Monday, December 22, 2014

re:TH!NK Your Drink



There are lots of ways for family and friends to connect during this season-holiday parties, dinners, church, etc.  We may forget that children see the social acceptance of alcohol, and they may try their first sip of alcohol during the holidays when families and friends are together. In a recent study conducted by the Caron Treatment Centers, it was found that:


  • 1 in 5 parents have blacked out at a party, and could not remember anything the next day
  • 59% of the adults 21 and older were hung over after drinking too much at a holiday party
  • 1 in 4 of parents admitted to drinking and driving
  • Approximately 30 people die in motor vehicle crashes everyday cause by  a driver who had been drinking
Youth are highly influenced by what they see parents and other role models doing. Teens are more likely to drink if their parents are drinkers. So as a parent or a family member, what can you do to ensure that more children are not drinking during the holidays?


  • BE AWARE of the role alcohol plays in your holiday get-togethers. Alcohol should not be the focus of the event. The focus of the event should be your friends and family. Always keep an open dialog about drugs and alcohol, and remind them about what can happen if they drink.
  • Always keep an open dialog about drugs and alcohol, and remind them about what can happen if they drink.
  • Make sure that you have a consequence your teens  know about if they drink. Examples of consequences are: your teen would lose their driving privilege for a month, or lose their phone (gasp!), or be grounded.
  • If you are hosting a party at your house, keep the alcohol away from the non-alcoholic drinks. Make the non-alcoholic drinks appealing.
  • Most importantly, be smart about your drinking habits. Model responsible drinking. Here are some suggestions. Show your children that you need to have a designated drive if you are going out to drink and never drink and drive. Set a drink limit, and stick to that. Pace your drinking so you do not get intoxicated. Alternate between alcohol and non-alcoholic  drinks. Drink water throughout the evening. Eat something when drinking alcohol. 



Friday, December 19, 2014

Staying Physically Active During the Holidays

Sometimes a “regular” 30-minute workout isn't conducive to your hectic holiday schedule, so getting extra activity in when and wherever you can will help keep your weight in check. Use these tips (which I’m sure you've heard before, but its always a good reminder) to help you out.

Add It In Before Getting Places: Whether is parking in the last row of the parking lot at work or the grocery store or taking a lap around the mall before staring shopping, those extra steps will add up. Bonus exercise if you’re carrying heavy bags or pushing a loaded cart. Just watch out for icy patching in the parking lot.

Take the Stairs: Elevators were invented to make our lives easier, but that convenience has added pounds to our bodies. Take the stairs always, or whenever possible.

Play Like a Kid Again: At a holiday get together, dust off your snowpants and swap sitting inside watching that made-for-TV movie for a fun time sledding or ice skating or have a snowball fight. There’s usually lots of kids that will want you to join their fun, and if not, feel free to be the big kid at heart. PS sledding (walking up those hills) burns about 240 calories in a half hour.

Make Physical Activity a New Family Tradition: Before the big meal, take a walk with your whole family or hold a dance party it holiday tunes n the living room. Get creative!

Sign Up For (and do) a 5K: There are plenty to pick from and you can run or walk. The money raised usually goes to a great cause too! Get a group to do one together. Kids can usually do a 5k too. For a list of events around here, visit runningintheusa.com

• Try Winter Biking: Yes, you CAN ride your bicycle in the winter! Be cautious of snow/sand on the sides of the roads and/or icy spots. Wear layers and warm head gear and hand covers (lobster mittens, handlebar mittens, etc). Don't forget a front and rear light! It gets dark early in the winter.




Thursday, December 4, 2014

How to enjoy the holidays when you or a loved one struggles with mental wellness

The holiday season is supposed to be about family and friends, gatherings, festivities, and cheer. There are ads on the TV showing smiling, happy families together for meals, playing in the snow, and getting brand new cars as presents. Stores in the mall boast that their deals will make your holiday perfect. However, what if you can’t even bear to get yourself out of bed to see all of the smiling faces of your family? Or an intense anxiety rolls over you with just the thought of having to socialize and pretend that you’re “normal”? 

For one in four Americans, this time of year may be especially difficult given their current struggles with their mental wellness and the stigma of mental illness that is present in much of their lives. However, we all have mental health, and mental illness can happen to anybody regardless of age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, or location. So what can we do to enjoy the holidays if we or a loved one has a mental illness?

