Food Handlers, Boro Staff Learn Healthy Practices

The Madison Health Department says its two educational programs in January proved a positive experience for all who attended.

A food handlers course held in Madison with more than 50 attendees, which will be available again in April, September and December, received an average 4.5 rating out of 5 on the program and presenters from participants.

And after taking the Madison Health Department's new food handlers course, 71 percent of participants said they will make changes to their food handling practices based on the program, according to a health department news release. Pre- and post-tests showed a 34 percent improvement.

All retail food establishments in the community are required to attend a food handlers course, and registration forms for upcoming courses can be found on the “Retail Foods” Tab of the Madison Health Department Website.

Participants will be eligible for the Food Safety Award of Excellence for all nominated retail food establishments that meet the established guidelines as outlined on the website.

Also successful was the first Employee Wellness Program offered to Madison Borough employees. The title of this one-hour training was “Colds, Flu, Pertussis and You,” which dealt with how employees can keep themselves and their families healthy during the winter months.

The program also discussed how employees that work outside can protect themselves during extreme cold situations but also proved valuable to all employees as it relates to their own time outside, such as shoveling snow. In addition to the program, staff were once again given an opportunity to receive a flu or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccination and 24 total shots were given to employees that day.

There were 25 employees in attendance for the event and the Madison Health Department staff received all positive feedback on the program. Employees said the information was helpful, they learned new ideas on how to stay healthy, and the speakers were very well prepared.

The improved habits employees said they planned to adopt included washing hands more, dressing better for cold days, and sneezing and coughing into their sleeve. The next of the quarterly wellness programs will be held in May and will address sun safety and skin damage protection.