Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally in soil and bedrock formation. Traces of arsenic are also found in groundwater, lakes, rivers and ocean water. Foods like fruits, vegetables and seafood can also contain arsenic. Some fruits and vegetables absorb traces of arsenic from the soil they grow in. Ocean fish and seafood naturally have high levels of an organic non-toxic form of arsenic. The major source of arsenic exposure is drinking water that contains elevated levels of arsenic. The new arsenic drinking water standard is 10 parts per billion (ppb). Consumption of arsenic contaminated water has been associated with the following possible health effects: skin cancer, internal cancers, thick rough skin on hands and feet, unusual skin pigmentation, numbness in hands and feet, circulatory disorders, tremors, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, diabetes and depression.
Arsenic has been detected in every county in the state of Wisconsin. You cannot smell, taste or see arsenic in your drinking water. The only way to know if your water contains arsenic is to have a water sample from your private well tested by a certified laboratory. A list of certified labs is available from the DNR online at: Lab List. (This information was taken from Pub-DG-062 2006.)
Healthcheck is a health assessment through Medicaid for children up to age 21 which also provides dental, medical and mental health referrals.
Email Jackie Behrmann or Karen Wertanen RN, BSN or call 715-528-4837 for more information.
Prenatal Care Coordination is a Medicaid benefit that helps pregnant women get the support and services they need to have a healthy baby. The services include: help getting the health care you need, personal support, information on good eating habits and health practices (health education and nutrition counseling), and information and help finding needed services in your community. For more information email Mary Blazer, RN or call 715-528-4837.
Lead exposure in young children can cause reduced IQ and attention span, impaired growth, reading and learning disabilities, hearing loss, and a range of other health and behavioral effects. Most exposures occur in homes or daycare centers where lead based paint has deteriorated because of deferred maintenance or where lead hazards have been created through painting or renovation without using lead safe practices. Email Karen Wertanen, RN, BSN or Mary Blazer, RN or call 715-528-4837 for more information.
First Breath is a program that helps pregnant women in Wisconsin quit smoking. The program is coordinated by the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation with partners: State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health Bureau of Community Health Promotion and APS Healthcare Inc.. First Breath cessation strategies are integrated into existing prenatal care models, including public health services and private healthcare clinic appointments. For more information email Mary Blazer, RN or call 715-528-4837.
The MCH Program works with local public health departments, community based organizations, statewide organizations and other providers to provide and or assure quality health services are delivered to mothers, children, and families in Florence County. The program provides home visits to new babies, water testing, depression screening and informs mothers of other available services. For more information email Mary Blazer, RN or call 715-528-4837.
If your home has well water that is deficient in fluoride, liquid and chewable supplements are available for young children. For more information email Karen Wertanen, RN or Jackie Behrmann or call 715-528-4837.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, natural occurring radioactive gas. It is formed as Uranium decays in the ground. It can get into your home through cracks or other openings in the basement floor and walls.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (first is smoking). It is estimated to cause more than 15,000 deaths per year in the USA. The only way to tell if radon is present in your home is to test. It is not consistent from house to house. Please call 71-528-4837 or e mail Jackie Behrmann or Karen Wertanen, RN for a Radon kit.
There is no requirement to test a private well except for bacteria when your well is drilled or you change a pump. You are responsible for your water safety. Contaniments can pollute wells and you cannot taste, see or smell most of them. Therefore, you should test your water regularly. Some tests that should be done are: Bacteria, Nitrates, Pesticides, Arsenic, Lead, Copper and others depending on your area. To obtain a water test kit call 715-528-4837 or email Jackie Behrmann. For more information see DNR Ground Water.