Oak Park Public Health Department

01/16/2025

You've probably seen your Spotify Wrapped, but have you checked out our Public Health Wrapped for 2024? Swipe through to see highlights, key achievements, statistics, and milestones from our hard-working staff. We are excited to bring you even more chart-topping services in 2025!

01/11/2025

The Oak Park Public Health Department is currently monitoring the multi-state outbreak of the pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1, or bird flu. There have been no human cases reported in Illinois and the current risk to the general population remains low. However, there have been 66 human cases confirmed by the CDC across the country. At this time, our guidance is:
• Do not handle wild birds, whether live or deceased
• Avoid contact with bird f***s
• Do not attempt to capture birds displaying signs of illness
• Keep your dogs and other pets away from deceased birds
If you have any questions about H5N1, please reach out to the Public Health Department at 708-358-5480 or health@oak-park.us.

01/10/2025

Making worthwhile new year resolutions involves setting realistic and meaningful goals that align with your values, long-term aspirations, and personal health goals. Instead of focusing on drastic changes, break your resolutions into smaller, achievable steps that can be consistently worked on throughout the year. It’s important to remain flexible and patient with yourself, understanding that progress takes time. Remember that setbacks are normal and okay. Take time to reflect on successes to keep yourself motivated and ensure your resolutions contribute to personal growth and well-being. Also, not making resolutions is okay, too! The winter can be a good time to rest and regroup

01/09/2025

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs typically in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Common symptoms include feelings of sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Prevention and treatment strategies often include regular exercise, a healthy sleep routine, light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications. If this sounds like you, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about it and discuss treatment options.

01/08/2025

Join us on Tuesday, January 28 for a blood drive in partnership with Oak Park Township. Donated blood plays a crucial role in supporting chemotherapy patients, helping those who have been in car accidents, and assisting individuals living with sickle cell disease. Blood donations are also needed for people facing birth complications and providing end-of-life care. We encourage everyone to give the gift of life. Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/DJGZE

01/06/2025

It's slippery out there! Falling can lead to serious injury, and according to the CDC, unintentional falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among adults aged 65 and over. If you're outside in the ice and snow today, here are some tips to prevent falls: Wear proper footwear with good traction - rubber soles work best. Take smaller steps, exit your vehicle slowly and carefully, test out the ground in front of you by tapping your foot, and don't rush! Leave extra time for your trips so you do not feel the need to hurry.

01/06/2025

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Learning more about cervical health is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. Did you know: early detection through regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, can identify abnormalities before they become cancerous. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer, and childhood vaccination against HPV for both boys and girls significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease later in life.

12/09/2024

Calling all dads, sons, brothers, and the women in their lives to join us this Wednesday evening for a FREE event focused on men’s mental health! This gathering will feature a panel discussion of local community members and provide tools to help men navigate their mental health and wellness.
Join us this Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 7-8:30pm at Willard School in River Forest
Register at: https://bit.ly/ThriveTalk_MensMentalHealth
1 CEU available to counselors and social workers ($20)
Thrive Counseling Center (THRIVE) Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township

This session of our Thrive Talk series fosters open and healthy discussions that serve the lifespan.

12/03/2024

As Oak Park continues to mourn the loss of Detective Allan Reddins, a member of the Oak Park Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on Friday, we send our condolences to his son and his large extended family.

We also acknowledge the collective grief that we all feel. In the coming days, there will be opportunities to come together to honor the life of Detective Reddins. Information will be posted on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/reddins as details are finalized.

If you or someone in your life needs help processing feelings around community violence and the loss of Det. Reddins, there are several resources in Oak Park ready to support you. Contact Thrive Counseling Center (THRIVE) (www.thrivecc.org) or NAMI Metro Suburban (www.namimetsub.org).

11/22/2024

Cholesterol: What is it, and why is it important? Why is managing important for the and brain?

