Space heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to flammable materials such as drapes, furniture or bedding. Fireplaces can cause fires if the chimney is cracked, blocked or coated with creosote, or if sparks and embers reach flammable materials. Fuel-burning appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they are improperly installed, poorly [...]
As bitterly cold temperatures are forecast for Wisconsin, state health officials remind everyone to take winter safety precautions and to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common during the cold weather months in Wisconsin,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health Services. “State records [...]
Dangerous air pollution resulting from wildfires poses lethal health hazards to people living and working in the surrounding areas. Residents with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis and also those with chronic heart disease should take extra precautions during this time and call their physician immediately if problems develop.
“Even those without lung diseases [...]
As Iowans recover from the 2008 flood, a collaborative effort between the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) and the University of Iowa College of Public Health (CPH) is helping inform Iowans of the serious public health risks associated with flood cleanup.
“From a public health standpoint, the flood cleanup phase is a very dangerous and serious situation,” [...]
For a civilian, it’s hard to fathom the stress a military family faces when a parent and spouse is sent to combat zones in Iraq or Afghanistan. Long, and often multiple, wartime deployments take a toll not only on the service member on the front lines but on family members back at home.
According to recent [...]
The state has issued a health alert for toxic blue-green algae at Holmes Lake in Lincoln. A health alert also remains in effect for Iron Horse Trail Lake near DuBois in Pawnee, which was first placed on alert last week.
Samples taken June 30 at Holmes Lake were above the state’s health alert threshold of 20 [...]
Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey stressed the importance of behaving responsibly around bonfires.
In the run-up to the Twelfth of July, the minister met with Robert Saulters, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland to call for respect for emergency workers, including the Fire and Rescue Service. The [...]
CareGiverHelper will provide a branded community to Ceridian LifeWorks, a leading provider of health and productivity services to more than 18 million individuals and 38,000 companies, organizations and government agencies. The community will be available on the Ceridian LifeWorks participant Web site, called LifeWorks Online.
CareGiverHelper offers families an easy way to organize and share critical [...]
Family caregivers facing the physical, mental and emotional challenges of caring for a loved one may now get more well-deserved time away from their responsibilities through increased respite care or short-term care.
The amount of respite care available in a long-term care facility has been increased from 28 days to 60 days per year.
“Family caregiving is [...]
Secretary Karen Timberlake announced the launch of Family Care in Washington County. It is anticipated that Family Care will serve hundreds of seniors and people with disabilities in the area by providing more choices and improved access to health and long-term care services.
“Family Care has proven our seniors and people with disabilities can get [...]