Local health center promotes National Public Health Week

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center is celebrating National Public Health Week with a range of activities for the public.

National Public Health Week is celebrated this year today through April 12.

Each year, the American Public Health Association sets aside a week to remind Americans about the importance of public health in their lives. This year's theme is "Public Health: Better Health. Better Missouri. Better Cape Girardeau County." The county's public health center will recognize National Public Health Week by showcasing several of its services and hosting health-related activities throughout the week.

Today's event features a health education display at the health center, 1121 Linden St. in Cape Girardeau, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can pick up free information on sun safety, tick check information card, safe food preparation, immunization reminders and more.

Tuesday's focus is on active lifestyles and use of community partners, such as the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The department will provide a Zumba Class at Arena Park from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; a Pilates class at the Osage Centre from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.; a strengthening class at the Shawnee Park Center from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; and an organic gardening class at the Shawnee Park Center from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday also features an environmental public health services opportunity, with specialists available to collect water samples from private wells in Cape Girardeau County at no cost. Those interested may call Environmental Health Services at 335-7846, ext. 128.

On Wednesday is an emergency equipment showcase from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emergency response and preparedness partners -- including area hospitals and police and fire departments -- will have displays at the health center.

A healthy eating display will be set up at the health center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday with information on gardening and diet improvement. Events wrap up Friday with a health fair at the health center Conference Room B from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The health fair features community partners providing opportunities to speak with health experts, free health screenings, dental health education, Affordable Care Act information and more.

For more information about National Public Health week and the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, visit cgcohealthdept.com or call 335-7846.

Pertinent address:

1121 Linden St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.