Education is an important element of public health. The following resources have been identified as important tools in this effort.
This year’s theme for the week is “Public Health is ROI (Return on Investment): Save Lives, Save Money." The theme emphasizes the value of prevention and the importance of well-supported public health systems in preventing disease, saving lives, and curbing health care spending.
Public health is in every corner of our homes. It's in the safe food in the fridge, the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors affixed to the ceiling, and the child-proof latches that keep dangerous chemicals out of little hands. Home is also where we learn healthy behaviors, such as eating right and exercising. Good prevention starts at home:
· Help prevent fires — as well as serious health problems and chronic diseases — by making your home tobacco- and smoke-free.
· Keep potentially dangerous household products, such as cleaning products, cosmetics and prescription medications, locked up and out of children's reach. Also, never store household chemicals in old food containers or in the same place you keep food items. Learn more at www.upandaway.org.
· Put this number on your fridge and in your cell phone: 1-800-222-1222. It will automatically connect you to your regional poison control center and often life-saving information.
· Learn about proper food handling and cooking techniques to avoid food-borne illness.
· Encourage your child's school to stop stocking soda and junk food in school vending machines and to put restrictions on the types of foods sold in schools that are outside official school meal programs.
· Tell your friends and online followers how you and your household are celebrating National Public Health Week. Let others know how easy — and fun — it can be to make public health and prevention a part of our lives.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR PERSONS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND CARE GIVERS
www.bmcachieve.org
The Active Living Coalition is comprised of individuals and organizations representing community sectors of health care, education, city government, county government, business, and service organizations who are addressing the public health issue of physical inactivity. We strive to increase the number of people who engage in a healthy, physically active lifestyle through collaborative efforts on community events, research, networking and programming that leads to increased physical activity opportunities for all who reside in Monroe County.
Active Living Coalition meetings are open to all interested individuals and organizations. The Active Living Coalition meets on the first Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Indiana University Health Community Health in Bloomington at 333 E. Miller Drive.
Local Methamphetamine Treatment Resources
Centerstone www.centerstone.org
601 W. 2nd Street (812) 353-5010
Amethyst House www.amethysthouse.org
645 N. Walnut Street (812) 336-3570
Teen Dating Abuse
- One in Four adolescents reports Verbal, Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse each year.
- One in Eleven high school students report being physically hurt by someone they were dating.
For more Information contact:
Your Online Source for Credible Health Information
Stay Healthy
Monroe County Public Health Clinic
333 E. Miller Drive
(812) 353-3244
IMMUNIZATIONS: SOME THINGS YOU NEVER OUTGROW
Stay on Target with Adolescent Immunizations!
Immunizations are not just for babies! As your teens grow, they still need immunizations to prevent serious diseases. There are safe and effective vaccines recommended for adolescents age 11-19. Check with your physician or health care provider to find out if your teen is on target with the following immunizations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Tetanus-diphtheria (Tdap)
- Meningococcal Meningitis
- HPV
- Seasonal Influenza
KNOW YOUR RISKS and LEARN THE FACTS: IMMUNIZE
Protect your adolescents from vaccine preventable diseases. For more information, ask your health care provider or call the CDC National Immunization Hotline at:
- (800) 232-2522 English
- (800) 232-0233 Spanish
Watch Your Sodium Levels
Most of us get far too much sodium in our diet. High sodium levels can cause blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. According to the CDC, most Americans eat on average about 3,300 mg of sodium a day. The
U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day (roughly a teaspoon). Those with high blood pressure, over age 51, African American or who have chronic kidney disease or diabetes should reduce sodium to 1,500 mg a day. Beware - most of the sodium we take in is already in our food when we purchase it so it takes care to reduce the amount of sodium in our diet.
Here are some ways that may help:
Eat lots of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.
Rinse canned meats and vegetables, when possible, to help reduce salt
Read the Nutrition Facts label on processed foods and choose those with lower sodium levels. Sodium levels vary by product brand.
Ask your restaurant and grocer for low-sodium options
Top Sources of Sodium in the Diet from CDC Vital Signs:
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Bread and rolls
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Sandwiches
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Cold cuts and cured meats
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Cheese
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Pizza
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Pasta dishes
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Poultry
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Meat dishes
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Soups
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Snacks
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Try seasoning your food with these herbs and spices:
Beef, pork and chicken - bay leaf, marjoram, onion, pepper, sage, thyme, pepper, oregano, ginger, paprika, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, marjoram, curry, dill, garlic
Vegetables - cumin, curry, onion, paprika, parsley, oregano, thyme, tarragon, garlic, nutmeg, bay leaf, dill, basil, cloves, lemon juice, marjoram, pepper, ginger
For more information: