This community e-newsletter is produced by the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center. .
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Healthy Lake County
Winter weather can mean different things to different people. Some people are inspired to get outside and enjoy winter sports. Others just want to curl up in a comfortable chair with a good book. Whatever your choice, this edition of Healthy Lake County provides tips to help you stay safe and healthy at play or at rest.
Don't Let Winter Stop You from Moving
It may be cold outside but that is no excuse to stop exercising. Check out our Focus on Fitness series for ideas on how to do a variety of quick and easy exercises.
Winter Safety for Pets Follow these tips to keep your dog safe and healthy this winter:
- Do not allow your dog to run freely on open ice
- Salt and other chemicals can irritate the pads of pets' paws. Wipe the paws with a towel before your pet licks them.
- Check an outdoor water dish to make sure it is not frozen
- Wind chill can threaten a dog's life. Keep a dog in a dry, draft-free dog house large enough for the dog to sit or lie comfortably, but small enough to hold the animal's body heat.
If you are seeking information about long-term care facilities for a family member, we have a directory available on our Web site.
Greetings!
Irene T. Pierce Executive Director
In December there were several tragic incidents that affected the nation, including the shooting incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School.In the wake of such tragedies, many parents and others are seeking guidance and resources to help their families cope and understand such occurrences.
Thanks to a collaborative effort, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to construct a school-based health center at Round Lake Senior High School for approximately 2,000 students who have parent/legal guardian consent to receive care. The school-based health center will be the first in Lake County.
Attendees read a timeline of progress showcasing the efforts of the REALITY Illinois Lake County chapter.
Lake County is a leader in protecting residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. This is the fifth year since passage of the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which protects everyone in all indoor public places and work spaces from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.
Round Lake Area Park District Commissioner Tim Pasternak talks about the importance of tobacco-free parks and shows a jar of tobacco trash passers-by tossed on his lawn.
A celebration of five years of the Smokefree Illinois Act, the five-year anniversary of Lake County's smoke-free ordinance and the 10th year of the REALITY Illinois Lake County chapter was held this month at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Lake County Board and Lake County Board of Health member Steve Carlson of Grandwood Park was among speakers crediting REALITY Illinois teens for shaping public policy.
"They walked into situations where I didn't think they had a chance and they prevailed," he said.
The number of flu cases in Lake County is currently on the rise. If you want to follow the latest influenza trends, we offer a weekly flu surveillance report. Remember to get your flu shot, cover your cough and wash your hands to help prevent the spread of influenza or flu-like illness.
with a towel before your pet licks them.
Rice, yogurt and herbs are among the substitutes to consider in 2013 as you focus on eating healthier foods. 
If you are seeking information about long-term care facilities for a family member, we have a directory available on our Web site.
Thanks to a collaborative effort, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to construct a school-based health center at Round Lake Senior High School for approximately 2,000 students who have parent/legal guardian consent to receive care. 
The number of flu cases in Lake County is currently on the rise. If you want to follow the latest influenza trends, we offer a weekly flu surveillance report. Remember to get your flu shot, cover your cough and wash your hands to help prevent the spread of influenza or flu-like illness.