Take the October Healthy Relationships Challenge!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Did you know that each year millions of Americans are impacted by domestic violence? This is an issues that effects both men and women, however women disproportionately fall victim to DV, 1 and 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Even more disturbing, a third of  all female homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner. This does not mean that we still should not screen and  aim to protect men. Men fall victim to over 3 million assaults per year. To the same token, over 3 million children witness domestic violence in the their homes every year. 

No matter who you are, the effect of DV can be lifelong. This month Philadelphia Ujima wants you to be part of the solution! Take the 1 month healthy relationships challenge to help others become informed and make a difference in your community. But remember, don't let the challenge just last throughout October. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure that we are spreading awareness about DV everyday. Take the challenge!  

Are you or is someone you know a victim or at risk for domestic abuse? Don't wait to get help. Find out more information about resources and the 24 hour help hotline at TheHotline.org

Other Resources:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

CDC Injury and Prevention Control 

Safe Horizon - Stats & Resources 

Tis' the (Flu) Season! - Facts about the Flu and Dispelled Myths

Every September when we think about “back to school” season, we should also think about another season just around the corner - flu season.  Many people shrug off getting vaccinated against the flu with a variety of excuses like: “I never get the flu”, “the flu is just like a bad cold” or “I’d rather get the flu than get a flu shot which GIVES me the flu”.  So, let’s dispel some of these misconceptions.

How Dangerous is Influenza?

The flu is not just another cold.  In addition to making you feel absolutely miserable for days with fever, congestion, cough and body aches, it is far more dangerous than the common cold or other circulating upper respiratory infections.  Each year approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized due to influenza, and up to 49,000 die.  Compare that to the annual mortality from breast cancer (~40,000) or AIDS (~19,000) in the United States.  Although morbidity and mortality are generally highest among young children and adults over age 65, last year, 60% of hospitalizations occurred among adults between the ages of 18 and 64 – those who had vaccination rates of only 37%.    

When is Flu Season?

Flu seasons are unpredictable and vary from year to year in terms of timing, severity, and length.  Although influenza activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February, some years have seen cases begin as early as October and continue as late as May.

How is Flu Spread?

Influenza is spread by droplets up to 6 feet away through coughing, sneezing or talking. You can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.  Most people know they can get the flu from patients and coworkers who are sick, but don’t realize they can spread it to others even if they don’t feel sick.  Most healthy adults can infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.  Approximately 20% to 30% of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm) for everyone 6 months of age and older, preferably by October, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for an immune response to develop. 

Individuals at particularly high risk for influenza include:

• Children younger than 5 (especially those younger than 2 years of age)

•Adults 65 and older

•Pregnant women

•People with chronic health issues like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Dispelling the Myths

“The flu vaccine can give you the flu”

Injectable flu vaccines contain inactivated, non-infectious virus particles.  Although the nasal spray vaccine does contains live flu virus, it is attenuated (weakened) in such a way to be able to stimulate immunity without causing illness.  People not only mistake the side effects of the vaccine for the flu but also erroneously attribute illness with other unrelated cold viruses to the flu. 

“I can take antibiotics if I get the flu”

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections – not the influenza virus.  Although there are antiviral medications against the flu, to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of illness, they must be taken within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms. 

“I don't need to get a flu shot every year”

Influenza viruses are constantly changing (mutating), so each year flu vaccines are updated to protect against the most common circulating viruses.  Although protection from the vaccine decreases over time, protection typically lasts about a year.

“Pregnant women should not get a flu shot”

Pregnant women and their offspring are at very high risk for complications from the flu.  Pregnant women are 7 times more likely to be hospitalized than non-pregnant women and account for 5% of all flu-related deaths.  All pregnant women should to be vaccinated with inactivated flu vaccine.   

“Getting the flu vaccination is all I need to do to protect myself from the flu.”

Besides vaccination, avoid contact with people who have the flu and wash your hands frequently!

Bottom Line

By getting vaccinated and practicing good personal hygiene, you not only help to protect yourself, but your family, friends and patients.

Take the Fruits and Veggies September Challenge!

September is a month for many new changes. The beginning of a new school year, the start of the fall season, every pumpkin flavored thing coming back to menus... Philadelphia Ujima wants you to make one more great change, by taking the fruits and vegetables challenge! September is fruits and vegetables month. While most are aware that there are benefits in eating fruits and vegetables, only 1 in 3 adults eat the recommended amount of fruits a day and only 1 in 4 adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables! We need to all make sure we are doing our best because the benefits of these foods are endless. In addition to making you feel great, fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and obesity.

The Ujima fruits and vegetables challenge is a fun way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and encourages you to try new things you haven't before. Take it as the first step to a healthier you and don't forget to invite your friends and family to take the challenge with you!

