January 2025
Welcome to the January issue of the Public Health Macomb newsletter – from the Macomb County Health Department. As we move into the new year, here’s hoping that you, your family and loved ones have a safe, healthy 2025.
This newsletter highlights timely public health services that are available to Macomb County residents through the Health Department. It is our hope that by sharing this information, you will take advantage of these services and offerings, and help make Macomb County a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Happy New Year
Important Things to Know
Warming Centers for Winter Weather – As we move further into winter, Michigan residents face the increased likelihood of dangerously cold temperatures. Those without shelter, stranded, or living in poorly heated homes are particularly at risk for health emergencies like hypothermia and frostbite. Following are the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite as well as information regarding warming centers in Macomb County.
Hypothermia is when the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced when it is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time.
Warning Signs:
- Adults might display shivering, memory loss, or drowsiness
- Children might display bright red skin, low energy, or cold skin
Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze from prolonged exposure to extremely cold weather. It most often affects body parts such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.
Warning signs:
- A white or grayish-yellow skin area
- Redness or pain
- Skin that feels unusually tight
- Numbness
Warming Centers can provide temporary relief, and a place for the community to gather during the day in extreme weather conditions. Warming centers are generally located in heated buildings such as libraries, senior centers and town halls and are open to the public.
A listing of warming centers in Macomb County can be found here.
What is Pertussis and How Can You Prevent it? – Vaccines have protected millions of people from diseases for many years. They have even gotten rid of serious illnesses like polio and measles. More recently, the COVID-19 vaccine has helped keep people from getting very sick or dying.
Another disease that can be stopped with a vaccine is Pertussis, or whooping cough. Pertussis is caused by bacteria and is very dangerous for babies, young children, and people with health problems. At first, Pertussis might seem like a cold, but it gets worse fast. It can cause coughing that won’t stop, making it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. The cough can even make a “whooping” sound. Pertussis can lead to problems like pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or even death.
The good news is that vaccines can prevent Pertussis - DTap and Tdap vaccines. In addition to Pertussis, the DTaP and Tdap vaccines also protect against diphtheria and tetanus.
Who Should Get the DTaP and Tdap Vaccines?
The DTaP and Tdap vaccines are for different age groups:
- DTaP Vaccine: This vaccine is for children under 7 years old. Babies usually get their first DTaP shot at 2 months old.
- Tdap Vaccine: This vaccine is for older kids, teens, and adults. People should get a Tdap shot every 10 years starting at age 7.
Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy. This is usually done in the third trimester. It helps protect newborns from Pertussis before they are old enough to get their own vaccines.
Keep your family healthy and safe! Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against Pertussis. You can also learn more about immunizations that are available at the Macomb County Health Department at our online Immunizations Clinics and Information resources page.
For more information on “whooping cough”/Pertussis visit the CDC's online resources on Pertussis
January is Radon Action Month – January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon and how to keep your home safe. To help promote the importance of Radon Action Month, the Macomb County Health Department is offering free radon test kits to Macomb County residents to help them take action.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed from the radioactive decay of uranium. While it’s always present in the environment, problems arise when radon seeps into homes through cracks and gaps, leading to a buildup of potentially dangerous levels indoors. High levels of radon are a serious health hazard, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, contributing to approximately 21,000 deaths annually.
Why Test for Radon in Winter?
Radon levels are typically highest during the winter months due to factors like frozen ground, reduced ventilation, increased indoor activities and the stack effect, where rising warm air creates a vacuum that pulls air from lower levels. As a result, winter is the ideal time to test your home. Since radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, it often goes undetected, posing an invisible threat to families. No home is immune to radon—whether it’s old or new, large or small, any home can have elevated levels. Nearly 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high levels of radon in their home.
How to Test Your Home
Free, easy-to-use radon test kits are available to Macomb County residents through the Macomb County Health Department. These easy-to-use kits allow you to check your home for radon.
While supplies last, county residents can reserve a radon test kit here. Test kits can also be reserved by calling the Macomb County Health Department at 586-469-5236. After you have reserved your kit, it will be available for pick-up at the Health Department’s Central Health Center in Mount Clemens located at 43525 Elizabeth Road during normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more information on radon and the free testing kits, visit our online resource on radon.
New Year, Stronger You: SMART Steps to Achieve Lasting Fitness Goals in 2025 – Many people set fitness goals for the new year, but staying motivated can be hard. Why? Goals are often too vague or focus on results instead of habits. This year, make fitness easy and stick to it. Start by knowing your "why." Do you want more energy, to lose weight, or to feel stronger? Knowing your reason helps you stay on track. Take small steps, like two 10-minute walks a day, and think of fitness as a long-term habit. Pick activities you enjoy, like walking, yoga, or jogging, and make a simple plan that fits your lifestyle. Exercise with a friend or group to stay motivated. Celebrate small wins, like buying new workout gear or treating yourself to something relaxing. Track your progress and notice how you feel stronger or more active. If you miss a day, that’s okay—just start again. Use the SMART tracker below to set clear, achievable goals. Here’s an example:
- Specific: I will walk 20 minutes after dinner every day.
