Month: December 2018

Only 31 communities in Wisconsin receive designations

Oconto Falls has been recognized for its work to improve local health by receiving a Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation. Oconto Falls received bronze designation from the initiative through the UW Population Health Institute. Oconto Falls is one of only thirteen communities throughout the state to receive the bronze level designation.

The Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation, funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program, is designed to celebrate and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin, and to serve as a guide for communities to expand and enhance their health improvement efforts.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls School District and Oconto County Public Health – programs such as the Oconto Falls Area Trail System, the annual Health and Safety Fair, the Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit, and Stepping On improve the health and well-being of all.

Kathy Henne, RN, and Community Benefits Facilitator at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, referenced the recently completed Oconto County Community Health Needs Assessment. “Two areas identified in the assessment include the need to increase physical activity and to educate and promote healthy food choices,” said Kathy. “The development of the Oconto Falls Area Trail System and the Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit addresses these identified needs.”

The Oconto Falls Area Trail System Organization has created and maintains fitness trails throughout the city. Additional sections of the trail will be completed through fundraising efforts and community support, as well as the proceeds from the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Run for the Trails event.

The Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit educates the community on healthy food pantry donations and conducting healthy food drives. More information on the toolkit can be found on the Oconto County website at:  www.co.oconto.wi.us.

The annual Health and Safety Fair is a fun-filled day of hands-on learning for young and old alike. Each year the event is held at the Oconto Falls Elementary School. More than 30 vendors come together to educate on a variety of health and safety topics.

Stepping On is a nationally recognized fall prevention program for the elderly population. Carol Luebeck, RN, with Quality Living by Choice, offers this program in various locations throughout the county including HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

“So much great work is happening throughout Oconto Falls,” said Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President, Gail Yatso. “This is not happening because of one business, organization, or person – it’s a community working together to create a healthier environment through education, awareness, and action!”

The Partners of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital invite the community to participate in their annual Holiday Raffle and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

The Holiday Raffle and Bake Sale will feature a variety of baked goods and raffle items, perfect for the holiday shopping season.This special event is open to the community, with proceeds benefitting various health care improvements at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital which is part of a not-for-profit, Catholic-based health care system.

Holiday Raffle and Bake Sale
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls
Assisi Rooms

If anyone would like to donate bakery or raffle items to this event, please contact Vicki Dobratz at (920) 846-3536. Donations can be dropped off at the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Assisi Rooms on Monday, Dec. 17 after 4:30 p.m. or by 7:30 a.m. the day of the sale.

The Partners also invite the community to participate in Love Lights, an annual Christmas fundraiser.

Love Lights offers people the opportunity to purchase a light in memory of a loved one. It is then placed on a Christmas tree located in the main lobby area of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. The names the lights shine for are also displayed next to the tree throughout the holiday season.

Blessing of the Love Lights and Tree
1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls
Social to follow

Proceeds from Love Lights will benefit various health care improvements at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. Lights can be purchased on behalf of an individual ($5); families up to six people ($25); or, sponsored by a business or organization ($50).

Order forms can be found in the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Welcome Center. Forms must be completed and returned by Thursday, Dec. 20. They can be returned in-person, or mailed to HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Amber Just, Volunteer Services, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, WI 54154

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital encourages the community to enjoy the holiday season, but also maintain health. This time of year can be challenging to make healthy choices and limit weight gain, but eating well during the holidays is possible!

Here are nine ways to stay healthy this holiday season:

1. Start your day off right. If you plan on treating yourself later, start your day with a small meal that includes whole grains, fruit, low-fat or fat-free dairy and protein like eggs, ham or peanut butter.
2. Don’t starve yourself beforehand. Rather, eat a small, lower-calorie meal or snack such as fruit, nuts or a few whole grain crackers so you aren’t tempted to overdo your calorie intake for the day.
3. Avoid snacking throughout the day. Abide by the “out of sight, out of mind” slogan. Once you’ve filled your plate with food, cover up the food and put away.
4. Be mindful. Keep a mental checklist of how much you’re consuming and make a conscious effort to balance your plate with plenty of fruits and veggies. Choose carefully between foods you will eat, those you will sample and those you will skip.
5. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating and many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
6. Don’t rush to eat. Focus on friends and conversation, not on the food. Socialize and settle into the festivities before you make your plate. Move the socializing away from the buffet or appetizer trays as this will minimize unconscious nibbling.
7. Be a great guest. Helping the host with dishes or serving drink allows you to be active and provides time away from the food. Your host will think you’re great and it will help you stay true to your eating plan.
8. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating.
9. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house.