Lake County Health Update, January 2017

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Health Department

Lake County Health Update                                                                   January 2017


Mark

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:

  • When you got up this morning, you made food choices for breakfast. We provide you messages on healthy food choices.

  • You have a yearning for that cigarette you are trying to give up. Our Tobacco Free Lake County program can help you quit smoking.

  • You dropped the kids off at school. All children should have their mandated immunizations to protect them from childhood diseases. We provide immunizations.

  • You go to work where some of your colleagues appear to be sick with the same symptoms. We investigate disease outbreaks.

  • You go to lunch at a local restaurant. We inspect food service facilities.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • After dinner you go for a swim at the local fitness center.  We inspect public swimming pools.

  • 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


Keep Your Pets Safe in Wintry Weather

dog in snow

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.


It's Time to Check the Radon Level of Your Home

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.

 

radon

More than 100 Attend World AIDS Day Event in Waukegan

Day 2017

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.


Health Center Launches Leaders are Readers Program Series

Mayor

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

 


Find Lost Pets on Health Department's Website

Three Dogs

Residents can share information about lost cats, dogs or other pets on the Lake County Health Department's Animal Care and Control webpages. Every year, more than 1,000 dogs and cats get lost in Lake County. The pages are regularly updated. 


School-based Health Center Now Serving All District #116 Students

school based health center

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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Lake County Health Department
3010 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-8000