Salt Lake County Health Department

08/21/2025

Salt Lake City residents, check out this survey! Your feedback makes all the difference.

08/21/2025

August is National Eye Exam Month—a perfect reminder to show your eyes some love 😍

Your vision does so much for you every day, so here are a few simple ways to keep it sharp and healthy:
✨ Get regular eye exams – even if you think your vision is fine, exams can catch issues early.
✨ Protect your eyes from UV rays – wear sunglasses (yes, even on cloudy days).
✨ Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce screen strain.
✨ Fuel your eyes – eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3s (think leafy greens, carrots, salmon, nuts).
✨ Stay hydrated & rest well – your eyes need water and sleep too!

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? If you can’t remember, it might be time to schedule one. 🗓️

08/20/2025

The kids may be back in school, but that doesn’t mean summer heat has left us.

High temps can sneak up fast, so remember to stay cool:
🧊 Drink plenty of water
🌳 Take breaks in the shade
🥵 Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day
🏡 Check in on loved ones without AC

And don’t forget your pets—never leave them in a parked car and make sure they have shade and fresh water, too 🐾

A little heat safety goes a long way!

08/19/2025

08/19/2025

The summer isn’t over yet—and neither is your chance to look after yourself 🌞

Whether you’re soaking up sun, dodging mosquitoes, or snacking on the go, remember: hydrate, wear sunscreen, wash your hands, and keep your health in check.

The seasons fade, and summertime will end, but self-care lasts forever.

08/18/2025

Simple snacks = stress-free routines. Pre-portion fruits & veggies in clear containers for grab-and-go wins after school (or work!). Bonus: kids snack on what they see! 👀🍇Get snack ideas: https://tinyurl.com/bdhzmchw

08/18/2025

🌍💧 Every Drop Counts! 💧🌍

This World Water Week, let's take action to conserve water and protect our most precious resource. From small changes at home to supporting community initiatives, together we can make a big difference. 🌱

At Salt Lake County, we're doing our part through efforts like the "Flip the Strip" program and water-wise landscaping. Join us in the effort to conserve water for a sustainable future! 🌊

Learn more about our water conservation initiatives and how you can get involved: http://slcoh20.org

08/14/2025

Lead exposure can be harmful, especially for children. Consumers should check their homes for cookware listed in the advisory and throw them away. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-imported-cookware-may-leach-lead-august-2025

08/14/2025

As we prepare for , it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health 📖✏️🧠

SAMHSA has resources available to support students' and families’ wellbeing: samhsa.gov/school-health

08/14/2025

08/13/2025

Vaccines aren’t just for kids—your immune system deserves an update, too.

Many adults don’t realize they still need routine vaccinations to stay protected from serious illnesses like:
- shingles
- pneumonia
- whooping cough, and
- the flu

Immunity from some childhood vaccines can fade over time, and new vaccines are developed to address emerging health threats.

Staying up to date helps you protect yourself, your family, and your community—especially those who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if you’re due for a booster or new vaccine.

Your health doesn’t expire at 18. Keep it strong for life.

08/12/2025

Pre-diabetes is like your body tapping you on the shoulder and saying, “Hey… we might be headed toward type 2 diabetes—want to do something about it?” 💬

It means your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not yet in the range of diabetes. The best part? You can hit reverse. In fact, with some steady lifestyle shifts, many people bring their blood sugar back into a healthy range.

💪 Move more — walking, dancing, biking, or chasing your dog counts.
🥗 Eat smart — more veggies, fiber, and lean protein; less sugar and highly processed snacks.
🛌 Prioritize sleep — poor sleep can mess with your blood sugar, too.
⚖️ Aim for a healthy weight — even small losses can make a big difference.

With consistency, many people can reverse pre-diabetes and get their blood sugar back in the healthy zone. Your body loves a comeback story—make this one yours. 💙

09/21/2024

Today is National Seat Check Saturday! Find the nearest free car seat check to ensure your child’s car seat is correctly installed and the right seat for their age and size. Learn more: NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

08/31/2024

Nearly 108,000 American lives were lost to drug overdose in 2022.

On International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31), together we can honor those we've lost, encourage healing through treatment & recovery, and empower communities to by sharing prevention strategies.

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. On this Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31), CDC resources can help you promote the benefits of naloxone, reduce stigma associated with its use, and get it in the hands of those who need it most.

08/15/2024

Don’t let mosquitoes crash your summer party! Here’s how to stay bite-free and enjoy the outdoors 🦟

👖 Cover Up: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
🚫 Use Repellent: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin. Look for ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
💦 Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so empty any containers that collect rainwater.
🪟 Install Screens: Keep windows and doors screened to keep mosquitoes outside where they belong.

