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Where is Public Health?
We're located on the 3rd floor of Mohawk Square in downtown Mason City. |
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Quick Links...
Our Website
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Wellness Coordinator
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has hired Kelli Huinker as Wellness Coordinator. Huinker has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health with emphasis in health and fitness management and a minor in gerontology from Iowa State University.Huinker will manage wellness grants and will develop a county-wide wellness strategic plan for county employees, county residents and local businesses. Her goal will be to create a sustaining wellness program in Cerro Gordo County.
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The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health offers more than 50 services to area residents. Here is just a sample:
Home Care
Well/ Septic Permits
Child Immunizations
Adult Immunizations
Tobacco Prevention
Senior Health Clinics
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Health Planning
Restaurant Inspections
Swimming Pool Inspections
Water Testing
Mosquito Surveillance
STD and HIV Testing
Disease Surveillance
Public Health Emergency Response
Wellness
& so much more!
Learn about Public Health on our web site |
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Breaking News in Tobacco Prevention!
Thanks to a new federal law, tobacco companies will no longer be able to produce candy and fruit flavored cigarettes, which is a direct marketing effort to lure our children into smoking! Read more on our web site.
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Greetings!
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health announced recently that H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus has been confirmed in Cerro Gordo County. LIke other areas of the country, Iowa is beginning to see H1N1 deaths.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health developed a pandemic plan several years ago in preparation for such events as the H1N1 influenza. The Health Department staff has trained and exercised in anticipation for such an event as H1N1. Our organizational system has been restructured. Resources have been dedicated to assure an effective response to H1N1 influenza.
Upon receipt of the H1N1 vaccine, the department will be ready to distribute the vaccine. We will make public announcements as soon as we have details about when the vaccine is available. Details will also be sent through this newsletter, the Public Health Communicator.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. |
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Hand Washing 101
Are you washing your hands correctly?
Many people are not. 
Make sure you wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. That's about how long it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Dry your hands well to make sure all germs are gone.
Other ways to prevent the spread of germs:
- Cover your cough: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze -- OR cough into your shirt sleeve, not in your hands.
- Put the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands.
- Stay home from work or school when you're sick. Don't run errands or go shopping. Ask a friend or family member to help if necessary. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Stay away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without using fever-reducing medication) except to get medical care or other necessities.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Learn more about H1N1 and seasonal flu on our web site. |
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Public Health is on YouTube
We're on YouTube! We search for the best, most helpful public service announcement videos and link directly to them for your easy viewing pleasure. Check out our YouTube channel today. |
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New Rapid HIV Test Available
 The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health's STD clinic now offers rapid HIV testing. Testing is done by a finger-stick and results are ready in 15 minutes. Testing is confidential. Call 641-421-9321 for an appointment (required). |
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine: October Clinics
- Mon. Oct. 5: 10 AM-6:30 PM at the Health Department Immunization Clinic, 22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300. No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome!
- Mon. Oct. 5: 10:00-11:00 AM at Our Savior's Church, Mason City
- Tues. Oct. 6: 1:00-2:00 PM at the Meservey Public Library
- Fri. Oct. 9: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at Hy Vee West, Mason City
- Mon. Oct. 12: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at Willowbrook Mall, Mason City
- Sat. Oct. 17: 9:00 AM- Noon at the Health Department Immunization Clinic, 22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300.
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome! |
At the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, we want to do everything we can to reach out to residents and keep you informed about important health issues. Please share this newsletter with your co-workers, friends and family and ask them to sign up. As always, please let us know if you have questions. Have a safe and healthy October!
Sincerely,
Michele
Michele Appelgate
Public Information Officer
Cerro Gordo County Dept. of Public Health
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