Tips for those struggling with mental illness or wellness (which could be all of us at some point!)

  • Know that whatever you’re feeling at this moment, it’s right for you. Take care of yourself and remember to take a breather sometimes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it’s alright to excuse yourself and take some time away. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself and make sure to replenish yourself every once and a while. Find what works best for you to de-stress. For example, try these ideas on how to take a break:

Remember that your health (and yes, health includes mental health!) comes first!
  • Stay connected and reach out. Sometimes it might feel tempting to isolate yourself and not socialize if it’s not what you want to do. But sometimes isolating yourself could make it worse. Even if it’s just calling up a friend or family member or even volunteering, you may feel better afterward. Just find the right level for you and challenge yourself to stay engaged. You might be surprised by the results!
  • Live in the moment! It’s definitely easy sometimes to dwell on past regrets or setbacks, but if we focus on what we’re doing right now and look for something positive, it can lighten our mood and help us to enjoy our time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by negative thoughts, try simplifying things and focus just on your breathing. Then, slowly, focus on the positives, like watching snowflakes fall or the twinkle of lights! Take it one step at a time and try not to get frustrated if you end up back at your negative thoughts. Living in the moment takes practice!
  • Don’t abandon your healthy routine. For many people who struggle with mental illness, daily routines are crucial to providing stability and consistency. It can be especially tempting during the holidays to overindulge, but try to keep some stability in your activities. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, get regular physical activity each day, and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol since alcohol may increase stress and interact with medication.
  • Know when you need to seek professional help. It’s a sign of strength and self-awareness to ask for help when you need it. Please do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help if you feel like you need it.
    • If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) (en Espanol, 1-888-628-9454). There are trained crisis workers available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all of the calls are confidential and toll-free. There is also a live online chat at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx
    • If you are located in Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Manitowoc, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waushara, Waupaca or Winnebago counties in Northeast Wisconsin, you can also call United Way's 2-1-1 to get information on mental health resources and help in your area.
    • To get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area, call the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline at 1‑877‑SAMHSA7 (1‑877‑726‑4727) Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm CST.

Tips for family and friends of someone with a mental illness (and how to support those with mental illness in general):

  • Be aware of how you talk and think about mental illness. What if a family member came to you and revealed that they have diabetes? How would you react? Like most people, you would probably express sympathy and concern and try to offer support. You would probably also believe that your family member’s condition will improve with treatment. However, what if a family member told you that they have a mental illness? How would your response be different? Unfortunately, for many of us, we separate mental illness from “physical” illnesses and respond differently. Let’s change that! Also, don’t label people with words like “crazy,” “wacko,” or “loony,” or define them by their diagnosis. Instead of saying someone is “a schizophrenic,” say she or he “has schizophrenia”. Instead of saying “a schizophrenic person,” say “a person with schizophrenia.” This person-first language helps reduce the stigma associated with these labels.
The comic below shows how uncomfortable it is when we talk about physical illnesses the same way we do as mental illnesses.
Comic courtesy of Robot Hugs
Instead of expressing the comments in the comic above, if someone tells you that they are experiencing a mental illness, try doing these:
    • Express your concern and sympathy.
    • Ask for more details about how he or she is managing. Really listen to the answers and continue the conversation. Make sure your friend understands that you honestly care.
    • Ask what you can do to help. 
    • Reassure your friend that you still care about him or her and be sure to include them in your plans.
    • Remind your friend that mental illness is treatable. Ask if they're receiving the care they need and want. If not, offer helping them identify and get the right kind of care.

