All kids should be vaccinated against meningococcal disease at age 11 or older. It is now recommended that those who got the vaccine before age 16 get a one-time booster dose after their 16th birthday. No booster is need if the primary dose was given at age 16 or older.

Meningococcal germs can cause serious blood and brain infections. Symptoms can come on suddenly and quickly take a turn for the worse. About 10% of infected people die, even with appropriate treatment. Another 20% suffer permanent body damage. There are about 3,000 cases in the US each year. Teens and young adults are twice as likely as everyone else to get meningitis.

The vaccine gives very good protection against 4 of the 5 most common types of meningococcal infections. It is very safe. Severe reactions are extremely rare.

The vaccine can usually be gotten from your child’s doctor. The Greendale Health Department also offers the vaccine to all Wisconsin residents for a nominal fee. Call the Greendale Health Department (414-423-2110) for more information or to schedule an appointment for this important vaccine.

The Greendale Health Department is conducting a community health assessment as part of strategic planning to focus the efforts of the department in the Village of Greendale. As part of the community health assessment, the Greendale Health Department is conducting a confidential on-line community survey.

"The purpose of the survey is to get resident input on what they feel are the greatest health issues that the health department and its partners should address," says Susan Shepeard, Health Director/Health Officer for the Greendale Health Department. "It also assesses [community] awareness of the services of the Health Department and their opinion on the how important these services are to them as a resident."

To take the survey on-line, please visit www.orghealth.com/ghd. The results of the survey will be summarized by an independent researcher and reported back to the Health Department. Resident input will help the Health Department identify and plan the work for the future.

"Feel free to share this information with your neighbors, friends and community groups," says Shepeard. "The more input we have, the better it will be for planning.

If you would like a hard copy of the survey, they will be available at the Greendale Health Department, Greendale Public Library and Village Hall. For more information, call the Greendale Health Department at (414) 423-2110.

The Greendale Health Department is conducting a community health assessment as part of strategic planning to focus the efforts of the department in the Village of Greendale. As part of the community health assessment, the Greendale Health Department is conducting a confidential on-line community survey.

"The purpose of the survey is to get resident input on what they feel are the greatest health issues that the health department and its partners should address," says Susan Shepeard, Health Director/Health Officer for the Greendale Health Department. "It also assesses [community] awareness of the services of the Health Department and their opinion on the how important these services are to them as a resident."

Take take the survey on-line, please visit www.orghealth.com/ghd. The results of the survey will be summarized by an independent researcher and reported back to the Health Department. Resident input will help the Health Department identify and plan the work for the future.

"Feel free to share this information with your neighbors, friends and community groups," says Shepeard. "The more input we have, the better it will be for planning.

If you would like a hard copy of the survey, they will be available at the Greendale Health Department, Greendale Public Library and Village Hall. For more information, call the Greendale Health Department at (414) 423-2110.

The Greendale Health Department will be offering flu shots to adults on November 16 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This is a walk-in clinic, so no appointments are needed. The cost for the shot is $30 or medicare coverage.

The Health Department also gives flu shots to children through age 18. Call 423-2110 for an appointment for children. The cost for children’s shots is $5. Both flu mist (inhaled flu vaccine) and flu shots are available. Adults who attend these clinics with children can receive their flu shots at the same time.

Flu shots are recommended for everybody age 6 months and older.

Click here for an informational flyer (pdf)

Sunday, October 3, 2010
Greendale High School Lower Parking Lot
Run/Walk begins at 11:00 a.m.

Join us and enjoy the health benefits of exercise!
Bring your family, friends, neighbors, or your team or club!
Then stay for a picnic lunch!

This year, Step Up to Better Health has again joined forces with Greendale Schools and St. Alphonsus School to bring you the FUN Run/Walk AND a fund-raising opportunity. Step Up will share the profits from the event with parent groups from each of the schools.

New this year, lunch will be available for purchase at the end of the run/walk. Watch for more information on this fun option.

