Wabasha County Public Health cares about your safety.

Read Wabasha County updates regarding COVID-19

On Monday, March 30th, Wabasha County Public Health opened a local COVID-19 HOTLINE. The hotline is for residents or the general public looking for information regarding COVID-19. The HOTLINE will be staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and can be accessed by calling 651-565-8103.

“As of March 30th, 2020, Wabasha County has six lab confirmed cases of COVID-19. Due to limited testing ability, the health experts in Minnesota believe these numbers are much higher,” said Tammy Fiedler, Director of Wabasha County Public. “Please if you can, stay home and continue to practice community strategies to stop the spread. Only go out when you need essentials, avoid crowds, cover your cough, stay at least 6 feet away from others, wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth areas. This guidance is to help keep you and your family healthy and to help prevent your health care system from becoming overloaded.”

What to do to stop the spread of COVID-19

Community education effort to focus on impact of dementia.

The Wabasha County Senior Health Action Team (WCSHAT), comprised of agencies, organizations, and individuals who are committed to making a difference, is taking the lead in the development of community-based programs and activities that shed light on the impact of dementia. To draw more attention to this community health need, the WCSHAT is rolling out a three-part community education program in March and April.

Supported by the Wabasha- Kellogg Area Community Foundation, the Wabasha VFW, and Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, “Still Alice” will feature:

SEE EVENTS PAGE

• a community book read of the award-winning novel by Lisa Genova beginning in March

• showing the movie “Still Alice,” starring Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore on April 16

• followed by a community education program about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease presented by Robyn Birkeland, PhD, clinical psychologist with the University of Minnesota, on April 23

Details and more information will be made public soon by Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center via Facebook, news releases, flyers, and book drop sites. Community members are encouraged to actively participate and engage in this dynamic outreach effort. By doing so, everyone is better equipped to understand dementia, more effectively communicate with people who have dementia, and identify small things they can do to make a difference.

Learn more about dementia at Minnesota Department of Health.

Is your healthcare provider working with SHIP?

We are dedicated to encouraging medical professionals to be proactive about offering ways to encourage healthy living by sharing the harmful health effects of obesity and tobacco use.

Research has shown that when patients are referred to a resource by their health care provider, they more likely to follow through. Early referral and intervention allows for patients to integrate into “prevention” care which over time will alleviate the need for costly restorative care delivery.

SHIP encourages health care providers and community leaders to develop a structured and well-organized strategy for communication which will lead to an effective system for referring patients. Learn about SHIP’s Health Care Strategy.

If you would like information partnering with Wabasha County SHIP on healthy eating, physical activity, and/or tobacco-free environment projects, please email Tina Moen or call her at 651-565-5200.

Research shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an approach to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Local public health staff across the state are working with SHIP to implement healthy lifestyle strategies and create supportive environments. Statewide examples include:

• 303 communities are improving healthy eating opportunities for seniors

• 224 communities are reducing tobacco use & secondhand exposure for seniors

• 173 communities are improving active living opportunities for seniors (20162018)

Read the Minnesota Department of Health Dementia Fact Sheet. Additional resources include:

• State & Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia, The 2018-2023 Road Map

• Dementia Friendly Communities Toolkit

If you would like information partnering with Wabasha County SHIP on healthy eating, physical activity, and/or tobacco-free environment projects, please email Tina Moen or call her at 651-565-5200.

Two online resources available to find local wellness classes for seniors.

1. JUNIPER

Through a network of local leaders, community organizations and health systems, Juniper delivers programs to help adults manage chronic health conditions, prevent falls, and foster well-being. If you are coping with high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, diabetes or other chronic conditions, Juniper can support your efforts to live life as fully and independently as possible.

STEPPING ON - a class designed specifically for people who are:
(1) at risk of falling
(2) have a fear of falling, or
(3) who have fallen one or more times
Learn more and register here or by contacting Jodi Johnson or 651-565-5200.

Participants meet for two hours a week for seven weeks. Classes are highly participative; mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Classes are facilitated by trained leaders and provide a safe and positive learning experience. Learn more about classes listed on Juniper in Wabasha County.

2. WELLCONNECT

An innovative collaboration of individuals and organizations in Southeast Minnesota, WellConnect is focused on optimizing health and wellness in this region. The organization started in 2015 with a handful of folks in Rochester, MN with a big idea for improving healthcare, and since that time they have held regional meetings, conducted research and engaged new partners. Now they are an entire community system that includes 11 counties, more than 20 organizations and growing! If you live in Southeast Minnesota, WellConnect is for you! Learn more about classes listed on WellConnect in Wabasha County.

STAY ACTIVE & INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE (SAIL) - a strength, balance and fitness program for older adults.
SAIL will help you stay independent, active and prevent falls. Exercises can be done standing or sitting and include aerobics, balance, strength, stretching, and falls prevention group education. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.
Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays in Lake City.
Register here or by calling Mariah at 507-450-1091.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM - low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain & decrease stiffness.
This class is for older adults with arthritis, chronic pain, or joint and muscle stiffness. The routines include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level. Movements can be performed seated or standing, and include endurance, balance, strength, flexibility, relaxation, and health education topics.
Classes in Lake City and Plainview.
Register here or by calling Sue Degalier at 507-450-0287.

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