brand  Lake County Health Update

June 2012

 

This community e-newsletter is produced by the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center.
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Featured Videos 

 

June Nutrition Tip: Try Rosemary for Seasoning

rosemary and potatoes 

This is a good time of year to get rid of the sodium and instead use freshly grown herbs such as rosemary.  Easy to grow and versatile, rosemary can provide a savory or sweet taste to various foods. In the "June Nutrition Tip," registered dietitian Toby Smithson shows viewers how rosemary can be used to make meals healthy. 

 

 

Healthy Lake County

play button march healthy lake county   

Do you often eat at restaurants in Lake County, or swim at Lake Michigan beaches?  The June edition of  "Healthy Lake County" provides useful information on where to find restaurant inspection reports and notices about swim bans. This video also provides information on a new vaccine requirement for children entering sixth and ninth grades.  

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For 20 years, volunteers have been coming together for the Kids 1st Health Fair to ensure children from limited income families are prepared to enter school. This year hundreds of volunteers and community groups will once again come together at Miguel Juarez Middle School in Waukegan on August 1 to provide services to about 1,000 children. See details in the flyer.
 
Health Center Use
From 2010 to 2011, more than 40,000 residents used the six Health Department community health centers. Of the 18 townships in Lake County, the five townships with the most users were Waukegan, Avon, Shields, Zion and Moraine.

Our community health centers provide high quality, comprehensive healthcare that is accessible, coordinated, community directed and culturally sensitive. The centers are located in Waukegan (2), North Chicago, Zion, Round Lake Beach, and Highland Park.  For more information,  visit the Health Department's primary care web pages.

 Greetings!

Irene Pierce
Irene T. Pierce Executive Director

 

Now that spring is in full swing, warm weather is probably motivating you and your family to spend more time outside. The Health Department encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors, but also provide protection against creatures that bite - namely mosquitoes, ticks and bats.

To receive the latest local public health information, stay in touch with us through this e-newsletter, our Web site, (www.lakecountyil.gov/health), follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/lakecohealth) and like us through Facebook. You can also request a service online by visiting: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Pages/ServiceRequest.aspx. If you would rather talk with someone in person, our main number is: (847) 377-8000.

Swim Ban Information Available
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake County beachgoers can access daily information on Lake Michigan beach advisories and swim bans through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Web site by visiting: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/want/Pages/BeachAdvisory.aspx.
See details about the advisories.
Don't Let Water Illness Spoil Your Recreation

Avoid swallowing water is one tip to help you stay healthy while swimming in pools or lakes this summer.  Another suggestion is to take children to the bathroom frequently.  Here are some other suggestions to help you and your family stay safe at the beach or the pool this summer.

"Get Tested" Event Scheduled for June 27

During National HIV Testing Day, stop by the Lake County Health Department's Belvidere Medical Building, 2400 Belvidere Road in Waukegan to receive a free rapid test for HIV and a free hepatitis C rapid test. Testing is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 27. The HIV test is a simple oral swab and the hepatitis C screen is a finger stick for blood. Results are available for both HIV and hepatitis C in 20 minutes. For more information, call: 847/377-8450. 

Use Caution Around Bats

The Health Department is encouraging residents to be cautious when they spot a bat because the bat could have rabies.

In Illinois, rabies is found in bats more than any other form of wildlife. If you see a bat acting unusual such as flying during daylight hours, lying on the ground or living inside your home, call Animal Care and Control at 847.949.9925. Read more details. Watch this 45-second video.

 

Prevent Mosquito Breeding and Mosquito Bites

A bird and several mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile virus in Cook andmosquito full of blood DuPage counties already this year, so here are some reminders for preventing mosquitoes from breeding in your yard: 

  1. Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any water holding containers.  Poke holes in tires used as bumpers at docks. Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
  2. Keep trash containers covered.
  3. Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
  4. Drain unused swimming pools. Fill in tree rot holes and remove hollow stumps that hold water.
  5. Change the water in bird baths and plant urns at least once a week.
  6. Store boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly.

    Click here for tips on preventing mosquito bites. 

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