Winneshiek County Public Health Nursing Service has been proudly serving the residents of Winneshiek County for over half a century with their public health and home health care needs. This agency is dedicated to maintaining the health of our community through communicable disease surveillance, safe water and sanitation issues and prevention of health problems. We are an official Home Health Agency, certified as a participating agency under the Health Insurance Benefits Program XVIII and XIX (Medicare and Medicaid).
Our staff provides health education programs (CPR, farm safety, prevention of HIV and AIDs, Child Passenger Seat Safety, lead poisoning, radon, etc), health promotion clinics (immunization, foot, blood pressure, etc.) and monitoring of current health issues in the community.
We also provide skilled nursing care at home for individuals needing treatments, diet and medication management, blood work, care management and health teaching. To help individuals stay in their homes, we have excellent care provided by Home Care Aides who assist with personal cares, exercises and light housekeeping.
Office visits are also available for health supervision and counseling, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and lead screening.
Winneshiek County Public Health Nursing Service is governed by the Winneshiek County Board of Health, which consists of 5 individuals who donate their time in service to the county. As a county agency, we are also under the wing of the local Board of Supervisors, one of whom serves on the Board of Health. The Board of Health determines agency policy, controls budget, and monitors health issues in the county.
Anyone in Winneshiek County, regardless of age, race or socio-economic status, is eligible for our services. Home health services are provided if the doctor and nurse believe care can adequately and safely be given in the home. Anyone can contact our agency and request service – physicians, nurses, social and health agencies, schools, families and individuals.
The agency accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for payments. For those without a payment source, a sliding fee scale is adjusted to fit their income. No one is denied service because of finances.
Gastrointestinal Illness Bug Surfaces!!!
Reports of multiple individuals experiencing vomiting and diarrhea have been taken by Winneshiek County Public Health. These symptoms are likely caused by viruses leading to the gastrointestinal illnesses. These episodes may hit an individual quickly and cause vomiting and diarrhea with cramping lasting for at least 12 to 24 hours. One may experience some low-grade temp and nausea.
How do others avoid this illness?
One of the most important things is to stay home from work, school, or class if you are ill. Secondly, hand washing and cleaning of your environment is of upmost importance.
It is important to wash your hands properly: Use soap and warm or hot running water Wash for at least 15 seconds Wash all surfaces, including wrist, palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and as much as possible under fingernails, by rubbing vigorously Rinse hands under running water Away from home, dry hands with disposable paper towels or the hot air blower.
If at home or sharing a room with someone, use separate towels for each member to avoid spreading the germs.
If you are responsible for food or meal preparation for others, you need to avoid doing any of this until symptoms are gone or minimal of three (3) days or stools are formed. DON’T FIX FOOD FOR ANYONE ELSE. This is the most common way the illness is passed on to others.
Alcohol based hand sanitizers are not particularly effective in these situations.
Cleaning of the environment
Increase frequency of routine cleaning: Disinfect these areas: doorknobs, fountains, sinks, faucets, toilets and toilet handles, phones, counters, handrails, desks, tables, light and elevator switches and buttons. Even TV remotes! Have adequate towels and soap in bathrooms Use diluted bleach solutions for cleaning
Often times, it is highly unlikely that it is related to a particular food that was consumed in the last few hours.
Please take caution and make handwashing your priority to avoid any illness. If you have further questions, contact Winneshiek County Public Health at 563-382-4662 or your healthcare provider.
Like us on FACEBOOK at Winneshiek County Public Health for additional links such as www.idph.state.ia.us
Decorah Blue Zones Project
What is it? Deecorah is among Iowa towns applying to become a "Blue Zones Project" community. Blue Zones are places around the world where people live longer, healthier lives. Communities in Iowa selected as Blue Zone Project sites will get financial help from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This assistance will be used in Decorah to help make it easier for residents to enjoy longer, better lives. To strengthen the application, residents are encouraged to take the Blue Zone pledge to lead a healthier, happier life. What Can You Do? Go to this website to take the pledge to help Decorah become a happier, healthier community, www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup or text BZP to 772937. Decorah....Make it a Blue Zone!
Employees, former employees, Board members and clients have contributed "tried and true" recipes to this wonderful cookbook. It is only$15.00 and just right for a special Christmas or birthday gift. It is a hard cover, spiral bound book, full of great recipes and helpful tips. The fundraiser proceeds are going to the purchase of safer, more comfortable chairs for our Happy Feet clients. Contact any of our employees, our office or the many Winneshiek County businesses that will be displaying "Family Favorites". Thank you to everyone supporting this project. Our clients will enjoy the new chairs immensely!
Mission Statement: To promote, preserve, enhance and protect the health and well-being of all persons in the community... realizing that HEALTH CARE is the fundamental right of every human being without distinction because of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, social or financial status.
