Lake County is expected to experience poor air quality over the weekend due to the Canadian wildfires. It is important for residents to take steps to stay healthy by limiting prolonged outdoor activity, especially those with heart or lung disease, as well as older adults, children, and teens. Knowing the air quality in your area can help you make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. You can find up-to-date air quality information at AirNow.gov and sign up for air quality notifications from AirNow EnviroFlash.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) will host a household chemical waste collection event on August 16 at Prairieview School at 103 E. Belvidere Road, Hainesville, IL 60030. Improper disposal of household chemical waste can have serious negative health effects, pollute our waterways, and harm the environment. Disposing of chemical waste properly is an important step we can all take to keep our bodies healthy and our community clean!

Household chemical waste (HCW) events are free for Illinois residents; however, appointments are required. Common HCW products include, but are not limited to, cleaning products, oil-based paints/varnishes, flammable liquids, automotive products, and garden chemicals. A list of accepted items can be viewed here. Visit SWALCO to learn more about HCW events and to schedule an appointment.

Summer isn’t over yet! On days that the area experiences extreme heat, be prepared and know where cooling centers are located throughout Lake County. Visit the Cooling Center page to find a list of cooling centers in Lake County.

In addition to staying cool, on hot days, make sure you are:

• Drinking extra water
• Checking on elderly family, friends, and neighbors
• Giving pets plenty of water and shelter

For more hot weather safety tips, visit the CDC. 

Spread knowledge, not germs, this school year! Now is the time to get ready for the upcoming school year by scheduling 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.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) occurs annually on August 31. This year's theme, "One big family, driven by hope," invites people to imagine a new meaning of what family can be. A family driven by hope, love, and action. We are one big family – not just because we share in the pain of loss, but because we share in the power to change what comes next. 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 it is a medical emergency. Call for emergency assistance and then administer the appropriate first aid. 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; however, it will not harm someone if they did not take opioids or are suffering from a different 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 for free 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!

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. By staying up to date on routine vaccinations, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from preventable diseases.

During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccination.

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 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.

Breastfeeding Promotion Month

August is Breastfeeding Promotion Month. August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week in conjunction with National WIC Breastfeeding Week. These campaigns aim to increase public awareness of the importance of breastfeeding worldwide while offering support.

Breastfeeding is a great source of nutrition for most infants and can also protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. It is recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months and continue to breastfeed until your child is 12 months or older while introducing appropriate complementary foods

It is important to note that every mother's experience with breastfeeding is different. Whether it is your 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.

National Health Center Week

National Health Center Week is next week from August 3-9. 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.