CDPH - Chicago Department of Public Health

02/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/19/2026 09:56

CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 02/19/2026

Heart Health Month Events with Park District and Chicago Public Libraries

Throughout February, CDPH has partnered with the Park District, offering free heart health screenings for Heart Health Month. Chicagoans can get blood pressure checks, lifestyle risk assessments, and heart rate screenings on February 21 at Garfield Park, February 26 at Warren Park and February 27 at Ogden Park. For more information on screening times and locations, visit the Chicago Park District website.

Additionally this week, CDPH is bringing heart health resources and blood pressure checks to select Chicago Public Libraries:

Meningococcal Disease Update

Meningococcal disease can be a very serious illness. The best way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated, based on age and risk guidelines.

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which is transmitted through direct contact with saliva, but usually requires close and lengthy contact to spread, such as through kissing or between people who live together.

Symptoms can start similarly to a common illness, such as a fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea, but can worsen rapidly. See your healthcare provider immediately if you feel sick and begin to experience symptoms such as a stiff neck, heightened sensitivity to light, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, vomiting or diarrhea, or a dark purple rash on the body.

Cases are most common among the elderly and teenagers and young adults. For best protection, the state of Illinois recommends MenACWY vaccination for all patients at ages 11 or 12, with a booster dose at age 16.

For more information about meningococcal disease, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Healing Arts Chicago

Healing Arts Chicago recently began a new session, offering a wide range of free arts services to support mental health and wellness at the City's mental health clinics and health hubs. The current session will run until April 3 and includes activities such as yoga, sound meditation, writing, mural building, and more.

Visit the CDPH website to find the upcoming schedule and registration for free classes and read more about the Healing Arts Chicago program and current practitioners-in-residence.

Health Eating for a Healthy Heart

Building early healthy eating habits helps kids grow strong and keeps their hearts happy! Here are a few simple ways kids and families can eat well every day:

  • Eat the rainbow: Colorful fruits and vegetables help keep hearts strong and bodies healthy. Try to add different colors to every meal or snack.
  • Go whole grain: Whole-grain cereal, bread, rice, and tortillas give kids long-lasting energy and support heart health.
  • Snack smart: Fresh fruit, yogurt, veggies, or nuts (when age-appropriate) make great snacks instead of chips and candy.
  • Pick lean proteins: Foods like beans, eggs, chicken, fish, and peanut butter help kids grow while supporting a healthy heart.
  • Enjoy meals together: Family meals can encourage healthier food choices and build lifelong healthy habits.

Families who need extra support can visit WIC clinics for nutrition education, healthy food assistance, and guidance on building heart-healthy eating habits for children.

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CDPH - Chicago Department of Public Health published this content on February 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 19, 2026 at 15:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]