This Is National Public Health Week

Everyday, every one of us benefits from public health – whether it’s from fluoride in the water, food inspections at your local restaurant, the licensed plumber fixing your sink or hundreds of other programs.  Public health touches us all.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in conjunction with 96 certified health departments across the state, works every day to control infectious diseases, ensure food safety, conduct newborn screenings, provide immunizations, regulate hospitals and nursing homes, compile birth, death and other statistics, and educate communities on how to live healthier lives.

 “National Public Health Week is an opportunity for you to look around your community and see how you can make it healthier – like starting a community garden, working with local parks and recreational facilities to increase access to safe places to be physically active, or work with local authorities to initiate violence prevention efforts,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.

Each day you can focus on a different aspect of public health by identifying some of the problems, and learning what you can do to eliminate them.

A Safe and Healthy Home – April 1

PROBLEM
Nine our of every 10 childhood poison exposures happens at home, with medications being among the top culprits.

 WHAT YOU CAN DO
Keep potentially dangerous household products, such as cleaning products, cosmetics and prescription medications, locked up and out of children's reach
 1-800-222-1222 will automatically connect you to your regional poison control center.

Also, gather the family to create an emergency stockpile kit, such as having a 3-day supply of water and develop written evacuation and emergency communication plans