Public Health
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Safe Medication Storage & Disposal
Safely getting rid of unwanted, unused, or expired medications is important to prevent misuse. And it’s easy to find a drop off location in your own community. Twice a year there is a national Drug Take Back event, find location details for Vilas County here.
Opioids are powerful drugs. Prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin hurt Wisconsin residents every day. More people die of opioid overdoses in Wisconsin each year than car crashes. But there is something more powerful than opioids: All of us. Together, we can reduce the dangers of opioids and their impact on our communities.
When you properly dispose of medications alike prescription painkillers, it helps make sure they do not fall into the wrong hangs. In 2023, the Vilas County Sherriff's Office collected and disposed of over 170 pounds of unwanted medications. Pay careful attention to how you store your medications and plan a trip to a Drug Take Back location on Saturday, April 27, 2024, www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm.
Join the Vilas County Public Health Department in observing National Healthy Homes Month! NHHM focuses on increasing awareness for families and communities about the importance of creating and maintaining a healthy home by addressing home-based hazards, including testing for and addressing lead paint hazards and radon, lowering risk of moisture and mold in the home, improving ventilation and indoor air quality, and controlling pests.
An unkept home can cause a variety of conditions from respiratory diseases, lead poisonings, neurological disorders, cancer from toxic materials, stress, and psychological and behavioral issues.
Seven Ways to Keep Your Home Healthy
1. Keep your home dry.Damp and wet environments make it possible for dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, and molds to grow and increase. Keep your home dry by fixing plumbing and structural leaks, improving drainage for rainwater, and opening windows or using an exhaust fan so steam doesn't build up in the bathroom or kitchen.
2. Keep your home clean.Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants. Keep your home clean by trying to keep contaminants out, creating smooth and cleanable surfaces and reducing clutter. Use a damp mop or rag to clean and always follow label directions on cleaning products. Check out these tips for cleaning and reducing clutter.
3. Keep your home well-ventilated.Increasing the supply of fresh air can help reduce exposure to indoor respiratory triggers and other contaminants. To keep your home well-ventilated, use exhaust fans and open windows, especially when you are cleaning, cooking, or using chemicals in your home.
4. Keep your home pest-free.All pests, including cockroaches, mice and rats, need food, water and shelter to live. Keep your home pest-free by storing food (including pet food) in pest-resistant containers, fixing leaks, and sealing cracks in floors, walls, and ceilings, reducing the amount of clutter in your home and storing garbage outside in a can with a lid.
5. Keep your home contaminant-free.Contaminants in the home may include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, environmental tobacco smoke and carbon-monoxide. Keep your home contaminant free by testing it for radon, installing a carbon-monoxide detector, using lead-safe practices to fix deteriorating lead paint, establishing smoke-free home rules and by storing and using chemicals, paints, and cleaning products safely.
6. Keep your home safe.Many injuries can occur in the home, including falls, burns and poisonings. Children and older adults are at higher risk for some types of injuries. Keep your home safe by properly labeling and storing all chemicals (including medicines, cleaning products, and personal-care products), by securing loose rugs, removing hard and sharp surfaces from children's play areas, and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
7. Keep your home well-maintained.Poorly maintained homes are at risk for pests, moisture, deteriorating lead paint and other structural problems. Inspect, clean, and repair your home routinely. Take care of minor repairs and problems before they become large repairs and problems.
For questions regarding various testing availability, call the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656, and for additional information visit, - Environmental Health: Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
It is estimated that more than 140,000 people die from alcohol-related causes, such as vehicle accident, suicides, alcohol poisoning, different types of cancer, every year. This makes alcohol the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
Research shows that people who misuse alcohol have a higher chance of getting liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke, and cancer. These individuals may also have problems taking care of health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, and sleep disorders.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Wisconsin as well as the United States. One in every 12 adults suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. Wisconsin ranks third in the country for the percent of adults who currently drink alcohol.