  • Plan ahead and discuss plans in advance. Make sure that your loved one knows when celebrations will be, who will be there, and what to expect. Also make sure that others who are attending gatherings of family and friends are aware of the situation. This is a great opportunity to help those who are uncertain about mental illness or may feel uncomfortable to learn the facts about mental health and break the stigma.
  • Keep it simple. Some people with mental illness may get easily overwhelmed or stressed with too many celebrations or events. Try to keep family get-togethers clear and simple and explain what to expect.
  • Avoid assuming how individuals feel or what activities family members want to be a part of. Respect and support each family member’s choices regarding participation in family activities.
  • Ignore what you cannot change. Let some things slide. Don’t waste energy arguing, threatening, or pleading. This can only raise tensions and hurt both yourself and your loved one. However, don’t ignore violence.
  • Find creative ways of reducing your own stress. If you find yourself getting upset by something your loved one did or said, try to separate what has made you upset or angry from the person who did it. Remember that taking care of yourself first may help you better take care of your loved ones.
  • Acknowledge the small steps! Helping someone with a mental illness to get better doesn't happen overnight. Help your family member make changes gradually. Be patient with them as they learn from the consequences of their behavior. Celebrating the small steps can improve both of your outlooks on their progress and can positively reinforce the changes they're making.
  • Give yourself time and space for your own improvement. It takes time and practice to consistently use these approaches in order to help someone with a mental illness. The road to mental wellness for everyone can be long and winding, but you’ll get there with patience and persistence! Be kind to yourself and remember that everyone has their own battles they’re fighting!
Throughout this holiday season, keep in mind that everyone has mental health and everyone can strive for better mental wellness. We are all affected by mental illness in some shape or form, whether we know it or not. We need to support each other and ourselves so that we can all enjoy the holidays in the healthiest ways possible.



Thursday, November 20, 2014

Dangerous farming equipment, extreme temperatures, exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides, very low pay, young kids working 12+ hour days. Sounds like the description of cheap labor on foreign farms that produce as much as they can at the lowest possible cost- despite the impact on the employees.

That is exactly what is happening, only it's NOT foreign.
It's happening right here in the United States.

In Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia U.S. tobacco farms are employing children as young as 12 years old to work on tobacco farms. And all the big tobacco manufacturers and merchants are benefiting from buying the product. Alliance One, Altria (Philip Morris), British American Tobacco, China National Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Group, Lorillard, Philip Morris International, Reynolds American, Universal Corporation.

In an 8-minute documentary by Human Rights Watch (video below) called: US: Child Workers in Danger on Tobacco Farms, the harsh conditions and workers on these tobacco farms are shown.



With good intentions the "made in the U.S.A." movement spreading throughout the country is partially focused on stopping child labor. Instead of buying from other countries, we look for products made in the U.S.A. with a focus on supporting American jobs, the American economy, and saying no to foreign child labor. Unfortunately, exploiting children isn't exclusive to other countries. It's happening right here in the U.S.A.

Big tobacco profits from child labor in US tobacco fields. Take action now:  http://www.hrw.org/ChildFreeTobacco %23ChildFreeTobacco

So what can we do? How can we help?

Watch the documentary. Share the story. Talk with family and friends about the importance of kids being in school. Keep working to reduce tobacco use throughout the U.S.A. and the world. If the demand for tobacco goes away, there will be no need for the supply. Which in turn means there will be no need for cheap labor to produce it (ie. kids).

For more information on the topic take a look at the Human Rights Watch article,


***This post is re-blogged from http://rethinklakeshore.blogspot.com***

Monday, October 27, 2014

Oaklawn Elementary students crunch into locally grown apples to support Farm to School Month!



Get ready. Get Set. Crunch.  re:TH!NK Farm to School and Oaklawn Elementary joined students of all ages, from preschool to college, along with individuals across the Great Lakes Region states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio in celebrating  National Farm to School Month and Food Day by participating in a very exciting event called the first annual “Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch”, on October 23rd.


Just like “Earth Day”, Food Day is on it’s way to becoming a national holiday. Food Day is typically celebrated October 24th with a message to inspire Americans to change their diets and food policies. October is also National Farm to School month and is the perfect time to introduce nutritious local foods in schools. The first annual Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch is a great way to celebrate Food Day and National Farm to School Month. This collective crunch encourages healthy eating and supports Farm to School and other local food purchasing initiatives throughout the region. 
 

Joined by Todd Hanson, the owner of Apple Blossom Orchard and Market, and Alice in Dairyland, the most recognizable spokesperson of Wisconsin agriculture, approximately 130 4th and 5th grade students bit into a locally grown apple after a countdown by the farmer. Todd spoke about his farm and the apples, while Alice discussed Wisconsin agriculture and why we celebrate Farm to School Month.  Everyone who participated in the event, including the food service director Peggy West, and Scott Johanknecht, thought the Honeycrisp apples were delicious. One student claimed, “this apple tastes better than my cookie”. Another student said, “this apple is a lot better than the usual snack apples I eat”. The students had a lot of fun with this event as they not only enjoyed the apples, but learned a lot about Wisconsin agriculture and how apples grow.

