December 2018
 National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 2-8)
As family and friends are gathering for the holidays, flu activity is increasing. Get a flu vaccine now if you have not gotten vaccinated yet this season.
There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can reduce your risk of flu illness, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu. Even if you are vaccinated and still get sick, flu vaccine can reduce the severity of your illness. Getting vaccinated isn’t just about keeping yourself healthy; it’s also about helping protect those around you.
It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine! 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.
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There are many myths about the flu vaccine. We asked Jennifer Gassman, Nurse Practitioner at the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, to tackle some of these common myths. Check out the video » |
 One in six Americans get sick from food poisoning every year. Avoid ruining the holidays by learning how to store, prepare, and serve food safely. Learn four easy steps to keep your family healthy and safe:
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Clean your hands and the surfaces where you will be cooking to avoid spreading germs.
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Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood and their juices from other foods.
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Cook holiday foods at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
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Chill your leftover food. Make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Learn more »
 Ethylene Oxide Emissions in Lake County
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a web page to address recent concerns regarding ethylene oxide (EtO) 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 epa.gov/il/addressing-ethylene-oxide-emissions-lake-county-illinois.
The U.S. EPA is working with Illinois EPA to examine emissions information from facilities to determine potential next steps. If you have questions or concerns, please email the U.S. EPA at eto@epa.gov.
24/7 Crisis Care Program
Need to talk to someone during a crisis? Those needing immediate mental health assistance can speak anonymously with professional counselors 24/7 by contacting the Crisis Care Program at (847) 377-8088. Crisis counselors are also available to speak with you in person at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan.
Counselors can help guide you through difficult times, manage stress, anxiety and depression, and cope with longer-term difficulties.
Text-A-Tip: Safe. Anonymous. Always Available.
Are you or a friend experiencing a mental health crisis? You can text anonymously and receive a response from a licensed clinician, available 24/7. Download the “Lake County Help” App. Available on Google Play and the Apple store.
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Handwashing is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid spreading germs to others and getting sick, including preventing the flu. |
Follow five simple steps to wash your hands effectively:
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Wet your hands with clean running water.
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Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
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Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, or the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
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Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
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Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them
The FDA, CDC and partners continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce. The CDC has narrowed its warning to the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California. |
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Consumers should check packaging of romaine lettuce for a label indicating where it was harvested. Specific California counties identified in the investigation are: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura. If you do not know where the romaine lettuce is from, do not eat it and throw it away.
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 »
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Thursday, January 24, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (100 S. Greenleaf Street, Waukegan) co-sponsored by Warren Township Youth & Family Services. This workshop teaches parents, teachers, coaches, scout leaders or anyone who regularly interacts with youth to know how best to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health/addiction challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth and planned responses. Cost: $12 per participant. Learn more and register »
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