View as a webpage  /  Share

March 2024 Public Health E-Newsletter 

The Public Health Department celebrates National Nutrition Month

Every March, National Nutrition Month® shines a spotlight on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. Launched in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this year's theme is "Beyond the Table." It explores the full journey our food takes - from farm to fork. This encompasses everything from agricultural production methods and distribution networks to navigating grocery stores, farmers markets, home food safety practices and reducing food waste. The Oak Park Farmers' Market, managed by the Public Health Department, is a prime example - connecting residents with fresh, local produce while supporting area farmers. The Village's Environmental Health team is dedicated to upholding stringent food safety standards to protect public health. By taking a holistic view of nutrition that extends "beyond the table," the campaign aims to foster a more sustainable and mindful approach to how we source, prepare and partake in meals.

The Oak Park Farmers' Market, featuring seasonal produce, opens Saturday, May 18!

Sleeves Up campaign

We are thankful for all the community members who have pledged to donate blood in our Sleeves Up campaign. There is a national blood shortage, and with the potential for each donation to save three lives, Oak Parkers are making an impact! We are almost halfway to our pledge goal.

If you’re interested in joining the campaign but not sure where to donate, check out this list of nearby blood drives. You can search by date or distance from Oak Park. Help us reach our goal of 100 pledges and sign up today!

Chapple named Westside Suffragist

Public Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Chapple was honored as a 2024 Westside Suffragist in recognition of Women’s History Month and the legacy of Ida B. Wells. Honorees were celebrated on March 10 at the Ida B. Wells Suffragists Brunch, hosted by the Women of the 7^th Congressional District.

Those being recognized as Westside Suffragists were chosen based on their “work uplifting their communities” and embodying the ideals of Ida B. Wells by “emulating the fearlessness of this unapologetic trailblazer.”

Epidemiologist's update:

Recent uptick of gastrointestinal illness in Oak Park

The Oak Park Department of Public Health wants to make residents aware of a seasonal increase in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases both nationwide and locally in Oak Park. AGE is typically a short-term illness characterized by abdominal cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. The most common AGE is norovirus. The CDC has reported an increase in norovirus cases across the U.S.; however, it has not been confirmed what type of AGE Oak Parkers have experienced.

The community has seen two significant AGE outbreaks over the past month involving 142 students at a local school and 16 cases at a long-term care facility displaying gastrointestinal illness symptoms. Most people will recover within 24 to 72 hours but AGE can become dangerous if it leads to dehydration. Anyone showing signs or symptoms of dehydration should see a doctor right away.

A few tips for protecting yourself and others include:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Cook oysters and shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F or higher.
• Stay home and avoid preparing food if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Do not return to work/school until symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

Emergency Preparedness notes:

Severe Weather Awareness Month reminds us to be ready for possible springtime storms

March is Severe Weather Awareness Month. This annual campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of extreme weather events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and heat waves, while promoting preparedness plans and safety procedures. Do you know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” when it comes to severe storms or tornadoes? A severe storm or tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are conducive for the development of severe weather, and individuals within the watch area should stay tuned to local radio or television for additional information. A severe storm or tornado warning is issued when actual severe weather or a tornado has been spotted. Those within the warning area should take shelter immediately, until the warning expires. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to shelter, areas in the basement away from windows offer the best protection. If you do not have a basement, shelter in smaller, interior spaces without windows, such as hallways, closets and bathrooms.

Ensure your spring break is fun with a few safety tips

Spring break is our unofficial end of winter and, for many families, it’s the first vacation of the year. Here are a few safety reminders to ensure your family has a wonderful and safe spring break.

• If you’re hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is tuned up, tires are properly inflated, and pack an emergency kit. Avoid distractions and make sure everyone buckles up. Most importantly, never drink and drive.
• When enjoying the sunshine, avoid sunburns. Sun exposure that results in sunburn increases your risk of other skin damage and certain diseases, including premature aging of skin, precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer. Bring shade and wear sunscreen, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
• Around water, ensure non-swimmers wear coast guard-approved life jackets and set water safety rules for kids. Adults should avoid alcohol which impairs the ability to keep an eye on the kids.

Ask the Health Department

Q: I’ve heard that measles is on the rise in Chicago. Should I be worried about this? Don’t we have herd immunity?

A: Measles cases are on the rise nationally, including in Cook County, and should be taken seriously. It is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe health complications and even death. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that begins 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Some people suffer from severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Complications are most common in children under 5 and in adults over 20. It can be very dangerous for pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. 

If you have received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, your risk of contracting measles is low. If exposed to the virus, only 3% of vaccinated people will develop symptoms, usually mild.

Herd immunity means that enough members of the community are vaccinated (for measles that is 95%) so that if the measles virus were to enter the community, it would have limited ability to infect new people and would not spread easily. Unfortunately, vaccination rates for measles in Illinois have dropped below 95%, and not enough individuals are vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

Herd immunity is very important because it protects individuals who cannot receive the vaccine, like babies under 1 year old, people with a weakened immune system, people who are allergic to the vaccine or pregnant people. In order to achieve herd immunity and protect those who cannot be vaccinated, everyone who can receive the vaccine should.

Do you have a question for the Public Health Department? Email us at
health@oak-park.us to see your question answered in the next newsletter!