 


 
 
 

Why celebrate Food Day? America’s food system contributes to childhood obesity, diabetes, heart disease, other health related problems and promotes environmental degradation, unfair working conditions, and animal cruelty. With America’s resources, there’s no excuse for hunger, diet-related diseases, low wages for food and farm workers, or inhumane condition for farm animals.

 

Join the Movement! All of us are united by a vision of food that is healthy, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it. We envision a just food system for all and want to celebrate it when it works and help fix it when it’s broken.


 
 









For more information on Farm to School or the Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch click here.

Want to know more about Food Day? click here.

 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

BWell2Excel: Using “Wellness Screen” to address high school students’ emotional wellness


High school can be a stressful, yet exciting time for many students. From homework, 8+ hours with peers and teachers, exams, and extracurricular activities, there are many opportunities for students to feel overwhelmed or stressed with having to juggle so many things, not to mention trying to figure out who they are as individuals! This fall, re:TH!NK and the Winnebago County Health Department are excited to support Samaritan Counseling Center in their implementation of the Connected Community Wellness Screen in Oshkosh West and Oshkosh North high schools. In collaboration with re:TH!NK’s Healthy Lifestyles committee, the Connected Community Wellness Screen is a free and voluntary resource for students who want to have a mental health “check-in” and is a great program to ensure mental well-being for students.


How does the Connected Community Wellness Screen work? 


Parental Consent & Sign-Up


The Wellness Screen is targeted toward ninth grade students but is available to all high school students through referral and parental and student consent. Parents at Oshkosh West and North schools received information about the Wellness Screen in their registration packets and can sign a permission slip to have their student screened. Throughout fall 2014, two counselors from Samaritan Counseling Center will be at Oshkosh North and West one day a week to screen students whose parents have signed them up.

The Day of the Screening


Students are called down to the screening room and go through a consent process with a counselor. The student learns about what the screening is and can decide whether or not they’d like to participate. If the student declines the screening, the student is sent back to their class and the parent will be notified that their student did not participate. If the student assents to the screening, they begin a short 10-minute computerized questionnaire that asks about vision, hearing, and dental problems, symptoms of depression and anxiety, suicidal thinking and behavior, attentional problems and disruptive behavior, and any use of drugs and alcohol. After the questionnaire, the students meet one-on-one with a counselor to go over their responses and any concerns the student may have. If the student does not show any signs of needing help, they meet briefly with a counselor to debrief. If the student does show signs of needing help, they will meet with a trained mental health professional in private to determine if further evaluation would be helpful. 


Follow-Up


A case manager of the screening will only contact parents if further evaluation is recommended for their student and parents can decide if they want to obtain additional services. All results of the screening are confidential and will not be stored with students’ academic records. 
Hannah Episcopo, a counselor from Samaritan Counseling, speaking about Wellness Screen and stress and coping skills during a freshman health class at Oshkosh West High School.


Feedback from Students


So far, we’ve screened eight students at Oshkosh West and six at Oshkosh North high schools, though we have many more to do. From the students I’ve seen at Oshkosh West, the overall response has been really positive. Since I’m an AmeriCorps member with re:TH!NK and the Winnebago County Health Department, and not a licensed counselor, my role in the screening process has been to make sure it all goes smoothly. I make sure the students know where to go when they’re called down to the screening room and walk them through the consent process and answer any questions. A few students didn’t know that their parents signed them up for the screening, but after learning more about it and asking questions, they all seemed eager to take it and interested in the results. All of the students seemed comfortable talking to the counselors and students who brought up any struggles they were having seemed relieved after “venting”. The two counselors who are at Oshkosh West and North have been really great with the students and they always seem to get the students laughing and comfortable. The counselors really try to get to know the students and let them know that there is help available if they want it. From my perspective, the Wellness Screen seems like a great opportunity for students to talk about what they’re going through and relieve some of the pressure they feel.


Why is Wellness Screen so important in Winnebago County?


In a perfect world, everyone could get yearly (or more frequently) mental health “check-ups”, just as we should for the rest of our bodies. If the approach to physical health included mental health, I believe that we would live in a much healthier and happier community. Unfortunately, there often seems to be a disconnect in addressing what goes on in our brains compared to the rest of our bodies and many people’s mental illnesses go unchecked. That’s why I believe the Wellness Screen is so important in our schools. Students, with parental permission, can access a free, voluntary, and confidential mental health check-up just to make sure things are going ok for them in their transition to high school and adulthood. Teens encounter so many stressors and pressures throughout their days, and having Wellness Screen as a check-in can be so beneficial.

