Your Health: Low-cost pet vaccines in Lake Co.

Pet vaccinationsNeed a shot for kitty or poochie?The Lake County Health Department will offer special low-cost pet vaccinations from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at the animal-care facility, 29278 N. Route 83 in Mundelein.The clinic is open only to low-income residents of Lake County who are receiving government assistance such as food stamps or disability payments.A one-year rabies shot, tag and distemper is $25 for spayed or neutered pets. If they're not spayed or neutered, it's $55. An identification microchip is $15.Diabetes in pregnancyTwo or three times more pregnant women may soon be treated for gestational diabetes, based on a new study led by a Northwestern University doctor.Blood sugar levels previously considered safe for expectant mothers turn out to cause a sharp rise in overweight babies with high insulin levels, early deliveries, cesarean sections and life-threatening preeclampsia.The findings were based on a study of 23,000 women in nine countries.Previously, 5 percent to 8 percent of pregnant women have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Under the new standards, up to 16 percent would have the condition.The good news is diet and lifestyle changes and blood sugar monitoring greatly reduce complications.Fight obesityDuPage County is launching a program to promote healthy eating and active living for children and people of all ages.The FORWARD Initiative aims to fight the alarming trend that one out of three children and half of adults are overweight.The coalition of more than 130 organizations and residents will hold its first event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at the Whole Foods Market at 151 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton.The event will include healthy eating and physical activity demonstrations; an appearance by local Biggest Loser couple Jerry and Estelle Hayes; prizes and massages; an announcement aimed at helping young people; a donation by Whole Foods; and a collection for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.For information, call (630) 221-7037 or e-mail forward@dupagehealth.org.