Stay well this flu season
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…
New year, new you: How to set health goals that actually stick
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…
Safeguarding the Plate: El Paso County Public Health’s Role in Restaurant Safety
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…
Safe Celebrations: Protecting Every Plate This Holiday Season
The holidays are here—festive lights, warm gatherings and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re hosting, contributing to a potluck, or dining out, the last thing you want is a case of food poisoning. Fortunately, protecting your celebration is easier than you think. It comes down to four key principles endorsed by the FDA: Clean, Separate,…
Why We Wear Pink in October: A Simple Guide to Breast Cancer Awareness
October is more than just a month for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters; it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month: a time when we focus on a serious illness that affects many. In October, it’s common to wear pink ribbons to show awareness of breast cancer, and as a reminder to take proactive steps to stay…
Keeping Kids Safe: It’s National Childhood Injury Prevention Week!
Kids are always on the move! They run, jump, and explore the world around them. Sometimes, accidents happen. But lots of injuries can be prevented if we know what to watch out for. The first weeks of September, 2025, is National Childhood Injury Prevention Week, dedicated to learning how to keep kids safe. During this…
Buckle up! It’s National Traffic Awareness Month
August is National Traffic Awareness Month, a special time dedicated to making sure we all understand how important it is to be safe on the road. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or walking, we all share the road. Think about it: Every day, people travel from one place to another. We’re going…
Dive In! It’s National Swimming Pool Day!
Get ready to make a splash, because July 11th is National Swimming Pool Day! For many of us, pool days with family and friends are some of the best summer memories. There’s just something about the water that kids (and adults!) absolutely love. From a simple kiddie pool in the backyard to a thrilling wave…
Invest a Moment for Youth Mental Health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, El Paso County Public Health is excited to launch the Mental Health Moments toolkit, in partnership with the Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup. National data shows that 1 in 5 youth will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life. In El Paso County, youth participated in a…
Practice wildfire prevention and preparedness this May
As we head into summer, it’s a good time to ask whether you are prepared for a wildfire in your area. May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. While wildfires are now a year-round concern, the summer season brings the highest danger. As warm weather returns, vegetation begins to dry out, setting the stage for potential…