Take it off Oklahoma!
Join us for the next three months on a journey to help Oklahoma lose weight! Take It Off Oklahoma is a three-month weight loss challenge coordinated by FOX 25 News and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
'Skeeter Meter' Status: Low
OCCHD epidemiologists will use data from the following sources: temperature, mosquito trap counts, disease rate within captured mosquitoes, complaints from residents, human surveillance which includes West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in the state and throughout the Oklahoma County area to determine the risk.
Free Community Baby Shower for Young Parenting Families
Join us at the Embassy Suites - Downtown Medical Center - on June 29th for a Free Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair. The event is for young Pregnant and Parenting Families and will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Two Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Samples
OCCHD experts confirm two positive mosquito samples to be carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) this week in Oklahoma County. OCCHD Mosquito Program Coordinator Tre Williams said, “Residents need to eliminate any sources of stagnant water and always wear repellent containing DEET.”
Sequoyah and Oakridge Neighborhoods We Need Your Feedback!
The Oakridge and Sequoyah Learning & Wellness Academies will accommodate diverse partnerships and programming to address the needs of each neighborhood. The academies will provide safe places for youth, families and individuals to access healthcare and wellness programming. If you are a resident of the neighborhoods surrounding Oakridge Elementary or Sequoyah Elementary, we want your feedback! Let us know what programs, services and activities you want to see at the new OCCHD Learning & Wellness Academy in your neighborhood.
Measles reaches Oklahoma: What you should do
Epidemiologists are monitoring facts surrounding the confirmed measles case in Okmulgee County. OCCHD works closely with Tulsa County Health and the Oklahoma Department of Health regarding any possible outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Join Us For A Town Hall
Next year, Oakridge and Sequoyah Elementary School sites will be re-purposed into neighborhood centers known as Heath and Learning Academies, operated by the OKC-County Health Department. We invite you to give your ideas on programming and services that would benefit the residents living nearby the elementary school sites.
OCCHD Celebrates National Nurses Week
Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) joins the American Nurses Association, health care professionals, patients, and families during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, in recognizing the vital role nurses play improving the health outcomes of entire populations. Public health nurses are the first line of defense to prevent illness and injury. The theme of this year’s National Nurses Week is “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate.”
The Importance of the MMR Vaccine
While we do not have any measles cases in OK County, our team of epidemiologists is in regular contact with the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) monitoring updates on outbreaks occurring in other parts of the country. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) shots are not free at the OKC-County Health Department, however, we do have a Vaccine For Children (VFC) program that provides some vaccines for free.
Preparation can reduce Severe Weather Stress
OCCHD reminds residents that preparation is the key to reducing stress related to our severe weather season. They work with all municipalities and partners to make sure we as a community are ready when disaster strikes and post-disaster response as well.
Weekly Health Tip: Garden Safely
Gardening can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get physical activity, beautify the community, and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. Take a few minutes to help stay safe and healthy while gardening.
National Public Health Week
We are sharing with our community and partners that the first week of April is National Public Health Week (NPHW). Our goal is to talk about the role everyone can play in improving health in all groups in Oklahoma County. This year’s theme of NPHW is “Creating the Healthiest Nation: For science. For action. For health.”
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. In 2015, it was reported in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that an estimated 683,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect and 1,670 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.
Freezer Vegetable Breakfast Burritos
Need a healthy morning snack? These Freezer Vegetable Breakfast Burritos are so convenient for busy mornings! Reheat them in your microwave for a fast and filling breakfast!
Weekly Health Tip: Prevent Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) affects both men and women, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer can be prevented by getting screened for the disease beginning at age 50.
Team of the Week: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
The main goal of OCCHD's Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program is to reduce teen births in the Oklahoma City-County area by using evidence-based programs to change behavior.
Driving in Winter Weather
OCCHD advises residents not to take chances when dealing with dangerous winter conditions. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Blaine Bolding advises travelers to check local media reports of weather forecasts before making travel plans and to know what the National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches mean.
Good Health Habits Can Help Prevent The Flu
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu. The tips and resources below will help you learn about steps you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.
Team of the Week: My Heart
The My Heart program is for individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 who have or think they have at least one of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, or are overweight. #TeamOfTheWeek! Sign Up here: https://www.occhd.org/myheart
February is Heart Health Month
Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.
OCCHD offers Free Resources to Create Healthier Businesses
Through the TSET Healthy Living Program at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD), metro businesses can receive free support to create a company health promotion plan for 2019.
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Join the nationwide effort to raise awareness of birth defects, their causes, and their impact!
