As of November 20, each household could order an additional four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Be prepared for the upcoming holiday season by keeping tests on hand. Visit COVID.gov/tests to order today! 

Check any unused and "expired" tests before throwing them out. Some test expiration dates have been expanded. Visit the FDA to check your tests. 

A stray cat came to the Health Department’s Animal Care and Control (ACC) after being picked up by the Libertyville Police Department on October 24, 2023. He was microchipped, but it was not registered; however, Lindsay, an ACC Warden, discovered that it was implanted at a rescue in Ohio. After getting in touch with the rescue, Lindsey was able to obtain the adopter information— a couple in Ohio. She contacted the couple, who then said they had given away their cat (Van Gogh) to a family living in Florida. It was then discovered that the elderly couple in Florida had passed away, and Van Gogh, now known as Buddy, was in the care of their son, Mike, who lives in Libertyville.

“Buddy was my Mom’s cat, and when she passed away, I became his caretaker/owner. I think of Buddy as a piece of my Mom – every time I see him, I think of her. When he escaped, I was heartbroken. I walked around the neighborhood for days calling out his name, hoping he would run out from under a bush. When I found out that you guys had him, I was so happy.” - Mike

Mike added that Buddy is not particularly fond of his hat, but that doesn’t stop him from relaxing with it on.

Thank you to Lindsey for the time and effort you put in to reunite this beloved cat with his family and to Mike for letting us share Buddy’s story!

Learn more about animal care and control and the work they do throughout Lake County on their webpage:

Protect your family's health with an affordable insurance plan. All HealthCare.gov plans cover essential benefits like preventive services and prescriptions. Make sure you’re covered at the start of the new year. Sign up or update your plan by the December 15 open enrollment deadline.

The holidays can bring times of indulgence and festive occasions with daily interruptions to your regular routine. Stay on track this holiday season no matter where you are and what is being served. Eat in moderation, be active, and get enough sleep each night. 

Don’t forget to also schedule some “me” time into your days. Whether it be a nap, walk, or bath, having some time to yourself can help reenergize you for whatever is in your schedule that day. 

Visit the CDC for more information about staying healthy this holiday season.

Holiday heart syndrome (HHS) is when people experience irregular heartbeats after consuming large amounts of alcohol or “binge drinking.” While HHS can occur any time of the year, it tends to occur more frequently during the holiday season, thus giving it its name.

Holiday heart syndrome symptoms can include:

• Heart palpitations (skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating hard or fast)
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Anyone can get HHS, but your risk is higher if you already have heart issues. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your cardiovascular health and visit the CDC to learn ways you can keep your heart healthy during the holidays.

World AIDS Day falls on the first of December every year. This important awareness day is a time to reflect on and celebrate the global progress in the HIV/AIDS journey, recognize the challenges remaining, and honor the lives lost.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2023, Remember and Commit, pays tribute to the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. The theme also emphasizes the collective responsibility to improve access to care. The Lake County Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) program, also known as Need2Know Lake County, works with clients and community members on HIV prevention with services, including HIV testing, PrEP, treatment, and care.

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an opportunity to remind everyone that anyone six months and older can get their annual flu vaccine if they have not already.

When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today.

Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccination location near you.

National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed annually during the first week of December, aiming to educate people on proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of germs.

The five steps to proper handwashing include:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

The best way to get rid of germs is to wash with soap and water; however, if you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Visit the CDC for more information about When and How to Wash Your Hands.