Celebrating Public Health Week
Published 12:13 pm Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Rowan County Health Department
National Public Health Week is here and The Rowan County Health Department invites the public to celebrate through Friday. This event highlights issues that are important in improving the health of the county and will include different opportunities for the community to get involved.
Today, 1-4:30 pm: Dental Health Day
We will have exciting dental hygiene experiments and displays challenging your little ones imagination and also their knowledge on their own dental hygiene all while offering a fun and learning environment! When finished with experimenting, go to the Smile Center Dental Clinic and pick up your free dental bag filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and educational information. Bags will be available for both adults and kids.
Tips for helping your child overcome fear of the dentist
- Start young
The younger the child is the better. Beginning dentist visits as early as 1 years old is important in your child having a healthier mouth in the future. It also makes the dentist office a more familiar place, making the child more comfortable for future visits.
- Watch your words
Be careful not to use words like shot, hurt, or pain when talking to your child about their upcoming visit. Use more child-friendly phrases like “they’re going to check your mouth for sugar bugs” or “they’re going to check your smile and count your teeth”. These phrases are less alarming and scary.
- Avoid bribery
Offering a bribe in exchange for good behavior could increase a child’s apprehension and also send the wrong message if the bribe is a sugary treat, after the dentist has emphasized the role sugar plays in cavities.
- Emphasize the importance of good oral health
It is important to teach your child that the dentist is a necessity in having a healthy mouth and that it’s the dentist’s job to give them a beautiful smile that will help them eat their favorite healthy foods.
- Get your child excited about their dentist visit
Trying cool dental hygiene experiments at home before your child’s visit shows them the dentist means them no harm and can also show them the importance of going to the dentist.
Wednesday, April 6, 1-4:30 pm, Mental Health Fair
Rowan County Health Department, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Mental Health Community of Rowan County are hosting a Mental Health Fair. This Mental Health Fair’s goal is to strengthen the mental health community in order to better support individuals struggling with mental wellness.
When mental illness becomes a major problem, asking for help is not always an option. Sometimes asking for help is not physically possible. This is when the mental health network becomes so important. There will be prizes and a raffle opportunity.
Thursday, April 7, 8 am-noon: Breastfeeding Support
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will present breastfeeding information and discuss details of their support group in the Health Department’s Community Room. Topics of discussion are working and breastfeeding, family support of the breastfeeding mom, how to overcome challenges while breastfeeding, and changing disparities in breastfeeding. There will be snacks and a giveaway opportunity for anyone who participates.
Friday, April 8, 10 am- 2 pm: Health Fair, Crown In Glory Lutheran Church
Communicable disease information targeted to adults will be provided along with a presentation and discussion. Information about communicable diseases with high incident rates, current communicable diseases in the news, and adult immunizations will be included. A separate informational session will be provided about drinking water and food safety.
A communicable disease nurse and environmental health specialist from the Rowan County Health Department will be leading the presentations on these topics. This activity will be held at 517 E. Bank St., Salisbury.
If you have any questions, call the Rowan County Health Department at 704-216-8777.