The FUN Run/Walk will begin and end in the lower parking lot of Greendale High School (6801 Southway). Event day registration begins at 10:00 a.m. Fees are $10 for an individual and $30 for a family (residing at the same address). Children 3 and under are free. Fees are the same for day-of-event registration and pre-registration. However, only pre-registered participants will get t-shirts. Pre-registrations will be accepted at all Greendale Schools, St. Alphonsus School, the Greendale Health Department, and Greendale Park and Rec until September 23, 2010.

Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. We will run/walk rain or shine so no refunds will be issued. Click here for flyer (PDF).

Clinics sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association are scheduled for October 11, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on November 2, 2010 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Community Room located in the lower level of Greendale Health Department at 5650 Parking Street. No appointments are necessary. These are “walk-in” clinics.

These clinics are for those individuals age 9 years and older. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

The fee for the flu shot is $30. The pneumonia vaccine will also be available at these clinics for $55. ( If the pneumonia vaccine is given after age 65, it is only necessary to have one shot. If it was given before age 65, another dose may be indicated after age 65. At least 5 years should separate these two shots.) The pneumonia vaccine is not recommended annually as is the flu shot. Seniors are reminded to bring their Medicare cards.

Greendale Health Department will be offering flu vaccine to children ages 6 months through 18 years of age. An appointment will be necessary for these clinics at the Health Department. Call 423-2110 to schedule an appointment for your child. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all individuals 6 months of age and older should receive an annual seasonal flu shot.

This year the seasonal influenza vaccine will include protection against the H1N1 influenza as well as two other strains that are currently circulating.

The annual Greendale Community Walk will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The Walk will begin at the Greendale Gazebo (corner of Southway and Broad St.) at 9:00 a.m. Event day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.

New this year, the Walk will be a charity event. Step Up has partnered with the American Brain Tumor Association. 75% of proceeds will be donated to the Association, 25% will remain with Step Up programs.

Pre-register at Greendale Park and Recreation (423-2790) or at Greendale Health Department (423-2110) until June 14 in person or by mail. Cost is $10 per person, $20 per family of four walkers (additional walkers $10). Registration forms are available on-line at the Village of Greendale website, the Greendale School District website, the American Brain Tumor Association website and at the Health Department, Library, Greendale schools and Village Hall.

Bring your friends, neighbors, and family and join us for this healthy and fun activity!

We will walk rain or shine! Leashed dogs welcome.

For more information, contact the Greendale Health Department at 423-2110. Click here for a registration form.

The Greendale Health Department offers immunizations to Greendale children and adults. Many immunizations are low cost or free. Call 423-2110 for an appointment.

Immunization Clinics in May, 2010 are as follows:
Friday, May 7 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Friday, May 21 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 26 2:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Blood pressure clinics are held bi-monthly. You can also ask a nurse questions about medications, life style recommendations, medical conditions and diseases. This service is free. Call 423-2110 for an appointment.

Blood Pressure clinics in May, 2010 are as follows:
Tuesday, May 4 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 20 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Building upon regional planning efforts that began in August, the four health departments representing southwestern Milwaukee County (Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, and Hales Corners) have scheduled two large-scale H1N1 influenza clinics for residents of all ages - one on Saturday, December 5 and one on Saturday, December 19. More...

In accordance with State guidelines and vaccine supply, the Greendale Health Department has expanded groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Appointments are being taken for people who are at highest risk for complications from the disease. These groups are:

• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons 25-64 years of age who are actively being treated for diabetes, kidney, heart (not high blood pressure), respiratory, or other conditions which put them at risk for complications from flu
• Pregnant women
• Families and caretakers of babies under 6 months of age
• Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
  

Healthy adults and seniors should call the Health Department after Thanksgiving for updated information. The CDC is advising that there will be enough vaccine eventually for anyone who wants it.

As more vaccine becomes available, clinics will be announced through the schools and on the Greendale website and other locations. You can also call 2-1-1 for location of clinics throughout the area, but most local health departments are following the same guidelines. You can attend a clinic in any location.

