Public health: Building healthy communities

This week celebrates National Public Health. Each day focuses on a theme. Monday was "Raising the Grade," to spark talks about the health of our nation and measures of good health. Tuesday was "Starting from Zip," with the idea that the zip code may have a lot to do with health disparities. Today's theme is "Building Momentum," to celebrate efforts that have been made thus far as a commitment to America's public health. "Building Broader Connections" is the theme for tomorrow, stating that we cannot battle public health concerns on our own. Collaborating with community partners who have a stake in making an impact on public wellness will strengthen our efforts toward healthier communities. Friday celebrates the 20th year of National Public Health Week and accomplishments made in communities, but this day also creates awareness about the work that lies ahead.

Here in Northern Idaho, Panhandle Health District (PHD) addresses health concerns in our own community with a new theme each day. We kicked off the week with "Kick the Habit" to promote quitting tobacco. Just come into any PHD office to discard any unused tobacco products. In turn, you will receive a free Quit Kit, which includes gum, sunflower seeds, and oral health supplies to support your quit efforts. This offer is good all week through Friday.

Yesterday we celebrated "North Idaho Walking Day" to encourage the community to take 20 minutes to go for a walk. Physical activity such as walking may help reduce the risk for chronic disease. Walking may have been celebrated yesterday, but choose to walk any day of the week for a positive step toward wellness.

Today, make a visit to any of our five offices and children can receive a free preparedness starter kit consisting of water, non-perishable food, a whistle, and an educational coloring book.

Tomorrow, join PHD at Silver Lake Mall from 1-5 p.m. to "stay healthy," where there will be interactive demonstrations. You'll learn about sun safety, germs, and other public health topics.

Friday, PHD is finishing out National Public Health Week by hosting a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) presentation from Noon to 1:00 pm at the Hayden office. Please join us and learn steps to take to help prevent suicide in our community. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to pio@phd1.idaho.gov.

Panhandle Health District is using National Public Health Week through activities to address health concerns identified in north Idaho: tobacco use, obesity, disease prevention, mental health, and disaster prevention.

We often talk about nutrition and physical activity as major factors of wellness, but we also don't want to forget the other pieces to the puzzle such as sleep, stress management, spirituality, and financial health. Take time this week to look at your wellness puzzle and evaluate which pieces are missing. Each piece you add to the puzzle is a positive step to your overall wellness - and don't forget to seek support when needed. There are many resources in our community ready to help.

Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.