September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and connect individuals in crisis to lifesaving resources. This September, El Paso County Public Health and organizations across the community are coming together to support a series of walks and runs that support mental health resources…
While body modifications such as tattoos and body piercings are a personal choice for many residents, these procedures carry inherent biological risks if performed in unregulated environments. Puncturing the skin barrier introduces a direct pathway for infection, making rigorous oversight a critical matter of community well-being. To mitigate these risks, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) maintains a comprehensive Body…
Every child is different. They all learn to talk, walk and play at their own pace. But sometimes parents notice that their child is taking a little longer to learn certain skills. Maybe the child has trouble talking, finds it hard to play with other kids, or has a health problem that needs ongoing care. When your child needs extra…
Whether you have a green thumb or are just getting started with gardening, growing your own food has many health benefits. Although Colorado’s dry climate does come with some challenges, growing an edible garden promotes a healthy diet and lifestyle. Let’s dig into some of the health gains of gardening: Improve your nutrition What better way to help…
For many first-time parents, the journey of pregnancy comes with many important questions. In El Paso County, a dedicated team of public health professionals is ensuring parents don’t have to come up with all the answers on their own. The El Paso County Public Health Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) pairs first-time parents with registered nurses who provide personalized home visits. These visits begin early in pregnancy…
In public health, some of the biggest successes are things we never see. These include a crash that didn’t happen, a fall that was avoided, or violence that was stopped before it began. At El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH), the Injury and Violence Prevention Program works to stop injuries and violence before they happen. …
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about reducing your risk and understanding how daily habits can shape your future. Cancer touches many families across the country in some way. While not all cancers can be prevented, studies show that up to 50 percent of cancer cases are linked to preventable factors like smoking,…
As the winter chill settles in, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) is reporting a rise in influenza (flu) cases. Understanding the flu is the first step toward staying healthy this season. Here…
With the calendar flipping to Jan. 1, millions of people are considering fresh starts. Whether it’s losing weight, running a marathon or simply sleeping more, the impulse to transform overnight is strong. However, by the second week of February, roughly 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside. The problem isn’t a lack…
The simple act of dining out is an ingrained part of community life, but behind every satisfying meal is a critical layer of public health oversight. In El Paso County, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) plays an essential and active role in ensuring the safety of food served in restaurants and other retail food…