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Lake County Health Update January 2017
Dear Lake County Residents:
At the beginning of the new year, I’d like to remind you about
the important role public health plays around you. From the time you get up in
the morning till you go to bed at night, public health is in your life. Here are
some examples:
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When
you got up this morning, you made food choices for breakfast. We provide you
messages on healthy food choices.
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You
have a yearning for that cigarette you are trying to give up. Our Tobacco Free
Lake County program can help you quit smoking.
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You
dropped the kids off at school. All children should have their mandated immunizations to
protect them from childhood diseases. We provide immunizations.
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You
go to work where some of your colleagues appear to be sick with the same symptoms.
We investigate disease outbreaks.
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You
go to lunch at a local restaurant. We inspect food service facilities.
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You
pick the kids up from the after school program. It’s one that works with the
health department to provide lots of physical activity and healthy snacks.
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You
stop off at the grocery store where you see a friend selecting fresh fruits and
produce. You know she’s on WIC, the special nutrition program for women,
infants and children. We administer the program.
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You
start to prepare dinner. You wash your fruits and vegetables to help prevent
contamination from E. coli bacteria. Public health labs analyze food specimens
during foodborne illness outbreaks.
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After
dinner you go for a swim at the local fitness center. We inspect public swimming pools.
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As
you go to bed, you can relax knowing that your house is radon free, which you know
from the results of our test kit.
Public health is at work every day to keep Lake County
residents healthy. Visit our website
to learn more about the services we provide.
Sincerely,
Mark Pfister Interim Executive Director Lake County Health Department/ Community Health Center
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Not only can winter be a time of illness and injury if people
fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions, but harsh winter
weather conditions can be tough on pets as well. Here are some tips from the Health Department on how to help keep your pet safe and
healthy this winter.
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January has been designated National Radon Action Month by the Environmental Protection Agency. In connection with this observance, the Health Department is encouraging residents to check the radon levels of their home or apartments in January or during the winter months.
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More than 100 people attended the Word AIDS Day event on December 1 at Waukegan High School's Trapp Auditorium. Sponsored by the Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition, the annual event honors individuals living with HIV, the families, friends, caregivers and communities who support them, and those that have lost their battle against HIV. The event featured performances by local artists, followed by a free dinner for all those who attended.
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The Health Department's North Chicago Health Center kicked off its new "Leaders are Readers" series with a holiday event in December. North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham and Paula Carballido of the North Chicago Exchange Club read stories to children. Afterwards, the 25 children in attendance were treated to cookie decorating and a doll giveaway provided by the club.
The "Leaders are Readers" series is a free monthly program that encourages children to read. It will continue on the second Saturday of each month, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The next event is Saturday, January 14. Lake County State's Attorney Michael G. Nerheim will read stories to children.
The series takes place at the North Chicago Health Center, 2215 14th Street in North Chicago. For more information, contact: ksingleton-reed@lakecountyil.gov.
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The school-based health center located at Round Lake High
School is now open to all students of Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116.
Opening in 2014, its creation was a collaborative effort between the Lake County Health
Department, Round Lake Area Schools District 116 and local health care and
social service providers such as Advocate Condell Medical Center, Vista Health
System, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Nicasa. Previously, it served only students attending Round Lake High School. For more information, view this 2-minute video.
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