Resources: 

Fruits and Veggies Matter.Org  (A great resource for eating better)

This Week is National Women's Health Week!

Women's Health Week is May 11th-17th. It is a time to reflect on the advances that have been made in women's health, while focusing on the many areas that still need attention. It can also serve as a reminder for all women to check your health. Are you up to date on all of your primary care visits? Is there a concern that you've been meaning to get checked out? Is there a bad habit that you would like to quit? Don't wait! Now is the time to take charge of your health! If you are worried about the cost of a doctors visit, the ACA has made yearly check up's for women more affordable and on many health plans, completely free.

This week serves as a great reminder to stay healthy, but don't forget, it is important for women and the people around them to be concerned for their health everyday! 

Resources: 

Women's Health.gov - Women's week infographic

My Family Health Portrait - Keep track of your family history and 

share at your yearly doctors visits.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

With the weather finally starting to get nicer, it is the perfect time to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports month! It is very easy to get into routines that do not incorporate enough physical activity, and get stuck in a physically unfit state. Some only acknowledge the importance of physical activity when it comes to weight, but there is a lot more to it. In people of all ages, regular physical activity is good for your heart and can lower the risk of heart disease. In addition, it lowers the risk of type two diabetes and certain types of cancer. In elderly adults, exercise keeps the body strong and lowers the risk of falls while improving cognitive function. In children, it is important develop strong muscles and get a healthy start early in life!

Just because you don't have a lot of time to delicate to a workout routine, do not be discouraged. A little can go a long way and is always better than nothing! Find easy ways to take small periods out the of day to exercise and incorporate more physical activity into everyday events. For example:

• Park your car further from a store even if there closer spots.  
• Replace some chairs with exercise balls for a fun twist that encourages movement. 
• Ride a bike to places close to your home instead of driving. 
• Make kids put down the electronics and go out to play! 

Make this May the month you incorporate more to your exercise regimen, or try something new. If you have the time, consider adding a longer routine to your schedule at least a few times a week. Not only will you have fun, but your body will thank you!

Resources:

Healthfinder: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Outdoor Fitness Ideas: Fun Ways to Exercise Outside - Huffington Post

Indoor workouts for small spaces- Prevention.com 

Sunglasses - More Than A Fashion Statement

It's that time of year again, where people are looking to buy new sunglasses, or search through their things to find last year's pair. For many, sunglasses are all about the fashion statement they make; but your pair could be doing something for you that is far more important.

The eyelid and surrounding area are common sites of non-melanoma skin cancers, accounting for 5-10% of all skin cancers. Some people lather on sunscreen, but forget these areas. High quality sunglasses can protect up to 100% of harmful rays from the sun, giving your eyes the protection that they need. Keep in mind that not all sunglasses are created equal. When shopping, look for stickers indicating 99 or 100 percent of UV ray blockage. Some stickers may read 400nm, which is also means 100% UV blockage.

If you know that your sunglasses do not meet these standards or if you are unsure, it may be a good time to invest in a new pair. Do some searching to figure out which brands fit your lifestyle and are up to standards. While good sunglasses are typically a little more expensive, you don't have to break the bank to find a great pair. Some stores even offer guides to help you find an optimal match. And for those who have been considering that great designer pair...now you may have a good reason to get them!


Remember to be safe in the sun and always bring your sunglasses!

Resources: 
Eyemed.com Helping you promote eye health.

Facts about sunglasses and how to choose the right pair: Eyecare America.org

Alzheimers Aware: Essential For All Women

These days, Alzheimer's disease is familiar to most, but is often not on the radar for health conditions that older adults are concerned with. In reality, it is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., taking more lives then the more commonly monitored breast and prostate cancers combined.  It is also one of the most costly diseases, costing the US close to 215 billion dollars in healthcare costs.

Data from the 2014 Alzheimer's report shows that in several ways, women are at the center of the disease. In fact women make up almost two thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Women are also the primary caregivers of this disease, with more than 60% being women. All of these caregivers contribute to billions of dollars of unpaid work hours due to care. This also takes away from time, advancement and benefits at the current job of many caregivers. The report goes on tho show that in general, Alzheimer's overall puts a greater strain the female population than males. Over the age of 60, women are twice as likely as men to develop the disease. So while Alzheimer's should be a concern to everyone,  elderly women and their family and friends should especially  know the signs, so Alzheimer's can be detected early if it does develop.

There is still  a lot left to left to learn about this disease, with much research to be done. Find out ways that you can help to get involved by clicking here and join the movement to eliminate Alzheimer's disease.

Video From the the Alzhimer's association 

Resources:

Alzheimer's Association Official Website

2014 Alzheimer's Report

How To Get Involved