Health & Wellness

• Skokie has one of the few state-certified municipal health departments in Illinois. The Village of Skokie's Health and Human Services Division provides senior and disability services, senior services, social work, and community health support for residents. The department also addresses public health concerns with programs like rat control, environmental health monitoring, and a variety of clinics, screenings, and vaccination programs available to Skokie residents by appointment. The Skokie Health Department can be reached at 847-933-8252.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health offers complementary regional programs, public health initiatives, and information that may benefit the broader community. They can be reached at 708-836-8600 and have assistance available in several languages. 

Finding trustworthy health information can be challenging. This list connects you to reliable tools and services to support your physical and mental well-being, helping you make informed decisions for a healthier life. 

• The Illinois Department of Human Services connects residents with essential health and human services, including mental health care, disability support, and public assistance. They can be reached at 800-843-6154 (several languages available).
• The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) administers Medicaid, oversees health plans, and provides support for child support services. HFS focuses on ensuring access to high-quality health care and financial resources for eligible residents (several languages available).
• Nationally, both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health provide expertise and tools to help individuals and communities safeguard their health through promotion, prevention, and preparedness (also available in Spanish and additional languages).
• From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can access MyHealthfinder for recommendations based on your age, gender and lifestyle (also available in Spanish). The Office On Women’s Health provides information on health and wellness specifically for women and girls.
• The National Library of Medicine provides both MedlinePlus for easy-to-understand articles on disease, conditions, and medication, and PubMed Central for more in-depth research articles. You can also use the tool Choosing a Doctor or Healthcare Service from Medline Plus for advice and clear tips for searching for professional care.
• For children, try HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics for children’s health.
• For older adults, consult the National Institute on Aging.
• For specific ailments and diseases, Merk Manual Consumer Edition and The Mayo Clinic can help inform on symptoms, conditions, and treatments.
• In-depth research on health studies, clinical trials, and articles supported by medical experts can also be found at Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Library of Medicine.
• For complementary and alternative health information, read basic definitions from the Cleveland Clinic and the National Library of Medicine. For specific topics like herbal supplements and acupuncture, you can go more in-depth at The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health or the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.  

Use these resources to help you find clear and accurate information about prescription and over-the-counter medications.  

• From the National Library of Medicine, DailyMed allows you to explore how your medicine should be used, what ingredients it contains, side effects, and other warnings. 
• Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are explained in a user-friendly format on Mayo Clinic, Drugs and Supplements. 
• Details on uses, side effects, interactions, and proper usage of medications from MedlinePlus Drugs Herbs and Supplements can empower you to make informed health decisions (also available in Spanish).
• Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Center For Complementary and Integrative Health is a great place to discover current information and tools on natural medicine, wellness approaches, and evidence-based health practices (also available in Spanish). 

Set fitness goals, create nutritious meal plans, and develop habits that support overall well-being with these resources.  

• The Skokie Park District offers a variety of exercise resources. This web page offers comprehensive information for all levels of participation, covering fitness classes, facilities, and other current program offerings (available in several languages).
• The Physical Activity Guidelines resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides clear guidance on the best ways to integrate movement into your life and to achieve specific fitness and well-being goals. 
• A product of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Move Your Way offers simple tools, videos, and fact sheets to help users achieve fitness goals. 
• Created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nutrition.gov brings together expert insights and tools from various federal agencies. You’ll find science-based information, recipes, and guidance on topics ranging from food safety to dietary guidelines (also available in Spanish). 
• The Nutrition Source, provided by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers evidence-based tips on how to improve your diet and support a healthy lifestyle (also available in Spanish). 
• EatRight.org, from the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, offers professional guidance on meal planning, weight management, and understanding food choices from food and nutrition experts (also available in Spanish). 

Mental health is as essential as physical health to overall well-being. Start with The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information and awareness, and SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for facts, tips, and resources. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has basic definitions on disorders like depression and schizophrenia. 

• For finding help in locating assistance with mental health, the NIMH has a guide.
• It’s often advantageous to check with your health insurance (Illinois requires insurers to cover mental health treatments).
• Psychology Today can be a good resource for connecting with therapists and counselors.

Local resources include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which has Illinois and Chicago-based divisions, as well as Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center. Turning Point’s 24-hour crisis response can be reached at 847-933-9202, and they have immediate support at 8324 Skokie Boulevard in the form of their Living Room.