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Hi there,
As I spent my Thanksgiving traveling out of state to my hometown, I thought to myself “here we go!” in relation to the busy holiday season that begins. This year I promised myself to not let stress get the best of me. I would like to share some tips I connected with online from Mayo Clinic that are good reminders any time of year!
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Plan ahead. Decide in advance what you can and cannot attend. Stay organized by creating lists for tasks to get done or menus for gatherings.
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Say no. It’s ok. Explain to others that it helps with your own stress.
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Plan spending. Make a budget and stick to it so you’re not paying off gifts all year long.
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Create relaxing surroundings. Music, lighting, scents, and fresh air can all boost mood.
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Maintain healthy habits. Stick to your workouts, have a healthy snack, or try a new activity with family or friends.
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Share feelings. Celebrating the holidays after a loss is hard. Accept these feelings and open up to others about them.
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Respect differences. Those you care about may have viewpoints different than your own. Try your best to stay respectful and focus on similarities.
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Be realistic. You can only do so much! Forget about perfection and enjoy the season.
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Take a break. Make sure to listen to your own needs and find downtime to focus on what relieves stress for you.
I also thought I would share Oakland County’s list of holiday happenings. You’ll find everything from parades and seasonal excursions to performances, holiday markets and craft fairs to enjoy with family or friends.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Health Division commemorates World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held annually on Dec. 1. Oakland County in partnership with the Royal Oak First United Methodist Church is hosting World AIDS Day 35 on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. This special event commemorates those living with or who have died from HIV/AIDS.
 Many people wear a red ribbon on this day to show their support. Advancements have been made in the prevention and treatment for HIV and AIDS, but more medical research is needed to help find a cure. However, stigma and discrimination negatively impact access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment options. Commitment within our communities to increase awareness, and prevention, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life of those living with HIV are all vital to this cause.
Learn more about prevention and treatment programs offered by Oakland County Health Division.
Fight the Flu!
National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 4-8) is a great time to consider the many benefits of the flu vaccine. It can reduce your chances of getting sick with the flu, be lifesaving for all ages, and protect the people around you.
Severity of flu varies from year to year, but flu can have serious consequences. While the 2020–2022 flu seasons were mild due to COVID-19 prevention measures, flu-related hospitalizations returned to pre-pandemic levels during the 2022–23 season.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Everyone aged 6 months and older is recommended to get a yearly flu vaccine. Flu vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Flu shots are available at our North Oakland Health Center (1200 North Telegraph Rd, Bldg. 34E Pontiac) and South Oakland Health Center (27725 Greenfield Rd, Southfield). Walk-in anytime Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 for more information.
Do your part - Prevent impaired driving this holiday season
Weekends and holidays can be dangerous times on our roadways. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, are among the deadliest. That's why December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
Safe driving requires focus, coordination, good judgment, and quick reactions to the environment. Any alcohol or other drug use impairs the ability to drive safely. Here is what you can do to stay safe if you plan to drink alcohol or use drugs:
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Plan ahead. Make plans about how you will get home safely so that you do not have to drive.
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Get a ride home. Ride with a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or call a taxi.
- Agree on a trusted designated driver ahead of time if you are with a group.
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Be aware of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Many prescription and some over-the-counter medicines can affect your ability to drive safely, either on their own or when combined with other substances.
- Don’t let your friends drive while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
- Don’t ride with an impaired driver.
Protect your family from Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas. Following these important steps can keep your family safe:
- Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
- Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
- Have your furnace inspected every year.
- Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
- Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
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.
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