American Heart Month

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Patricia Thao

http://news.heart.org/

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Make a difference in your community: Spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives.” – https://healthfinder.gov/

What can you do to spread awareness?

Share about American Heart Month on your social media platforms, with friends, and families
“Take action: Be the cure! Join the American Heart Association’s national movement in support of healthier communities and healthier lives.” – https://healthfinder.gov/
Join or host community event on finding local resources to live more healthy
- Local clinics
- Local fresh, organic, and affordable food options
- Community parks, clubs, gyms, etc.

Bullying Prevention

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Patricia Thao

Act to Change

What is bullying?

Bullying is the act of intimidating someone through influence or through force.

Can bullying happen to anyone?

Yes, bullying does occur everywhere and to anyone of any backgrounds. Bullying doesn’t have to happen person to person. Bullying can occur through online, social media apps, letters, and more.

What can I do if I or a friend is experiencing bullying?

It depends on the severity of the bullying to know what you can do, but here are some tips on how you can handle the situation:

Reach out for help. Whether it is your parents, a legal guardian, a counselor, or your close friend, make sure to let them know that you are being bullied. You don’t need to feel helpless or ashamed of anything. There are people who will support you to help you solve and cope with your situation.
Try to avoid confrontation. If possible, avoid getting into physical fights or argument with bullies. It will not help stop the bullying, it is better to ignore and walk away when you can.
Use {free} services to address about bullying. You can call or email a hotline or a online tool to help you talk about your bullying experience. They will keep you anonymous and your information confidential. This link is a government website that gives your free resources.
Don’t watch, stand up. If you see another person being bullied, the best thing you can do is grab a adult nearby to stop it. If you feel that the situation can be handled by you stepping in, you can try to deescalate the situation by using methods such as:
1. Pulling the victim away to a place far from the bully
2. Show up and ask them where they have been (acting as a friend to neutralize the negative space)
3. If you have someone nearby or ask a stranger to aid the victim to escape the situation
4. Call 911 if you feel that the situation is dangerous

From the Act to Change website:

About 1 out of 5 students report being bullied during the school year
Bullying occurs once every 7 minutes 5 to 6 times more likely
Bullied students were 5 to 6 times more likely to miss school than those who were not bullied 50% of AA students
Half of Asian American students in New York City public schools reported biased based harassment

Public Health: Preventing Suicide

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Patricia Thao

Suicide is a serious concern in the US and it is becoming more common in modern times. The feelings of being stressed, going through depression, or being pressured from outside forces can take a toll on people. So what can we as a society and individuals do to prevent suicide from occurring?

Change the negative perception of those with mental illnesses, disorders, and substance abuse. Often times, people are too embarrassed or ashamed to get help and it could be that they don’t want their problems to be known or allow it to bother other people. “But talking, being open, and making connections with mental health services can make the difference between life and death. Research has uncovered warning signs for suicide. Learn warning signs from SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center and an easy-to-remember warning signs mnemonic from American Association of Suicidology. ” – http://www.hhs.gov/
Use public services that are available and always confidential. Rely on your local clinic or go see a therapist to help you or your friend out. Talking about one’s thoughts and feelings can help them organize themselves in terms of how to deal with difficult situations. It’s not easy to open up about sensitive topics but allowing someone in to help and guide them is a step towards a positive direction.
Acknowledge that suicide is preventable. Let’s talk honestly about this difficult issue, use broad collaborative approaches to address the problem, and do all we can to learn more about how to prevent suicide. Help get the message out.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK/8255). Last year the Lifeline connected 1.5 million callers with counselors in their local area. Through a network of more than 160 community crisis centers, the Lifeline also offers specialized support to veterans, Spanish speakers and online users.

Facts:

Each year there are more than 40,000 suicides in the US – an average of about 117 every day.
Rates of suicide have increased by 28 percent since 2000, and it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
Every year some 1.1 million adults attempt suicide and about 470,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency departments for nonfatal, self-inflicted injuries.

Statistics and other information is link here!

Distracted Driving

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Patricia Thao

What is distracted driving?

While driving, the driver is engaged in another activity that hinders their ability to drive a moving vehicle safely.

What can you do?

