Monday, January 7, 2013
The aggregator also shows that in the same six-year period, flu activity typically has peaked in February and March, not in early January, as it happening this season.
Flu season has peaked in Illinois to a level not seen in at least six years, and has peaked earlier than any other flu season except in 2009-10, according to Google.org’s Flu Trends, which boasts that it uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity. Flu Trends shows the intensity level of flu activity at this time is the highest seen in at least six years. The aggregator also shows that in the same six-year period, flu activity typically has peaked in February and March, not in early January, as it happening this season. Only in 2009-10, when swine flu swept the nation, did flu activity peak earlier — in October — over the past six years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public …
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Looking to improve your health in 2013? Now is a good time to resolve to quit smoking.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Kane County Health Department has many resources on its website (kanehealth.com/tobacco_program.htm) to help people quit the habit. For example, the Health Department recommends calling the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Quit Line at 1-866-784-8937 (1-866-QuitYes) for assistance in quitting. The start of the new year marks the fifth anniversary of the Smokefree Illinois Act which protects everyone from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure. Illinois enacted the strongest clean indoor air law in the country. The landmark Smokefree Illinois legislation prohibits smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces including bars and restaurants. As of January 2011, more than half of the country (30 states and …
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Kane County Health Department reminds residents to get their annual flu shot.
Dec. 2 to Dec. 8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and the Kane County Health Department reminds residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot to protect yourself before the holidays arrive. National Influenza Vaccination Week is observed each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to raise awareness of the health benefits of flu shots and urge people to get vaccinated in December, January and even later, the Kane County Health Department said in a release issued Monday. Flu season can last as late as May. A vaccination is the single best step to protect yourself, your family and friends against the flu before the start of the holiday season, the release states. The Centers for Disease Control and …
Friday, November 16, 2012
Take care to enjoy holiday feasts, follow a few simple food safety tips
A key recipe for holiday cheer is the taste of great food toward the end of the year. But as you prepare to meet, greet and eat, use these food safety steps for your holiday fete. OK, a poet I’m not, but the holiday season is upon us, and already there have been tips on safe shopping to protect against thieves, advice on smart shopping to guard against spending too much, suggestions on sights to see and where to shop. But the holidays also are synonymous with food, so today, the Kane County Health Department offers some safety tips to ward off food-borne illness: Plan your holiday meals days in advance: This is especially important if you must thaw large quantities of frozen food. Thaw safely: The safest way to thaw frozen food is in a …
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The cost of the annual rabies registration for unaltered pets will increase to $25, up from $10. The cost of a three-year registration for unaltered pets will increase to $62.50, up from $25.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Kane County pet owners who are ages 65 and older are exempt from the new fees.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Kane County Health Department is sending a reminder that fees for rabies registration for pets that are not spayed or neutered will increase on Dec. 1, 2012. The county board adopted the new fees at its Sept. 11 meeting. The cost of the annual rabies registration for unaltered pets will increase to $25, up from $10. The cost of a three-year registration for unaltered pets will increase to $62.50, up from $25. Registration for pets that have been spayed or neutered will remain at $10 for the annual registration and $25 for a three-year rabies registration. County pet owners who are ages 65 and older are exempt from the new fees. SOURCE: Kane County Health Department
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
This is the highest number of cases since 2007. Here's the latest update from the County Health Department.
The Kane County Health Department on Wednesday reported another human case of West Nile Virus, bringing the total so far this season to 11. A 50-year-old man from South Elgin who contracted the virus was hospitalized and has since been discharged. This is the most West Nile cases Kane County has had since 2007. The State Health Department has recorded 211 cases statewide this year, including nine deaths. Last year there were 34 cases and three deaths. Other cases reported year include: With the onset of colder weather, the Health Department has stopped West Nile monitoring activities, but will continue to report any new cases once a week on Wednesdays. View an interactive map of West Nile virus cases in the Chicago suburbs. West Nile virus…
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Kane County has had nine West Nile Virus cases so far this year, according to the Health Department.
The Kane County Health Department on Wednesday reported four more cases of West Nile Virus, bringing the total so far this season to nine. The latest reported cases include: Other cases this year include: The Health Department will be report new cases once a week on Wednesdays until the end of the West Nile season, which ends with the first hard frost. View an interactive map of West Nile virus cases in the Chicago suburbs. This summer was hot and dry, the perfect combination for the Culex mosquito, the species that is known to carry the virus. It is likely we will continue to see activity until the season is over. The Health Department monitors for WNV activity in your area and throughout the county. You can visit our Web site at http://…
That's today! More schools participating in Kane County this year than in the past.
Several St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 schools will join other schools in Kane County and around the world on Wednesday, Oct. 3, in observing International Walk to School Day. The day is being praised by the Making Kane County Fit for Kids Funders Consortium and other area schools for reasons that include that it reduces traffic which in turn means cleaner air, it makes streets safer and, topping the list, it helps children and parents to be healthier. On its website, District 303 emphasized that latter point: “The purpose of the day is promote healthy lifestyles for our students by sharing the health and social benefits of walking to school together.” District 303 also said the day serves as the start of the Fuel-Up-To-…
Monday, September 17, 2012
Kane County Health Department continues to stress the importance of emergency preparedness.
Are you ready for a disaster? That’s a question all residents should consider and make preparations for, according to the Kane County Health Department. After a natural or man-made disaster, you and your family may need to survive on your own. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours, the Kane County Health Department said in a release on Monday. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they can’t reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days, the health department states. Emergency experts have four sayings to help families prepare for emergencies: Get informed, Make a Plan, Get a Kit and Get Involved…
Nancy J. Hall
11:40 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Excellent idea. But why are people age 65 and older exempt? I'm 65 and my cats have been fixed. more ›