awareness

February 1, 2024admin

Cincinnati Health Department raising awareness about cluster of chickenpox in area

The Cincinnati Health Department is urging the public to take proactive steps after a recent cluster of chickenpox cases in the community.The health department said there are currently four cases in the area.The health department did not disclose how many cases there were in the area or what part of the city they were discovered.According to CDH, chickenpox can be prevented through vaccination. The CDH said that while neither chickenpox or shingles are considered to be life-threatening in otherwise healthy vaccinated children and adults, the virus can cause complications that could result in hospitalization.For people who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox or had chickenpox previously, the CDH recommends getting in contact with a primary care physician or contacting the Health Department health centers at 513-357-7320 to schedule an appointment for a varicella vaccination.Additionally, adults who had chickenpox as children are at risk of getting shingles, an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. People with shingles can also spread the virus, leading to chickenpox infection in individuals who have never been vaccinated or infected with varicella-zoster.”Chickenpox is a very preventable disease with vaccines, but not everyone is fully vaccinated,” said Grant Mussman, M.D., MHSA, Cincinnati Health Department Commissioner. “Chickenpox can be serious or life threatening in certain high-risk individuals if they are not protected, so we want to get ahead of the curve and do all we can to prevent this from spreading.”For the latest information on how to protect yourself from chickenpox and to get the latest updates, click here.

CINCINNATI —

The Cincinnati Health Department is urging the public to take proactive steps after a recent cluster of chickenpox cases in the community.

The health department said there are currently four cases in the area.

The health department did not disclose how many cases there were in the

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Health Advice

January 23, 2024admin

Glaucoma Awareness Month: Medical expert’s advice on how to prevent vision loss from Glaucoma

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. In an effort to raise awareness about this prevalent eye disease, the month of January has been designated as Glaucoma Awareness Month. This observance aims to educate the public about the importance of regular eye check-ups, early detection, and preventive measures to safeguard vision.

Here’s a guide on how to prevent glaucoma and why awareness is crucial.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterised by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by elevated intraocular pressure. The optic nerve is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

1. Age: The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, especially after the age of 40.

2. Family History: A family history of glaucoma raises an individual’s susceptibility.

3. Race: People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are at a higher risk.

4. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can contribute to the development of glaucoma.

5. Eye Trauma or Surgery: Previous eye injuries or surgeries may increase the risk.

6. Prolonged Steroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroids can elevate intraocular pressure.

Preventive Measures for Glaucoma

1. Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams, including measuring intraocular pressure and assessing the optic nerve, are vital for early detection.

2. Know Your Family History: Being aware of your family’s eye health history helps in understanding potential risks.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can contribute to overall eye health.

4. Protect Your Eyes: Use protective eyewear when engaging in activities with potential eye hazards.

5.

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Health Information

October 28, 2023admin

‘Preserve those special small moments’: Movember men’s health awareness month organiser on his app to capture family memories – and key health information

Nicholas Worley hasn’t shaved for a while. The Hong Kong resident is preparing his moustache for Movember, the annual event that shines a light on men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Cultivating a ’tash is a way to support Movember, a global movement which this year marks its 20th anniversary. Much has happened since its seeds were sown by mates downing beers at a pub in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003.

It has helped fund more than 1,300 men’s health projects globally and was the catalyst for the world’s largest prostate cancer registry network, which now has more than 200,000 men from 23 countries enrolled.

It’s also been a driving force behind the channelling of almost US$350 million into more than 600 biomedical research projects for prostate and testicular cancer.

Worley at a Movember event in Hong Kong in 2012. Photo: courtesy of Nicholas Worley

Since incorporating mental health issues such as suicide in 2006, the movement has united experts, funded bold new approaches and embraced fresh perspectives all built around “getting men talking”.

“Mo bros”, as they are called, and their sisters, are encouraged to take action and get men talking about men’s health. It’s much needed.

Speak up, guys. We’re all hurting during Covid-19 – want to talk about it?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 39, while more than 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, a number expected to increase to 2.3 million globally by 2040.

In Hong Kong, more than 30 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every month. It is the third-most common cancer in men.

Worley has been supporting the Movember movement since 2010. “I organised some of the first gala parties in Hong Kong,” says the

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Health Information

October 12, 2023admin

Vancouver Coastal Health launches mental health awareness campaign for children and youth

The campaign theme, On Your Mind, illustrates the many stresses that can affect a young person’s mental health. It is intended to reduce stigma, highlight the early signs of child and youth mental health challenges, and share information on the supports and resources offered within the VCH region, including culturally safe and trauma-informed programs and services for Indigenous Peoples.