Youth are also likely to binge drink (drinking five or more standard drinks per occasion for men and four more drinks for women). This can lead to serious consequences, including injury and death. It’s important to take action if you think your teen is using alcohol. Watch out for signs of alcohol use in your child, including slurred speech, defensive behavior, frequent mood changes, and problems at school. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you think your child may have problems with alcohol.
You can help prevent alcohol abuse in your children by setting a good example and using alcohol responsibly, talking openly with them, being involved in their lives, and setting expectations and consequences for their behavior.
For addition information, visit - Alcohol Use in Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
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April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as lowering the risk of health-related issues.
Healthy ways for coping with your stress
- Take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and remember to give yourself a break if you feel stressed.
- Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a family member, friend, doctor, pastor, or counselor.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
- Recognize when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor if things continue.
Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are all Public Health
National Public Health Week - April 1-7, 2024
Public health is more than just health care. It's the steps we take to create local awareness, promote good health, and educate the community on best practices. We're all interconnected and the relationships we foster in our communities bring us together to support public health and develop and implement solutions to health problems.
By working together, we can make our communities healthier, safer, and stronger. When we connect with each other, whether with our neighbors or our lawmakers, we can build relationships that protect our health and enrich our lives.
During National Public Health Week 2024, one of our goals is to look at how our cultural connections and intersections affect our health, well-being and the public health system that cares for us. We’re encouraging everyone — public health professionals, students, elected leaders, enthusiasts, and community members — to step in and do what they can to make our world a more equitable, safe, healthy, and just place.
For more information visit, nphw.org or Local Public Health | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The Public Health Department is looking for an Administrative Assistant II position. This position performs a variety of clerical, financial, and administrative duties to support the operations of the Vilas County Public Health Department. All duties and responsibilities are performed under the direction of the Public Health Director. For a detailed position description or to apply, visit Vilas County Employment Opportunities.
Lead May be a Hazard in your Home
The Vilas County Public Health Department wants to remind families that many children’s toys may contain lead. Children can be exposed to lead where they live, learn, and play. This can include infants and toddlers putting toys into their mouth or their fingers, which may have been touching the toys.
Because lead does not have a smell and cannot be seen, you are encouraged to lower your child's chance of coming in contact with lead by following these tips:
1 Find the lead in your home. Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978. It is important to find and fix the lead in your home as soon as possible. Have your home inspected by a licensed lead inspector and don’t remodel or renovate your home until it has been inspected for lead.
2. Clean up lead dust. When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Lead dust is so small you cannot see it. Children get lead poisoning from swallowing dust on their hands and toys.- Use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust.
- Clean around windows, play areas, and floors.
- Wash hands and toys often with soap and water. Always wash your hands before eating and sleeping.
- Use contact paper or duct tape to cover chipping or peeling paint.
- Calcium is in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
- Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter, and cereals.
- Vitamin C is in oranges, green and red peppers, and juice.
Dealing with lead poisoning can be stressful. Be sure to ask for support. You may want to talk to other parents who have children with lead poisoning.
To schedule a childhood lead screening, please contact the nurse at the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656. Learn more at the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | CDC.
Awaiting warmer weather, we are still spending more time indoors, so the Vilas County Public Health Department wants to remind everyone of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially those who will be headed to the hunting cabin or to another location where there may not be carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common cause of deadly poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 450 people die each year and 20,000 experience other injuries because of CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because it has no odor and some of the symptoms are similar to the flu. People can be exposed to CO when charcoal, gas, oil, or wood are burned in poorly ventilated areas.
About 50% of all CO Poisonings occur in the home. Other places include cars, cabins, and tents. No matter where you live, prevent exposure and know the symptoms. Common signs of CO poisoning might include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Excessive sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion, and disorientation
At very high levels, CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and death. If you think you may be experiencing CO poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.
Following these tips can help you and your family avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Detectors should be in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
- Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a professional to make sure it is working properly and vents outside of the home.
