|
Hi there,
As the air becomes cooler and we are moving more to indoor activities, respiratory virus season begins. CDC expects this year will be like last in terms of the total number of hospitalizations from COVID-19, RSV, and flu. CDC’s respiratory virus activity level tracking indicates the amount of respiratory illness causing people to go to the doctor for symptoms is low in most areas of the country. However, a few areas are beginning to report higher respiratory illness activity. Vaccines are an important way to boost your immunity and prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV this fall and winter. If you have any questions about these vaccines, please call our Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 and noc@oakgov.com.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to enjoy special meals with loved ones. Freshen up on food safety practices that will help you have a safe and happy holiday season. I’ll start by banishing one common practice: Don’t wash that turkey before cooking it! Washing raw meat and poultry can cause bacteria to spread up to three feet away.
Here are some other links to some tips:
Next weekend, please join me in recognizing the many veterans who are public health practitioners in our communities. Some even work here at Oakland County! From nurses, sanitarians, medical technicians and more, you have performed above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the health and safety of others at your jobs while protecting our country. Thank you!
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Lower your risk for lung cancer-Quit smoking
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States. Nearly nine out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes. You can prevent lung cancer by not starting smoking or quitting if you smoke. Cigarette smoke weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to kill cancer cells. When this happens, cancer cells keep growing.
Quitting smoking takes time and planning. Let the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Nov. 16 be your day to start a smoke-free life. You’ll join thousands of people who smoke take an important step toward a healthier life and reduce your cancer risk.
If you are ready to quit:
- Call a Quitline coach 1-800-QUIT-NOW in English or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA in Spanish.
- Talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you decide what treatment is best for you and can connect you to quit-smoking programs and resources.
Youth substance use prevention programs available
We offer various prevention programs funded by the Oakland Community Health Network that are aimed at reducing risky behaviors that lead to substance use. Programs are offered in schools and with community groups in-person or virtually at no cost.
CATCH My Breath
- A youth e-cigarette, JUUL, and vape prevention program specific to grades 5-12.
Vape 101
- Educational presentation about the dangers of vaping. Geared towards adults who interact with youth - teachers, school staff, parents/guardians, community members/organizations.
Michigan Model for HealthTM
- A comprehensive, evidence-based health education curriculum in school settings. Models focus on students gaining critical skills to navigate challenges, making informed choices, and building positive relationships in conjunction while addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
Visit our website for more information or to request a program for your group.
Could you have prediabetes? Take the 1-minute risk test.
While many people know that type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern, far fewer people know about prediabetes or that they even have it. Prediabetes is a serious but reversible condition that affects more than 1 in 3 American adults. Without healthy lifestyle changes, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.
People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Prediabetes can be reversed. The key is to find out whether you’re at risk and practicing healthy lifestyle changes like eating better, losing weight, and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
Not sure if you’re at risk? Know where you stand by visiting DoIHavePrediabetes.org—PodriaTenerPrediabetes.org in Spanish—take a short online test to learn your risk and how to take action.
Puffy Coats and car seats don’t mix
As the weather gets colder, children will be bundled up to stay warm. If you’re traveling with a child, remove their puffy coat when using a car seat. What makes puffer coats warm is that they trap air inside the fabric with lots of loose feathers and down materials. These types of bulky jackets do not allow the seat’s harness straps to tighten properly on the child. If a sudden stop occurs, the air will be pushed out of the coat creating a loose unsafe harness.
Have children wear thin lightweight layers and/or place a coat or blanket over them after they are harnessed in the seat. Talk to a local certified child passenger safety technician if you have any questions about car seat safety.
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on, celebrate, and honor the history, contributions, and culture of Indigenous Americans. Did you know Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized Tribal Nations?
The Indigenous People of our area are collectively known as the Anishinaabe and are comprised of three large groups: the Odawa, the Ojibwe and the Potawatomi. Watch Oakland County Parks “History in Our Parks: Who Was Here First” and learn more about how the Anishinaabe lived here in Oakland County before white colonizers. Consider visiting the Ziibiwing Cultural Center in Mount Pleasant. Here visitors can explore the culture and history of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe and other Great Lakes Anishinabek.
Other ways you can explore and honor Indigenous Peoples’ culture and knowledge:
More Health Division info
Check out our webpage page for information about our services and various health topics. You can also call our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
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.
|
