monitoring - it's almost swimming season!
 From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Fond du Lac County Health Department tests the water quality of Wolf Beach for high levels of E. coli bacteria to protect the health and safety of swimmers. Beaches may be open, under advisory, or closed based on the level of bacteria. If a water test is concerning, the beach will close for swimming until levels of E. coli bacteria go down.
While E. coli is normally found in bodies of water, elevated levels can pose health risks. Symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache and fever can result from exposure to disease causing organisms in lake water. Infections of the eye, ear, and throat, alongside more severe illnesses, may occur.
Keep an eye out for signs above indicating E. coli test results: Green for safe, yellow for caution, red for closed.
Before heading to the beach, remember these tips:
- Check the water conditions before diving in.
- Avoid swimming after heavy rain, as bacteria levels can spike.
- Do not touch blue-green algae blooms, which can make the water look green, blue-green, reddish-purple, or brown and may make it murky.
- Stay out of the water if beach closure or water quality advisory signs are present; keep pets out of the water too.
April is Oral Health Month!
This month, dental professionals emphasize the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups.
This serves as a reminder that oral health not only contributes to a beautiful smile but also to overall well-being and quality of life. Through education and outreach, the goal is to empower people to take proactive steps towards achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.
If you have questions about oral health, reach out to the Fond du Lac County Health Department's Save a Smile Dental Program at 920-929-3090.
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