Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center

Did you know that we offer more than just primary care services at the Lake County Health Department? We are proud to offer a number of services across Lake County to Lake County residents, including access to behavioral health, disease control, environmental health, and prevention services. Look through our Directory of Services to find more information, a map of our locations, and tips on staying healthy. You can find both an English and Spanish version here: lakecountyil.gov/2642

August is National Breastfeeding Month! Not only is breastfeeding the best source of nutrition for most infants, but it can also protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.

It is important to note that every mother's experience with breastfeeding is different. Whether it is the first baby or you have many, each baby is unique. As babies grow, breast milk will change to meet their nutritional needs.

The Health Department’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offers breastfeeding support to eligible Lake County residents. To learn more, visit our WIC page: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2049/Women-Infants-Children-WIC.

Visit the CDC for more information about breastfeeding: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/breastfeeding/index.html.

This week is National Health Center Week, an annual celebration that raises awareness about the mission and goals of health centers across the United States.

At the Lake County Health Department, our mission is to promote the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. Our team of dedicated professionals works hard to treat and prevent illness, promote wellness, and keep Lake County healthy.

🏫 Get ready for the ‘24-’25 school year! Schedule your vaccines and physicals now! 📅
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🏫 Приготуйтеся до 24–25 навчального року! Заплануйте вакцинацію та медогляд вашої дитини прямо зараз! 📅

We’re looking for instructors to help spread the life-saving skills of Youth Mental Health First Aid throughout Lake County. Trainees will learn how to teach the course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. The three-day in-person training, which normally costs more than $2,000, is being offered for free to qualified applicants! Apply before the August 29 deadline: www.mentalhealth.today/instructor.

Not only do aquatic plants beautify our lakes, but they also provide many benefits, such as food and shelter for fish, improved water clarity and quality, and protection for our shorelines and lake bottoms. We partner with Lake County Forest Preserves to place aquatic plants in our lakes to keep them thriving.

World Hepatitis Day occurs annually on July 28, aiming to focus attention on the impact of viral hepatitis infection globally – with more than 350 million people worldwide living with either chronic hepatitis B or C.
The Health Department’s Need2Know Lake County program offers testing, treatment, and case management. To learn more, visit our Need2Know or call (847) 377-8450.
For more information about hepatitis, vis the CDC’s ABCs of Viral Hepatitis page.

🎾⚽Don't just sit on the sidelines; dive into a new and healthy lifestyle. Though you may encounter hurdles along the way, don't let that deter you— stay in the game🎯. Make every day your new personal best while you go for the gold. 🏅

For more healthy habits, visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/about/enhancing-immunity.html
For benefits of physical activity, visit https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html
For healthier meal guidance, visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/healthy-eating/meals-snacks.html

Lake County is receiving funds from several lawsuits to address the opioid crisis. As we develop a data-driven strategic plan as to how to use these funds, we’re asking for your ideas and input on ways to use these funds. Join us in-person or virtually to share your ideas!

The in-person meeting will be July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Waukegan Township, 149 S. Genesee St. The virtual meetings will be held on July 31 from 7 to 8 a.m. and August 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. Register to attend by Monday, July 29: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9WxT3f2S_0KnVOmGZst6lrcdxVHPcRNNquSelfLRoSdUQkpCVEw5Wko2NEdJRTJSNzU5WTlNT1FBRi4u

If you are unable to attend a meeting but want to provide feedback, contact Lake County Opioid Coordinator Liz Nelson at 847-377-4528 or email her at [email protected].

You can show your appreciation for your lakes by helping care for them. Here are 5 ways you do your part:
1. Never dump waste into a storm drain.
2. Pick up your trash or remove any trash you find on shore or in the waters.
3. Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and gear, and never move an aquatic species from one location to another.
4. If you live on a lake, plant a buffer strip of native plants.
5. Report harmful algae blooms by calling us at (847) 377-8020.

🌪️ Thankfully, there were no reports of "flying" cows 🐄, but the Chicagoland area registered over 20 tornadoes this past week. In light of all the severe weather many experienced this week, it is a good time to evaluate your severe storm preparedness. What worked? What didn't work? Were you ready? 🌪️

For severe weather safety tips, visit weather.gov/safety

Is your home on a lakeshore? Buffer strips can benefit lakes in many ways. Shoreland and upland plants provide food and cover for birds, amphibians, insects, and mammals, stabilize lake-bank soils against wave action, and hold soil in place against the eroding forces of water running over the ground. They also absorb nutrients found in fertilizers and animal waste, which can cause algae blooms and excessive plant growth in lakes. Learn more: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2390/Buffer-Strips

Anyone who uses our lakes can help stop the spread of invasive species. Along with never moving aquatic species from one location to another, always remember to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and gear. If uncontrolled, invasive species can harm our environment, health, and economy.

If you lost power or are still without it, take steps to ensure that your food is safe to eat to prevent foodborne illness.

