Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

November is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. There are almost 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease which is a progressive brain disorder that effects memory, thinking, language, and ability to complete daily activities.

The Village of Hoffman Estates will offer a series on Brain Health that will include educational information in the Citizen newsletter, website, and social media. 

Please join us in our efforts to support our fellow community members and their caregivers.

For more information visit, alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484.

Visit alz.org/facts for an infographic with facts and figures on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Get Your Flu Vaccine 

Influenza (flu) can be a very serious disease for you, your family, and friends — but you can lower your risk for severe complications by getting vaccinated. Everyone age 6 months and older is recommended to get a yearly flu shot. There are many different types of flu vaccine options, and Health and Human Services offers thimerosal-free flu shots as well as higher dose vaccines for older adults. Shots are free with Medicaid and Medicare, and only $25 for all others. Influenza outbreaks each season are unpredictable; therefore, vaccination is the best protection. Call HHS at 847-781-4850 for questions or visit: https://portal.hoffmanestates.org/Vaccine/ChildVaccine to request an appointment.

To learn more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Appointments can be requested online at: https://portal.hoffmanestates.org/Vaccine/ChildVaccine 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

According to The American Diabetes Association, in Illinois, approximately 11% of the population have diabetes. This is a condition that develops when your blood glucose is too high due to your body not producing enough insulin or is not able to use it properly. Would you know the warning signs if you had diabetes? Some people with this disease have such mild symptoms that they go unnoticed. Women with gestational diabetes often have no symptoms at all. Knowing the typical warning signs of diabetes can help reduce future complications.

Common symptoms of diabetes:
• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

The Department of Health and Human Services offers two different low-cost diabetes screenings. During the month of November, glucose screenings are free and hemoglobin A1C screenings are $15. Each test includes immediate results as well as a consultation with a nurse to learn about your risk factors and how lifestyle changes can help prevent or control the disease. To schedule an appointment, call 847-781-4850. 

OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS & PREVENTION

Bones are living tissues that are constantly growing and reshaping throughout life. As we age, we can lose more bone than we form. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak and porous, making them more prone to fractures and breaks. There are over 54 million Americans who are living with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can affect men and women of all races. You can decrease your risk by engaging in weight-bearing exercise, eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, limiting alcohol, and not smoking.

It’s never too late to protect your bones.

General Facts - Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (bonehealthandosteoporosis.org), Osteoporosis

Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov), http://www.niams.nih.gov/

 WITS WORKOUT

The sharps recycling program provides residents the opportunity to drop off sharps on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 1 pm in the Health and Human Services Department.