- Never run an engine in an enclosed space. If a car, snowmobile, generator or lawn mower is running, you must have a door open to the outside.
- Generators should be run a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage, or right next to windows or doors.
- Put a carbon monoxide detector in your camper, cabin or tent. With hunting season almost here hunters and other campers are encouraged to put a battery powered CO detector in their cabin, tent, RV or wherever they may be sleeping.
CO alarms are not replacements for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and the sound of CO alarms. It is also suggested that you do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside your home.
For more information about carbon monoxide, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/co.htm
Indoor Air Quality With cooler temperatures lingering, this can lead to worsened indoor air pollution. That means you should take steps to create a healthy home environment during the cooler spring months.
As we spend more time indoors during the winter and spring, meaning our fireplaces, furnaces, and wood-burning stoves are hard at work. It’s important to make sure that these appliances are well-maintained and properly adjusted so that they don’t release dangerous levels of pollution into the home.
Here are ways you can help improve indoor air quality and your health at the same time:
- Dust regularly
- Replace furnace filters once every two months
- Test for radon annually
- Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detection device
- Use non-toxic cleaning products
- Keep bedding clean
- Air out and clean mold-prone areas of the home
- Open windows and doors when you can
- When possible, reduce driving, combine trips, and don’t leave your vehicle engine idling.
- In winter, set your heat at a lower temperature, especially at night, and wear lots of layers of warm clothing.
For more information, visit: Air Quality Issues | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Test your Home for Radon Gas
This spring, the Vilas County Public Health Department wants you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your home for Radon.
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States among non-smokers and the second leading cause for smokers. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, resulting in more deaths per year than drunk driving, drowning, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. It can get into any type of building- homes, offices, and schools- and build up to high levels. But you and your family are mostly likely to get your greatest exposure at home. That’s where you spend most of your time.
You should test for radon. Radon occurs naturally at low levels in the earth throughout the United States and unless it is specifically tested for, radon cannot be detected. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy – it should only take a few minutes of your time. Protect your family and test your home.
You can fix the problem. The cost of lowering radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The cost to fix can vary widely. Consult with your state radon office or get one or more estimates from qualified contractors.
Radon Test kits are available at the Vilas County Public Health Department for $15.00. Please call 715-479-3656 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. with any questions.
Groundwater Awareness
We use groundwater every day and life as we know it would be impossible without it. Groundwater is the world's most sought-after natural resource, and it supports our entire ecosystem. Groundwater is water found in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock underground. Approximately 70% of Wisconsin uses groundwater for drinking.
The Vilas County Public Health Department would like to remind well owners to test their water every year to prevent illness caused by bad water.
Vilas County offers the following water tests:
- Bacteria: $20
- Nitrates: $25
- Arsenic: $25
- Lead: $35
- Cumulative Only: $10
- 3 Piece Property Transfer Kit (Bacteria, Nitrates and Arsenic): $45.00
- Homeowner Kit (Bacteria, Nitrates, Arsenic, Hardness, pH, Iron, Alkalinity and Chlorine): $70.
Special water sampling bottles must be used for water testing and are ready for pick-up at the Vilas County Public Health Department, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
Water samples should be taken the same day as they are brought in for testing and can be dropped off at the Health Department, on Wednesdays only from 8am-12pm. For more information call, 715-479-3656.
Water Lab
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Water Test Kits are available in the lobby of the Vilas County Public Health Department Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm.
*Water samples are accepted on Wednesdays, between 8 am - Noon. Starting on April 30, 2024, water samples will only be accepted on Tuesdays, between 8 am - noon.
All payment for all water tests needs to be either cash or check. Please make checks out to Vilas County Public Health Department or VCPHD.
For questions or concerns, contact Graydon Skok at 715-479-3786 or skokg@uwosh.edu.
Power Outages
A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:
- Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
- Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
- Cause food to spoil and water contamination.
- Prevent use of medical devices.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
For tips on food safety, visit: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
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