Hi there,
Each October, we draw awareness to numerous topics here at the Health Division, including flu, infant safe sleep, healthy Halloween and much more that you can read about below.
I also give special attention to Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), which is recognized this week through today. This year’s MIAW theme, “What I Wish I Had Known,” focuses on the power of lived experience. A video series found here features real people sharing their own mental health stories.
As a public health agency, the Health Division is aware of the impact mental health poses on the overall well-being of the residents we serve. It effects how people think, feel, and make choices about their health, and can influence the onset, progression, and outcome of many illnesses. People’s ability to live healthy lives often depends on their mental health. This makes supporting mental health a significant focus of public health efforts.
Oakland County works to ensure access to quality affordable health care, including mental health services, to improve health outcomes for all residents as part of the Healthy Residents goal in our five-year road map. This includes work from the Health Division’s programs, services, and collaborations, such as our Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force. I want Oakland County residents to know that during MIAW – and every week - help is available:
Speaking of access to health care, I invite you to learn more about the Oakland Transit millage. This effort will help connect people to healthcare and preventative services, specifically benefiting Oakland County residents and businesses. It is an important link in moving forward with improved public health within our communities.
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
Take action to prevent flu!
Flu viruses circulate annually in the United States, most commonly from the late fall through the early spring. Most people who become ill recover without serious complications. However, flu can be associated with serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly among older adults, very young children, pregnant people, and people of all ages with certain chronic medical conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with a few exceptions.
- It’s best to be vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community.
- September and October are generally good times for getting vaccinated against flu. Ideally, get vaccinated by the end of October.
- Roll up both sleeves and consider getting your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Ask your health provider if you have any questions about getting either or both vaccines.
Visit oakgov.com/health/register to view available vaccine appointments.
Protect your baby while they sleep
October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. This observance helps remind caregivers to follow infant safe sleep guidelines when caring for a baby. Many of Oakland County’s infant deaths are sleep-related and preventable. Follow these steps to keep baby safe:
- Place baby alone on their back, in a crib, bassinet or pack n' play for every sleep time - nap time and nighttime.
- Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
- Keep baby's sleep space clutter free - no pillows, blankets, or toys.
- Keep baby's sleep space where you can see and hear them. Share your room, not your bed.
- Avoid covering baby's head or overheating. Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket, or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.
- Keep baby in a smoke-free environment.
- Breastfeed, if you can. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death.
- Remind everyone who cares for your baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
Gun buyback events offer safe way to dispose of unwanted firearms
On Saturday, Oct. 22, seven local law enforcement agencies and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will host gun buyback events at four locations throughout the county. The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
- David’s Episcopal Church: 16200 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield
- Auburn Hills Police Department: 1899 North Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills
- Royal Oak Police Department: 450 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Ferndale City Hall Parking Lot: 300 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale
Participants will receive gift cards in exchange for the weapons in the following increments: $100 for handguns, $200 for long guns and $300 for assault rifles. Participants will be asked to provide identifying information when turning in firearms.
Voluntary gun buyback programs provide a safe, legal way for residents to dispose of unwanted firearms and can help reduce the number of weapons potentially accessible to children, youth, and vulnerable individuals. For more information, visit the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ website.
Be safe, be seen on Halloween!
Did you know, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year? Make sure to follow these tips to have a safe Halloween!
Walk Safely:
- Wear reflective tape, use glowsticks or carry a flashlight.
- Cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Use sidewalks.
- Look left, right, and left again.
- Watch for cars turning or backing up.
Drive Safely:
- Watch out for kids crossing mid-block.
- Slow down and be especially alert.
- Keep phones down so you are not distracted.
Healthy habits can reduce Breast Cancer risk
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding individuals to schedule their annual cancer screenings and follow healthy prevention practices. You can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health in the following ways:
Early detection including doing monthly breast self-exams, scheduling regular exams with your doctor and mammograms are also key to increased survival rates.
Health Division COVID-19 vaccination sites & info
Check out our webpage for information about COVID vaccination and to find out who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Appointments are 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 Oakland County Health Division 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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