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Greendale, WI 53129 Phone: 423.2110 Fax: 858.9111 E-mail sshepeard@greendale.0rg |
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FOR A HEALTHIER GREENDALE - FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT The “Step Up to Better Health” team organizes activities in Greendale that encourage everyone to live a healthier lifestyle. This year the team held a Winter Walk and Food Drive, organized an all-grade school walk to the high school where students participated in activities with the Greendale Track Team, spoke to the Women’s Club about women’s heart health, and will sponsor the annual Greendale Community Walk. The team welcomes new members. Contact Cris Reischl at the Greendale Health Department (423-2110) or Jackie Schweitzer at the Park & Recreation Department (423-2790) if you are interested in joining the team.
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Greendale Health Department is again partnering with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) to offer the flu and pneumonia vaccines to our community. Clinics will be held in the Community Room at 5650 Parking Street. Clinic dates are: October 16, 2007 - 10am to 2pm October 31, 2007 - 3pm to 7pm No appointment is needed. These are “walk-in” clinics. (Clinics are usually less busy later in the day.)
The cost of the flu vaccine will be $30, and the cost of the pneumonia vaccine will be $45. Medicare part B will cover the cost of these vaccines. Be sure to bring your card with you.
All persons including school age children who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with or transmitting the flu to others should receive the vaccine.
The VNA will vaccinate persons age 9 years and older. A parent or guardian must accompany children under age 18.
Appointments for younger children can be made at Greendale Health Department at 423-2110. Children as young as 6 months of age can receive the flu vaccine.
IMMUNIZATION AND BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC INFORMATION
Immunization clinics are offered the first and third Friday mornings and on one mid-month afternoon. Please call the health department for an appointment (423-2110).
Blood pressure clinics are offered twice a month. At your visit, you can ask questions about your medications, other health related topics, and available health services in the community. Please call for an appointment (423-2110).
Keeping on top of vaccines that you and your family need is a lifelong process- beginning at birth and continuing into the elderly years. It’s an exciting time as research continues on present vaccines and new ones are developed. Here are some of the highlights.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising all infants starting at about 2 months of age receive the new 3 dose oral Rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants, so it is a relief to many that we now can offer these children some protection. The CDC continues to recommend that all children over age 1 receive the 2 dose Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A is a serious disease that attacks the liver. It is passed through contaminated food and water, and can spread fast especially through households and schools. The CDC is now recommending that all children who have not had chickenpox disease receive 2 doses of the Varicella vaccine for complete protection.
Adolescents also need vaccines. The one dose Meningococcal vaccine offers good protection against some bacteria that can cause meningitis, blood infections and pneumonia. It is recommended for children age 11 and up. The 3 dose Human Papillomavirus vaccine protects girls against the strains of the virus that causes most of the cervical cancer and genital warts. It is at this time that children usually need a tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough booster, and to consider receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine if they have not already done so.
Adults should keep their immunity to tetanus and diphtheria by getting a booster at least every 10 years. Consider receiving a one time dose of the tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough vaccine for one of the boosters.
Seniors should continue boosting their tetanus/diphtheria levels with vaccine at least every 10 years. The Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for just about everyone that’s over age 65. Pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections of the lungs, blood, and coverings of the brain and spinal cord.
Everyone 6 months and older should consider getting the flu vaccine. This is vitally important for pregnant women, infants, small children, healthcare workers, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions.
A vaccine that offers some protection against Herpes Zoster (shingles) has recently been approved. It is for people age 60 and older. This vaccine is not available through the Health Department, but we can direct you to where it is being given.
Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for babies, children, adolescents, adults and seniors, and making sure we receive them are critical to protecting the health of everyone. Please call the Greendale Health Department at 423-2110 for more information.
Is your home as safe as it can be? Are your children living in a safe environment? Greendale Health Department is offering free home safety assessments for Greendale families.
A Public Health Nurse can visit you at home and help you evaluate the safety of your home environment. Together we can work to correct any safety problems. You will also receive a safety gift with this assessment.
Call the Health Department at 423-2110 if you would like to schedule this visit, or if you have questions.
GREENDALE COMMUNITY WALK A SUCCESS!
Step UP to Better Health and the Greendale Health Department want to thank the 128 registered walkers for their participation in the successful 2007 Community Walk held during Village Days. Join us next year for this annual event. It’s fun AND healthy!
Meanwhile, check out current Step Up health-promoting programs in the Community Connection section—Fit for Life and the 1st Annual Greendale FUN Run.
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services has reactivated the statewide toll free West Nile virus hotline at (800) 433-1610 to report sick or dead crows, blue jays or ravens. "Dead, wild birds act as an early warning system for West Nile virus”, said Dr. Patricia Fox, West Nile Virus Surveillance Coordinator. "While very few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, we want to do all we can to protect someone from being bit by an infected mosquito. Finding the virus in birds indicates that the virus is present in the mosquito population”. In nature, the virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes. It is only when a mosquito infected with the virus bites a person that people become exposed to this virus. Less than 1% of those bitten by an infected mosquito will develop a severe illness. Preventing mosquito bites will prevent a West Nile virus infection. 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. The Village of Greendale participates in a mosquito control program. Symptoms of infection can include headache, high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. The symptoms usually show up between 3 to 15 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus, although most people infected will have no symptoms at all or will display only mild symptoms of illness. People age 50 and older are at greater risk of developing severe illness. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus other than to treat the symptoms. If you think you have a West Nile virus infection, contact your physician. For more information on West Nile virus, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westNilevirus/
The Greendale Health Department now has new color-coded walking maps of routes in Greendale. The map indicates the distance for each of ten routes. Pick up your map and start walking today. Take your family, friends, and pets with you! Exercise is fun and good for your health!
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