What's up in public health this week?

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Tobacco and nicotine use is responsible for 1 in 4 cases of heart disease. Destini Hall, our Senior Health Educator for Tobacco and Youth, and Nina Wickens-Bhowmik, one of our Population Epidemiologists, join us this week to share how nicotine prevention and cessation can lead to better heart health.

The Colorado General Assembly recently began a new legislative session. Kimberly Baker, Larimer County's Health in All Policies Coordinator, joins us to share a bit about the bills she's watching this session and how they impact public health.

What's up in public health this week?

The Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC recently announced changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule. We asked our Medical Officer, Dr. Paul Mayer, to explain what these changes mean for parents and caregivers in Larimer County. Plus, two of our amazing public health nurses, Shannon Williamson and Julie Shanley, share a bit about our immunization clinic.

Winter weather has arrived! Lauren Craft, our Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator, shares tips for staying safe during the winter.

We’re excited to share our first extended episode! In this special monthly edition, we go beyond the headlines to bring you in-depth conversations, practical guidance, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening every day at your local public health department.

This episode features four segments:

Outbreaks & Other Inconveniences

public health tips and guidance for caretakers

Communicable Disease Epidemiologist, Abi Collingwood, breaks down one of the most common (and stressful) questions for parents and caregivers: Is my child too sick to go to school or daycare? Abi shares practical guidance on when to keep kids home, when it's ok for them to return to school, and how these decisions help protect the health of the whole community.

What’s Public Health Got to Do With It?

how public health shows up in unexpected places

Jo Buckley, Community Health Improvement Plan Coordinator, joins us to talk about the importance of social connection and the role volunteering plays in community health. Learn how building connections and helping others can improve mental and physical health and strengthen communities in ways that are deeply tied to public health outcomes.

Community Questions

answers to common community questions

Senior Administrative Specialist, Alyssa Bermejo, walks through the process for new parents to obtain an official birth certificate for their child. She covers what to expect, common questions, and helpful tips to avoid scams and fraud.

Between Two Germs

our feature interview

Heidi Nafman Onda, co-founder of The White Ribbon Project, shares her journey of being diagnosed with stage three lung cancer, discovering that radon exposure in her home was the most likely cause, and navigating treatment. She shares how this experience led her to start The White Ribbon Project in order to build community for people with lung cancer, challenge stigma, and advocate for increased research, screening, and treatment.