- Measurable: I’ll track my minutes daily.
- Achievable: I enjoy walking and have 20 minutes free.
- Relevant: This helps me stay healthy and energetic.
- Time-Bound: I’ll do this for one month and check my progress.
Take the first step to a healthier you—one workout at a time! Happy New Year!
Click here to print the SMART tracker.
Maternal Health Awareness Day - Maternal Health Awareness Day reminds us of the 700 maternal deaths that occur each year. This year’s theme is “know what’s at stake.” These losses have a big impact on families and communities.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says 84% of maternal deaths could be prevented. "Recognizing urgent warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many [maternal] deaths said Katie Naujokas, Public Health Services Manager at the Macomb County Health Department. "Our Maternal Child Health Home Visiting programs use many of these strategies. Nurses or social workers assess clients’ mental health and screen for substance use. They also identify clients’ goals and where they need support."
To help broaden the range of services and improve maternal outcomes among clients in 2025, the Macomb County Health Department's Home Visiting program is applying for funding to help their clients identify high blood pressure during their pregnancy or post-partum period. Early detection of high blood pressure can prevent preeclampsia -- one of the leading causes of early birth and a top cause of maternal mortality.
To learn more or enroll, visit our website. You may also call 586-465-8429, or email HomeVisiting@macombgov.org.
Community Health Improvement Plan Update: Behavioral Health & Substance Use – In 2023, the Macomb County Health Department, along with over 25 partner organizations completed a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA). The CHA was then used to create the 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which identified three priority areas that would be addressed by the CHIP:
- Behavioral Health & Substance Use
- Social Determinants & Built Environment
- Chronic Disease & Healthy Lifestyle
Workgroups for each priority area were established to help develop local level strategies and activation.
Here is an update on the Behavioral Health and Substance Use workgroup:
The Behavioral Health Workgroup, composed of 14 local organizations, has made great progress in helping people in Macomb County get the care they need. Currently, the workgroup is updating a Behavioral Health Services Map to make it easier for the community to find and access mental health help, including resources for veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. In February, the workgroup will launch social media campaigns featuring posters made by Center Line High School students to spread the word about mental health, with more partnerships on the horizon.
The Behavioral Health Workgroup will continue to collaborate to improve services, share information, and ensure that everyone in the community can access the support they need. For more details, visit our website.
Partner Spotlight: 211/United Way – United Way for Southeastern Michigan is a beacon of hope and support, providing a wide array of programs and resources to uplift individuals and families in Macomb County. Their initiatives involve prioritizing access to basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, financial stability, and taking on critical challenges to pave the way for long-term success.
One of their most impactful resources is the 2-1-1 helpline, a confidential and free service available 24/7. This vital service connects people in need with essential programs, such as housing assistance, food programs, utility support, mental health resources, and more. Whether someone is navigating a personal crisis or simply seeking information, 2-1-1 offers a lifeline of guidance and connection.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s commitment to improving lives and strengthening our community inspires us all. Thank you for making a meaningful difference every day!
For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan click here.
For more information on 2-1-1, click here.
The success of the 2-1-1 helpline relies on accurate and up-to-date information about community programs and services. To ensure families can access your organization’s resources, please contact us to add or update your information in the 2-1-1 Community Resource Directory at: 211serviceproviders@LiveUnitedSEM.org
Stay current. Get connected. – Have you ever visited the Commonwealth events and resources website? Commonwealth provides information on upcoming events, workshops, and educational opportunities that are sponsored by local agencies, organizations and municipalities in Macomb County and southeast Michigan. Many of the activities posted on Commonwealth free. Check it out.
In the News
- Whooping cough cases continue to climb across Michigan, health officials say - read more
- When kindness becomes a habit, it improves our health - read more
- Bird flu in Michigan: State testing milk amid fears of avian influenza infecting dairy farms - read more
- COVID deaths decline steeply in 2024; spread muted so far in winter - read more
About the Macomb County Health Department
The Macomb County Health Department provides a wide range of programs and services through five major divisions: The Environmental Health Services/Emergency Preparedness Division, which includes restaurant inspection, community health and safety, shelter, waste, water quality management, and emergency preparedness; the Family Health Services Division, which includes immunization, family planning, and other family and maternal/child health programs; the Community Health Planning and Promotion which includes health education, nutrition, and community-based chronic disease prevention, hearing and vision screening, Children's Special Health Care Services and WIC, the Disease Control Division which is responsible for disease surveillance and control programs; and the Medical Examiner's Office.
