Lake County Health Update: October 2018

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Lake County Health Update

October 2018

Avoid Bats, Prevent Rabies!

Bats are highly beneficial animals to the ecosystem, but they should be appreciated from a distance. Bats are known carriers of rabies which can be a fatal disease. They are encountered more frequently during the fall because of their migration and search for a warm winter home. If you encounter a bat, contact Animal Care and Control at (847) 377-4700. Never touch bats or attempt to remove them from your home. 

Check out our latest video to learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family and pets from bats and rabies. You can also find more tips in our recent press release.

Communicable Disease

NOW is the best time to get your flu shot!

Fight Flu 2018

Influenza, also known as the flu, is NOT the same as a cold. The flu is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to hospitalization, and in some cases, death. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 80,000 Americans died from the flu and its complications last flu season. 

The flu shot is your best protection against the flu. Everyone over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot every year. The best time to get a flu shot is NOW - before the flu season starts!

The Lake County Health Department offers the flu vaccine by appointment at its Immunizations Clinic and Community Health Centers throughout Lake County. To make an appointment, call (847) 377-8800.

Many doctor's offices, retail locations, and pharmacies also offer flu vaccines. To find a location near you, visit vaccinefinder.org.  

Prevent the spread of the flu: Follow the 3 Cs!

  • Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue or your upper arm… NOT your hands.
  • Contain illness by staying home if you get sick. Don’t spread your germs to others.
Women's Health

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. Women ages 55 and older and those with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Pink ribbon breast cancer

Breast cancer that is found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center offers free breast cancer screenings to eligible Lake County women, ages 50 and older, through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at the Grand Avenue Health Center, 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan.

Women who are eligible for the IBCCP program can receive medical exams, clinical breast exams, and referrals for a free mammogram at a local hospital. To find out if you are eligible, call (847) 377-8430 or visit the Health Department’s website.

Dental Care
dentist checkup

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. It also happens to be a time of year where many of us indulge in sweet treats that can harm our teeth. 

Having good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Follow these tips for healthy teeth:

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily.
  • Eat a balanced diet - choose snacks with low or no added sugar between meals.
  • See a dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. 

Need to find a dentist you can trust? The Health Department offers dental care at its Waukegan, Round Lake Beach, North Chicago, Highland Park, and Zion Health Centers! Call (847) 377-8800 for an appointment. Download our Dental Care brochure in English or Spanish for more information.

Sweet tooth? Check out this article from the American Dental Association on the best and worst Halloween treats for your teeth.

Halloween candy
Upcoming Events
Rx for Health Wright Woods
  • Saturday, November 3, 4:00-5:30 p.m. - Rx for Health Walk, Independence Grove Forest Preserve (16400 W. Buckley Rd, Libertyville) - Enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and exercise during our final guided tour of 2018! Learn more on the Live Well Lake County website.

  • Wednesday, November 7, 4:00-6:30 p.m. - Healthcare Job Fair, Lake County Health Department (3010 Grand Ave, Waukegan) - Meet with over 20 of the top healthcare employers from the Lake County area - over 600 positions are available! RSVP at lakecountycareers.com/healthcare.

  • Thursday, November 15, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Youth Mental Health First Aid training, Lake County Health Department (3010 Grand Ave, Waukegan) - Adults are invited to learn how to help youth who are showing warning signs of mental health and addiction problems. Advanced registration is required. Learn more on our Training Opportunities page
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