CO poisoning is preventable.
IDPH just released its first-ever Carbon Monoxide Surveillance Report to strengthen prevention efforts across Illinois.
Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...
And a storm season reminder:
Generators go outside.
At least 20 feet away.
Never in a garage - not even with the door open.
Take 60 seconds today:
✔ Test every CO alarm
✔ Check the expiration date
✔ Replace old units
✔ Make sure you have one on every level + near sleeping areas
In 2024, Illinois fire departments responded to 9,860 carbon monoxide-related calls. Most incidents happen in homes.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is invisible. No smell, no color, and no warning. That's why it's so important that your alarm actually works.
be honest. when was the last time you tested your carbon monoxide alarm?
no, not changed the batteries. actually tested it.
Protecting your heart doesn’t mean cutting out flavor - it means being intentional.
Start by checking one label today.
Your heart will thank you. ❤️
The good news? Small changes make a big difference. ❤️
✅ Use herbs and spices instead of salt to season food.
✅ Read the Nutrition Facts label and aim for <2,300 mg/day.
✅ Rinse canned vegetables and beans before eating.
✅ Swap chips for snacks like carrots or celery.
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
More than 70% of the sodium we eat comes from packaged, processed, and restaurant foods- not the salt shaker on your table.
Even foods that don’t taste “salty” can be high in sodium.
High sodium intake increases your risk for:
➡️ High blood pressure
➡️ Heart attack
➡️ Stroke
➡️ Heart failure
➡️ Kidney disease
➡️ Osteoporosis
Over time, excess sodium makes your heart and blood vessels work harder than they should.
The average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium per day.
The recommended limit is less than 2,300 mg per day.
That gap can have serious consequences for your heart and overall health.
9 out of 10 of you are eating more sodium than recommended 🧵
If you’re struggling with sleep, talk with a health care professional. Better sleep = better heart health = better everything.
The good news? Small changes can help improve your sleep (and your heart health):
✔ Go to bed & wake up at the same time
✔ Get sunlight earlier in the day
✔ Move your body (just not right before bed)
✔ Dim screens at night / use blue light filters
✔ Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet
Sleep problems like sleep apnea or insomnia can also strain your heart. Long-term sleep trouble is linked to higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to more stress, less movement, and less healthy food choices.
Here's why:
During healthy sleep, your blood pressure naturally drops.
When sleep is cut short or disrupted, blood pressure stays higher longer, increasing heart risk.
Not getting enough sleep is linked to:
→ High blood pressure
→ Type 2 diabetes
→ Weight gain
→ Heart disease
→ Stroke
Sleep isn't just about feeling rested. It's actually critical for your heart health. Most adults need at least 7 hours per night. But more than 1 in 3 adults don't get enough. Over time, that can raise your risk for serious health problems.
wanna know one thing you can do to improve your heart health this year? sleep.
we're serious. 🧵⬇️
Who’s most at risk?
➡️Infants too young to be vaccinated
➡️People with a weakened immune system
➡️Those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated
Vaccination is your best protection.
✔️Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.
✔️Most people are vaccinated in childhood are not at a high risk.
What to do if you think you’ve been exposed:
➡️Monitor for symptoms (7-21 days after exposure): rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
➡️Call ahead before visiting a doctor
➡️Follow public health guidance
If you were attending church at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville on Sunday, February 8 between 8 AM and 12:15 PM, you may have been exposed to measles.
⚠️Illinois has reported its first measles case of 2026 in an adult in the Metro East area. Now is a good time to double check your MMR vaccination status.
Here’s what else you need to know.👇
You can start by knowing your numbers to understand your risk, then take steps there to change your habits or control it. Visit dph.illinois.gov/topics-servi... and talk to your doctor about how to manage your cholesterol this #AmericanHeartMonth.
But here's the tricky part: High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You can feel totally fine and still have unhealthy levels. Luckily, cholesterol is one of the biggest controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
That buildup can lead to atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) which can increase your risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
There are two main types:
➡️ LDL = "bad" cholesterol (can build up in arteries)
➡️ HDL = "good" cholesterol (helps remove LDL)
Too much LDL or not enough HDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries - narrowing them over time.
Why does cholesterol matter?
Because high cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