Continue to protect yourself and your family by frequent hand washing, avoiding large crowds and people who are ill and staying home from work or school if you or your family members are ill with fever, cough and sore throat.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The Greendale Health Department no longer has seasonal flu vaccine available. The Visiting Nurse Association is now giving this vaccine. Clinic sites close to Greendale are:

Saturday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Aurora VNA, 11333 w. National Avenue, West Allis
Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Aurora VNA, 11333 W. National Avenue, West Allis
Tuesday, December 8 from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
At Aurora Health Center, 5250 S. 108th Street, Hales Corners
Thursday, December 10 from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
At South Milwaukee City Hall at 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee
Tuesday, December 15 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
At Aurora St. Luke’s Health Center 14555 W. National Ave., New Berlin

For other dates and sites, contact the Visiting Nurse Association.

The Greendale Health Department in consultation with the Wisconsin Division of Health has given permission to the Greendale School District to reopen Canterbury Elementary School on Friday, October 23, 2009. The school was closed from October 20-22 due to the high number of students and staff ill with influenza-like illness most likely due to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

The Greendale Health Department will work closely with the Greendale School District to continue to monitor absences of students and staff at Canterbury as well as all other Greendale school district schools on a daily basis. Because influenza outbreaks happen in waves, more people may become ill and other measures may need to be taken.

All well children may return to school. Any people who continue to be ill with influenza-like illness of fever, cough, sore throat, chills or body aches should remain at home and not go into the community until 24 hours after their fever has subsided without fever reducing medication.

Ways to stay healthy and to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Stay home when sick or have flu symptoms.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Frequently wash commonly used surfaces.
• Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
  

Additional information can be found at the Greendale Health Department website at http://www.greendale.org or visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov or www.greendale.K12.wi.us.

You may also call 2-1-1 for information on the 2009 H1N1 virus. 2-1-1 service will provide information on prevention and community resources. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and confidential, and is available throughout Wisconsin. 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours 7 days per week. If your cellular provider does not allow calls to 2-1-1, please call (866) 211-3380 or (414) 773-0211 or (262) 547-3388.

The Village of Greendale Health Department, in consultation with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, announces the closing of Canterbury Elementary School, 7000 Enfield, because of the high incidence of influenza-like illness.

On October 19, 2009, over 40% of students were absent and experiencing influenza-like illness symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat. Effective Tuesday, October 20, 2009, through Thursday, October 22, 2009, Canterbury School will be closed. During this time, all academic activities and before and after school activities including Bridge for Kids child care are canceled for Canterbury students and other groups who utilize Canterbury School. School will resume on Friday, October 23, 2009 pending approval of the Health Officer. All other schools in the Greendale School District will remain open at this time.

Any individuals with influenza-like illness should stay home and not go into the community, except to seek medical care, for 24 hours after their fever has subsided.

Asymptomatic contacts of ill people, including contacts of patients with probable or confirmed 2009 H1N1 virus, are not restricted in their activities in the community. However, they should assess their own health frequently, and if they become ill, they should immediately be subject to the same restrictions as currently indicated for ill persons.

Ways to stay healthy and to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Stay home when sick or have flu symptoms.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Frequently wash commonly used surfaces.
• Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
  

Additional information can be found at the Greendale Health Department website at http://www.greendale.org or visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov or www.greendale.K12.wi.us.

You may also call 2-1-1 for information on the 2009 H1N1 virus. 2-1-1 service will provide information on prevention and community resources. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and confidential, and is available throughout Wisconsin. 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours 7 days per week. If your cellular provider does not allow calls to 2-1-1, please call (866)211-3380 or (414)773-0211 or (262)547-3388.

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...

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, the Greendale Health Department will be giving away free digital thermometers to families and individuals who do not already have one. There is a limited supply for families in need, and the thermometers will be given out on a first come first served basis starting at 9 am. Instructions will be given with the thermometers. A public health nurse will be available to answer your questions.

The Greendale Health Department is located at 5650 Parking Street, Greendale, WI 53129 (Click here for map and directions).

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.

Lighten Up Wisconsin (and Greendale)
January 19-April 28, 2009

Kick Off Event: January 8, 2009
Greendale High School MPR, 7 p.m.