Without checking in on our mental health, many individuals may experience mental illness without ever seeking out treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four adults, about 61.5 million Americans, experience mental illness in a given year. However, only one-third of those adults with a mental illness will seek professional help (NIH & NIMH). While there can be multiple reasons behind not seeking out mental health care, from financial inability, lack of access, stigma, or denial, 2/3 of people with a diagnosable mental illness are not receiving care. Can you imagine if 2/3 of people diagnosed with cancer did not seek out care? Or 2/3 of people with broken bones did not receive care? I think it’s time we start seeing mental health as important to our overall health just as we do with our physical health.

The Wellness Screen also addresses a very real risk in teen’s lives: suicide. The Wellness Screen can identify early indicators of risk of suicide and can provide intervention to teens going through tough emotional times. And unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the toll suicide has on our communities. According to the Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin Report published in 2014, there were 106 deaths by suicide between 2007-2011 in Winnebago County, a rate of about 14.5%.  Specifically for teens, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in Wisconsin. Additionally, 90% of youth who died by suicide also suffered from a treatable mental illness. Our hope is that we can begin to support these teens who are dealing with a mental illness before they make a permanent life decision.

“No health without mental health” may be a catchy slogan, but it is so true. There are so many ways that our mental well-being affects our physical health and vice versa. If students are unable to deal with all the stress and pressure they have, it will begin to take a toll on their bodies. Our hope is that Wellness Screen will get students talking about their stresses and mental health struggles in order to get them on a path toward being healthy. By giving students a chance to “vent” and talk about their problems, we might be able to better address what their needs are. With Wellness Screen, we are one step closer toward being a community that believes that suicide is preventable and that overall health includes mental health.

For more information about the impact of stress and mental health issues on students' academic performance, see http://www.samaritan-counseling.com/pdf/Mental-Health-and-Academic-Achievement.pdf

Monday, September 15, 2014

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: E-Cigarettes

"An epic battle between dirty cops and a drug dealing biker gang..." (IMDb)

Cymbeline, originally a Shakespeare play, is being adapted and updated for the big screen. Set in the 21st century United States, the movie provides lots of updates: modern clothes, vehicles, and everyday 21st century things... like e-cigarettes.



Milla Jovovich plays the character Queen and can be seen smoking an e-cigarette in the above scene as well as at other times throughout the film. The movie even includes the SmokeStik e-cigarette for sale in a convenience store scene right next to other common, household items.

The chief executive of SmokeStik International Inc., Bill Maragnos says, "I don't see a problem with glamorizing something that saves lives" in the Wall Street Journal Article. Comments like this are common when talking with e-cigarette creators, distributors, and advocates. Unfortunately, e-cigarettes are not that simple.

There is much more to the e-cigarette then what the industry is telling us (or trying to sell us). If e-cigarettes were a wonder product that saved lives would tobacco companies would be buying up e-cigarette manufactures? Would the FDA be planning to expand their tobacco regulation to include e-cigarettes? 

No. 

E-cigarettes are just new, shiny objects increasing the number of people who are addicted to nicotine. E-cigarettes are a drug delivery device.

E-cigarette labels, flavors, and comments from the manufacturers make it clear the e-cigarette industry is in the business of addiction and increasing those who are dependent on nicotine and in turn, their product. Most e-cigarette users although they might intended to quit, continue using traditional tobacco products. Using the e-cigarette where smoking is prohibited and using traditional tobacco during normal smoking/chewing times.


When movies promote the use of nicotine (no matter what the delivery device- a cigarette, chewing tobacco, e-cigarette, etc.) the behavior is, like Bill Maragnos said, glamorized. And not in a good way. Youth see movies with smoking or using e-cigarettes and that behavior doesn't seem as bad. When in reality the dangers are just switched, traded out as the harms shift.

Celebrity use of e-cigarettes, although we don't like to think they influence the way we think, play a huge role in our opinions of acceptable behavior. And e-cigarettes are definitely re-normalizing the use nicotine. Like Katherine Heigl on Late Night with David Letterman back in 2010 and more recently Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Golden Globes.



