Friday, February 4 Update

Hi there,

As we all experienced this week, the depths of winter are here!  As pretty as the new snow is, it’s important to know how snow and cold can affect your heart, especially if you have cardiovascular disease. Activities like shoveling and even walking through wet, heavy snow is strenuous.  February marks American Heart Month, so I share some tips about taking cold weather precautions seriously, such as staying warm, taking frequent breaks when active and knowing the signs of heart attack and hypothermia.  We have also included below some suggestions about using your social connections to maintain a heart healthy life all year long.

February is also Black History Month. Join me this month in exploring the important contributions of African Americans in our nation’s history including public health. We have compiled a list of events being held throughout the month in and around Oakland County to learn more about African American history and culture, check it out!

We also recognize our continuing work toward health equity. We know, for example, that black people have higher rates of chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are the leading causes of death for African Americans. And this pandemic has affected many facets of well-being within our African American communities. I would like our residents to know that as a health department, we continuously strive to reduce health inequities in our delivery of programs and services, policy efforts, and workforce development.

In COVID-19 news, while our positivity rate in Oakland County dipped slightly we are still at a very high positivity rate in Oakland County, 18.6% (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 2022).  Further, transmission of COVID-19 remains significantly higher than all previous surges.  The message remains: vaccinations, including boosters, along with masking, social distancing, and remaining at home when symptomatic remain the most effective ways to limit the spread of the virus and minimize severe illness.  This is especially true as many families may soon engage in winter break activities, whether it be traveling or gathering with others.  For those who are fully vaccinated, if you haven’t yet, getting your booster shot right away will help provide you increased protection in time for winter break.  Remember anyone 12 and older is eligible for a booster dose.

In good health,

Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services

What mask should I wear?

As winter break approaches, many families may travel or participate in activities with others. Masking is a critical tool for preventing spread of COVID-19, and any mask is better than no mask.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.

Various masks and respirators offer different levels of protection, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others, but all provide some protection. CDC has updated information about the types of masks and respirators available and a new overall guide to masks.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing 10 million free KN95 masks as the state continues to face the Omicron variant. Free KN95 masks will be distributed by numerous community organizations.  Residents who need masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan.

The masks being provided by MDHHS are in addition to 400 million N95 masks being made available by the federal government to pharmacies and health centers. CVS, Costco, Meijer, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart and Sam's Club are among the many  retailers that joined the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program to begin free distribution of N95 masks.  

February is American Heart Month!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing one in four deaths each year. But there’s a lot you can do to live a heart-healthy life and connecting with others can make your efforts even more successful. Studies show that if you join forces with people at home or online, you have a better chance of staying motivated. Best of all, you don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps can get you where you want to go. Join friends and family and make a commitment to your heart health, together.

Here is how to start:

• Move more. Invite family, friends, colleagues, or community members to join you in being more physically active:
  • Ask a colleague to walk with you on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both get out for a walk.
  • Get a friend or family member to sign up for the same online exercise class, such as a dance class. Make it a regular date!
  • Grab your kids, put on music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or dance.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Find someone else who also wants to reach or maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss of 5–10 % helps your health. Check in with them regularly to stay motivated. Do healthy activities, like walking or cooking a healthy meal, at the same time, even if you can’t be together.
• Eat heart healthy. A healthy eating plan helps manage your weight with a variety of healthy foods. Ask others in your household to join you in eating healthier!
• Quit smoking. To help you quit, ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). There are many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov.
• Manage stress. Set goals to do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation, or participate in an online stress-management program. If it helps, ask a friend or family member to participate with you. Physical activity also helps reduce stress. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone else you trust.
• Improve sleep. Aim to sleep 7–8 hours a night. De-stressing will help you sleep, as does getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. Take a walk instead of a late afternoon nap. Turn off the screen and stick to a regular bedtime. Relax before bed by listening to music, reading, or taking a bath.
• Track Your Heart Health Stats. Tracking your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy path. Ask your friends or family to join you in the effort.

Virtual Safety Fair offers safety tips for caregivers

Learn tips to provide safe care for infants and young children by attending our Virtual Baby Safety Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Participants will receive giveaways and be eligible for a raffle.

The event will feature several short presentations about feeding infants safely, smoking risks and cessation, safe sleep, child passenger safety, lead, and household safety and more. Public health professionals will be available to answer questions.

The event is free and open to anyone, but registration is required. To register, click HERE.

Health Division COVID-19 vaccination sites & info

Check out our Get Vaccinated page for information about upcoming COVID vaccination sites and who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be made online or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for updated vaccination data.

Oakgov.com/health is the best place to receive the latest information. Add, update, or opt out of Health Division email or text communications by clicking here.