Category: Blog

Whether you’re hitting the gym harder at the beginning of the year or focusing on better overall health, taking 30 days off alcohol can create

If you are in a disaster or emergency, take steps to prevent illness from unsafe food. Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to

With flu season in full swing, it is imperative that everyone 6 months or older get an influenza vaccine. Here are six reasons debunked for

In Tulsa County and across Oklahoma, we have seen firsthand how misinformation can undermine public health. False narratives regarding vaccines have spread faster than the

In advance of the upcoming holidays and New Year’s, the Tulsa Health Department’s substance abuse prevention program and the StopDUI Task Force are encouraging residents

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program Gastrointestinal illnesses (GI) are some of the most common sicknesses reported in Tulsa County. The Tulsa Health Department’s Epidemiology

After 35 years of dedicated service, countless home visits and a career spent advancing the health and safety of families across Tulsa County, Children First

On behalf of the Tulsa Health Department, we are proud to share the FY24-25 Annual Report, which covers the impact of our agency from July

The holiday season is a wonderful time to cook delicious meals that are traditional for the season and various cultures. Many people don’t realize that

As cooler weather moves into Oklahoma and across much of the northern United States, many people begin planning trips to enjoy warmer destinations like Florida,

Navigating health information can feel overwhelming. From internet searches to complex medical terms, it’s not always easy to know what applies to you. Health literacy

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program Feeling sick from your favorite meats? It might be alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). This is a tick-borne allergic condition triggered

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program It’s that time again—sharpened pencils, packed lunches and… sore throats? Like clockwork, the “back-to-school plague” hits homes just as

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program As temperatures rise this summer, so does the activity of two unwelcome visitors: ticks and mosquitoes. With Oklahoma experiencing

Picture this: Your child is playing in a clean park; your elderly neighbor is receiving regular checkups thanks to a mobile health clinic; your local

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program Traveling opens doors to new cultures, foods, and experiences—but it can also bring exposure to unfamiliar health risks. If you’ve

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of understanding and preventing viral hepatitis. Millions of

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and many Americans will celebrate with cookouts, camping, road trips and other activities that involve food.

National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in April, 1968, a national law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental

Long COVID is an infection-associated chronic condition that remains a serious public health concern. It is defined as a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2

A nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month®, held annually in March, focuses attention on

Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus. Whether you’re a food handler or

THD’s Nutritionist, Jasmine Daviston, suggests not to stress too much on finding healthy recipes. If you stick to getting your protein and veggies while limiting

No matter how you celebrate the holidays, prioritizing the health of you and your loved ones can help you make the most of the season.

Epidemiologists are like real-life detectives, but instead of tracking criminals, they’re tracking viruses, bacteria and other sneaky germs. While everyone saw them in action during

Treat smarts All treats and no tricks makes Halloween enjoyable for everyone. Street smarts The frightening fact is that, on average, children are more than twice

Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. The Tulsa Health Departments reminds residents to take preventive

The Oklahoma WIC Program will be transitioning from Gerber to Similac brand contract infant formulas. All WIC programs in the US are required to have

As September ushers in National Food Protection Month, Tulsa County residents have even more reason to feel confident and excited about the upcoming Tulsa State

The Tulsa Health Department (THD) is committed to enhancing the well-being of the Tulsa community through comprehensive prevention and healthcare services. Our numerous programs are

Save The Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024 A free Community Baby Shower honoring pregnant women and families with infants who live or work in the

Take action to be healthy and safe and encourage men and boys in your life to make their health a priority. Learn about steps men

As temperatures rise, we’re all eager to cool off in pools and splash pads. But did you know that proper prevention and mitigation strategies can

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! At a time when the world needs unity and support more than ever, we want to take a moment to

During the first full week of April each year, American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe #NationalPublicHealthWeek as a

In advance of St. Patrick’s Day, the Tulsa Health Department’s substance abuse prevention program and the StopDUI Task Force are encouraging residents who consume alcoholic

by Pam Holt, MS, RD/LD | THD WIC Manager Oklahoma winters can be cold and dreary. Kids often get bored easily and mealtimes can be

It makes sense to us that our food would be contaminated if it had chemicals in it, but did you know that our food can

In advance of Valentine’s Day, the Tulsa Health Department’s substance abuse prevention program and the StopDUI Task Force are encouraging residents who consume alcoholic beverages

Join us in February 2024 for heart-healthy hypertension reducing meals. These demos are hosted at our North Regional Health and Wellness Center, 56th & MLK

Norovirus is a highly contagious and notorious pathogen and a leading cause of gastroenteritis, infection and inflammation of the digestive system, worldwide. Commonly associated with

Immunizing your infant or child with the current recommended childhood vaccines mobilizes the body’s natural defenses against dangerous infectious diseases. Update your child’s vaccinations at

The National Safety Council suggests the following cold weather safety tips to be better prepared at home and on the road: • Have an additional

Explore, Discuss and Empower Join us in this empowering town hall that focuses on sexual health awareness. Let’s break down barriers, share knowledge and foster

Source: CDC It’s the holiday season again! If you are preparing for holiday travel by land or air, these tips can help you stay healthy

(otherwise known as an Epidemiologist) You may know about epidemiologists or an “epi” due to their involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily through social media,

Be a part of a movement where your voice and experiences matter We are seeking dedicated female community members who are eager to share their

Thanksgiving leftovers may be reaching their time safe in the fridge. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen

The Tulsa Health Department is the host site for two Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corp (OKMRC) trainings designed to help first responders and community members take

The months from October to May are considered respiratory illness season. We normally see an increase in cases of flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

THD honors Veterans Day and thank all those who have served in our armed forces. Your dedication and sacrifice have helped protect our freedoms and

Epidemiology’s role to alter statistics As Epidemiologists, we aim to prevent illness and negative outcomes to protect our residents. Pregnant women and infants are a

The Epidemiology team members at the Tulsa Health Department are all considered responders  specific to events such as bioterrorism, infectious diseases, and mass potential outbreaks.