E-cigarettes are re-normalizing what tobacco prevention has worked so hard to do. To teach youth that tobacco is dangerous, that nicotine is addictive. That no one is invincible to cancer and death. Not us. Not our favorite celebrities. Not even professional athletes. Curt Schilling, a Phillies Wall of Famer, said this about his battle with cancer, "I'll go to my grave believing [chewing] was why I got what I got...absolutely, no question in my mind about that."

Humans are not indestructible and e-cigarettes are not saving lives. Nicotine in any form is addictive and harmful to our health. Let's fight against this new industry trying to get away with Big Tobacco's old tricks




Thursday, August 21, 2014

Cooking up Ratatouille for School Lunches, Farm to School Style!

re:TH!NK Farm to School and the food service staff from Omro, Winneconne, and Oshkosh schools teamed up last week to prepare and freeze over 1,000 lbs of Ratatouille sauce to liven up the school lunch menus. Locally-grown tomatoes, squash, eggplant, peppers, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs from farms within a 50 mile radius were used to make the sauce. The mounds of beautiful, fresh produce were truly a sight to see! The kitchen staff were eager to prepare this dish from scratch, using new processing equipment purchased through a USDA Farm to School grant, awarded to re:TH!NK last year.
     

Over 12,000 students will have the opportunity to eat the ratatouille in their school lunch in various dishes like quesadillas, wraps, pizza or as a side dish. Fun school events will help promote the sauce, like showing clips of the movie Ratatouille, sending home colorful fliers with nutrition information, recipes and games, and having volunteers hand out samples of the dish while inspiring the children to try it.


The idea (and the recipe) for the ratatouille was borrowed from Chef Monique Hooker, who created this dish for schools in Virocqua, Wisconsin. Thank you, Virocqua! Since all of the vegetables are plentiful and ready for harvest right now, this was the perfect time to make the sauce and freeze it for use later in the year.
re:TH!NK has been working with schools in Winnebago County for the past two years on farm to school programs to bring more fresh, locally-grown and nutritious food to schools to support and encourage healthy eating habits for the students. Farm to school connects the classroom, school meal programs, farmers, and the home to foster a positive attitude towards healthy food. The more local food that can be brought into the schools, the more chances kids have to taste and eat these products.  Students involved in Winnebago County Farm to School programs have been more willing to try new foods; an important first step towards lifelong healthy eating habits! At the same time, farm to school supports local farmers and the local economy.

Associating the ratatouille dish with characters from the popular children’s movie is a way to peak the students’ interest, branding these healthy foods in a way that appeals to them and competing with the mountains of messaging they receive daily for processed, less nutritious foods,.  By allowing students to try new foods in a fun and educational environment, the program encourages them to discover new healthy foods that taste good!

See the ratatouille-making in action!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Active Schools Getting in Gear for the 2014-15 School Year!

In most Winnebago County Elementary Schools, the beginning of August marks a very busy time for administrators, teachers, and other staff as they prepare for nearly 16,000 public, private and charter school students to enter through their doors in just a few short weeks!  re:TH!NK and Winnebago County Health Department are jumping in as well for the excitement of continuing on with sustainability and new implementation of Active School programs throughout the county.  During the 2013-14 school year, we had the opportunity to assist in the implementation of Active Classrooms in over 200 public and private school classrooms, reaching nearly 5000 elementary students in Winnebago County!
Active Classrooms Brain Break at Wilson Elementary School in Neenah, WI!
In addition to these programs, we also implemented some active recess programs, including a recess walking program at Roosevelt Elementary School in Neenah where students can earn charms for every 5 miles they walk!

We look forward to continued collaboration with Winnebago County Elementary Schools and hope to aid in the growth of the Active School programs in Winnebago County to ensure healthy places for our children to learn and grow!  









Monday, July 21, 2014

Summer Fun with the re:TH!NK Youth Coalition


The Youth Coalition has been (and will continue to be) busy this summer! Our focus has been on tobacco prevention and community education.  Many of the members of the Youth Coalition are also involved in FACT. FACT is Wisconsin's Youth Tobacco Prevention Program. A lot of the activities that the youth plan also count as FACTivisms for the Winnebago FACT group. Check out the photos below to see what we've been up to and how YOU can get involved!

World No Tobacco Day Cigarette Butt Clean Up: Menominee Park


Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for 10% of adult deaths worldwide.


May 31 marked World No Tobacco Day 2014. Youth Coalition members decided that a cigarette butt clean up would be a great activity to do on this day.