Flu Claims the Life of One Oklahoma County Resident
The Oklahoma State Department of Health today reported the first influenza-associated death in Oklahoma County for the 2018-2019 flu season. Flu has now claimed the lives of 13 Oklahomans this season and led to 331 hospitalizations and/or deaths statewide, many of which were senior citizens.
Make 2019 the year you #StayQuit
You’ve decided to quit smoking. Congratulations! Your first day without cigarettes can be difficult. Here are five steps you can take to handle quit day and be confident about being able to #stayquit.
Make Health Your Resolution in 2019!
Make 2019 your healthiest year yet! Add these tips to your resolution list to boost your health and well-being!
Need Shelter When It's Cold Outside?
Local OKC shelters will be providing overflow beds during the winter when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below.
Southern Oaks Health and Wellness Campus Now Open!
The Southern Oaks Learning and Wellness Campus is located at 6728 South Hudson next to Parmelee Elementary and Southern Oaks Library. Located in our city’s zip code with the lowest health indicators, OCCHD chose this location to serve the citizens of South Oklahoma City by bringing together a multitude of partners that allow for a broad array of services to be offered.
Free After-Hours Flu Shot Clinic on 12/20
Free flu shots are available at all three convenient clinic locations to those beginning at six months and up. Oklahoma City and County residents are still being encouraged to protect themselves, their families and help prevent the spread of the flu by receiving their vaccine.
Family Fun Night at Southern Oaks
Join us for Family Fun Night at our new Southern Oaks Learning and Wellness Campus on Thursday, December 13th from 5:30-7:30pm. This Pajama Party will include a Bounce House, Kids Games, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Crafts, Cooking Demo, Door Prizes and more!
Move to Southern Oaks Campus in Progress
Our South Health Clinic's clinical and WIC services will be moving to the new Southern Oaks Health and Wellness Campus starting Thursday, December 6 through Monday, December 10th.
Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy
You can help yourself and others stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during key times when you are likely to get and spread germs.
Cold Weather Safety
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, which is the freezing of the skin and body tissue beneath the skin, in either yourself or another person, seek medical care IMMEDIATELY. Additionally, hypothermia occurs when one’s body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, so, before addressing symptoms of frostbite, first determine whether you or someone else is showing signs of hypothermia.
Enjoy a Safe Thanksgiving Meal
As Thanksgiving approaches the Oklahoma City-County Health Department reminds those who prepare the holiday meal to follow four simple rules: Clean, Seperate, Cook, and Chill.
43rd Annual Great American Smokeout
On November 15th, Oklahoma County smokers are encouraged to put down their cigarettes for a day, or a lifetime, for the Great American Smokeout (GASO). This annual event is celebrated across the country to encourage smokers to find their reason to quit, set their quit date and take the steps toward a smoke free and healthier life.
Safe Heating is Critical in the Months Ahead
Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) reminds residents as the temperatures drop, it is important to safely heat your home or business. Oklahoma City Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson said, “It’s been a rough year for us with 19 fire fatalities this year. All but one of those had one common threat: no working smoke alarms.”
November is American Diabetes Month
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
Be Safe and Healthy on Halloween
Carve out time to be active this Halloween – between get-togethers and trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Take a walk and do some weight training to help you feel good! Regular physical activity can help control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and some cancers, improve mental health and mood, and increase your chance of living longer.
Smokefree Apartments Maps
OCCHD and the TSET Healthy Living Program serving Oklahoma County have launched a smokefree apartments map on their website. Finding a smokefree apartment can be difficult, but this useful tool, which features many smokefree apartment complexes across the county can help ease the search process for potential residents.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. The main factors that influence your risk include being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older.
Pregnant Women Need The Flu Shot!
With only half of pregnant moms getting their flu shot, too many remain unprotected. Flu shots help protect pregnant women and their babies from potentially serious flu illness during and after pregnancy.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
#BeThe1To Save A Life!
September is National Suicide Prevention Month! If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. It’s important to take care of yourself when you are supporting someone through a difficult time, as this may stir up difficult emotions. If it does, please reach out for support yourself.
Infant Mortality Awareness Month
The death of a baby before his or her first birthday is called infant mortality. The infant mortality rate is an estimate of the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. This rate is often used as an indicator to measure the health and well-being of a nation, because factors affecting the health of entire populations can also impact the mortality rate of infants.
Home Fire Prevention
Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.
Make and Practice Your Emergency Plan
Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
September is National Preparedness Month!
National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This NPM will focus on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.