Pay attention to your surroundings.
Follow basic driving regulations and speeding limits.
As passengers, alert distracted drivers of oncoming traffic and inform them

A Message from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:

Distracted Driving, a Deadly Choice for Teens

Twenty percent of fatalities involving teen drivers in Minnesota are distraction-related.

Distracted-related teen driving fatalities and injuries

Year

Fatalities

Serious injuries

Other Injuries

2011

1

38

1,181

2012

3

21

1,242

2013

8

39

1,117

2014

6

24

999

2015

7

25

1,153

Total

25

147

5,592

Make the Safe Choice

Cell phones — Put the phone down, turn it off or place it out of reach.

Speak Up – Offer to be the driver’s designated texter.

Music and other controls — Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.

Navigation — Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.

Eating and drinking — Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.

Children — Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.

Passengers — Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.

World Stroke Day

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Patricia Thao

On Oct 29, 2016, it is recognize as World Stroke Day to bring awareness and provide information on what people can do.

http://www.strokeassociation.org/

“Responding quickly can be the difference between recovery and disability, or even death. Luckily, stroke is largely treatable when you know the signs and act fast. A few seconds could save a life, possibly your own.” – http://www.strokeassociation.org/

What are the signs of stroke?

Numbness in the face and arms
lack of coordination
trouble speaking or understanding

http://www.strokeassociation.org/

Call 911 right away if notice the signs of someone having stroke.

Health Topic of the Day: Breastfeeding

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Patricia Thao

www.thehindu.com

Today’s health topic is all about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is usually defined as a mother providing her infant with food/milk from her breast. It was commonly practiced in the past (nowadays it is more prominent poor/rural areas) in when mothers had to provide for their babies with their own milk and the availability of baby formula or food was not as common. The practice of breastfeeding gradually faded in human society as it advanced. But recent studies showed that we should get back to breastfeeding as it was proven to be more nutritious and beneficial to both the mother and child.

What are the benefits of breast feeding?

Breastmilk has all the nutritions and antibodies passed from the mother to the infant which can contribute to the baby’s overall health and growth
Builds a bond between the mother and child
Breastmilk is easy for the baby to digest
Mothers can choose on how long they want to breastfeed
Breastfeeding can help reduce cost for baby formula/food for a period of time
For more info on the benefits of breastfeeding, click here!

According to CDC:

4 out of 5 (81.1%) started to breastfeed. High breastfeeding initiation rates, or the percentage of infants who start out breastfeeding, show that most mothers in the U.S. want to breastfeed and are trying to do so.
In Minnesota :
- Breastfeeding rate at 12 months increased from 35.8% to 41.0%, a total of 15% increase.
- Exclusive breastfeeding at three months went from 48.6 to 53.9 percent, an 11-percent increase.

“These rates make Minnesota a top breastfeeding state in the nation, ranking seventh for beginning breastfeeding (initiation) and fifth for breastfeeding at six months.

Though the percentage of women initiating breastfeeding in the Minnesota WIC Program has risen from 63 percent to 80 percent since 2001, some women face more barriers to breastfeeding and are initiating at lower rates. Minnesota breastfeeding rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity. MDH and partners promote public health strategies that make it easier for all Minnesota women to breastfeed. This work includes supporting peer counseling and breastfeeding friendly policies and practices in hospitals, workplaces, childcare settings and the community.” – http://www.health.state.mn.us/

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Patricia Thao

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and it’s all about promoting healthier lifestyle and spreading awareness of obesity among children. It’s important to become more educated about your health so that you can better understand the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle and the risks of making poorer health decisions. Also, the goal is to not only educate yourself, but those around you; your family, friends, peers, and more! Positive influence can make a difference in people’s perspective on living whether it is being healthier, exercising or going out more, or simply having a more positive outlook.

There are many ways to be healthier and it doesn’t mean you have to be limited in your choices. Whatever your health goal is, try some of these tips:

Try to include more fruits & veggies into your diet! Having a healthy diet includes a mix of all kinds of food that can offer your body nutrients. Also, a bonus is that you can eat a variety of things without getting bored of the same diet routine.
Cook your own food! Cooking your own food can be time consuming but have no worries, there are tons of recipe out there that is quick, healthy, and easy to make. With this, you know what you are consuming and you can better control your portions.
Exercise is important, but don’t stress over it! If find that you don’t like a tpye of exercise, try something else. The great thing about it is that there are many things that you can do to stay active. Daily things such as cleaning your house, going on a stroll to deliver mail, or walking up and down the stairs rigorously. It’s up to you to determine which workout is best for your schedule and body.