Stay safe and enjoy the last days of summer without the buzz!

05/16/2024

🌸 May is National Mental Health Month! 🌸

Let's take a moment to prioritize our mental well-being and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:

✨ Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk in nature, prioritize activities that recharge your spirit.
👟 Stay Active: Physical exercise is not only beneficial for your body but also your mind. Even a short walk or a quick workout can boost your mood and reduce stress.
💤 Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours each night. Establish a bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed.
📱 Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends and family members for support. Talking about your feelings can provide comfort and perspective, reminding you that you're not alone in your struggles.
🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Seek Professional Help: Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if you're struggling with your mental health. Therapists and counselors are trained to provide effective strategies and support tailored to your needs.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health 💚

05/15/2024

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

Did you know that even a single session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can work wonders for your health?

Here are some immediate benefits for adults:

💤 Improved Sleep Quality: Get ready to catch those Z's more peacefully.
😌 Reduced Anxiety: Say goodbye to those stressors weighing you down.
🩺 Lowered Blood Pressure: Keep your heart happy and healthy.

But the perks don't stop there! Regular physical activity brings a whole host of long-term benefits:

🧠 Enhanced Brain Health: Reduce your risk of dementia and depression.
❤️ Stronger Heart Health: Guard against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
🦠 Cancer Prevention: Fight off the risk of eight different cancers.
⚖️ Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep those extra pounds at bay.
💪 Build Better Bones: Strengthen your skeletal structure.
⚖️ Improved Balance and Coordination: Lessens the chance of falls.

So lace up those sneakers, grab that water bottle, and celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by moving our bodies and investing in our health!

05/14/2024

May is here, and with it comes Safe Kids Month! ☀️🚴‍♂️

It's that time of the year when the sun shines brighter, and the outdoors beckon our children to play and explore. As parents, guardians, and caregivers, it's our responsibility to ensure they do so safely.⁣⁣⁣

From biking adventures to backyard escapades, the summer months are filled with endless opportunities for fun and discovery.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as we embrace the sunshine and outdoor adventures:⁣⁣⁣
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Gear Up: Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet when biking, skating, or scootering. Protective gear like knee and elbow pads can also provide added safety.⁣⁣⁣
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Stay Visible: Dress your kids in bright colors and equip their bikes with reflectors and lights to enhance visibility, especially during dusk or dawn.⁣⁣⁣
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Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for outdoor play and educate your children about the importance of staying within designated safe areas.⁣⁣⁣
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Stay Hydrated: With the heat of summer, it's crucial to keep your little ones hydrated. Encourage regular water breaks during playtime.⁣⁣⁣
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Teach Road Safety: Educate your children about road signs, traffic rules, and safe pedestrian behavior. Practice crossing streets together and emphasize the importance of looking both ways.⁣⁣⁣
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Supervision: Always supervise young children during outdoor activities, and be attentive to their surroundings to prevent accidents.⁣⁣⁣
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By prioritizing safety, we can ensure that our kids have a summer filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

05/13/2024

Did you know that something as simple as washing your hands can be a powerful act of self-care and public health? 🧼

Especially after visiting the bathroom, it’s crucial to scrub up and eliminate any potential germs lurking on your skin. Here's why:

1️⃣ Preventing the Spread of Germs: Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up bacteria and viruses along the way. By washing them thoroughly with soap and water, we can stop these germs in their tracks, reducing the risk of spreading illness to ourselves and others.

2️⃣ Avoiding Infections: The bacteria found in f***l matter can cause nasty infections if they make their way into our bodies through unwashed hands. By practicing good hand hygiene, we can significantly lower the chances of falling victim to these infections and stay healthier overall.

3️⃣ Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Washing our hands isn't just about our health—it's also about protecting those around us who may be more susceptible to illness, such as young children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems. By making handwashing a priority, we contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone.

It seems silly to remind you, but the next time you make a pit stop in the bathroom, take a moment to lather up and give your hands the TLC they deserve! Together, let's keep our communities healthy and thriving 💧👐

04/19/2024

We know it's tomorrow but 4/20 sees a high rate of ma*****na use. We’re going to be blunt – stay off the roads if you are impaired.

😮💨 = 🚫🚘

If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

02/10/2024

A game plan is the key to success. Make your own game plan before kickoff by designating a sober driver 🏈

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk 🙅🏻‍♀️

12/23/2023

Get your holiday hosting checklist together!
✔ Gifts 🎁
✔ Decorations 🎄
✔ Food & Beverage 🍽
✔ Solutions for a safe ride home! 🚕

Is Drunk Driving!