Taylor County Health Department

Saying I'm doing great. Not saying I'm burying myself in work. It can be hard to admit when we’re struggling, but it’s important to share our thoughts and experiences. Your mental health deserves a voice.

Let’s talk about the challenges we face and support one another. Looking for resources and support? The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has you covered: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mh/phlmhindex.htm

To***co use is higher among the industries listed. These workers often don’t have paid sick leave or health insurance.

Learn more at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379724001417?via%3Dihub

Friendly reminder that we will be closed from 12pm-4:30pm for a county-wide training today!

When enjoying time outdoors during warmer months, it is important to be aware of mosquitoes and take steps to protect yourself from bites.

Fight the bite by:
🦟Using insect repellents
🦟Wearing light-colored, loose clothing in dense mosquito areas
🦟Avoiding the outdoors at times of high mosquito activity (morning and night)

Have you ever tested your home for radon? Now is a great time!
We sell radon test kits at the health department - come on in OR order online!

You can learn more about radon on our website AND order your radon kit to be delivered to you! No need to stop into the office: https://co.taylor.wi.us/hd/radon-program/

Protect your family. Test for radon!

Did you know? 😁 🦷
We offer FREE fluoride supplement tablets for kids that are aged 6 months - 13 years old that live in Taylor County. To receive the fluoride tablets, you must first complete a free water test, and we will follow up with you about your results.

Call today for more information!

: Our office will be closed from 12:00pm-4:30pm tomorrow for a county-wide training. You may still reach us by phone at 715-748-1410.

It's National Ice Cream Day 🍦🍨
If you choose to indulge in today, do it in moderation!

Join us on Tuesday, August 6th for the Taylor County National Night Out and Health & Safety Fair ⭐️
Bring the whole family! There will be the opportunity to thank local first responders and check out emergency vehicles, access health and wellness resources, and more.

We're also happy to announce there will be food trucks this year! Follow our event on Facebook for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/jnFrQwacW61hipmW/

You may have seen these posts around social media, but it's always great to have a reminder!

Thanks to Aquatic Safety Connection for the wonderful post and testing done to see what swimwear stands out:

Buying Swimwear?!??! Think about visibility!
We combined our previous color testing from 2019 and added in prints to see if the patterns made a difference in visibility. (A question we were getting from some of you!)
These images show our latest testing done in water with a dark or blue bottom!
Things we learned:
-NEONS were still ultimate winners
-Small patterns (light or dark) didn’t seem to impact visibility very much.
-Large dark patterns did impact + decrease visibility
So…a solid neon orange suit is more visible on the dark bottom than a neon orange suit with large navy stripes.

Did you know?! High lead levels in children can lead to developmental delays and long-term health effects.

🤔Has your child ever had their lead level tested?
🩸Blood lead level testing is the best way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. Call us to schedule an appointment!

We are experiencing technical issues with our 911 phone system . We believe it’s related to the CrowdStrike outage that is having effects globally.
If you have difficulty calling 911 , please call 715-748-2200 ext 5 and your call will go directly to Sheriffs Office dispatch center.

Protect yourself from UV exposure!
☀️ Seek shade as much as possible between 10am-4pm
☀️ Avoid indoor tanning
☀️ Wear appropriate sun-protection gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, clothing, etc.

You only get one set of eyes and ears.. treat them well! We offer vision and hearing screenings in office for FREE 🤓👀👂

Any age is able to be screened, and we will provide referrals as necessary. Appointments are recommended but we can typically screen someone the same day - just give us a call!

Are you taking a road trip this summer? Make sure your car seats are installed correctly! We have two certified Car Seat Technicians that provide FREE car seat safety checks - we offer this service to help your family stay safe ❤️

Seat checks and education can be done at our office or at your residence and take about one hour. Depending on your situation, we may be able to offer you a reduced-cost car seat!

Call today to set up your car seat safety check! 715-748-1410

Learn practical skills & lessons, like how to use a fire extinguisher to for the possibility of an emergency.

Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. It stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

We had so much fun at the ADRC of the Northwoods and Taylor County Commission on Aging Fair Before the Fair event yesterday! We offered nail painting, collected opinions for the Supporting Healthy Aging Coalition, and had swag items available!

Before making s’mores by the campfire, check the daily fire danger level and air quality in your area.
Burning restrictions, wildfire, and prescribed fire activity can be found at: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/.

Check airnow.gov for air quality.

In 2023, 25% of children who died of heatstroke gained access to an unlocked vehicle. Often young children can get into a vehicle but are unable to get out. Lock your vehicle doors, even if you don’t have children in your care. You never know who might find their way inside.

Learn more: https://carseateducation.org/general-education

Are you doing everything in your power to be prepared for an emergency? One of the easiest ways to stay informed is to sign up for FREE HyperReach alerts through Taylor County Emergency Management! HyperReach can alert you through cell phone, landline, or e-mail of many different situations that may take place within our county, including severe weather!

Sign up at: bit.ly/tayloralerts

Are you looking for a new volunteer opportunity? We have just the one for you!!

We're looking for volunteers (both medical and non-medical backgrounds) to be a part of the Taylor County Medical Reserve Corps! These volunteers will be trained to respond in the event of a public health or other community emergency in order to protect the health and safety of all residents and visitors throughout Taylor County!

Sign up at bit.ly/TaylorCountyMRC!

What's in your water?! 🦠🦠Test your water to find out!

It's simple to test your water:
1️⃣ pick up and pay for sample bottles at the health department
2️⃣ collect the water sample (following the directions we gave you)
3️⃣ drop off water sample at the City of Medford's Wastewater Treatment Plant
4️⃣ receive results!

Today is the day! Join us at the Fair Before the Fair from 10am-1pm we will be at the Medford Senior Dining Site for this fun event!

Seniors 60+ are invited to join for lunch - $5 contribution suggested. RSVP by July 16th by calling 715-748-1491!

Keep your ice chest full and your food safety knowledge fresh when you picnic outdoors. 🍉🌭
Check out these tips to prevent foodborne illness: https://www.fightbac.org/seven-super-steps-to-safe-food-in-the-summer/

Saying I'm alright. Not saying I've lost my appetite. You may be used to putting others first—especially when times are tough. But taking care of others starts with taking care of ourselves. So think about what you’re not saying to the people in your life. And remember, your mental health deserves a voice, too. Looking for resources and support? The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has you covered: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mh/phlmhindex.htm

The next Bridges group will be taking place on Tuesday, July 23rd from 10am-12pm at the Medford Senior Site!

Call Debbie to register:1-800-699-6704

Our Public Health Vending Machines are available for you to take what you need!
FREE Items include first aid kits, Narcan, medication disposal bags, gun locks, fentanyl test strips, and condoms.
These vending machines are available in the lobby of Taylor County - Human Services or on the ground floor of the Taylor County Courthouse!

Home fires are a common disaster, but they are also preventable. When practicing your fire escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Also, use these tips to prevent your pets from starting fires when you’re away.

🔥Extinguish open flames before leaving your home.
🔥Remove or protect stove k***s with covers before leaving the house.
🔥Use flameless candles.
🔥Secure pets from fire-starting hazards, such as in crates or behind baby gates.