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What is Public Health?
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health offers services for all ages and all income levels. Here is just a sample of what we offer:
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Public Health Nursing
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Home Care Aides
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Well Testing
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Childhood Immunizations
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Adult Immunizations
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Tobacco Prevention
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Senior Health Clinics
- Food Inspections
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Swimming Pool Inspections
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Tattoo Parlor Inspections
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Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Radon Education
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Disease Prevention
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and so much more!
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Remember Food Safety at the Farmer's Market
While farmer's markets are an excellent source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods, it's important to remember that any freshly prepared fruit and vegetable product that is not properly refrigerated can be a potential health risk because this can allow bacteria to grow.
Because of warm temperatures, Iowans should be especially aware of food safety at farmers markets:
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Be aware that any freshly prepared fruit or vegetable product, such as hummus, salsa, cut fruit salad, and guacamole can be a potential health risk if not handled correctly.
- All these products must be kept refrigerated, both before and after the sale.
When shopping at a farmer's market, always remember:
- Only buy products from vendors who keep freshly prepared fruit and vegetable products cold, either in refrigerator units or on ice.
- Once purchased, keep freshly prepared fruit and vegetable products cold. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the market, bring a cooler with an ice pack for storage.
- When you arrive home, place these products immediately in the refrigerator and eat within days.
- Any freshly prepared fruit or vegetable product that is not properly refrigerated should not be eaten, and should be discarded.
Learn more about food safety on our web site. |
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Greetings!
I hate to be the one to say it, but summer is coming to a close very soon. It's time to think about our children and grandchildren going back to school. There are several important reminders for parents on this subject.
- All children entering kindergarten need to have at least one lead test, which is now Iowa law. Read more about these important details.
- Are your family immunizations up-to-date? It's not just the students going to kindergarten that need shots. Adolescents and college-bound students need them, too. We have it all outlined for you! Get your vaccines at Public Health!
- Free Tdap vaccine will be given to 7th grade students in Cerro Gordo County at school-based clinics. Parents were sent permission slips in the mail.
JOB OPPORTUNIY: VIsit our web site for details!
As always, we welcome your ideas for stories in this newsletter. What information do you want to read about? Let us know by replying to this email. Have a healthy and SAFE August! Michele Appelgate Public Information Officer Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health |
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Health Department to Test Wells for Arsenic
Environmental Health Specialist Dan Ries inspects a private well in Cerro Gordo County.  | The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has received funding to test private residential wells in Cerro Gordo County for high levels of arsenic.
The funding is part of a 5-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Funding for the first year is $117, 507. Funding for subsequent years will be determined annually by the CDC.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, bedrock, and water. Arsenic has no odor and is almost tasteless. Arsenic has been associated with certain types of cancers and is harmful to the nervous system. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. Read our news release. |
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Free Vaccine for Eligible Adults
Health Department Joins Vaccine Assistance Program
Adults may be eligible to receive free vaccines at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
They must be 19 years of age or older, be a resident of the United States and have no health insurance or have insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccine services. Read the qualifications on our web site. |
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Where is Public Health?
Mohawk Square | The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is located at 22 N. Georgia Ave. We're on the 3rd floor of Mohawk Square in downtown Mason City. Mohawk Square is across the street (East State) from the Mason City Police Department.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Phone: 641-421-9300 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581.
Visit our web site to see all of the services we provide and to see our Immunization Clinic hours. |
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Senior Health Clinics
When was the last time a health care provider spent 90 minutes with you?
As our Iowa population continues to age, more seniors are seeking health care services than ever before. But many seniors say they feel rushed when they see their physician. They say they want to better understand their health care options.
One way to do that is for seniors to take advantage of the Senior Health Clinic at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
The clinics are for all people age 55 and older. There is no charge. However, contributions are encouraged in order to keep the clinic running.
The clinic is an annual health screening and does not replace a physician's care. To make an appointment, Cerro Gordo County residents may call the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health: (641) 421-9316 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581 ext. 9316
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Please help us promote Public Health services. Forward this electronic newsletter to your friends, family, co-workers and professional associates.
Thank you for choosing Public Health!
Our Mission Statement:
Dedicated to enhancing the health status of our communities through public health initiatives.
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