NIAGARA, Wis. — “Mary had a little lamb, and when it began to sicken, they sent it off to packing town and now it’s labeled chicken.” This is a quotation from the book, “The Jungle.” Written in 1906 by Upton Sinclair, it exposed the unsanitary conditions of Chicago’s meat packing industry. And have you ever noticed in historic movies how dirty the streets, homes and people are? There is a good reason for this, and it lies in the fact that there was no real developed public health program back then.

In the beginnings of our country, life was predominantly rural with agriculture providing 90% of people’s livelihoods. They grew their own food and lived miles apart from each other. As cities developed around seaports, and people relocated to those cities, populations grew denser and ships brought more disease to them. In the early decades of our country, disease equaled an epidemic. There was no knowledge of how illness was acquired or how to stop its spread. This was especially true for the native populations of this country, whose exposure to unhealthy European explorers meant certain death. Initial efforts to combat epidemics centered around adjusting the population. Those people who appeared healthy were evacuated, and those who were sick remained in place as quarantines were instituted that kept the infected community isolated.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, public health concentrated on infectious disease, environmental protections (specifically drinking water and sewage removal) and protective services for women and children. By the 1920s, additional challenges were seen as public health issues. These included: chronic illness such as heart disease, stroke and cancer; occupational diseases; and motor vehicle injuries.

Because our Constitution does not grant federal officials the ability to fund public health, combating health threats to the general public has been historically problematic. Legislators started with the powers that were granted to them, which included the ability to tax for the general welfare of the country and to regulate commerce. In 1916, the 16th amendment to the Constitution was passed, and funds began to flow to public health. Prior to the 1930s, most Americans did not believe that community health was a concern for the federal government but then came the Great Depression and views definitely changed. Over the ensuing decades, funding came in the following forms: Social Security; the Hill-Burton Act, which helped community hospitals; grants for better access to health care; programs for substance abuse, mental health, and nutrition; and community-based prevention programs. Medicare and Medicaid began in 1966. In the 1980s, federal aid expanded the services of local public health agencies, and the public had a very favorable view of government funding of public health services.

By the mid-1980s, there was a recognized tipping point in public health. Despite achievements in recent decades, their mission had become diffused in too many directions so no program was adequately funded. Consequently, challenges to public health going forward could not be met. Chronic disease was no longer being effectively curtailed, and new emerging diseases like AIDS were not getting the attention they deserved. In 1988, the National Academy of Medicine issued an important ground breaking report titled “The Future of Public Health.” It stated: “Despite nearly $3 trillion in annual health care spending, the United States ranks 27th in the world in life expectancy, and relatively low in many other measures of health and well-being. Worse yet, for the poor of this country, life expectancy is actually decreasing. Given these trends, and persistent gaps in health status, it’s time for a major upgrade to public health.”

As a result of this report, six essential purposes of public health were established and are still in effect today. They include:

— To prevent epidemics and the spread of disease;

— To protect against environmental hazards;

— To prevent injuries;

— To promote and encourage healthy behaviors;

— To respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery; and

— To assure the quality and accessibility of services.

Public health cannot accomplish its mission alone. As the saying goes, “It takes a community to raise a child.” The same thing can be said for public health. Public health is a huge job that requires input and assistance from many entities. Why is so much assistance from other entities needed? The reason is because many factors determine our health, so attention and assistance need to come from many different directions. So how do we set priorities if we want to help as many people as possible? How does public health make the biggest impact upon the population it serves? Our health as individuals is determined by five factors. These include: general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions; living and working conditions; social and community framework; individual behaviors and lifestyle factors; and our own personal genetics.

Actions taken toward improving these last two factors will be more impactful for more people in the long run by preventing disease so that actions directed toward the other factors are less necessary. In 2011, seven priorities were determined by the Surgeon General to be essential in the prevention of disease. These include: tobacco free living, prevention of drug abuse and excessive drinking, the adoption of healthy eating habits, active living, injury and violence free living, reproductive and sexual health, and mental and emotional well-being.

Finally, public health is founded on the principles of social justice, which means the recognition that health is a basic human right, and that inequity in the availability of good health is an injustice to the people. This view was established as early as 1848, when public health first began. There is, however, resistance to this philosophy by supporters of “market justice.” These folks believe that society should not act to protect or promote the health of its members beyond addressing risks that cannot be controlled through individual action. The conflict between these two philosophies explains why there still remains so many seemingly impossible barricades to many public health issues. The following quote sums up this dilemma beautifully: “A critical challenge for public health as a social enterprise lies in overcoming the social and ethical barriers that prevent us from doing more with the knowledge and tools already available to us. Extending the frontiers of science and knowledge may not be as effective for improvement of public health as shifting the collective values of our society to act on what we already know.”

