Healthy Quin Counties

09/02/2026

September is Healthy Aging Month.

Healthy aging isn't just about adding years to life. It's about supporting your physical, mental and social well-being throughout every stage of life.

Regular movement, nutritious foods, preventive health care, adequate sleep and staying socially connected can all support our health as we age.

What's one healthy habit you'd like to keep doing for years to come?

09/01/2026

𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

September gives us plenty of opportunities to focus on our health and the health of our communities.

This month, Healthy Quin Counties will be sharing information about healthy aging, food safety, mental wellness, recovery, emergency preparedness, falls prevention and more.

Good health doesn't always require a big change. Small choices made consistently can add up. Follow along throughout September for practical ways to support your health and well-being.

09/01/2026

🚨 September is National Preparedness Month!

Emergencies can happen at any time, whether it's a severe thunderstorm, flooding, winter weather, power outage, or other unexpected event. Being prepared helps keep you, your family, and your community safe.

National Preparedness Month is a reminder to take simple steps now that can make a big difference later. Throughout September, Healthy Quin Counties will share tips, resources, and tools to help you prepare for emergencies in Northwest Minnesota.

Learn more about preparedness at http://Ready.gov?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_ctflz1yypv and follow along all month long.

09/01/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮.

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. For farmers, ranchers, and rural residents, long hours, financial uncertainty, unpredictable weather, and the responsibility of providing for others can take a toll.

Checking in with a friend, neighbor, or family member can make a difference. A phone call, visit, or simple conversation can remind someone they are valued and supported.

Support is available 24/7:

Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
833-600-2670 (833-600-FARM)
Free, confidential support for farmers, ranchers, and rural families.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.

This September, remember: Every Season Matters. So Do You.

08/31/2026

A new school year brings new routines, new experiences, and new conversations. 📚✨

Along with shopping for school supplies, take time to set expectations and talk with your kids about making healthy choices. Open, honest conversations can help build trust and give young people the confidence to make positive decisions.

Need help getting started? Find conversation tips and resources here: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/five-conversation-goals

Together, we can support healthy choices and stronger communities. 💙

08/28/2026

What are the signs of a head lice infestation?

Look closely for nits along the hairline at the back of the head and neck and behind the ears. Nits should not be confused with an accumulation of hair spray, hair gels, or dandruff, which can be easily flicked off the hair; nits cannot because they are firmly attached to individual hairs.

One telltale sign of head lice is a persistent itching of the scalp, which is sometimes accompanied by infected scratch marks or what appears to be a rash.

Remember: Head lice cannot jump or fly — they spread only through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like hats, combs, or hair accessories.

If you have questions about head lice, contact your provider or your local public health office.

Kittson County Public Health: 218-853-2497
Roseau County (LifeCare Public Health): 218- 463-3211 ext.4179
Marshall County (North Valley Public Health): 218-745-5154
Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health: 218-681-0876

For more information about head lice visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/headlice/headlice.html

08/27/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the positive aspects of aging and explore ways to enhance the wellbeing of older individuals. Healthy aging encompasses maintaining and improving physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and social health.

The University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing invites everyone who is aging and those who support older adults to visit z.umn.edu/HAM2026 to access resources and register for over 30 free webinars covering topics such as:
• Financial Health, Estate Planning, & Fraud Protection
• Mental Wellbeing & Brain Health
• Nutrition & Food Safety
• Physical Safety & Independent Living
• Relationships & Community Building

The webinars will not be recorded, so plan to join the live webinars.

Extension workshops and resources celebrate the positive aspects of aging and explore ways to enhance the wellbeing of older individuals.

08/27/2026

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Minnesota, a time to recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and the support available to families.

Minnesota WIC is helping more families get the education and support they need. In 2025, 84.5% of parents who participated in WIC before their baby was born initiated breastfeeding—up from just 40% in 1990.

Breastfeeding can provide important benefits for both babies and parents, including:

Nutrition that changes as a baby grows
Protection from some infections and illnesses
Support for healthy growth and development
Health benefits for breastfeeding parents
Opportunities for bonding

WIC provides breastfeeding education during pregnancy and individualized support after baby arrives. Families are encouraged to connect with WIC early in pregnancy to learn about available nutrition and breastfeeding resources.

Learn more about WIC breastfeeding support at the Minnesota Department of Health: health.state.mn.us/people/wic/bf/

08/26/2026

Need vaccines? Your local public health office may be able to help.

Our region participates in Minnesota’s Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) Program, which provides free or low-cost vaccines to eligible Minnesota adults age 19 and older who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine they need.

Vaccines available through the program include influenza, Hepatitis A and B, MMR, polio, Tdap, and varicella.

Participating public health agencies in our region include Kittson County Public Health, LifeCare Public Health (Roseau County), Norman-Mahnomen Public Health, North Valley Public Health (Marshall County), Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health, and Polk County Public Health.

Think you may qualify? Contact your local public health office to learn more, find out which vaccines may be right for you, and schedule an appointment.

Kittson County Public Health: 218-853-2497
Roseau County (LifeCare Public Health): 218- 463-3211 ext.4179
Marshall County (North Valley Public Health): 218-745-5154
Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health: 218-681-0876