Stepping on

Stepping on programs are beginning in Springstead and Mercer.

You can get more information on the classes by clicking on the Evidence-base Prevention Programs to your left or call the Iron County Health Department @ 715-561-2191.

LEAD TESTING

The summer brings a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Be sure to get your garden soil tested for lead.

Read more<http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/A4088.pdf>

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PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY FROM CARBON MONOXIDE

Information about carbon monoxide, visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/epht/co/index.htm

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?

· Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled.

· It is sometimes called the "silent killer."

· CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.

· CO can be produced when burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil or wood.

· CO is the product of incomplete combustion. If you have fire, you have CO.

WHERE DOES CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) COME FROM?

· Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed.

· Furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heater, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves.

· Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage.

· Blocked chimney or flue.

· Cracked or loose furnace exchanger.

· Back drafting and changes in air pressure.

· Operating a grill in an enclosed space.

WHAT ARE CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) POISONING SYMPTOMS?

Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness and disorientation/confusion.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) EXPOSURE?

· Common Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like symptoms.

· Common Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.

· Common Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage, heart and lung failure followed by death.

· If you experience even mild CO poisoning symptoms, immediately consult a physician!

DO I NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM? WHERE SHOULD IT BE INSTALLED?

· All homes in Wisconsin are required to have detectors on every level including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Detectors can be purchased at most hardware stores for $20-$30.

· If the home has only one carbon monoxide alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area.

· An alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas.

· Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.

· Make sure nothing is covering or obstructing the unit.

· Do not place the unit in dead air spaces or next to a window or door.

· Test the carbon monoxide alarm once a week by pressing the test/reset button.

· Every month, unplug the unit and vacuum with a soft-brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust.

WHOM SHOULD I CALL IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM GOES OFF?

If anyone is experiencing symptoms, you need to get everyone into fresh air and call 911 from a neighbor's home. If no one is experiencing symptoms, you should call the fire department or a qualified technician from a neighbor's home to have the problem inspected. If you are unable to leave the home to call for help, open the doors and windows, and turn off all possible sources while you are waiting for assistance to arrive. Under no circumstance should an alarm be ignored!

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Use Portable Generators Safely to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) public health officials are reminding residents of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of generators.

“Portable generators are the source of many carbon monoxide exposures we see,” said Dr. Jon Meiman, Chief Medical Officer, DHS Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health. “It’s important to remember that generators cannot be used inside any enclosed area. Generators should be set outside, at least 20 feet from a home, tent, camper, or other structure.”

In addition to using generators safely, health officials urge residents to install carbon monoxide detectors in homes, boats, cabins, campers, and anywhere carbon monoxide might be present. All homes and duplexes in Wisconsin are required to have detectors on every level, including the basement.

At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. If you suspect you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.

For more information about generator safety, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/generators.htm

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DHS. WISCONSIN.GOV

FACT SHEET ON OUR NEW WEBSITE

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has upgraded our website to better serve Wisconsin citizens. Our agency meets many different needs-but as a whole we are here to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin. A modern, well‐designed, and more responsive website will help us to achieve that.

We are using a web development tool called Drupal that has been adopted widely across both business and government. Drupal is an open source web content management system with an active development community. In other words, it is a free tool for building websites that has caught on as a practical and innovative solution worldwide.

The user experience is extremely important to us, and this upgrade has allowed us to greatly improve it.

**We studied how people navigate and why they come to   the website-and applied what we learned. Overall, visitors to our website should find it less complicated to browse, search, and find what they want.

**We are also using best practices for design. The new look is uncluttered and easier on the user's eyes.

**Our website is now optimized for mobile, which means you can view our site on any device with ease.

**We continue our ongoing agency commitment to accessibility and compliance with federal regulation, sec