Steele County Public Health, North Dakota

08/12/2025

We love these internet safety reminders from police departments all over the country! With BACK TO SCHOOL quickly approaching, please keep these tips in mind for keeping all our kiddos safe -- online and offline! 🫶

📸 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS: THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE!

As the new school year begins, excitement is in the air — especially for parents sending their little ones off to kindergarten or to a new campus for the first time. While back-to-school photos are a heartwarming tradition, they can also unintentionally expose your child and family to online dangers.

Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online!

Sharing photos with personal details like your child’s school name, teacher, grade, or age may seem harmless, but this information can be used by predators, scammers, or identity thieves. Even with strict privacy settings, it’s always safest to avoid sharing sensitive details online.

🚫 What NOT to Share in Back-to-School Photos:
❌ School name or logo
❌ Age or birthday
❌ Teacher’s name or grade level
❌ Identifying features (height, weight, etc.)
❌ Personal information that could be tied to passwords or security questions

💡 Safety Tip:
If your photo includes this information on a sign, shirt, or in the background — blur it out or cover it before posting!

Constable Mark Herman and his deputies wish all students, parents, and educators a safe, happy, and successful school year!

Follow us at Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 and download our mobile app “C4 NOW” to receive live feeds on crime, arrests, safety tips, and traffic in your area.

08/10/2025

Social media is a great tool for connecting with your loved ones - and, it's fun and entertaining. But, if it's affecting you in ways that aren't good for your mental health, might be time to take a break.

Here are a few warning signs that my indicate that your social media use is affecting your mental health. 👇

08/09/2025

Keeping tabs on your child’s plans doesn’t mean you don’t trust them—it means you care. Monitoring is one of the strongest ways to prevent risky behavior, including underage drinking.

Before they head out, ask:

✔️ Where are you going?
✔️ Who will you be with?
✔️ What will you be doing?
✔️ Will there be adults present?
✔️ How can I reach you?
✅ Regular check-ins, knowing their friends, and staying involved in school and activities all build trust—and protection.

It’s not about spying—it’s about staying connected.

🔗 Learn more about healthy monitoring at: parentslead.org/monitoring

08/09/2025

Did you know that the flavoring in e-cigarettes may be safer to EAT but NOT to inhale because the lung process substances differently than the gut. When someone addicted to ni****ne stops using it, their body and brain must adjust. Protect youth health and know the facts!
Learn more, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html

08/08/2025

Big changes—like a new grade, new school, or heading off to college— can bring excitement and anxiety. That’s normal.

💬 Remind your child:

✨ It’s okay to feel nervous
✨ They don’t have to have it all figured out
✨ You’re here to support them—every step of the way

Your calm presence helps them feel safe, seen, and supported.

🟩 Learn how to recognize signs of anxiety and what to do next: bit.ly/4ozwcKe

08/06/2025

Very proud of Tim and Ethan!!

08/06/2025

🥒🍅🥕🥒🍅🥕

We need your help! Cucumbers and cherry tomatoes are ready for picking! Even the carrots can start to be picked! Please help yourself at the Library garden to some fresh veggies!

08/05/2025

Better safe than sorry 🫶🏻

SCPH has Narcan free of charge for any resident.

08/01/2025

August already?!

It's a new month; let's do something fun...and KIND!

08/01/2025

🧘‍♀️💬 Self-care isn’t just for adults—it’s for kids too.

When children see the adults in their lives taking time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves, they learn that it’s normal and necessary to do the same.
By modeling self-care, you're teaching lifelong habits that build resilience, balance, and emotional well-being.

Here are a few ways to lead by example:

✅ Talk about what helps you feel calm and recharged
✅ Take walks or cook healthy meals together
✅ Prioritize rest and quiet time
✅ Set boundaries and say “no” when needed
✅ Encourage open conversations about feelings

Learn more 🔗 parentslead.org/special-topics/wellness/self-care

07/31/2025

🧠 HEADS UP 🧠

Some social media influencers have started to circulate the idea that "microdosing" children with ni****ne is a great idea.

Let us tell you...IT'S NOT. 🙅‍♀️

The doctor spearheading this movement claims ni****ne is not an addictive substance, but that's simply not true. Ni****ne increases dopaminergic activity and can absolutely lead to dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms. 🫠

Especially in adolescents, exposure to ANY substance can alter and/or hinder natural development, leading to long term effects.

Having open and honest conversations with your kiddos about substance use, including ni****ne, goes a long way in protecting not only their brain health, but their overall health and future.

If you or your child have any questions, or if you need assistance on your own journey to quit ni****ne, SCPH has specialists on staff and resources to help you get where you want to be. 💙

07/30/2025

From the American Psychological Association:

"A review of 38 studies found that adult friendships, especially high-quality ones that provide social support and companionship, significantly predict well-being and can protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety—and those benefits persist across the life span."

Call or text your friends today to remind them how special they are to you! 💛