National Public Health Week Published April 2, 2014 By 2nd Medical Group Public Health flight BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- For nearly two decades, Public Health professionals have united communities nationwide each April to celebrate National Public Health Week. While the theme may change from year-to-year, our core commitment has remained the same, which is: Public Health and Prevention. This year during NPHW April 7 - 11, we will focus on our core commitment with a theme of "Public Health: Start Here." It sounds simple and it really is. Public heath starts at home, from nutrition, to safety precautions and emergency preparedness. As a community, the first step we take towards public health is in the comfort of your own home. The Public Health office is dedicated to implementing prevention strategies to help keep the Barksdale community safe, healthy and combat ready. We routinely perform vectorborne disease surveillance to monitor for diseases such as West Nile Virus during mosquito season. Additionally, we assist in making workplace specific duty restrictions to ensure new moms have the resources and knowledge they need to have healthy babies. One of our primary duties is to perform food and public facility inspections to ensure food safety guidelines are followed along with investigating potential foodborne illness outbreaks. As experts in preparedness, we are primed to assist leadership in responding and preparing the community in the event of a natural disaster or state emergency. We also work hand in hand with the immunizations clinic to ensure availability of routine and travel specific vaccinations. Lastly, our office ensures safe working and housing conditions, tracks chemical exposures for possible health risks, and so much more. We hope you'll join us in raising awareness of the value of public health and prevention in our community by supporting this year's daily themes: - MONDAY: The Exchange from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: "Don't Panic" - In the event of a natural disaster or in any emergency, learn ways to be prepared. We will give away raffle tickets for people to be entered into a drawing to win an Emergency Preparedness Kit. - TUESDAY: Commissary at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.: "Eat Right" - The HAWC will conduct tours at the Commissary to promote healthy eating and raise awareness on healthy living. - WEDNESDAY: Child Development Center-East at 9 a.m., Child Development Center-West at 2:30 p.m. and Youth Center 4 p.m.: "Hand Washing Deserves Two Thumbs Up" - Public Health will conduct hand washing demonstrations at the Youth Center and the CDCs to educate children on proper hand washing techniques. - THURSDAY: Commissary from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: "If in Doubt, Throw it Out" - Visit our table outside the Commissary for free food and information on outdoor grilling and how to minimize your risk of foodborne illnesses. For more information regarding this event or any other public health issue contact us at 456-6599.