Food Safety During Emergencies It is important that during a power outage individuals do not rely on their eyes and sense of smell when determining

Americans dine out an average of 4-5 times per week. Often, restaurant meals contain an entire day’s worth of calories and fat and are typically

Nothing is more delicious than fresh produce you’ve grown in your own backyard. With a little time and very little or no money, you can

Fatherhood over the last five years has become a progressive movement with much more focus on the importance of the father’s involvement. While it is

According to the CDC, liver health is vital to our body’s ability to process nutrients, filter blood, and fight infections. Our livers can become damaged

Overview  Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19,

Fast Facts about Mosquitoes Did you know that there are 60 different species of mosquitos in Oklahoma, 230 species in the United States, and over

When I started making Shepherd’s Pies several years ago, it quickly became a family favorite. My mom, who would not eat peas, actually ate them

Communicable Disease: Epidemiology Epidemiologists at the Tulsa Health department work with various communicable diseases in the community- such as enteric illnesses, COVID-19, and Hepatitis A,

What is Prevention Education?  Prevention education is exactly what it sounds like: we provide education that can prevent and/or mitigate spread  of a specific disease.

Healthy swaps don’t have to be big changes. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself and your family that will add up to a healthy lifestyle.

What is Syndromic Surveillance? Public health surveillance is a tool that Epidemiologists and other health professionals use to compile, analyze, and interpret health-related data. Although

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of severe respiratory illness in young children, and it is a leading

“Although we don’t conduct public health investigations for influenza, Epidemiologists at the Tulsa Health Department do keep a close eye on current disease numbers to

“A group of liver infections that the Tulsa Health Department (THD) epidemiologists frequently investigate is viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is a common and preventable cause

Enteric disease is one of my favorite topics in the field of Epidemiology. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I speak to

During the month of August, the Epidemiology team at the Tulsa Health Department will introduce you to the five enteric (diarrheal) illnesses that we investigate. 

Did you know that ticks can carry and spread disease? Using a method called “questing,” ticks hang out on tall grass and wooded areas and grab

Tuesday, January 31st All Tulsa Health Department locations will be closed on Tuesday, January 31st due to inclement weather. Appointments will be rescheduled. We apologize

Through the Oklahoma Sate Department of Health (OSDH) and Federal Government distributions, local, independent pharmacies and pharmacies that are a part of the Federal Retail

Almost 16 months ago, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) stood up its Incident Command Structure (ICS) due to the first case of COVID-19 in Tulsa

Based on the recommendation of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, the City of Tulsa issued a voluntary boil order at noon on Feb 19,

Steps After Exposure If you are exposed to COVID-19 at a holiday gathering, while traveling, or at any time, quarantine yourself to protect others by

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and

Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind The more an individual interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Parents have so many questions about how to keep their children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic: Is it safe to attend school in person? (It

The Tulsa Health Department will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. The COVID-19 phone bank and testing appointments will be

The THD mission is to “Make Tulsa County the Healthiest County in the Country”. Therefore, we must acknowledge breastfeeding as an important Public Health Issue.

While hot dog season officially started during Memorial Day weekend, Wednesday, July 22 is National Hot Dog Day to pay homage to this all-time summer

The 4th of July is a day to celebrate Uncle Sam, enjoy the summer weather and spend time with family and friends. Independence Day during

Tulsa County residents should schedule a COVID-19 test within 5-7 days after attending a large event. To schedule a test, contact your healthcare provider or review

State and local health departments must stand ready to handle many different types of emergencies that threaten the health and safety of families, communities and the

Start early. Talk often. You’re more powerful than you think. Did you know that May is #TalkingIsPower month? The staff in THD’s Personal Responsibility Education

Baby’s brains are wired to develop based on what they hear, see, smell and touch. The experiences babies have help form neural connections in the brain,

Public health nurses hold a vital role in the prevention of disease and help to promote community health and safety. National Nurses’ Week begins each

Tulsa Health Department recognizes there is a lot of concern with COVID-19 and the re-opening of the communities. The act of social distancing and sheltering

Growing evidence suggests COVID-19 can spread before people show symptoms (pre-symptomatic) and from people who have coronavirus but never show symptoms (asymptomatic). The CDC recommends

The following tips and resources allow individuals with hearing loss the same accessibility to COVID-19 information and important messaging as people with average hearing. Please take into

The Tulsa Health Department is proud to support National Public Health Week, the American Public Health Association’s annual celebration of the role of public health

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ensures that HIPAA-covered

Epidemiology is the “study of distribution and determinants of health-related states among specified populations and the application of that study to the control of health

Taking time to enjoy food can be difficult with our busy schedules. When we eat quickly we outpace our bodies communication with our brain. Distracted

Happy New Year from Tulsa Health Department. Below are a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this New Year’s Eve. 

Tulsa Health Department’s Food Protection Services Program is reminding Tulsa County residents that if you’re cooking for friends and family this holiday season, it’s important

The 7th Annual Make It Your Business Employee Health and Wellness Conference will be held on June 13-14, 2013. The conference will provide employers, businesses and companies