Not a Replacement

Yesterday was Kick Butts Day, a day across the United States where youth advocates stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Kick Butts Day celebrated their 20 year anniversary of advocates across the nation standing up to tobacco companies that are targeting our youth to be their next customers.

1,300 Americans die every day from tobacco related illnesses, because of this, the tobacco industry is “Still Seeking Replacements” in order to stay in business. If all their customers are dying, how do the tobacco companies keep up their business? They market their products and seek "replacement smokers", specifically teens. This can be seen in tobacco industry documents.

The tobacco industry spends $1 million every hour to market tobacco products in the United States. Youth are speaking out and letting Big Tobacco know that they are #NotAReplacement for the customers they lose every single day. 

Youth in Winnebago County participated in Kick Butts Day and the #NotAReplacement Campaign. Members of the re:TH!NK Youth Coalition organized an event at Tipler Middle School and other members took selfies and posted them on social media.

Youth have a strong voice and are willing advocates for tobacco prevention. Listen to them.

 

Watch this short video created by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to learn more:





Links and Resources from: Kick Butts Day 2015

Dining Out with a Balanced Diet

Eating smart while eating out can be tricky. Whether you are out celebrating a birthday or grabbing a bite to eat on your lunch break, healthy options may not always be present or desirable. Unfortunately, the truth is that we could very easily consume over 1000 calories in under 5 minutes when eating away from home! The good news is that it doesn’t have to hard to dine out while maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some helpful hints to eating smart when dining out!

• Only eat half of your plate.  Most restaurants have enormous portion sizes.  Ask for a to-go box when you place your order, and pack up half of your meal when it arrives.  You won’t overindulge, plus you will have lunch for tomorrow!
• Don’t drink your calories. Skip the soda! Sugary drinks can easily add up to 500 calories to your meal. Stick with water or unsweetened iced tea.
• Choose a nutritious side.  Have you been craving a big, juicy burger all week? Go for it! It is okay to indulge every now and again. Add some nutrients to your meal by choosing a healthy side.  Swap the fries for steamed broccoli or a side salad.
• Be picky.  Don’t be afraid to tell your server how you want your food prepared.  Go ahead and ask for your chicken to be grilled instead of fried, or for a whole grain tortilla instead of a flour tortilla.
• Be prepared.  Many restaurants have their menus available online. Check out their options beforehand, and be prepared to make the healthy choice before you head to the restaurant.
• Choose a SmartPlate restaurant.  Lucky for you, there is already a list of local restaurants and their healthy options for your use! Head to www.smartplatewi.com to browse healthy menu items in the area, and try one for your next night out!

Treating yourself to a meal out doesn't have to be hazardous to your health! There are plenty of delicious AND nutritious meals to choose from!

National Condom Week!

With February comes Valentine's Day in addition to National Condom Week (February 8-14)!   Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with young people ages 15-24 accounting for almost half of them?  Last year in Winnebago County there were 434 cases of Chlamydia in the age group of 15-24 year olds, which is a very common yet preventable STI.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2015) explains that consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk of STIs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. However, condom use cannot provide absolute protection against any STD.

The most common reason condoms fail is that they are used incorrectly.  We encourage all individuals who think they may be in a situation where a condom should be used to first obtain a condom and familiarize themselves with it in order to use it correctly when the time comes. Remember to never re-use condoms. There are specific steps that should be taken for correct condom use which include:

1. Check expiration date on condom package.
2. Squeeze condom package to make sure it contains an air pocket.
3. Carefully open the condom package.
4. Remove condom from package.
5. Check rim of the condom to figure out which way to unroll it.
6. Pinch tip of the condom.
7. Place the condom on the erect penis and roll down.
8. Have sex.
9. Ejaculate.
10. While male is still hard, he holds on to the base of the condom and pulls out of partner.
11. Male turns away to take off the condom to prevent spilling on partner.
12. Tie up used condom and dispose.

 

Getting condoms does not have to be an expensive or embarrassing task.  There are many locations in Winnebago County that provide free condoms to people of all ages.  These include:

Winnebago County Health Department - Bulletin Board

112 Otter Avenue, Oshkosh

Neenah WIC Office - Bulletin Board

211 N Commercial St, Neenah

Planned Parenthood - behind counter (ask)
Satori Imports - on display in a bowl

411 N Main St, Oshkosh

New Moon Café - behind counter (ask)

401 N Main St, Oshkosh

House of Heroes - behind counter (ask)

407 N Main St, Oshkosh

Streets of Fire - on display in a jar

415 N Main St, Oshkosh

Exclusive Company - in a jar at entrance

318 N Main St, Oshkosh

The Magnet Bar - on display in a jar

519 N Main St, Oshkosh

For more information on STI prevention, testing and treatment please visit www.winnebagopublichealth.org

Happy Valentine's Day!

Shatter the Myths About Drug Abuse

You may or may not know how passionate I am about protecting teens from the dangers of drug abuse.

 

Each year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse hosts National Drug Facts Week, a health awareness week. I encourage you to take the IQ Challenge to test your knowledge on drugs and drug abuse. You may be surprised at what you learn!

 

Teens are bombarded with conflicting messages that can leave them feeling confused and unsure of who to ask for information about drug use. There is no better time than now to help teens understand the serious consequences of drug use.

Goals for the New Year

It's January 9th and just over a week into the New Year. People all over have made goals for 2015. Are you sticking to your plan, need a boost? Use the 3 tips below to help keep your goals strong through January and beyond!

1. Dream BIG. 

2. Tell A LOT of people. 

3. Expect the answer to be YES.

The number one item on the list is to dream big, the sky isn't even the limit. Thoughts are incredibly powerful. If we set our minds and believe in ourselves, I am pretty sure we will be surprised by what we can accomplish.

Next up, tell everyone about the goal, and I mean everyone. We interact with people day in and day out. Next time you're waiting in line, having lunch, or out running errands, keep your phone in your pocket and interact with those around you. People know people and you never know who might be able to help you on your journey.

Finally, and perhaps by favorite piece... expect the answer to be yes. 


As we are all working to maintain our goals in the New Year, I really like hearing and sharing goals with other people (fits perfectly with #2!). My goal this year is to spend more time outside- whether it's 0 degrees or 90 degrees, I want to be out there exploring and trying new things! What's your goal this year?


Have you or anyone you know made a goal this year to quit tobacco? 

Take a look at this video on The Oshkosh Northwestern's Website to learn a little more about quitting tobacco and the resources available in Wisconsin. Visit the WI QuitLine website (www.ctri.wisc.edu/quitline2.html) or call 1.800.QUIT.NOW to talk with a quit coach and receive FREE medication to help beat the nicotine addiction. It can take 8-10 attempts before quitting sticks, every quit attempt is a success. Help is available locally, talk with your doctor or call the QuitLine.