KCHD

As spring travel picks up, so does the risk of #measles exposure. ✈️ We can all help prevent the spread: ✔ Check your family's immunization status ✔ Be fully vaccinated 2 weeks before travel

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a commercial poultry flock from Kent County. Follow the link below to read more: 🔗content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDAR…

📧 Inside this month’s newsletter: an update on a pediatric flu death in Kent County, measles prevention for spring travel, tips for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day safely, a look at the “New Pyramid,” and more! Read at 🔗 kentcountymi.gov/health

Throughout National Nutrition Month (March), we’ll share tips on: 🍎 Accessing healthy foods in our community 🍎 Building balanced meals into daily routines 🍎 Navigating nutrition info with confidence More resources 🔗 eatright.org

🌼REMINDER: Daylight saving time begins this weekend on Sunday, March 8 — when the clocks "spring" forward and we "lose" an hour of sleep. To minimize the impact on your mind and body, start shifting your bedtime 15 to 20 minutes earlier these next few days. #sleep #health

Yesterday, we had the honor of celebrating the remarkable career and retirement of Joann Hoganson after nearly 20 years of dedicated service as our Community Wellness Division Director. 💙 Thank you Joann for your lasting impact and we wish you all the best in your next chapter.

This American Heart Month, we’re highlighting our WISEWOMAN program 🩵 Ready to take the next step towards a healthy heart? Email 📧 wisewoman@kentcountymi.gov or call us 📲 at 616-632-7294 to enroll!

Good food connects us. Safe food protects us. Here’s to a healthy fish fry season. 🐟 ✅ Wash hands and change gloves often ✅ Keep hot foods above 135°F ✅ Keep cold foods below 41°F ✅ Use a probe thermometer to check temps ✅ Clean, rinse, and sanitize dishes properly

❤️ This month, our Board of Commissioners recognized American Heart Month with an official proclamation and wore red to raise awareness about heart health! Learn more on the American Heart Association's website: heart.org.

📧 Inside this month's newsletter: we remember Dr. Douglas Mack, honor Joann Hoganson, share WISEWOMAN details, explain why STI screening matters, and preview our upcoming Community Health Needs Assessment. Read at🔗 kentcountymi.gov/health

Parenting isn't easy...😮‍💨 This 10-episode video series gives you practical tools to guide your child and protect them from risks like vaping, alcohol, and marijuana. Watch at 🔗kentcountymi.gov/talk

FINALLY! Temps that don’t hurt your face. Even better? We gain nearly 70 minutes of daylight this February, with the sun setting after 6 p.m. starting this Friday ☀️

Did you know that naloxone can freeze in single-digit temperatures? 🥶🧊 While it’s still safe and effective once thawed, every second matters during an opioid #overdose. Carry naloxone in your purse or bag instead of leaving it in your car until the weather warms up.

It's about to get EVEN COLDER! 🥶 Extreme temperatures can put health and safety at risk, especially for little ones, older adults, pets, and those without shelter. Tips and resources 🔗kentcountymi.gov/health

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious virus that can quietly spread because many people don’t show symptoms. When passed to a baby at birth, it can lead to lifelong illness, liver cancer, or even death. That’s why doctors recommend the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth💙

📬 Inside our January newsletter: information on radon test kits, carbon monoxide safety, naloxone storage during winter, newborn hepatitis B guidance, and our new "Talk Before You Try" series for parents. Read it by visiting🔗 kentcountymi.gov/health

Flu activity is VERY HIGH in Michigan. Here are some things you can do to prevent spreading it around: ➡️ Get vaccinated ➡️ Stay home when sick ➡️ Wash hands often ➡️ Cover coughs/sneezes ➡️ Clean high-touch surfaces ➡️ Eat nutritious meals ➡️ Get good sleep ➡️ Stay hydrated

Go ahead. Practice the raised eyebrow—you know you want to…🤨 You can pick up a #radon test kit for FREE from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at one Kent District Library branch each Tuesday: ➡️ Jan. 6: Plainfield ➡️ Jan. 13: Cascade ➡️ Jan. 20: Grandville ➡️ Jan. 27: Kentwood

Started from the sniffles, now we’re home. 🤧

Christmas is coming fast! If you want to sleigh the flu this season, now’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeve. It takes about two weeks to build full protection—get your flu shot today! 🎄✨