Getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner?
Getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner?
Make sure your turkey is safely thawed!
Here’s a quick guide for thawing in the fridge:
🕓 Allow 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds of turkey.
That means...
• 4–12 lb = 1–3 days
• 12–16 lb = 3–4 days
• 16–20 lb = 4–5 days
• 20–24 lb = 5–6 days
🧊 Keep it in the fridge (40°F or below) — never thaw on the counter!
Plan ahead so your turkey is safe and ready for the oven! 🍽️
#FoodSafety #ThanksgivingPrep #WCPHcares
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Photos from Washington County Public Health's post
🚭 Today is the Great American Smokeout! 💙
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health — and you don’t have to do it alone. The Great American Smokeout is a reminder that every step toward a smoke-free life is worth celebrating.
Whether you’re thinking about quitting, starting today, or supporting someone who is, Washington County Public Health is here to cheer you on. 🙌
💡 Small steps you can take today:
• Make a quit plan
• Reach out to a friend or family member for support
• Remove tobacco products from your home and car
• Try a stress-relief activity like a walk, deep breathing, or journaling
📞 Need help?
Iowa residents can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free coaching, resources, and quit-support tools.
Your future self will thank you — one day, one choice, one breath at a time. 💛
#GreatAmericanSmokeout #QuitForGood #WCPH #HealthyChoices #TobaccoFree #PublicHealth
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🌾 Celebrating National Rural Health Day!
🌾 Celebrating National Rural Health Day! 🌾
Today we recognize the unique health needs of rural communities and the incredible people who help keep Washington County thriving.
Living rural means:
🚜 Strong community connections
🏡 Neighbors helping neighbors
🌤️ Access to fresh air and open spaces
💛 A shared commitment to caring for one another
At Washington County Public Health, we’re honored to support the health and well-being of our rural families every day — through prevention, education, home health, and community partnerships.
Thank you to everyone working behind the scenes to make rural health stronger and more accessible. Your work truly makes a difference.
Here’s to the heart of our community — our rural residents! 💙
#NationalRuralHealthDay #PowerOfRural #WCPH #CommunityPride #RuralHealth #PublicHealth
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🦃✨ Keep Your Smile Bright This Holiday Season!
🦃✨ Keep Your Smile Bright This Holiday Season! 😁
November is full of reasons to smile — family gatherings, delicious meals, and time to be thankful! As you enjoy those holiday treats, don’t forget to take care of your teeth, too. 🦷
Here are a few tips for a healthy holiday smile:
🍎 Choose crunchy fruits and veggies to help clean your teeth naturally.
🥧 Enjoy sweets in moderation (your dentist will thank you!).
💧 Drink plenty of water to rinse away food and sugar.
🪥 Keep up your brushing and flossing routine — even during busy days.
Your smile is something to be thankful for — take care of it this season! 💛
#HealthySmiles #HolidayHealth #WCPH #DentalHealth #PublicHealth #ThankfulForHealthyTeeth
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🍂 Stay Healthy This November!
🍂 Stay Healthy This November!
As temperatures drop and schedules get busy, it’s easy to let wellness slide. A few small habits can help keep you and your family feeling your best:
• Wash hands often
• Stay active, even with short walks
• Drink plenty of water
• Get plenty of rest
• Keep surfaces clean during cold/flu season
Little choices add up to big health benefits! 💛
#FallWellness #WCPH #HealthyHabits #PublicHealth
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The holidays are a time to celebrate — and to make balanced choices!
The holidays are a time to celebrate — and to make balanced choices!
Here are a few simple ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal without overdoing it:
🥕 Fill half your plate with veggies
🥛 Choose water between festive drinks
🦃 Savor your food — eat slowly and enjoy every bite
🚶 Take a post-meal walk with family or friends
Healthy doesn’t mean missing out — it’s about finding balance! 💛
#HealthyHolidays #WCPHcares #ThanksgivingTips
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💙🌍 World Diabetes Day – November 14 🌍💙
💙🌍 World Diabetes Day – November 14 🌍💙
Today we raise awareness about diabetes and the importance of prevention, early detection, and management.
This year’s theme reminds us that access to diabetes care and education is essential for everyone.
✅ Know your risk
✅ Get regular check-ups
✅ Choose healthy foods and stay active
✅ Support those living with diabetes
Together, we can build a healthier community. 💙
#WorldDiabetesDay #DiabetesAwareness #PublicHealth #WCPHcares
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Today we celebrate World Kindness Day!
Today we celebrate World Kindness Day! 🌎💛
At Washington County Public Health, we believe kindness strengthens our community.
