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September 2024 Public Health E-Newsletter 

Make a family emergency plan this Emergency Preparedness Month  

Talking - or even thinking - about disasters or emergencies can be scary, overwhelming or anxiety-producing. But knowledge is power, and in an emergency, it can be lifesaving. Being prepared ahead of disasters can make dealing with emergencies and their aftermath smoother and safer for you and your family. This National Preparedness Month, our Emergency Preparedness division has some topics to help you start thinking about equipping your family for whatever life throws your way. 

• When emergencies strike, do you have a way to stay connected with your family and share information? Plan for how you will stay in touch and communicate during and after an emergency. Head to Ready.gov to make and download a free fillable family emergency plan.
• Have you considered supplies you may need to take care of kids, older adults, or family members with a disability after a disaster? Ready.gov also has a Build A Kit page with basic items you'll need to stay healthy and safe in case of an emergency.
• Your pets are important members of your family, and they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. If a disaster calls for evacuation, know that many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Before disasters and emergencies happen, make sure you have a safe place you can take your pets. Find more pet safety tips here. 

In Case You Missed It ... 

We had a blast at the Oak Park River Forest Township's back-to-school backpack giveaway on Aug. 9. We taught about the importance of washing hands and routine immunizations to stop the spread of illness. 

We sold more than 1,000 ears of corn at the annual Oak Park Farmers' Market Corn Roast on Aug. 10. 

Health Education staff talked with Oak Park Public Library patrons about opioids and Narcan at the Idea Box on Aug. 27. 

Department staff members were on-hand to talk with teens about public health volunteer opportunities at the Oak Park River Forest High School Service Learning Fair on Aug. 28. 

Catch Us in the Community 

In September, you can find Public Health Department staff at the following events and gatherings:

Saturday, Sept. 7: Farmers Market Pie Bake-Off, 9 a.m., 460 Lake St.

Saturday, Sept. 7: Barrie Fest, noon to 5 p.m., corner of Lombard and Garfield

Wednesday, Sept. 18: Walk 'n Talk at the CRC, 2 p.m., 229 Madison St. 

There is Hope, There is Help. Suicide Prevention Month Starts this Week

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we are joining with our partners at the Community Mental Health Board and Thrive Counseling Center to offer resources and several ways you can engage this month to raise awareness, share resources and break the stigma that often surrounds suicide.  Pick up a free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline yard sign at Village Hall and place it in your yard. You can enter our social media contest by posting and tagging us on social media. Contest details here.  On Tuesday, Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, attend Thrive's Healing Out Loud: Changing the Narrative on Suicide event. Register here for the Thrive Talk, which will feature Keana Shatteen, a suicide attempt survivor, as she shares her personal experience, the scope of suicide, the latest research on prevention and practical steps to combat suicide. Follow the Oak Park Public Health Department facebook page , where we will be posting information all month long on populations vulnerable to suicide, how to help someone who may be considering suicide and how gun safety plays a role in suicide prevention.  If you or anyone in your life is dealing with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, to speak with a trained professional.

This Autumn, Take a Stand Against Falls 

Did you know: Every year more than one in four older adults reported falling, and more than 100 older adults die each day as the result of a fall, according to the CDC? But there is a lot you can do to help yourself and the older adults in your life to prevent falls and avoid serious injury! 

Check out and share this video for simple, practical steps you can take to prevent falls, stay active and stay steady! Tips include:

1. Keep moving! Preventing falls does not mean you need to remain sitting or still. In fact, exercise and movement will help you stay steady on your feet. Activities that improve balance and strengthen legs (like Tai Chi) can prevent falls. Exercise and movement also boost confidence and mood. 
2. Have eyes and feet checked regularly. Seeing clearly and walking comfortably can prevent falls. Get an eye exam at least annually and replace glasses as needed. You should also have a healthcare provider check your feet once a year, ask whether you need to see a foot specialist and get comfortable shoes with good traction. 
3. Keep the home safe. Most falls occur at home. Keep floors clutter-free and remove small throw rugs. Add grab bars in the bathroom next to and
   inside the tub, and next to the toilet. Have handrails and lights installed on
   all staircases, and make sure the home has lots of light. 

Free community Narcan trainings now held monthly  Starting this month through the end of the year, we will host free monthly in-person trainings on opioid overdose prevention and the use of Narcan nasal spray. Our 90-minute training is ideal for people who want to be ready to respond if they encounter a person experiencing a potential opioid overdose. The training covers harm reduction principles, signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, how Narcan works in the body, hands-on practice with Narcan nasal spray and time for questions and answers. Participants will also receive a free opioid overdose prevention kit to take home. Below are the dates offered for the rest of 2024. Each training is the same, so you only need to sign up for one training to receive all of the information. Hope to see you there! Sunday, Sept. 29, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 to 3 p.m.  Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 to 3 p.m.

Ask the Public Health Department  

I am trying to get a COVID shot for myself and my children. I can't seem to find one! Can you help me?

The new 2024/2025 COVID vaccine formulations were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for everyone 6-months-old and older. You can choose a Moderna, Pfizer or Novavax vaccine. Check out this article from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health for up-to-date information on the new COVID vaccines. 

As the vaccine was approved in August, it will likely be more readily available from your health care provider in late September. We suggest making your appointments now for that time with your primary health care physician or your child's pediatrician. Pharmacies will typically vaccinate anyone 4-years-old or older. Please check your local pharmacy for appointments. 

If you are having trouble finding a vaccine or have questions regarding the new vaccine, please reach out to us at health@oak-park.us or 708.358.5480.