Dear Lake County Residents:

Thousands of Lake County residents are at risk for diabetes, a serious and costly disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past 10 years. Many have prediabetes but are unaware that they have it. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

In observance of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, the Health Department is emphasizing the importance of preventing diabetes through screening and healthy living. The Health Department is encouraging residents to take a free prediabetes screening test at:  doihaveprediabetes.org as a first step toward determining one’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but it should not replace regular visits with your doctor.

The prediabetes screening test takes less than one minute to complete. Those whose scores show that they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes should talk with their doctor to see if additional testing is needed.

A person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Catching prediabetes early can help prevent diabetes, which can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Certain risk factors for developing diabetes exist, such as age, family history, and ethnic background. African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders are at higher risk of developing diabetes. 

I want to emphasize that people can manage their risk for type 2 diabetes. Small steps make a big difference and can help people live a longer, healthier life. Steps to prevent or delay diabetes include:

• Take the prediabetes screening test.

• See your doctor if the test shows you are at risk. See your doctor regularly.

• Ask your doctor to refer you to a diabetes prevention program, if you are at risk.

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

• Stay physically active at least three times a week.  Even walking can make a difference!

Those without healthcare providers can make an appointment through the Health Department’s Community Health Center system by calling: (847) 377-8800.

Sincerely,

Mark Pfister
Interim Executive Director
Lake County Health Department/
Community Health Center

What would the holidays be without an inviting family feast? But, as you prepare that large meal, you should take precautions to prevent food borne illness. The Health Department offers easy food safety tips to help ensure your holiday meals are prepared in a safe manner.

Recognizing organizations working to improve the health of underserved residents, the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County announced the recipients of its first Excellence in Service Awards at its 10th anniversary in September.

Among the honorees was the Lake County Health Department. Other honorees included the Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility Alliance, Community Youth Network, Lake County Crisis Center (A Safe Place), Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, PADS Lake County, Waukegan Public Library, YWCA, and the Lake County Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.

Effective January 1, 2017 individuals must be 21 years of age to purchase tobacco products in the City of Highland Park.  On October 10, the Highland Park City Council approved amendments to their existing tobacco sales ordinance to raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years old. Several communities in Illinois have passed similar ordinances, but the City of Highland Park is the first in Lake County.

The Health Department distributed nearly 1,000 doses of naloxone opioid antidotes to Lake County first responders, thanks to a generous contribution from the Jordan Michael Filler Foundation (JMFF) of Highland Park. As reports of opioid overdoses have surged in recent months, the foundation’s gift equipped Lake County law enforcement officials with life-saving medications at a time when supplies were low.

In an effort to encourage others to join in the fight, JMFF has pledged an additional $25,000 in matching funds to purchase more Naloxone kits for Lake County first responders. For each donation the Filler Foundation receives on its website, http://www.jordanfiller.org, a 100% matching gift will be made and additional doses of naloxone will be purchased.