Hi there,
I don’t know about you, but it has been nice having brighter days and more hours of sunlight. I am hopeful spring is around the corner! With early spring comes daylight savings time. Below we remind you to use this time of year to set your emergency kits, but I also want to mention how to spring forward with healthy sleep. With daylight saving time, we lose an hour of sleep in the spring. This can cause lingering sleepiness for people, sometimes for days. The Cleveland Clinic offers these 4 tips to help your body adjust:
- Start preparing a few days early
- Stick to a schedule
- Don’t take long naps
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
March also marks Women’s History Month. Women have long been leaders in Public Health, as doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, health educators, dieticians, sanitarians, researchers, policy advocates and so much more. Whether on the frontlines or working behind the scenes, women in public health enhance the well-being and safety of communities through education, policy, and prevention.
During this ongoing pandemic, I recognize the timeless work of women as frontline workers, caregivers and individuals improving the physical and mental health of those they serve. I recently stumbled across the Smithsonian’s “Because of Her Story” which features a “digital museum” honoring the important ways that women contribute to the field of public health. It’s a neat glimpse into history, check it out here.
Lastly, in case you haven’t heard, Oakland County Executive David Coulter will deliver his third annual State of the County address at 7 p.m., March 15 in Pontiac. A look back on 2021 and a forecast forward into the priorities and plans for the upcoming year will be showcased. The message will be broadcast by WDET-FM (101.9) and will be livestreamed on the county’s website.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
CDC launches new COVID-19 local transmission tool
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) launched a new online tool to help people determine their county’s ‘community level risk’ and associated prevention recommendations. The COVID-19 Community Level tool classifies every U.S. county into low, medium, or high levels by looking at hospital beds being used and admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Knowing levels in your area helps determine what prevention measures are needed to protect yourself and your loved ones, as well as decrease strain on hospitals and health systems. Check your community’s level and learn more here: https://bit.ly/community_levels.
Currently Oakland County is at a low community risk level.
March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” Celebrating flavors from cultures around the world is a tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate diversity. To celebrate, our Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) staff will be doing a five week video series highlighting different nutrients our bodies need to be healthy while exploring different cultural flavors. Below you will find the first video in our series! Follow us on Facebook & Twitter (@PublicHealthOC) throughout the month of March to view the full series!
Set your clocks, check your stocks!
 When it’s time to change your clocks because of daylight saving time (March 13, 2022), use it as a reminder to check your preparedness kit to make sure your emergency stockpile isn’t missing any items and that the food hasn’t expired. If you haven’t created a stockpile yet, now is the time! Check out this emergency supplies checklist for items to include. And don’t forget - check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms!
Designate a sober driver this St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally celebrated with parades, food, music, dancing, and drinking. Unfortunately, it often ends with people driving while intoxicated.
Remember to celebrate safely:
- Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.
- Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
- Don't ride in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.
- Always buckle up. It's your best defense against drunk drivers.
- If you see a driver on the road that is obviously driving impaired, don’t hesitate to call the police.
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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 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.
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