Small steps to keep your family healthy all season long Winter in Minnesota brings all the fun things: sledding, cocoa, snow days, and cozy nights in. It also brings the yearly wave of RSV, flu, COVID, and stomach bugs. Little ones, especially babies and toddlers, can feel the impact of these seasonal illnesses more quickly, so taking simple steps now can make a big difference. Regular Child and Teen Checkups are one of the best ways to keep kids healthy from birth through age twenty. For families with Medical Assistance, these visits are completely free, and they offer so much. A checkup includes a full physical exam, developmental screenings, mental and emotional health check ins, immunizations, vision and hearing checks, oral health screening, lab tests when needed, and time for parents to ask questions. Crow Wing County’s Child and Teen Checkup team and Public Health nurses can also help families connect to clinics, dentists, early childhood programs, and other community resources, making sure no family must navigate it all alone. Meet the Crow Wing County Public Health nurses supporting families Our Public Health Family Home Visiting team is out in the community every day helping parents feel confident, supported, and informed. From pregnancy through early childhood, they offer guidance, education, comfort, developmental support, lactation help, and car seat safety education. Here’s who you’ll find out serving families in Crow Wing County: Lindsay Krause, PHN – FHV Team Lead Provides reflective supervision, case consults, grant reporting, and assigns FHV referrals. Supports families through WIC and is a CLC (certified lactation consultant). Brianna LeTourneau, PHN – Public Health Team Lead Supports programs such as Public Health Nuisances, Emergency Preparedness, SHIP, Disease Prevention and Control, and Cannabis/Substance Use Prevention. Provides WIC services and is a CLS (certified lactation specialist). Amber Stroschein, PHN Follow Along Program Coordinator and certified child passenger safety technician. Supports families with development, car seat checks, safe sleep, and provides lactation support as a CLS. Haley Worley, PHN Home Visitor supporting WIC, Mom’s Wellness Group, and lactation education as a CLS. Caitlin Liljegren, PHN Home Visitor supporting families with WIC and lactation education as a CLS. Tiffany Gilmer, PHN Home Visitor providing early childhood support and lactation guidance as a CLS. Alanna Fischer, PHN – Child and Teen Checkups Coordinator Helps families stay on track with well-child visits, vaccines, and clinic connections. Supports WIC and is a CLC (certified lactation consultant). This team truly shows up for Crow Wing County families, from cheering on newborn milestones to helping parents navigate tough moments with confidence and support. How to help your kids stay healthy this winter: Know when to keep kids home If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a new rash, unusual tiredness, trouble breathing, or a severe cough, home is the best place to rest and recover. Wash hands often Before meals, after school, after being in public, and after using the bathroom , simple but powerful. Protect airways A humidifier, good hydration, and covering up outdoors help little lungs handle the cold. Stay up to date on vaccines If you’re unsure what your child needs, the C&TC team can look up records and help schedule a visit. Practice winter car seat safety A big one for Minnesota winters: No bulky coats under car seat straps. Puffy layers create hidden gaps that prevent the harness from fitting correctly in a crash. Buckle your child in snugly first (straps flat, chest clip at armpit level), then place their coat or a blanket over them for warmth. Safe and snuggly. Trust your instincts If something doesn’t seem right (breathing changes, worsening symptoms, or your child just isn’t acting like themselves) reach out to your clinic. You know your child best. This week’s small step Take 30 seconds to check when your child last had a well check. If they’re due, winter is the perfect time to schedule. These visits support healthy growth, strong immune systems, and confident parents. Questions or need help scheduling? Alanna Fischer, RN, PHN Child and Teen Checkups Coordinator Office: (218) 824-1397 I’m here to support Crow Wing County families with the resources, guidance, and care they need to stay healthy, this winter and all year long.