Midweek Motivator: Take small steps to protect your well-being and contribute to a healthier community – Brainerd Dispatch

Health is always top of mind. But what does “health” really mean, who decides what is healthy, and where do we go from here? Maybe you have it all figured out, but if you’re anything like me, there is a lot of uncertainty. And let’s be honest, sorting through all that information on your own can feel overwhelming.

Knowing who you can trust is critical. Federal agencies like the CDC and FDA play an important role in keeping regular people safe, yet many doubt their loyalty. Big pharma makes the medicines we need to survive, but profit feels like the priority. Even some basic food items are at risk from additives and preservatives that make them more addictive and less nutritious.

Despite these challenges hope is not lost, and thanks to the amazing work of local public health professionals neither is your opportunity to live a healthy life.

Brianna is a Public Health Nurse who works with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to reduce substance use and promote healthy childhood.

Kelli is a Health Educator that supports wellbeing in schools, workplaces, health care, childcare, and the broader community. Her work emphasizes mental health and systems change to promote active living, increase food access, and advance commercial tobacco-free communities.

Taylor is a Health Educator who works to protect the air, water, and soil we depend on from contaminants such as lead, radon, and disease-causing germs.

Public health workers in Crow Wing County and across the country are creating the foundations of a healthy community through their commitment to improve lives by sharing knowledge and providing access to essential resources like car seats and food.

As we give thanks this season, you can show your appreciation for public health by making a healthy choice in your own life.

Test your home for radon: As the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, radon kills an average of 21,000 people each year in the US. Truly a silent killer, radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and accumulates indoors. It is completely invisible to our senses. In Minnesota 2 out of 5 homes have high radon levels. The good news is testing for radon is cheap and easy, you can do it yourself.

Install and test carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide exposure causes 300 ER visits and 14 accidental deaths in Minnesota each year. When carbon monoxide is inhaled it replaces oxygen in our lungs making it hard to breathe. As temperatures drop more people rely on generators, furnaces, and portable heaters to stay warm; it is important to know the sources of carbon monoxide in your home and always use safe heating practices.

Common sources of CO in the home include:
• Tobacco smoke
• Clothes dryers
• Water heaters
• Furnaces or boilers
• Fireplaces (gas or wood-burning)
• Wood stoves, gas stoves, and ovens
• Motor vehicles
• Grills, generators, power tools, and lawn equipment

Reduce tobacco use: You don’t have to quit today, instead try quitting just for one day. Remember that progress is not a linear path, you will have ups and downs, but you are not alone, and many people quit successfully. No matter how long you have used tobacco products, stopping now can increase life expectancy and lower your risk of complications like cancer and COPD. Talk to a public health professional or visit the Minnesota Department of Health website to access free resources for Minnesotans including culturally sensitive coaching through Quit Partner.

From the nurses supporting new parents to the educators safeguarding our homes and environment, local public health workers quietly strengthen our communities every day. Their work keeps families safer, empowers people to make informed decisions, and ensures that every resident has access to tools that protect their health. This fall, as we honor those who serve and reflect on what we’re grateful for, let’s also recognize the dedicated professionals working right here in our county. By taking small steps — testing your home for radon, checking your carbon monoxide detectors, or reaching out for help to reduce tobacco use — you not only protect your own well-being, but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient community for all.

Sources:

Get Help Quitting | Commercial Tobacco Use – MN Dept. of Health

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning in Your Home – MN Dept. of Health

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Safety Tips | American Red Cross

Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission to “Improve health and wellness in our community by making the healthy choice the easy choice.” We know this is best accomplished when we work together to improve our communities, which is why we also recognize the works of other organizations and programs in our Midweek Motivator article. We want to connect readers to services, events, organizations, and resources that promote healthy living as well as healthy and productive workplaces. If you are interested in learning more about Crow Wing Energized and our upcoming classes and events visit CrowWingEnergized.org. You can also stay updated by following Crow Wing Energized on Facebook and Instagram.