2009
Promoting Healthy Choices
October 11, 2009
Click here to view slideshow...
Over 200 community members participated in the Step Up to Better Health Fun Run/Walk which was held in Greendale on Saturday, October 3. The Greendale Schools, Greendale Health Department, and Greendale Park and Rec Department would like to thank the following sponsors for their help in bringing the community together to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
Johnson Bank, CGSchmidt, InSite Consulting Services, National Bakery and Deli, General Mills Gardetto Milwaukee Plant, Heritage Square HealthCare Center, Ferch's Malt Shoppe & Grille, Greendale Panthers Athletic Booster Club and Wear America. Special thanks to the National Honor Society volunteers and Erin Green.
Here are the award winners for each division and school:
2 mile run overall winners (1st and 2nd place for males and females)
Males: 1st - Alex from Canterbury; 2nd - Zach from GMS
Females: 1st - Jessica from GHS; 2nd - Alyssa from GHS
Canterbury top 2: Alex and Eve
Highland View top 2: Ally and Belle
College Park top 2: Sam (no 2nd place runner)
Greendale Middle School top 2: Zach and Ryan
5K run overall winners (1st and 2nd place for males and females)
Males: Austin with a time of 20:45, Jon with a time of 20:58
Females: Asia with a time of 23:50, Laura with a time of 24:22
Vaccine to Prevent Pneumonia Expanded Recommendations
September 03, 2009
Greendale Health Department is now stocking the
pneumonia vaccine, Pneumovax. New research on the
causes of pneumonia has revealed that people 19 years
and older who have asthma (regardless of severity),
or who smoke cigarettes are at high risk of
developing pneumonia, especially if they get the flu.
Additionally, people ages 2-64 who have chronic heart
disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, or
problems with their immune system should receive the
vaccine. These are recommendations from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Call the
Greendale Health Dept. at 423-2110 for an
appointment. The charge for Pneumovax is $45.
In addition to the people listed above, Pneumovax is recommended for: people 65 years of age or older; persons having a chronic illness such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver diseases or cerebrospinal fluid leaks, persons with a weakened immune system, people living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, and people who are Alaska Natives or belong to certain American Indian populations.
Some people who were younger than 65 when they received the pneumonia vaccine may need a second dose at 65 years of age or later if it has been 5 years or longer since they received the vaccine.
In addition to the people listed above, Pneumovax is recommended for: people 65 years of age or older; persons having a chronic illness such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver diseases or cerebrospinal fluid leaks, persons with a weakened immune system, people living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, and people who are Alaska Natives or belong to certain American Indian populations.
Some people who were younger than 65 when they received the pneumonia vaccine may need a second dose at 65 years of age or later if it has been 5 years or longer since they received the vaccine.
Step Up to Better Health Run/Walk
August 18, 2009
The Step Up to Better Health Run/Walk will be held in Greendale on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Click here for the registration form and more information...
West Nile Virus
June 03, 2009
The statewide, toll-free DEAD BIRD REPORTING HOTLINE
at 1-800-433-1610 has now been reactivated. Questions
about dead birds and information on safe handling and
disposal can be answered by hotline staff. Do no
handle dead birds with your hands.
Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile virus (WNV) by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans.
Symptoms
Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. Twenty percent of people who do become ill with the virus have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Symptoms start within 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and typically last a few days. If you think you may have WNV, call your heath care provider to help treat your symptoms.
In rare cases, more severe illness can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma and potentially death. Older people are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.
Since all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle, reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites, mosquito numbers and the risk for mosquito bites.
Prevention Measures:
Other prevention measures include:
Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile virus (WNV) by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans.
Symptoms
Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. Twenty percent of people who do become ill with the virus have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Symptoms start within 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and typically last a few days. If you think you may have WNV, call your heath care provider to help treat your symptoms.
In rare cases, more severe illness can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma and potentially death. Older people are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.
Since all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle, reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites, mosquito numbers and the risk for mosquito bites.
Prevention Measures:
Other prevention measures include:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply insect repellant to skin and also spray clothing as mosquitoes may bite through them.
- Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
- Properly dispose of items that hold water: tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, old tires.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
Free Radon Kits Available
June 03, 2009
Are radon levels high in your home?
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible, radioactive gas found in a majority of homes within the United States.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for an estimated 14,000 preventable deaths per year. Your risk increases if you are a smoker.
Exposure to radon can occur in any kind of building and can be a problem in all types of homes with or without a basement. Radon levels vary from house to house. Just because your neighbor’s house has low levels does not mean yours does. Testing your home is the only way to assure your home is radon safe.
It does not matter how long you have lived with radon, reducing the radon levels in your home will reduce your risk of lung cancer.
The Greendale Health Department has radon kits available for sale. The cost is $10 per kit which includes the test results. Upon presenting your results to the health department from the radon lab, $10 will be returned to you.
Please call Greendale Health Department (414) 423-2110 for your kit as our supply is limited. Non-residents can check with their local health departments or kits can be purchased through the mail, at hardware stores and other retail outlets.
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible, radioactive gas found in a majority of homes within the United States.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for an estimated 14,000 preventable deaths per year. Your risk increases if you are a smoker.
Exposure to radon can occur in any kind of building and can be a problem in all types of homes with or without a basement. Radon levels vary from house to house. Just because your neighbor’s house has low levels does not mean yours does. Testing your home is the only way to assure your home is radon safe.
It does not matter how long you have lived with radon, reducing the radon levels in your home will reduce your risk of lung cancer.
The Greendale Health Department has radon kits available for sale. The cost is $10 per kit which includes the test results. Upon presenting your results to the health department from the radon lab, $10 will be returned to you.
Please call Greendale Health Department (414) 423-2110 for your kit as our supply is limited. Non-residents can check with their local health departments or kits can be purchased through the mail, at hardware stores and other retail outlets.
Swine Influenza Fact Sheet
April 30, 2009
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose or eyes. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. When using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
CDC recommends prescription antiviral drugs that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or cough and sneeze into the inner aspect of your bent elbow. Wash your hands often.
If you develop fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider for information or instructions. Call your provider by phone. Do not go to your doctor’s office or emergency room before obtaining instructions.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose or eyes. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. When using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
CDC recommends prescription antiviral drugs that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or cough and sneeze into the inner aspect of your bent elbow. Wash your hands often.
If you develop fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider for information or instructions. Call your provider by phone. Do not go to your doctor’s office or emergency room before obtaining instructions.
Tobacco Prevention Email Newsletter
April 09, 2009
The
Greendale Health Department's Tobacco Prevention
Newsletter is now available for download.
Click here (pdf)