Other social media links listed down below!

Learn how one grocer in West Virginia is helping improve the health of customers by stocking toys that promote physical activity and healthy snacks in the checkout lane. http://bit.ly/2aiwILe – #NCOAM
Learn how you can take part in the effort to encourage more children in your community to be physically active and eat a healthy diet. http://bit.ly/1pirD0j – #NCOAM
Addressing obesity requires the support of communities. This National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, learn how state and local organizations can create a supportive environment to promote healthy behaviors that prevent obesity. http://bit.ly/1JS8YIE – #NCOAM

Twitter Movements!

@letsmove – The First Lady’s initiative dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity.
@CDCObesity – CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
@ACSMNews – The American College of Sports Medicine. Official sponsor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Info provided above belong to rightful owner.

Trauma Resources

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Patricia Thao

http://sandyhookcolumbine.org/

With recent violent events, it can impact people in different ways. If you know someone experiencing trauma, try your best to support them and let them know about their available resources. If you or a friend is in need, remember that you can always reach out to or depend on these things:

Close family members and friends
Professionals – local clinics, hotline, therapist, etc.
Online support communities
Click here for facts/info about trauma in the state of Minnesota
For local helplines in Minnesota click here!

“Anyone can help someone who struggles with trauma—whether they work in the medical or mental health community, or are just a caring individual.

The National Council for Behavioral Health would like to share a few resources about trauma:

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Signs A Person May Be Experiencing Trauma
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Tips to Help Someone Experiencing Trauma
TIP SHEET: Trauma in the LGBTQ Community: What Practitioners Should Know in the Wake of the Orlando Shootings.
FACT SHEET: LGBTQ Mental Health: How the Orlando Shootings Can Broadly Impact This Community.” – Rightful owner

Spread the Awareness of Obesity!

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Patricia Thao

AMA STEP UP Youth

“Physical education programs are being cut from schools due to competing priorities. And unfortunately, this not only hurts kids’ health, but it hinders their ability to learn as well. In order to help #ProtectPE, we all need to be informed about the state of physical education across the country and in our own communities.” – Rightful owner

Nowadays, kids are less active compared to the past due to the recent technology advancement and less funding for physical ed programs. More kids are staying inside at their school and home without getting much opportunity to be active outside and during school hours.

http://www.ncsl.org/

“Obesity rates have soared over the past four decades. Today, more than 23 million kids and teenagers — nearly a third — are overweight or obese.” – http://www.preventobesity.net/

It’s important to remember that physical activity is very important for not only your health, but also to your well being. This is the true goal of help kids stay active! What are the positive benefits of being physical active:

Burning off energy = stress level decrease, burn calories
At schools, it helps students concentrate during class and in their studies when they are able to have breaks in between.
Test your knowledge of physical activity in schools linked here!

Current Events in May!

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Patricia Thao

Wondering about what events are occurring in May? A few are listed down below and maybe you might want to attend some of them with your friends and families. There is something for everyone from music to sightseeing! Make sure to check around your local areas of other events that may not be posted online.

The Pan Asian Arts Festival 2016 is happening at MOA on May 14th from 12PM-8PM! Come enjoy free performances, games, and carnival activities! Get the chance to see the performances from Iny Asian Dance Theater, Mu Gung Hwa Korean Dance Group, Sumunar Indonesian Dance Ensemble, and much more! It’s a free event for all!
May is also recognized as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM). It advocates to spread awareness and prevention of teen pregnancy. Click here for more info!
The Minnesota History Center is hosting the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: the Depression, the War, the Boom” exhibit about those who lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the years after the war! Admissions are $11 and it would be a great experience for everyone!
SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week 2016 – May 15-21, 2016
- “SAMHSA’s fifth annual National Prevention Week, happening May 15-21, 2016, is dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders. During National Prevention Week, community organizations across the country host health fairs, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. This year’s theme—Strong as One, Stronger Together—recognizes that one person can make a positive difference in their community, but when we all unite together we can achieve even more.” – Rightful owner
Other helpful links for Minnesota events occurring in May:

Bicultural Healthy Living

A Balanced Approach to a Bicultural Healthy Life

Tag Archives: awareness