-Since 1949, Mental Health America (MHA) and its affiliates have led the observance of May as Mental Health Month. This year marks MHA’s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Month! -National Mental Health Month raises awareness and educates the public about mental illness, the realities of living with these conditions, and strategies for attaining mental health […]
It’s spring time! Flowers, trees, weeds, and grasses begin to blossom. Spring cleaning stirs up dust mites and increases exposure to irritating fumes of cleaning chemicals. Few simple strategies will help keep seasonal allergies under control. Minimize exposure to allergens: -Stay indoors on dry, windy days. -Delegate lawn mowing and other gardening chores. -Wear an […]
Antibiotics are very effective and can be lifesaving in the treatment of some infections, but they don’t cure all infections and can sometimes cause complications. Therefore, it is important that antibiotics are used appropriately. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against viruses. Therefore, antibiotics do not help in viral illnesses such as flu and […]
There are several factors that increase our risks for heart disease. Some of the risk factors cannot be changed while others can be. Risk factors that cannot be changed are: Age: Our arteries get stiffer as we age which increases the risk for heart disease. Family history: If your parents have had heart disease then […]
Check inspection scores. Many state health departments make restaurant inspection scores available on their website. Check them before going to a restaurant, or look for it when you get to the restaurant. Look for certificates that show kitchen managers have completed food safety training. Proper food safety training can help improve practices that reduce the […]
February is American Heart Month. It’s extremely important to raise awareness about heart health and how to lower your risk for heart disease. It is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and there is a lot that can be done to prevent heart disease. Take steps today to […]
What is HbA1c? The A1c test—also known as the hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It helps to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and also helps manage diabetes. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells which carries oxygen throughout […]
Is handwashing really such a big deal? Yes, it is! Clean hands prevent illnesses. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. National Handwashing Awareness […]
November is Diabetes Awareness Month! More than 30 million Americans are living with diabetes and 84 million are at risk, totaling nearly half of the U.S. adult population. This year’s National Diabetes Month is focused on gestational diabetes. -Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is common and occurs […]