Polk County Wisconsin Health Department

04/11/2026

Happy National Pet Day! Dogs and cats are a joy, but they can also attract ticks. Did you know a tick can jump from an animal to a person? Learn how to check a pet for ticks: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/media/pdfs/publications/check-pets-for-ticks-508.pdf Find out more about how ticks affect your health here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tick/bite-prevention.htm

04/10/2026

April is National 🩺, a time to highlight health disparities and stand with racial and ethnic minority communities facing disproportionate challenges and systemic barriers to care.
At WIC, we're committed to supporting the health and well-being of all women, children, and families. Let's work together toward a healthier, more equitable future! 🫶
Get started with WIC by visiting www.signupwic.com 💻

04/09/2026

04/08/2026

“We all must do our fair share,
Because there is air, air, everywhere.”
These lines are from an award-winning poem by Wisconsin 5th grader Coral Neeb. Follow in Coral’s footsteps by entering Wisconsin DNR’s “Air, Air Everywhere” Poetry Contest! Third, fourth, and fifth graders can participate. Learn more:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/PoetryContest.html

04/06/2026

Happy National Public Health Week! Take a moment to recognize how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, expanded our life spans, and strengthened our communities. This week is also a chance to honor the public health workers who show up for us every day — and to advocate for policies and practices that promote good health for all.

04/01/2026

We currently have an open position for an Public Health Nurse! Please share this with anyone you know that might be interested. Click the link below for more information on the position and to apply. ⬇⬇⬇
Public Health Nurse: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/polkcowi/jobs/5250052/public-health-nurse-rn-bsn

03/30/2026

Gardening is a great way to grow fresh produce and show your little ones where foods come from! Start planting in early spring (herbs, veggies, or flowers) and talk about what you’re grateful for as you care for them. By summer, you'll have something tangible to enjoy! 🌱

Don’t have the yard space to plant? Grow plants in pots on your windowsills instead! You can also look into community gardens and public green spaces near you to get in touch with nature in your neighborhood!

03/28/2026

Getting started with WIC is worth it! Hear from a mom in Washington about why WIC is important to her family! 💞

“WIC matters to my family because it helps us get the nutrients we need for our meals. As a new family of 3, it helped us have a well-balanced diet. It also helped us not indulge in unhealthy foods. It helped us to get the proper foods we need over the past year for our son. This included formula, baby food, produce, any and all food from each stage of our son’s eating journey! Our family really enjoys WIC!”

- WIC mom from Washington and member of the Swinomish Tribe

Learn more about how WIC can support your family’s health by visiting www.signupwic.com to find a clinic near you! 🌟

03/27/2026

There are ways to for a disaster or emergency. Learning practical skills like when and how to call 911, do CPR, perform first aid, and use a fire extinguisher can also improve your personal preparedness health. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/

03/26/2026

WIC is here to support your breastfeeding journey!👩‍🍼WIC is proud to provide breastfeeding benefits for your family, including:

👥 Peer Counselor support at local WIC clinics.
👩‍⚕️ Guidance from lactation and breastfeeding experts.
🍽️ Nutritional education for breastfeeding moms.
💕Access to breastfeeding supplies and pumps.

Learn more about the different ways WIC is here to support breastfeeding for your family: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/get-support-wic

03/25/2026

Are you at risk for diabetes? Nearly 1 in 3 adults are living with prediabetes that without intervention could become type 2 diabetes. Complete the free, anonymous risk test today at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/prediabetes/index.htm and take action to protect your health.

03/24/2026

Omega-3 fatty acids are a great way of supporting heart health and can be found in many WIC-approved foods! You can find them in:

🐟Canned fish like salmon and tuna
🍳Eggs and soy products like tofu
🥑Brussels sprouts and avocados

Omega-3 fats have also been shown to be important during pregnancy, as they are important building blocks of the fetal brain and retina. These foods can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support eye health! 💕

Talk to your local WIC staff to learn more about nutrition and how WIC can support your family. Visit www.signupwic.com for more information.