Take a moment to do something kind — hold the door, share a compliment, or check in on a neighbor. Together, small acts make a big impact. 💫
#WorldKindnessDay #WashingtonCountyStrong #SpreadKindness
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Fall is in full swing, and so are cooler temps and cozy routines!
Fall is in full swing, and so are cooler temps and cozy routines!
Here are a few ways to stay healthy this season:
🍎 Eat seasonal fruits and veggies — apples, squash, and sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients.
🧣 Layer up and stay warm on chilly mornings.
💧 Don’t forget to hydrate (yes, even when it’s cold!).
😴 Prioritize rest to keep your immune system strong.
Small habits = big impact on your health this fall! 🍁
#FallHealthTips #HealthyHabits #WCPHcares
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Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during November!
Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during November!
***Please note: there will only be one meal this month! HACAP will be there providing produce as well!***
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**
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Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during November!
Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during November!
***Please note: there will only be one meal this month! HACAP will be there providing produce as well!***
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month!
November is Diabetes Awareness Month!
Let’s raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and management of diabetes.
Simple lifestyle changes—like eating balanced meals, staying active, and getting regular checkups—can make a big difference.
💙 Take charge of your health this month!
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Hard to believe we are to the holiday seasons and the last 2 months of the year!
Hard to believe we are to the holiday seasons and the last 2 months of the year!
Below are November & December schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program!
These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
🤔Who Qualifies? 🤷
✅ Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
✅Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
📞 Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the word—share this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! 💉😊
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Sharing is caring… but NOT when it comes to germs!
Sharing is caring… but NOT when it comes to germs! 🤧❌
If you’re feeling under the weather, do everyone a favor: stay home, rest up, and keep those germs to yourself. 🛏️☕🦠
Let’s keep our community healthy! 💪 #SharingIsntAlwaysCaring #StopTheSpread #WCPH
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📣 Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child?
📣 Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child? 🩺
Visit InsureKidsNow.gov to learn about free or low-cost health coverage options available through Medicaid and CHIP, including Iowa’s HAWK-I program.
✅ Coverage includes doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health services & more
✅ Many families qualify based on income, even if they work or have other insurance
✅ Apply online or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
#InsureKidsNow #Medicaid #CHIP #ChildHealthCoverage #IowaHAWKI
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⏰ Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend!
⏰ Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend!
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday night, November 1, 2025.
✅ “Fall back” = an extra hour of sleep! 😴
It’s also a great time to:
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Replace batteries if needed
• Review your emergency preparedness plan
#DaylightSavingTime #FallBack #WCPH #SafetyFirst #ExtraHour
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🎉🎊 Happy 13-Year Workaversary, Maxine!
🎉🎊 Happy 13-Year Workaversary, Maxine! 🎊🎉
Today, we’re celebrating 13 amazing years of dedication, hard work, and compassion from Maxine! 💙 From making a difference in the lives of our community members to being an incredible part of our team, she truly embodies what public health is all about. 🏡❤️
We’re so grateful for everything Maxine brings to Washington County Public Health—here’s to many more years of making an impact! 👏🎉
Drop a comment to help us celebrate Maxine! 🎈🎊
#13YearWorkaversary #PublicHealthHero #DedicatedAndCompassionate #WeAppreciateYou
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🥫 Pop-Up Pantry in Kalona!
🥫 Pop-Up Pantry in Kalona! 🌽
Food Drive this Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 2285 133rd Street, Kalona, IA.
📦 One box per household, while supplies last.
📞 Call (319) 656-2310 for more information.
A big thank you to HACAP and the City of Kalona for helping support our community! 💛
#KalonaIowa #HACAP #FoodDrive #CommunitySupport #PopUpPantry
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👻 BOO! 🎃
👻 BOO! 🎃
The "Spice Girls" made an appearance at Washington County Public Health today! 🧂✨
Our team had a blast dressing up and spreading a little Halloween cheer.
As you head out for trick-or-treating tonight, remember these spooktacular safety tips:
✨ Be seen.
🚸 Stay together.
🍭 Check your treats.
🪥 And don’t forget to brush those teeth after the candy! 😁🦷
Have a fang-tastic and safe Halloween! 🦇🧡
#HappyHalloween #WCPH #TrickOrTreat #SafetyFirst #HealthySmiles #HalloweenFun #SpiceGirls
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🎃👻 Spooky Snacks & Good Company!
🎃👻 Spooky Snacks & Good Company! 👻🎃
Our Washington County Public Health team celebrated Halloween with a little frightfully fun potluck! From monster donuts to creepy-cute cookies, there was no shortage of creativity (or sugar 🍬).
We’re thankful for our amazing staff who bring not only great care to our community, but also so much spirit to the workplace. 💜🧡
Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween weekend! 🕸️🦇
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