Phil Maytubby, Advocate of the Year
The advocacy work of Phil Maytubby with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) has supported efforts that brought the Surgeon General to a hosted symposium at OCCHD and continues to provide the platform for legislative visits, events, 2 committees, nationwide presentations and policy revisions focused on public health strategy.
Keep Kids E-Cigarette Free
Have you seen your kid’s USB flash drive lately? It could actually be an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) containing nicotine. E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students, and USB-shaped e-cigarettes are increasing in popularity. As parents prepare to send their kids back to school, take time to learn more about the dangers of e-cigarettes for young people.
Tick Prevention
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
What to do After a Boil Water Order has been lifted
Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of the boil order to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets, showers, water and ice dispensers, water treatment units, and so on.
Skin Cancer Awareness
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer. To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning.Join the conversation to raise awareness about the benefits of sun protection!
Back to School Immunizations
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) nurses encourage parents/guardians to check the status of their children’s immunizations early in order to avoid the last-minute rush. Check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs and make sure to bring a current copy of their child’s shot record if they have one.
Putting Nonviolent Offenders Back on Track
OCCHD and partners are devising ways to help nonviolent offenders get back into the mainstream. An estimated 77 percent of the inmates in the county’s overcrowded jail are nonviolent offenders whose crimes might be better addressed through mental health and community service opportunities.
Keep Cool in Hot Weather!
Now is the time to prepare for the high temperatures that kill hundreds of people every year. Extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths each year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people still die from extreme heat every year.
Healthy and Safe Swimming
Pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds are great places to have fun, be active, or just relax. Learn how to stay healthy and safe when in the water this summer!
First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2018 Confirmed!
West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. The most susceptible are infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. If symptoms are severe, please contact your doctor immediately.
Stay Safe on Independence Day!
Many festivities occur to celebrate the Fourth of July. Make sure you are prepared for any activity you take part in!
Car Seat Usage Tips
OCCHD injury prevention specialists remind residents that state law requires car seats must be rear-facing until the age of two. The child can remain rear facing after the age of two if weight requirements allow.
Cryptosporidium Parasites (Crypto)
OCCHD advises residents about Cryptosporidium parasites (Crypto) which live in the intestine of infected humans or animals. According to the CDC, Crypto can be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals.
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
Men: Make Health and Wellness a Priority!
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department are celebrating Men’s Health Month during June. Men are encouraged to take steps to be healthy and lower their risks of chronic diseases. Heart disease and cancer are leading causes of death among men 18 and older in Oklahoma. Death certificate data show the most notable increase occurred in hypertensive heart disease, jumping from 46.2 deaths/100,000 population in 2014 to 75.9 deaths in 2016.
West Nile Survivor - Kristen Acosta
Kristen Acosta of Yukon talks in the above video about the day she began having symptoms of West Nile Virus. She says the pain and suffering from West Nile was something she will never forget and the road to recovery was even more challenging. She also talks about the lasting effects from West Nile and she offers her advice to prevent it.
Summer Heat Safety
Each year, more than 600 people die from heat-related illness in the United States. In Oklahoma, there were 145 deaths associated with exposure to excessive heat from 2010 to 2017. Approximately 70 percent of those deaths occurred in males.
Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Sample Confirmed
OCCHD experts confirm one positive mosquito sample to be carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oklahoma County. OCCHD Public Health Protection Director Phil Maytubby said, “Residents need to focus on reducing habitats where mosquitoes live and breed by getting rid of any sources of stagnant water and wearing repellent containing DEET.”
Men's Health Month
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
Handling Food Safely Outdoors
Picnic and barbecue season offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. But these warm weather events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. As food heats up in summer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly.
Swim Healthy. Stay Healthy.
Did you know there are billions of germs floating in the water of community pools, splash pads, and other water venues? Pool chemicals kill most germs within minutes, but some live for days, especially in untreated water sources. The average swimmer introduces a number of dirty items into recreational water including hair, saliva, feces, urine, sweat, and many skin products such as lotions, cosmetics and soaps. The germs in the water can lead to illness in both adults and children.
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Every May, the nation turns its attention to teen pregnancy prevention for a full month. National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM) highlights the historic declines in the rates of teen births in the United States. Significant declines have occurred in all 50 states and among all racial/ethnic groups, yet disparities continue.
Family Fun Fest 2018
Join us on Saturday, June 2nd for Family Fun Fest! The event will include Bounce Houses, Free Snowcones, Free Food, Outdoor Activities, Giveaways, Face Painting, and Toddler Games.
Ozone Alert
The primary component of smog, ground-level ozone, is a health risk to the general populace of Central Oklahoma, but especially dangerous to Children, The Elderly, Individuals with Respiratory Illnesses, Individuals with Cardiovascular Illnesses, Individuals with Asthma, Diabetes, and Emphysema.
Reducing Tick Exposure
OCCHD Epidemiologists remind the public that warmer weather means people will be outdoors more often and we need to remember some key ways to protect ourselves from not only sunburns, but ticks as well. Ticks can spread diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Lyme Disease, and Ehrlichiosis. In Oklahoma, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is common between April and September.
National Women's Health Week
During National Women's Health Week each year, millions of women take steps to improve their health. The week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and build positive health habits for life. The 19th annual National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 13, and is celebrated through May 19, 2018. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women’s Health leads National Women’s Health Week to encourage all women to be as healthy as possible.
Family Fun Night
Family Fun Night is a FREE family friendly event that teaches and encourages families how to be physically active, eat healthy, and have a fun time together.
National Nurses Week
OCCHD leadership recognizes our public health nurses who work at our three clinics, seven WIC offices, a Tuberculosis Center as well as in programs like Children First, Epidemiology, Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) and Community Health across the metro.
2018 Mayors Challenge
Oklahoma City is one of 35 cities selected as a finalist in a nationwide competition that encourages city leaders to uncover bold, inventive ideas that confront the toughest problems facing cities.
Air Quality Awareness Week
This year's theme is Air Quality Where You Are. The goal is to promote events that increase air quality awareness and inspire people to take steps, no matter how large or small, to reduce their contribution to air pollution.
Infant Immunizations FAQs
It’s natural you have questions about your child’s vaccines. Read answers to common questions to learn more about vaccine safety, the recommended schedule, how vaccines protect your child from 14 diseases by age two, and more.
National Infant Immunization Week
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years old or younger. Since 1994, local and state health departments, national immunization partners, healthcare professionals, community leaders from across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked together through NIIW to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children, and to call attention to immunization achievements.
Joint Council on Public Health Established
Public health leaders from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, OKC-County Health Department and Tulsa Health Department have announced the creation of the Joint Council on Public Health.
Red Flag Warning
Friday has the potential to be a very dangerous wildfire day across parts of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. It is likely the red flag warning will need to be extended further east.
The Right To Health
All people deserve the opportunity to live long, healthy and productive lives. In fact, offering all people the tools and conditions associated with better health and less disease is an investment that comes with generations of positive returns.
National Public Health Week 2018
During each day of National Public Health Week, we will focus on one public health topic. We believe these topic areas are critical to our future success in creating the healthiest nation.
Annual Children First Graduation
OCCHD will host our 5th annual Children First graduation celebration on Saturday, April 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus Auditorium at 2600 N.E. 63rd.
Make a Disaster Plan
Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
6 Ways to End Family Fights Over Dinner
The key to calm, positive meal times is a healthy feeding relationship with an appropriate division of responsibilities between adults and children.
County Health Rankings Released
Published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the County Health Rankings show us where we are doing well and highlight what is working to improve health and wellness in Oklahoma County. Ranking in the top 1/3 of the state for health factors and in the middle for health outcomes, 21 and 28 out of 77, respectively, the County Health Rankings show us where we live matters to our health. OCCHD uses the Rankings, in collaboration with the Wellness Score, to target programming within our community.
First Pediatric Flu Death Reported
OCCHD confirms the first death of a pediatric patient (aged 5-17) from the flu along with seven other deaths this past week. The fatality count in Oklahoma County now stands at 22. An additional 42 hospitalizations are reported, bringing our total up to 587 which is 170 more hospitalizations than the same time last year.
What You Need To Know About Measles
Measles, not to be confused with German measles (rubella), is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus. A high fever and a red rash covering most of the body develop in almost every case. Measles can also cause pneumonia, deafness, and inflammation of the brain and death.
Free Drive-Thru Flu Clinic
OCCHD nurses will host a FREE drive-thru clinic at Remington Park located in the C-3 parking lot just off of Martin Luther King Avenue on Saturday, February 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get Flu Shot and Practice Good Hand Hygiene
OCCHD epidemiologists confirm three additional influenza-associated deaths. Two in the 18-49 age group and one in the 50-64 group in Oklahoma County for the 2017-2018 flu season. Flu has now claimed a total of eight Oklahoma County residents this season. Statewide, the deaths have risen by 18 to 92.
Two More Die From The Flu
OCCHD epidemiologists confirm two additional influenza-associated deaths in Oklahoma County for the 2017-2018 flu season bringing the total to five deaths and 380 hospitalizations this season. Flu has now claimed the lives of 74 Oklahomans this season.
Red Flag Warning
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Heart Health Dance for Adults
Join us on February 9th from 7-10pm at the NE Regional Health and Wellness Center for a Heart Health Dance for singles and couples. This is a FREE and Casual Attire event that will include Heart-Healthy Snacks, Door Prizes, and of course Music & Dancing!
Family Fun Night
Family Fun Night is a FREE family friendly event that teaches and encourages families how to be physically active, eat healthy, and have a fun time together.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and there are more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room with more than 4,000 hospitalizations. Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder months.
Flu Claims the Lives of Two
OCCHD epidemiologists confirm two influenza-associated deaths in Oklahoma County for the 2017-2018 flu season. Flu has now claimed the lives of six Oklahomans this season. Oklahoma County’s hospitalizations for the season now stand at 74.
Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare
Learn how to stay safe before, during, and after ice/snow storms by following our safety tips.
Avoid Illness After a Power Outage
If the power in your home goes out for more than a few hours, OKC-County Health Department food safety experts say it’s important to determine whether or not the food stored in your refrigerator and freezer is still safe to cook, eat or refreeze.
Traveling While Pregnant
There are some pregnancy and travel related concerns; however, the information provided in this article will help make your trip the safest and most comfortable it can be.
Survive Winter Weather Travel with 7 Essentials
When it comes to travel this holiday season don’t take chances on beating potentially dangerous winter weather conditions. At the OKC-County Health Department (OCCHD), we recommend developing a winter weather preparedness plan, which ensures your family’s safety during a major event.
Do You have Diabetes?
The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.
Treat Your Diabetes Well
November is National Diabetes Month. Here’s to managing your diabetes for a longer, healthier life. There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but a healthy lifestyle can really reduce its impact on your life. What you do every day makes the difference: eating a healthy diet, being physically active, taking medicines if prescribed, and keeping health care appointments to stay on track.
Take 3 Steps to Fight the Flu
OCCHD Epidemiologists advise the current flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the illness less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the virus to family and friends. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age and are approved for use in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions. There are flu shots specifically for use in people as young as 6 months of age and older.
Holiday Food Safety
Many people don't realize that food safety is the most important ingredient in preparing food for the holidays. This article includes some helpful food safety resources to keep your holidays happy.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities
It’s a common situation — a thunderstorm is approaching or nearby. Are conditions outside safe, or is it time to head for safe place? Not wanting to appear overly cautious, many people wait far too long before reacting to this potentially deadly weather threat.
It’s Open Season on Ticks
Protect yourself from tickborne disease this hunting season! Ticks feed on the blood of animals (such as rodents, rabbits, deer, and birds), but will bite humans too. Ticks live in grassy or wooded areas, or on the animals themselves. Hunting brings you in closer contact with the ticks, so take the proper safety precautions to reduce your chances of being bitten.
Pilot project could improve health, cut costs
Oklahoma City-County Health Department Executive Director Gary Cox said the project is a continuation of a pilot project his agency did that has proven to save money. Cox’s initiative had social workers working with Integris and Mercy emergency department workers to determine which patients used the ERs the most for non-emergency needs. They then connected them with social services or free clinics that can address preventive needs for some health conditions.
OCCHD offers flu vaccines starting Oct 2nd
OCCHD will launch their seasonal flu-vaccine clinics on Monday, October 2nd. The cost for the flu shot is $25. Payment can be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. The vaccine is available at no cost for those who qualify for Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, while supplies last.
Financial Preparedness
Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently.
Child Passenger Safety Week
Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Buckling children in age and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half.
2017 Summit: A Focus on Poverty
The Infant Mortality Alliance 2017 Summit: A Focus on Poverty presents an opportunity for our community to take steps in understanding the impact that poverty has on our most vulnerable families.
Make A Family Communication Plan
Emergencies can happen at any time. Does your family know how to get in touch with each other if you are not all together?
Get Involved Before The Next Disaster
There are many ways to Get Involved especially before a disaster occurs, the content found on this page will guide you find ways to take action in your community. Community leaders agree the formula for ensuring a safer homeland consists of trained volunteers and informed individuals taking action to increase the support of emergency response agencies during disasters.
Two People in OKC Confirmed with West Nile Virus
OCCHD epidemiologists report two human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oklahoma County of the mosquito season. WNV is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Oklahoma, and it’s a deadly threat especially to Senior Adults. WNV symptoms include fever, headache, body ache and sometimes a rash.