For more information, visit https://ow.ly/sxJG50SCEFz

Strong storms are expected to move through Lake County this evening. Take steps to protect yourself and loved ones:

📞 Check and make sure cell phones and other important electronics are charged.
🔦Double check your emergency bags for supplies and flashlights for batteries.
👵🏻 Reach out to elderly relatives, friends or neighbors to make sure they are aware of the possibility of severe weather, have a place to shelter if needed, and don’t need to leave their home.
👧🏾Check in with your kids to make sure they know what to do if the tornado sirens go off.
🐶🐱Include your pets in your emergency plan. Have a go bag for your cat or dog with food, a leash, a water bottle and their favorite blanket.
🚨Stay informed. Know where to go for weather updates in your area and check back often.

The Lake County Emergency Management Agency is very concerned about the storms that are expected to move through the area tonight. There is the potential for destructive winds, a derecho, tornadoes, and rain falling at 1-2 inches per hour. This is shaping up to not be your average storm.

The Emergency Management Agency will be monitoring diligently and coordinating with our partners throughout the night. We encourage everyone to keep an eye on the weather and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. There’s a good chance of watches and/or warnings being issued for Lake County tonight. We know there’s some confusion with those terms, so think of tacos:

Watch: We have the ingredients to make tacos
Warning: We are having tacos. RIGHT NOW!

Further updates can be found from the US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois and at weather.gov.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance raises awareness about the unique challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.

Mental health is just as important as physical health at all stages of life. It affects how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call our Crisis Care Program to speak with a counselor at (847) 377-8088 or by walking in at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where is your head at this summer? Whether you are spending your days in the water, at the beach, or on the couch watching your favorite islanders, practice healthy habits all summer long. ☀️🏝

🏫 Get ready for the ‘24-’25 school year! Schedule your vaccines and physicals now! 📅
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🏫 Приготовьтесь к 24–25 учебному году! Запланируйте вакцинацию и медосмотр вашего ребёнка прямо сейчас! 📅

We’ve made improvements to our Beach Monitoring and Advisories webpage! You can find out which inland and Lake Michigan beaches are safe for swimming with our new interactive map. Learn more: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2385/Beach-Monitoring-and-Advisories

🎆 Will you be enjoying a few drinks this Fourth of July? 🎆

If so, play it smart by having a plan not to drink and drive. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Your best defense is to plan for a sober ride, whether that be taxis, public transportation, or a ride-sharing app. If you don't plan on drinking, be the designated driver and ensure your friends and family make it home safely.

To learn more about drinking responsibly, visit bit.ly/drinking-responsibly.

July is Lakes Appreciation Month! Our Ecological Services team is in the field almost every day to ensure our lakes can be enjoyed for generations to come. Our lakes are monitored to maintain and improve water quality and ecological diversity, as well as to promote healthy and safe lake conditions for swimming and recreation. Learn more: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2381/Ecological-Services

🍔🔥 Fire up those grills it's BBQ time!

Follow the infographic's prevention steps and strategies to enjoy a safe meal. To learn more about food safety, visit bit.ly/cdc-grilling-safety.

National HIV Testing Day occurs annually on June 27. Getting tested for HIV can help a person know their status, and no matter the results, getting tested for HIV is the first step to staying healthy.

At this time, the Lake County Health Department offers HIV self-testing kits ( https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=MEJWPWTR3XNDTM3D&gclid=CjwKCAjwpuajBhBpEiwA_ZtfhRx2BTgGHHQzmtK0LPJNihtFNy1n_ETrMC_zNPy5TgguRyXkzKzI5RoC8iEQAvD_BwE) so you can test when and where it is convenient for you. HIV testing is a critical tool to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Visit the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-testing/index.html) to find an HIV testing site near you, or call the Health Department at (847) 377-8450 for more information about HIV testing.

For more information about HIV, visit https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/index.html

🦔🐰🐱 June is Pet Preparedness Month 🐶 🐹🦎
Pets are important members of the family and depend on their owners for their safety and well-being. Just as people have a plan in an emergency, everyone should also have a plan for pets. In addition to the necessary food and supplies in your pet preparedness kit, make sure to have a safe place to take your pets.
For more ways to prepare for an emergency with your pet, visit ready.gov/pets.

🌩️ Did you know that lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures around 50,000 degrees? Lightning is one of the most underrated weather hazards.

The threat of lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaks when it is overhead, and gradually diminishes as it moves away. If lightning is in your area, take steps to stay safe by:

○ 🏠 Going indoors as soon as you hear thunder (large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring or an enclosed vehicle if no building is available)
○ ⚠️ Pay attention to alerts and warnings
○ 🚫 Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet

Do not seek shelter in buildings that have exposed openings or vehicles that have open cabs.

For more information, visit weather.gov for:
Lightning Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
Lightning Myths and Facts: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths

Reúnase con la Agencia para Sustancias Tóxicas y el Registro de Enfermedades (ATSDR) en una reunión pública para obtener más información acerca de la evaluación sobre el óxido de etileno.
📅 Miércoles, 26 de junio del 2024
🕔 Sesión abierta al público
De 5:00 a 7:00 p. m., hora del centro

Reunión pública
De 7:00 a 8:00 p. m., hora del centro

📍 Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep
3106 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, IL 60085

Para más información: https://bit.ly/3zfYLal