PARK FOREST – With flu season underway, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is spreading awareness about National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is observed from Dec. 6-12, and encourages residents to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

“This year, getting a flu shot is particularly important, given that both flu and COVID-19 will continue to pose risks to our health this winter,” said Joyce, a member of the Senate Public Health Committee. “Getting a flu shot is the best defense we have against the flu and will help reduce the tremendous burden our health care system is facing.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), flu season occurs from late fall to early spring, with activity usually peaking in January or February. IDPH recommends everyone 6 months of age and older gets a flu vaccine every season.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder that there is still time to get vaccinated to help you stay healthy,” Joyce said. “In addition to a flu shot, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others against the spread of the flu and COVID-19 by staying home, washing your hands and wearing a mask.”

Flu shots are provided at many local health departments, private health care providers and pharmacies across Illinois. It is recommended you contact your health care provider about what form of flu vaccine you should receive. Click here to find the local health department where you live. You can also find locations that offer flu shots using Vaccine Finder.

PARK FOREST – As local organizations across the state band together once again to promote charitable giving, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging those who are able to give back to their communities this Giving Tuesday.

“Many charitable organizations are having a hard time serving those in need amid the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Fortunately, the pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity, and with Giving Tuesday underway, I hope people will find creative ways to give back this holiday season to help those struggling.”

Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, has since grown into a global movement for charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Joyce encourages folks willing and able to consider reaching out to a local charitable organization to ask how they can help. These organizations may include animal shelters, blood banks, or other groups serving children and youth, artists, small businesses, restaurant workers, homeless individuals, and more.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit https://hq.givingtuesday.org.

KANKAKEE – As people begin their holiday shopping, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges them to patronize Kankakee and Will County local businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.

“Small Business Saturday is an important part of the holiday season for small merchants, especially as they work to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Joyce said. “These folks need our support now more than ever, and you can help make an impact by shopping and buying local this holiday season.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

PARK FOREST – While Thanksgiving celebrations may be smaller this year, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) joins the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office in sharing tips to ensure families stay safe in the kitchen.

“With many families changing their plans and staying home this Thanksgiving, they could be preparing this traditional meal for the first time,” Joyce said. “It’s important for families to take precautions to avoid fire hazards while cooking to prevent an accident.”

According to National Fire Protection Association and National Fire Incident Reporting System data, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 166,100 home fires per year involving cooking equipment. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, with four times the average number occurring.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing food, not just during the holiday season but all year: