Garfield County Health Department communications coordinator Diana Hernandez presented the Community Health Update for the City of Enid on Tuesday.
Here is a brief overview of what the update presented:
- The update reminded the public that it is still flu season. While respiratory viruses affect people of all ages, you can take simple steps to protect yourself and the people around you. Wash your hands frequently, stay home if you are feeling sick and don’t hesitate to seek proper testing or medical attention.
- You can stay informed and safe with the Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary on the OK ViralView webpage. OK ViralView provides timely data on influenza, RSV and COVID-19 that includes sentinel surveillance, illness severity data and lab testing data. Weekly reports are published every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout influenza season.
- February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Use the acronym “C.A.U.T.I.O.N.” to monitor potential symptoms:
- Change in bowel or bladder habits.
- A sore that does not heal.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge.
- Thickening or lumping in the breast or elsewhere.
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
- Obvious change in a wart or mole.
- Nagging cough or hoarseness.
The update also highlighted several relevant programs overseen by the Garfield County Health Department:
- Pediatric Audiology Program: a program that started last year that provides hearing tests to kids ages 0-18. No referral is needed.
- SoonerStart: an early intervention program for babies born with disabilities and developmental delays. The program assists kids ages 0-3.
- Children First: a program dedicated to assisting first-time moms.
- Women Infants and Children (WIC): a supplemental food program for women and children.
- The Garfield County Health Department also provides in-person car seat appointments with certified child passenger safety technicians. Call the department to see if you qualify.
If you have any questions about the points listed above or about any other health-related concerns, you can visit the department at 2501 Mercer Dr. or call at (580) 233-0650.