The group met at Menominee Park and picked up cigarette butts and related cigarette litter around Little Oshkosh, the park pathways, boat landings, picnic areas, and along the lake shore by the beach. Pictured below are Ally Molinski, Anna Carpenter (FACT Youth Advisor), Jamie Constantine, and Brenna Root (Youth Coalition Coordinator). Grace Halstead and her mom also helped out but did not make it into the photo. The cigarette butts that were picked up in the park will be added to a display the Youth Coalition will use to educate the community about the importance of tobacco free areas and the environmental impact that cigarette butts have on the environment.

Find out more information about the World Health Organzation and World No Tobacco Day across the United States here.


Environmental Scans: A Tobacco Environment Scavenger Hunt


Six youth coalition members took to the streets of Oshkosh and surveyed local convenience stores to find out what types of products the tobacco industry is tying to manipulate youth into buying. The tobacco industry, aka Big Tobacco, spends the majority of their marketing budget in the retail environment to attract new, young user to their products. Youth Coalition members did an environmental scan of their community to see how these products are being marketed in Oshkosh. Pictured below are Kaylyn Stanek, Hannah Schacherl, and Branden Udulutch. Ally and Calista Molinski and Rachel Lee also participated. 

Youth Coalition members found that Big Tobacco companies are placing their deadly products where youth will be exposed to them while shopping at gas stations. One youth member, Ally, was surprised to see the cigarillos in a colorful display right next to the door. Cigarillos are a type of "other tobacco products" and these products are targeted towards a youth audience with bright colors and fruit flavors. Find out more about Big Tobacco's Manipulicious Products here and play the Spot the Not game with FACT!




More Exciting UPCOMING Events!

Oshkosh Riverwalk Cigarette Butt Clean Up

Thursday, July 24, 2014
11:00am - 1:00pm
Meet at the Health Department, 112 Otter Ave. Wear comfortable shoes!

Pollock Pool FACTivism

Wednesday, August 6, 2014
12:00 - 2:00pm

Youth Coalition Meeting

Tuesday, August 12, 2014
New Moon Cafe, Oshkosh








For more information and if you'd like to get involved in the re:TH!NK Youth Coalition, contact Brenna Root at broot@co.winnebago.wi.us.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Substance Abuse: What if...

Even if you do not personally know of a person struggling with a substance abuse problem, we are all affected by it. We tend to focus on just the user when talking about substance abuse and addiction. But let’s stop for a minute and look at the other aspects of abuse.

When it comes to substance abuse, we tend to hold a negative view, blaming the user for their so called “moral downfalls.” What if we stopped and asked ourselves why a person started using drugs in the first place? Substance abuse and addiction are multifaceted; there is no single factor in addiction. While not all abusers become addicts, drug abuse does lead to addiction.

There are many paths that lead to addiction. While most people originally start substance use recreationally and for fun, it can quickly get out of hand. Some pathways to addiction include social and familial interactions, genetic predisposition, age at first use, method of use (injection, smoking, etc), and environmental factors. We must not forget that because a person initially chose to use a substance, doesn't mean they choose to continually use.

Of special note, one aspect of substance use is an undiagnosed mental health condition. Some individuals with a mental health disease use illicit substances to self-medicate. This can be for a variety of reasons; one example is that they do not have access to mental health services.

Addiction is a disease that, depending on the drug, can permanently change the brain’s structure and processes. It can also affect speech, memory, anxiety, and cause other mental health problems. The reasons a person started using drugs is an important factor when developing a treatment action plan for the individual. It is important to focus on the individual as a whole person and not “some junkie” addicted to a certain drug.

Now let’s look at how it is all connected. A person who is addicted to drugs, drives impaired (drugged driving) and is in a traffic accident. Whether or not a person is injured or killed, the resources and outcomes of that event resonate to different agencies. The paramedics and police become involved. Traffic is stopped and backed up; the emergency personnel are put in danger responding to the car wreck. Depending on whether or not a person is killed or extremely injured depends on the care they receive. Hospital personnel and possibly the coroner’s office become involved.

After the immediate emergency is over, law enforcement reconstructs the scene and makes arrests. The impaired driver now enters the judicial system. They can stay there for years depending on the severity of the wreck. This costs tax payers money.  If the individuals do not have auto or health insurance, your premiums will go up. If this wreck caused loss of life or limb, what of the victim’s family? How are they doing? What if a rescue worker was hit?

