November 2018
 Happy Thanksgiving!
We wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve all who live, work, and play in Lake County.
 Ethylene Oxide Emissions in Lake County
 On November 21, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a web page to address recent concerns regarding ethylene oxide emissions from two facilities in Lake County, Illinois: Medline Industries in Waukegan, and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee.
Residents seeking information about ethylene oxide in Lake County can find the latest updates at https://www.epa.gov/il/addressing-ethylene-oxide-emissions-lake-county-illinois.
The U.S. EPA has been working with Illinois EPA to examine emissions information from both the Medline and Vantage facilities to determine potential next steps. If you have questions and concerns, please email the U.S. EPA at eto@epa.gov.
  The FDA, CDC and partners are investigating a new multistate outbreak of E. coli likely linked to romaine lettuce. At this time, the FDA recommends that consumers do not eat romaine lettuce and discard any product until we know more. Retailers, restaurants and other food service operators should not serve romaine lettuce until more is known about this outbreak.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection, immediately seek the care of a health care professional. Symptoms often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPAFh
Protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza
 As you prepare to visit loved ones over the holidays, add getting a flu vaccination to your to-do list.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 185 children in the United States died from the flu during the 2017-2018 season. Approximately 80 percent of these children had not received a flu vaccination.
The flu shot is your best protection against the flu. Everyone over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot every year.
Many doctor's offices, retail locations, and pharmacies offer flu vaccines. To find a location near you, visit vaccinefinder.org. The Lake County Health Department also 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.
Prevent the spread of the flu: Follow the 3 Cs!
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Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Watch this video from the World Health Organization to learn how to properly wash your hands!
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Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue or your upper arm… NOT your hands.
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Contain illness by staying home if you get sick. Don’t spread your germs to others.
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National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in Lake County. The good news is, Type 2 diabetes is preventable and can be controlled. Watch this video to learn more.
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Commit to Quit Smoking
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, and the disease can even be caused by secondhand smoke. Visit Lakecountyquits.com to find help for yourself or a loved one.
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Saturday, December 1, noon-2:00 p.m. - World AIDS Day event at Urban Edge Gallery (220 W. Clayton Street, Waukegan) featuring interactive art exhibits, a candle-lighting ceremony, and information on the Illinois Getting to Zero initiative. All are encouraged to attend to learn about the AIDS epidemic, remember those who have lost their lives to the disease, and “Rock the Ribbon” – wear a red ribbon to show your support and to stand against HIV stigma and discrimination. Learn more.
 
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