National Public Health Week

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dawnie Ramie

Not only do the first weeks in April include both Easter and April Fool’s Day, but we also celebrate National Public Health Week. This year’s theme, Healthiest Nation 2030, challenges us to direct our focus on all aspects of our health. 

With warmer weather and the promise of longer days we can all agree that it is a little easier to force ourselves outside or into the welcoming environment of the gym.    

The main goal of NPHW is to raise awareness for all avenues of our health. The 5th Medical Group public health section offered an array of activities and educational events from April 2-6.

Minot Air Force Base members may have noticed personnel from public health at the Base Exchange, commissary and the Dining Facility. In addition, they will host a Show and Tell at Dakota Elementary and will join monthly commander’s calls.

Public health also invites you to join Generation Public Health by going to www.apha.org/HealthiestNation.

Generation Public Health is an American Public Health Association initiative that focuses on making America among the healthiest nations.  It is a lofty goal, but one we, as Airmen, can and should strive for. We should set a good example for our children and our fellow wingmen.

The American Public Health Association reminds us that when it comes to our healthy lifestyle, we should focus on the power of prevention. There are many services available at Minot that can aid with our goal of preventing health-related issues as well as limiting any associated risk factors.

The Airman Family Readiness Center, the Health and Wellness Center, the Fitness Center and many other programs are available to provide a number of helpful resources. 

The following are some of the services offered by our public health office: -Occupational health exams/SHPE support

-Hearing exams

-Deployment health

-Food/public facility/Missile Alert Facility inspections

- Food handler’s training for temporary food booths/events

-Communicable disease education

-Travel medicine

-Entomology

-UHM/UDM ASIMS

Typical hours of operation are Monday -Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Please contact public health at 701-723-5204 for questions, we are also located on the third floor of the Medical Group building.