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November 2024 Public Health E-Newsletter |
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Get your fall vaccinations!
It's time to reset our expectations around the annual flu and COVID vaccines. Many people decline these vaccines because they've experienced or known someone who has experienced the flu or COVID after being vaccinated. The reality is that vaccination may not always prevent illness, but current studies have shown that vaccination dramatically reduces severe illness leading to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Getting vaccinated every fall will not only protect your health but also protect those in our community who are more at risk for serious outcomes related to flu and COVID.
Wondering where to be vaccinated? Here are some tips for finding vaccines.
If you have health insurance that covers vaccines
- Call your doctor's office and ask if they are providing flu and COVID vaccinations.
- Call or check the websites of the pharmacies around Oak Park and make an appointment.
If you don't have health insurance
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In case you missed it ...
We had so much fun meeting ghouls, ghosts, vampires, princesses, superheroes and hundreds of other creative characters at the Park District's Trunk or Treat this year! Health Department staff became Care Bears from the land of Care-a-lot to pass out non-candy treats, along with candy options. We look forward to seeing you next year ... if you dare!
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Wow your family with pie this Thanksgiving
Are you thinking of baking a pie for your Thanksgiving feast this year? Try one of the award-winning recipes from the Oak Park Farmers' Market Pie Bake-off!
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Opioid overdose response training
Have you been hearing more and more about using Narcan to stop an opioid overdose? Come to one of our free trainings!
Every day, people just like you use Narcan to save a life. Join our training on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., to learn about opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan. These trainings last about two hours, and you'll receive Narcan to take with you.
To learn more and RSVP, click here.
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Join the Great American Smokeout
Have you thought about quitting smoking? It's one of the best things you can do for your health.
You don't have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. On Nov. 16, join thousands of people across the country and start your quit-smoking journey with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout.
Food safety tips for the holidays
The last thing anyone wants after a day spent celebrating with family and friends is food poisoning. It's a bummer to bring up food safety during holiday gatherings so we're here to do it for you. When preparing and serving food for a crowd, be especially careful when hosting those who are most at risk: children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.
Just remember: "clean, separate, cook, and chill."
- Clean: Wash your hands and food preparation surfaces often.
- Separate: Keep raw meat separate from other foods, like produce, cheese and bread.
- Cook: Cook everything to the correct internal temperature.
- Chill: Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours (or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
This holiday season, keep the family drama in the conversation. Read more about food safety at FoodSafety.gov.
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Thanks for reading!
During this month of Thanksgiving, we wanted to share our gratitude for all Health Beat readers! We appreciate your time and your investment in the public health of our community. The first edition of our Health Beat newsletter was published in January of 2024. Since then, more than 440 people have subscribed, and we've written over 70 articles to inform the community on our Public Health work. We are thankful for you!
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