Hello Neighbors,

Welcome to the first edition of Health Beat, the Oak Park Public Health Department’s online newsletter! My team and I created this newsletter to provide accurate health information that directly relates to the Oak Park community. We are so excited to share more of our work with you and to give insight into the services, plans, campaigns and news coming from the Public Health Department. 

From health and wellness tips, preparedness advice, Farmers’ Market news and much more, we are eager to deliver local health information to the community we serve.

Happy New Year,
Dr. Theresa Chapple
Director, Public Health Department

Winter is here again, and so are the risks that cold, snowy, and icy conditions may pose to your health and safety. We would like to remind everyone of the potential hazards that come with winter weather, and the precautions you can take to keep you and your family safe throughout the season.  

Avoid hypothermia and frost bite:

• Pay attention to weather forecasts and wind chill readings. In very cold, windy weather, exposed skin can develop frostbite in a matter of minutes.
• Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing rather than a single layer. Air trapped between the layers of clothing acts as insulation against the cold.
• Wear a hat that fully covers your ears. Heavy woolen or windproof materials make the best headwear for cold protection.

Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow or walking long distances in deep snow. If you are already at risk for heart attack, the cold may increase your risk. Signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching.
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

If you must work outside in such conditions, wear layers of dry, warm clothing and take frequent breaks.

Illinois is currently experiencing high rates of respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID. The most effective way to protect yourself from the worst outcomes of respiratory viruses is to get immunized.

For the first time ever, vaccines and other preventive antibodies are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory viruses: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The current COVID vaccine is available and recommended for anyone 6 months and older, regardless of prior COVID vaccination history. To find and receive vaccines, check with your health care provider or local pharmacy, or visit www.vaccines.gov.

In addition, everyday actions like covering coughs and sneezes, frequent proper handwashing, wearing masks, improving indoor air quality and staying home if you are sick can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses in Oak Park.

For more information or for assistance finding vaccines, contact us at health@oak-park.us or 708.358.5480.