This is only one example of how everything is connected. We are all in the midst of addiction and most of us have no clue. Addiction affects all aspects of society. Addiction is indiscriminate. By addressing the many avenues of abuse and creating a safe place for honest dialog, we can help those who need it most.

What if...


*If you would like to become involved in addressing substance abuse in Winnebago County, we have the Substance Abuse Committee and the Winnebago Co. Heroin Task Force. We also be holding the Inaugural Rethink Addiction Run 5k September 13, 2014. For more information go to our webpage.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Sexual Health Education


Then end of each semester marks an exciting time for sexual health education in some Winnebago County high schools!  Over the last few years, we have been grateful to partner with Oshkosh and Omro 9th grade health teachers in sharing a more comprehensive sexual health education during the health classes' human growth and development units, specifically about the prevention, testing and treatment of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) among the age group of 15-19 year olds.  Why do we place such an important emphasis on this young age group you ask?  By law, certain diagnosed diseases have to be reported to the health department for follow up.  Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are among these.  As you can see by the graph below, we had nearly 200 reported cases of Chlamydia in 2013 in the age group of 15-19 in Winnebago County.  These are again, just the cases that were reported, which means a person would have had to actually gone in to get tested. Since STIs often have no symptoms, there are surly many more cases floating around in Winnebago County that have not been diagnosed or reported.
While in the high school classes, we discuss the importance of delaying sexual initiation of any kind, including anal, oral and vaginal sex, all of which we know can spread STIs.  We also focus on the importance of using protection if engaging in these behaviors such as male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams to aid in the prevention of STIs.  Lastly, we provide information to students on where they can get free or low cost prevention, testing and treatment services and answer any questions they may have.  We look forward to possible expansion into more high schools in Winnebago County!  Remember:
Know your status!  Get yourself tested!  Happy Summer!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Caregiver Burnout

If you are helping a family member or friend over age 50 with things such as dressing, bathing, housework, or taking medicine on a regular basis, then you are a caregiver. You are not alone—there are close to 50 million Americans involved in caregiving. Caregivers spend an average of 20 hours each week caring for one (or more) older adults. About one in four of caregivers have been giving care for more than five years. About three in four caregivers work a paying job and spend up to $5000 out of pocket each year to help with caregiving costs.
Caregivers are at higher risk for symptoms of anxiety and depression because of the burden of these many roles. Their physical health may also suffer. It is normal for caregivers to feel alone and overwhelmed. Caregivers may also feel unable to communicate well with the person receiving care and/or other family members. They also report needing information on how to keep their loved ones safe at home and to find activities to do with them. And caregivers also need resources to help them manage their own stress and make time for themselves.

The following agencies and people can help you find the help you need:

  • Eldercare Locator Visit www.eldercare.gov to search for community services by zip code, city or topic. Or call 800-677-1116 to speak with an Information Specialist.
    You can find your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator. Among 
    other things, an Area Agency on Aging caseworker can visit you and your loved one and give you information about different sources for the help you need, how much this help might cost, and how you can get financial assistance.
  • Other community Resources Your local United Way and faith-based organizations can also help you find assistance.
  • Social workers Social workers at hospitals, clinics, or home health agencies, and specially trained s “geriatric care managers,” can help, too. The National Association of Professional Geriatrics Care Managers can provide more information. (Note: Insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of geriatric care manager assistance.)
Among other things, these groups and individuals can help you find the following kinds of help:
  • Financial – assistance and advice on paying for the services your loved one needs; including assistance completing paper work.
  • Transportation – to take your loved one shopping or to and from medical appointments.
  • Meals – including help preparing meals or having meals delivered.
  • Home nursing services – including visits from Registered Nurses, private duty nurses, nurses aides and hospice.
  • Respite care services – which send trained helpers to your loved one’s home so you can take a break.
  • Reliable “home helpers” – who can visit your loved one for an hour or two at a time to help with bathing, light housekeeping, cooking, and errands.
  • Adult day care – centers where older adults can go for several hours during the day for care supervised by healthcare staff. This care usually includes social programs, recreation and meals. Special adult day care programs are available for people with dementia, depression and social problems
Adapted from " Caregiving for an Older Adult: Stressing and a Blessing  & "Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout"
http://www.healthinaging.org/blog/caregiving-for-an-older-adult-stressing-and-a-blessing-2/