The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center Executive Director Mark Pfister will retire on September 3, 2024. Mark worked at the Health Department and served the Lake County community for over 30 years and served as its Executive Director for seven years.
“I feel very fortunate that I have been able to serve the Lake County community and am proud of our innovative and successful accomplishments,” said Executive Director, Mark Pfister. “I look forward to seeing the ways in which the Lake County Health Department will continue its mission and expanding our leadership in public health.”
Read the press release for more information.
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 Due to a listeria outbreak, several Boar's Head deli meat products have been recalled. Do not eat recalled products— throw them away or contact the store for a refund.
Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature (165°F) or until steaming hot.
Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating contaminated food, but symptoms may begin as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Call your healthcare provider If you believe you have eaten contaminated food and have the following symptoms:
- Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
- People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
For more information about the recall, visit the CDC.
A recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that in 2022, most U.S. adults who smoked wanted to quit; more than half tried, but fewer than 10% quit successfully. A person's chance of quitting smoking for good can increase with the right support and a combination of counseling and medication.
The Health Department's Tobacco Free Lake County program offers resources and support to those looking to quit smoking. To make an appointment or to ask about the services below, call 847-377-8090 or email TFLC@lakecountyil.gov.
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 Don't just sit on the sidelines, dive into a new and healthy lifestyle. Though you may encounter hurdles along the way, don't let that deter you— stay in the game. Make every day your new personal best while you go for the gold. Remember, small changes can lead to big differences!
Improving nutrition and physical activity has many health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and lowering blood pressure, as well as lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Visit the CDC for more healthy habits.
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International Overdose Awareness Day occurs annually on August 31. This year's theme, "Together we can," highlights the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose. No one should stand alone in the fight to end overdose.
Overdoses can look different depending on the type of drug or combination of drugs that have been used. If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, remember that this is a medical emergency. Call for emergency assistance and then administer first aid if you can. For more information about knowing the signs and how to respond to an overdose, visit the Overdose Prevention page on the International Overdose Awareness Day's website.
There are multiple types of overdoses, with one being an opioid overdose. Having naloxone on hand is one tool to combat an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. Naloxone is safe and easy to use. If you or someone you care for uses opioids, it is especially important to carry naloxone and know how to use it. Tell your family and friends what it is, where it is, and how to use it. It may save a life.
Naloxone is available to Lake County residents and community members. Visit the Health Department's Naloxone Saves Lives page to learn more about naloxone, and place an order today!
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There is currently an increase in COVID-19 cases. You can check the levels in your location by visiting the CDC's Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from getting sick by:
- Staying up to date on the current flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- Practicing good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Staying home if you are sick
Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you.
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 Lake Appreciation Month is now over, but you can always check out all of the content posted throughout the month of July on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram).
Find information about how you can care for the lakes in your area, what buffer strips are, how to prevent the spread of invasive species, and more. Are you planning to head to the lake this weekend? Make sure to check our Beach Advisory page before you head out!
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance that highlights the importance of maintaining routine vaccines throughout life. By staying up to date on routine vaccinations, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from preventable diseases.
It's back-to-school time again, and it's a great time to schedule your child's physicals, eye, and dental exams and ensure they are up to date with their immunizations. Visit the CDC to view the recommended vaccine schedule and local resources for vaccines, dental, hearing, and vision.
Are you up to date as an adult? The CDC offers a convenient Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to help you determine which vaccines might be right for you.
Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are caught up on routine vaccinations
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National Pet Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Keeping your pet up to date on their vaccinations is important to keep them safe and healthy from diseases that can not only impact their health long-term but also could be fatal.
The Lake County Health Department offers rabies and distemper vaccines to all dogs and cats residing in Lake County. Our immunization clinics are open by appointment only. Please call (847) 377-4700 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, visit our Pet Clinics & Costs page and watch our Animal Care and Control Vaccine Clinic video.
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National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month! Not only is breastfeeding the best source of nutrition for most infants, but it can also protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
It is important to note that every mother's experience with breastfeeding is different. Whether it is the first baby or you have many, each baby is unique. As babies grow, breast milk will change to meet their nutritional needs.
The Health Department’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offers breastfeeding support to eligible Lake County residents. Visit our WIC page to learn more.
Visit the CDC for more information about breastfeeding.
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National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week is next week from August 4-10. This annual celebration raises awareness about the mission and goals of health centers across the United States.
At the Lake County Health Department, our mission is to promote the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We have a team of dedicated professionals who work hard to treat and prevent illness, promote wellness, and protect the environment. View our Directory of Services for information on the Health Department's administrative, behavioral health, disease control, environmental health, prevention, and primary care services.
Check out our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) as we celebrate our Federally Qualified Health Centers next week!
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Where do I find information about...
Who can I contact to ask a question about...
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Lake County Health Department Services: Call (847) 377-8000
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COVID-19 in Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
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