Kent County Health Department Newsletter - December 2024

Letter from the Health Officer

Dear Community Member, December is a month of great contrast in Michigan. As one of the darkest times of the year, December brings shorter days and rare sunlight-yet it also shines with the warmth of holiday lights, the spirit of gift-giving, and a sense of joy. The dichotomy between darkness and light is mirrored in the public health world, too. Among our many concerns is the reality that the holiday season can be very stressful and challenging. I want to remind you to take care of your own mental wellness and to be mindful of those around you as well. The U.S. now has a 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline-just call or text 988 for support. Don't hesitate to ask for help, and don't ignore any concerns you may have for someone else. You should also know that December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness month. Holiday gatherings are part of the light and joy of the holiday season. That light can turn to darkness when tragedy strikes due to poor decisions. A few months ago, I shared some encouraging news about the overall health of Kent County. However, there are also some concerning statistics to consider, including that 20% of Kent County residents report binge or excessive drinking-higher than the state average of 19% and the national average of 18%. Additionally, a higher percentage of fatal car accidents in Kent County (33%) involve alcohol, compared to 30% in Michigan and 26% nationwide. The good news is that the solutions are numerous and simple. It all comes down to making good decisions and being mindful of others. Let's all do what we can to support one another and keep this December a month of light and happiness. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season! Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS Administrative Health Officer Pictured above is Adam London, Kent County Health Department Director.

Holiday Spirits, Safe Celebrations: Tips for Responsible Drinking

The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it's important to approach alcohol consumption with care and mindfulness as poor decisions involving alcohol can have life-altering consequences.

• Plan ahead for safe travels. If you plan to drink, arrange a ride in advance. Use a designated driver, a rideshare app, or public transportation. Encourage friends and family to plan ahead as well.
• Know your limits. Keep track of how much you're drinking. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or soda to stay hydrated and avoid overindulging. Remember, binge drinking doesn't just harm your health-it can also impair judgment and lead to dangerous situations.
• Offer non-alcoholic options. If you're hosting, provide plenty of alcohol-free beverages. Mocktails, sparkling water, or festive punches ensure everyone can join the fun, regardless of their choice to drink.
• Watch for signs of overindulgence. If someone you know has had too much to drink, offer help. This could mean arranging a ride or encouraging them to stay overnight instead of driving.
• Talk with teens and young adults. Open conversations about the risks of alcohol, especially during holiday gatherings, can be lifesaving. Reinforce the message that underage drinking is not only illegal but can lead to unsafe behaviors.
• Spread awareness. Share the importance of responsible drinking with friends and family. A simple conversation or post on social media could encourage others to make safer choices.

Rising Whooping Cough Cases: What You Need to Know

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection spreading across our state through droplets released by coughing and sneezing. Anyone can catch it, but babies, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are more prone to its potency.

"It can be very serious, especially in babies," Communicable Disease Program Supervisor Cathy Armstrong told FOX 17 reporter Daren Bower in a late November interview. "Babies don't really cough, like other people do; they just stop breathing because they're not able to cough up the phlegm that is involved with pertussis."

As of November 2024, Michigan reported 869 cases of whooping cough, a 31% increase from previous years. In Kent County, 17 cases were reported-the majority affecting children, two of whom had to be hospitalized.

Early symptoms of whooping cough usually appear within a week or so and resemble a common cold. However, many babies with the illness experience apnea-dangerous pauses in breathing-that can cause their skin to turn blue. Later symptoms manifest as uncontrolled coughing fits which can lead to a high-pitched "whoop" sound and last for months.

Vaccination is key in preventing the spread of whooping cough and can lessen the severity of symptoms in those who do become infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines :

• DTaP for infants and young children
• Tdap for adolescents (ages 11-12) and adults
• Pregnant individuals should receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy to protect both themselves and their newborn.

If you or your child have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, it's important to contact your doctor immediately to discuss starting antibiotic treatment. For additional questions, you can also reach our Communicable Disease team at 616-632-7228.

Unlock Your Superpower: How Handwashing Saves the Day

Turns out, you don't need a cape or a mask to be a hero-a little soap and water will do! The first week of December marks National Handwashing Awareness week, but we know proper handwashing is a superpower worth practicing all year-round. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy, no matter the season!

Proper handwashing is your first line of defense against the bad guys-germs that cause the common cold, flu, and foodborne illnesses. This is especially true during the colder months, when we're spending more time indoors and in close contact with others. Help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy by remembering to:

• Wash your hands often. It's especially important to wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Scrub your hands, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. You can time yourself by singing the Happy Birthday song twice!
• Focus on the details. Be sure to scrub the back of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Dry your hands completely with a clean towel. Germs love moisture!

By making handwashing a daily mission, you'll become a true hero, defeating invisible villains and keeping yourself and others safe from harm-no cape required!

She's been a nurse for nearly three decades, and we're happy to call her our own. Learn more about Lisa and how she helps people in our community by reading her full interview.

A Recipe for Change: Addressing Food Insecurity in Kent County

While the idyllic holiday celebration typically includes gathering with family and friends around a table brimming with delicious food, for many in Kent County, this beloved tradition is far out of reach. In fact, nearly one in five Kent County adults experience food insecurity-struggling to afford enough food or balanced meals over the past year. Because of this, we've identified access to healthy food as a priority in Kent County's latest Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The CHIP is a strategic plan designed to address the top health issues identified through a community health needs assessment. It includes goals, objectives, and strategies developed by community partners to tackle these health concerns. These strategies are implemented over a three-to-five-year period and are evaluated for their impact on the community.

Together, organizations are striving to break down barriers to healthy food access, including cost, availability, and transportation-but it will take time. So, if your table happens to be full this holiday season, please consider ways you can support local organizations in making food accessible to all through your time, talent, or treasure.

Meet Our New Public Information Officer Christina Anthony joined our communications team this past November, after spending two years in Kalamazoo County working as an operations manager and public information officer at the Health & Community Services Department. For a decade prior to that, Christina appeared before diverse audiences over their digital devices as a meteorologist and multi-media journalist. She's worked for various television stations across several states, including News Channel 3 in Kalamazoo. Pictured to the right is Christina Anthony, Kent County Communications Manager.

All County Offices and Health Department Clinics Will Be Closed In Observance of the Christmas and New Year's Holidays

All county offices and clinics will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, Dec. 26. Offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 in celebration of New Year's Day. We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyous holiday season!

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