Learn all about cholesterol and how it affects your health on the American Heart Association website: https://bit.ly/4eR7MpL

11/21/2024

With the holidays approaching, stress levels can really spike this time of year. Stress affects our whole bodies - from our nervous systems to our cardiovascular systems and our reproductive systems. Our bodies are meant to withstand stress in small doses, but long-term stress can bring about and exacerbate chronic illness.

This article from the American Psychological Association gives a good overview of the effects of chronic stress on our health: https://bit.ly/4eRfnos

The main takeaway is that we shouldn't neglect our . Make time for engaging with friends and family, do exercise that you enjoy, and make sleep a priority. 🌺

11/20/2024

November is National Diabetes Month and we're sharing tips for better self-care for people managing diabetes. When you first find out you have diabetes, you test your blood sugar often and learn which foods could affect your blood sugar levels. However, there are some triggers that can elevate blood sugar that may surprise you!

The CDC has compiled this list of surprising triggers, including sunburn, artificial sweeteners, and nose spray. Click here to check it out at

Find out about 10 triggers that could cause your blood sugar to surge.

11/18/2024

Join us at 7 p.m. on December 11 in the Willard Elementary School auditorium in River Forest for a panel discussion on men's mental health and the barriers that men face in accessing mental health services.

This event is part of a year-long partnership between the Village of Oak Park, Illinois, Thrive Counseling Center (THRIVE), River Forest Township, and the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township that will elevate the conversation around mental health and raise awareness of su***de prevention resources. Anyone planning to attend can register in advance at https://shorturl.at/Wv0P5

11/07/2024

November is National Diabetes Month. The CDC estimates that about 38. 4 million Americans live with diabetes. This condition can have impacts on your health, and we'll be sharing information this month about prevention and management of diabetes. Start with these with tips from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and let us know: what questions do you have about diabetes and/or prediabetes?
www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month

10/31/2024

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that, on average, 3,200 Halloween-related injuries are treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments.

Here’s some injury stats:
• 55% were related to pumpkin carving;
• 25% were due to falls while putting up or taking down decorations, tripping on costumes or walking while trick-or-treating; and

To avoid becoming a scary Halloween statistic:
• Leave pumpkin carving to the adults. Child helpers can grab a spoon and scoop out the inside or use a marker to trace the design.
• Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible when crossing streets.
• Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.
• In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept — or eat — anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.

10/31/2024

The Oak Park Farmers' Market has closed for the season, but our survey is still open! We would love to hear your feedback to help us continue to improve one of Oak Park's greatest traditions and gathering spaces: our farmers' market! Click here to take the short survey: https://shorturl.at/i7mBa
At the end of the survey, leave your contact information to be entered into a drawing to receive free Market merch. It's a win win!

10/30/2024

From your favorite pumpkin spice recipes to Thanksgiving pies to holiday cookies, cinnamon is a big part of fall baking! Unfortunately, new testing by Consumer Reports has found concerning levels of lead in cinnamon sold in the U.S.

Of the 36 brands of cinnamon and spice blends tested, 12 were considered dangerous to use, 18 contain lead levels that are concerning, and only six contain small enough amounts of lead to be considered safe. However, according to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead exposure and even low levels in blood can be harmful.

Learn about the results of the lead testing by Consumer Reports here: https://bit.ly/3zOHUvQ

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can cause negative health effects, particularly in children. All Oak Park zip codes are considered high-risk for pediatric lead poisoning due to the age of the housing and the prevalence of lead-based paint. The Health Department monitors lead testing for Oak Park children and provides education, case management, and home lead inspections when children are diagnosed with an elevated blood lead level.

Twelve of the 36 cinnamon powders and spice blends containing cinnamon had high levels of lead, according to Consumer Reports' testing.

10/28/2024

With cooling temperatures comes the season of coughing, sniffling and sneezing. 🤧 The most effective way to stay healthy is to wash your hands with soap and water throughout the day.

What about hand sanitizers? Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill germs, while handwashing removes germs. Washing with soap and water removes all types of germs from your hands, but hand sanitizers are not able to kill all types of germs.

If you can't wash your hands, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the next best thing. More info: www.cdc.gov/handwashing.