As we enter cold and flu season, it is very important to be aware of our own health status. Because of the development of vaccines, there are four diseases we barely have to think about any longer. These include smallpox, rabies, polio and the flu. Medical professionals have worked diligently to give us the COVID vaccine that is now updated every year. These vaccines have been rigorously tested and are safe. It is important for all of us to accept our responsibility for taking care of ourselves as a way of taking care of others. So, get your vaccines, and help our community be a safer place in which to live.

——

NURSING HOMES/

SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. This program operates on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; ice cream, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Small group, 10 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; Christmas bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Christmas packet, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.

Thursday: The odd one out, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Small group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; volleyball, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 2 p.m.; Christmas movie, 6, p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Christmas reminisce with cocoa and cookies, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christmas bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; shopping at Florence Family Dollar, 1 p.m.; hangman, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/hangman, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; holiday trivia, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Christmas party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Presents/room visits/leisure cart/snacks; Christmas movie in the lobby, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; who am I?, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; leisure cart/snack cart, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and sweets, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; fireside chat and boozy hot cocoa, 2 p.m.; Packers vs. Saints, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pictionary, 10 a.m.; Christmas bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Christmas social, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; write a letter.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Social/hot chocolate, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Christmas puzzle, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Secret Santa, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; snack cart, coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; toying with Christmas, 11 a.m.; Rosemary and Wayne p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room and baking, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Christmas carols, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Christmas music trivia, 11 a.m.; movie: “A Christmas Story,” 1:30 p.m.; activity packet, daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Judi Dench, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; holiday finish line, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; travelogue: destination — Switzerland, 11 a.m.; karaoke, 1:30 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Closed.

Wednesday: Closed — Merry Christmas.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast, pudding cup.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots, applesauce.

Tuesday: Closed.

Wednesday: Closed — Merry Christmas.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast, berry and granola pudding cup.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed.

Tuesday: Closed.

Wednesday: Closed — Merry Christmas.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, dessert.

Tuesday: Center closed — Broccoli cheese soup, dinner roll, fruit cobbler (delivered Monday).

Wednesday: Center closed — Pancakes, sausage, applesauce, yogurt (delivered Monday).

Thursday: Center closed — Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, sausage, applesauce (delivered Dec. 31).

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, dessert.

Tuesday: Center closed — Broccoli cheese soup, dinner roll, fruit cobbler (delivered Monday).

Wednesday: Center closed — Pancakes, sausage, applesauce, yogurt (delivered Monday).

Thursday: Center closed — Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, sausage, applesauce (delivered Dec. 31).

Friday: Center closed – Cheese tortellini with parmesan butter sauce, broccoli, dinner roll (delivered Dec. 31).

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Closed.

Wednesday: Closed.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burrito, refried beans, Spanish rice, chewy granola bar

Tuesday: Center closed.

Wednesday: Center closed — Merry Christmas.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, dessert

Tuesday: Center closed — Broccoli cheese soup, dinner roll, fruit cobbler (delivered Monday).

Wednesday: Center closed — Pancakes, sausage, applesauce, yogurt (delivered Monday).

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beer-battered fish, baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit

Tuesday: Centers closed.

Wednesday: Centers closed.

Thursday: Chicken strips, potato salad, dark green salad, fruit.

Friday: Cook’s Choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Closed Wednesday.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Tahitian meatballs over rice, Key Largo vegetables, zucchini, pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday: Center closed.

Wednesday: Center closed.

Thursday: Pork cutlet, sour cream and chive potatoes, mixed vegetables, Mandarin oranges.

Friday: California medley soup, ham and Swiss sandwich, carrot raisin salad, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Holiday Meal — Ham, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, dessert.

Tuesday: Center closed — Cheese omelet, sausage, hashbrow n potatoes, spiced pears, bread and butter (delivered Monday).

Wednesday: Center closed — Deluxe turkey sandwich, salad, baked chips, yogurt cup, banana (delivered Dec. 31).

Thursday: Center closed — Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, chewy granola bar (delivered Dec. 31).

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Center closed.

Wednesday: Center closed.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, glazed carrots, side salad, apple pie.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. — let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Oven-baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted squash, side salad, seasonal fruit, homemade cookies.

Tuesday: Center closed.

Wednesday: Center closed.

Thursday: Beef chop suey, boiled rice, Oriental vegetables, seasonal fruit.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Board Meeting on Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Center closed.

Wednesday: Center closed.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, dessert.

Tuesday: Center closed — Broccoli cheese soup, dinner roll, fruit cobbler (delivered Monday).

Wednesday: Center closed — Pancakes, sausage, applesauce, yogurt (delivered Monday).