Lighten Up is a fun, team based wellness initiative from Step Up and our partners. Your team of two to ten adults can compete with other teams in Greendale and across Wisconsin in the Weight Loss Division, Activity Division or Total Fitness Division. Take advantage of a wealth of innovative resources to jump start small, realistic and permanent changes in exercise and eating habits. It is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Form a Team: Gather up to 10 co-workers, family members, neighbors, or friends. Choose a team name and a team captain.
2. Choose a Division: Choose the weight loss, activity or total fitness division for the same fee of $15 per person. (The money goes to the Lighten Up program)
3. Register Your Team: Watch for more information about registration. You will be able to register on-line or at the Kick-Off event at Greendale High School on January 8, 2009

Your registration fee includes a wealth of innovative resources including: interactive website with Team Page, online training log and activity tracker (privacy protected), online food journal, team message board, online health and fitness discussion forum, weekly tips from Wisconsin health professionals, weekly incentive challenges, free participation in the Healthy Holidays Challenge, AND a t-shirt!

For more information contact the call Greendale Health Department at 423-2110.

For your New Year’s resolution, consider giving your health a boost by resolving to avoid environments where you and your family would be exposed to second hand smoke.

Dr. Robert Shepard, co-author of the landmark Helena Heart Study, recently spoke to a group of Greendale and Greenfield residents about second hand smoke and heart disease. His study, now confirmed by 10 other studies, showed that exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease in non-smokers by about 30%. After only 20 min exposure to second hand smoke, the platelets in a non-smoker are as “sticky” as a smoker’s. This stickiness can cause the platelets to clump together to form clots that can block the arteries in the heart, causing a heart attack. This stickiness can take up to 24 hours to decrease to normal levels. In addition, second hand smoke causes inflammation in the inside of the artery, problems with the ability of the blood vessels to dilate, and increases cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels, further contributing to heart problems.

In Helena (Montana) and other cities, states and countries, it has been demonstrated that enacting smoke free workplace laws leads to an immediate decrease in the number of hospital admissions for heart attacks. Wisconsin is nearly surrounded by smoke-free states. Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, have smoke-free workplace laws to protect the health of their citizens and Michigan is working on one. Twenty four states and 24 foreign countries, including Ireland, also protect their citizens with smoke-free laws. Wisconsin does not.

More information can be found at: www.ittimewisconsin.org; www.tobwis.org; www.tobaccofreekids.org and www.anr.org

Available FREE from the Health Department: Make It Your Business: Strategies for a Tobacco-Free Workplace in Wisconsin. This is booklet describes 3 steps for making your workplace tobacco-free, how to use your company’s health plan to help employees quit, ideas for implementing policies, materials and resources.

The Greendale Health Department has received a grant to allow us to more closely track the immunizations of all children in Greendale up to two years old. Most childhood primary doses of vaccines are scheduled to be given by two years of age. Families of children two years and under are sent letters and/or called to be sure the families are aware of the recommended immunizations and that they have access to care that includes immunizations. If we are unable to reach a family by letter or phone, a home visit may be made.

Please help us to keep Greendale a healthy community by working with the public health nurses if they contact you about your child’s immunizations.

The Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) is a secure computerized data system that tracks the immunizations given to people in Wisconsin. The Registry electronically stores an individual’s immunization record in a secure system.

Health care providers can access this information to determine which immunizations are due at a given time. Parents and legal guardians can also access this information via the internet. Your health care provider can help you to register to access your own records. Public and private health care providers can access WIR only after they have been trained and have signed a confidentiality agreement administered through the Wisconsin Department of Health.

WIR is easily accessible on Internet Explorer. It allows immediate access to your immunization history. If you move within the state or change providers for your immunizations, your immunization history is available to your new health care provider via this registry. By using WIR, duplication of immunizations can be prevented as well as keeping one up to date on needed immunizations.

If you have further questions about the Wisconsin Immunization Registry call Greendale Health Department at 423-2110 or visit http://dhfsWIR.org.

Flu shots are still available at Greendale Health Department. The flu season can last until April, so it is not too late to get a flu shot. The charge is $30, however if you have Medicare Part B, the cost will be covered. Please bring your Medicare card with you. Call the Health Department at (414) 423-2110 to schedule an appointment.