“Many young people experienced heightened anxiety and depression during the pandemic,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Every young person in British Columbia needs access to health-care services that meets their unique needs. This campaign plays an important role in connecting youth to the mental health resources they need early, while also removing barriers that can lead to young people suffering in silence instead of reaching out for help.”

VCH works closely with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, as well as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, to deliver mental health and substance use care for children and young adults through evidence-based services. This campaign is an extension of that work and encourages children and youth experiencing mental health challenges to seek help early and as often as needed.

“We all have a role in knowing the signs and supporting the mental health of children and youth in our lives. Young people need to know that it’s okay to ask for help,” said Yasmin Jetha, Vice President, Community Services, VCH. “It’s important that we encourage children and youth to talk about their feelings and empower families, caregivers and other involved adults with the tools and resources to help.”

VCH offers mental health assessment, consultation and treatment for children and youth up to 25 years of age living in the VCH region. VCH mental health teams include nurses, physicians, occupational therapists,

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Health Advice

September 12, 2023admin

AHS highlights supports available on Overdose Awareness Day

AHS Addiction and Mental Health community clinics: Services are available to serve children, families and individuals. If you need to speak to someone, call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322. Trained staff are available to offer support at those numbers 24/7.
Opioid agonist treatment clinics in Alberta: Provides treatment to people dependent on opioids and helps them access services they need to live healthy lives. Individuals can self-refer, or referrals can come from any healthcare professional or a community agency. Services are voluntary and confidential. For more information on how to access care, individuals can walk in or call any AHS opioid dependency program clinic.
Virtual Opioid Dependency Program: Available anywhere in Alberta, VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list. To access, call 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The Digital Overdose Response System (DORS): A free, discreet mobile app that can help prevent overdose deaths among people using opioids and other substances while alone.
Naloxone kits: Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning.

Helplines

· 211 Alberta – Information on community and social services.

· Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322 for recovery-oriented care support.

· Health Link 811 – 24/7 health advice and information.

Friends and Family

People in need of support are encouraged to reach out to someone they trust. Talk to a family member, friend, or someone you can be honest with to talk through your concerns.
If you notice people in your life who may be struggling, reach out to them. Offering support can include mentioning what you have noticed, listening to their concerns, and connecting them with some of the resources noted above. Starting a conversation does not require

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Health Advice

June 6, 2023admin

Hip-Hop Stars Give Advice on Grieving For Mental Health Awareness Month – Billboard

As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, Billboard is focusing on grieving, after the hip-hop community has suffered so many tragic losses over the last few years. As Black men continue to become susceptible to gun violence, many artists have begun opening up about the importance of therapy — or at least positively embracing pain, whether that’s through music, journaling or even getting a tattoo that pays homage to your lost ones.

See latest videos, charts and news

Billboard spoke to Swizz Beatz, Lloyd Banks, Joey Bada$$, and G Herbo about what their best advice is for overcoming a loss and moving forward. See what each man said below.

Swizz Beatz

I think the best thing is to take the time that’s needed. To figure out how you want to grieve. I’m still not over [DMX]. I still have moments, but I’ve got to a good space because X actually came to me and let me know that he was okay. I couldn’t even listen to [“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”] I wasn’t even prepared for it. It just breaks me up. I’m like, “Damn.” It’s the only song to ever do that. All the other songs, I’m cool. [That song] is like a trigger for me. Then he came and kinda was like, “I’m good.” I seen the whole s–t.

You just gotta be open-minded. Grieving has no ending to it. It’s like when a person comes to your mind like, “Damn.” Sometimes I just have to have a moment to be like, “Damn.” I don’t even feel like he’s gone though. I be like, “X really not here.” Taking the time out to think about that is crazy, sometimes. I start thinking about the s–t we was about to do. The things we

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Health Advice

May 8, 2023admin

‘You’re not alone’: CNN Heroes share advice for Mental Health Awareness Month

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor or visit the Lifeline site.

CNN
—

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year it seems to coincide with a flurry of violent headlines. For many, this constant bad news adds to the stress of everyday life, which may already feel overwhelming.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year in the US, one in five adults experience mental illness and one in six children aged 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder. That’s millions of people. In 2021, less than half of adults received treatment.

America’s mental health crisis is having a widespread impact that touches everyone.

“One of the things that we underestimate as a society is how our global mental health impacts us as individuals. And we have seen it over and over again as we experience gun violence,” said Michele Neff Hernandez, a 2021 CNN Hero who has helped millions navigate grief and loss through her nonprofit Soaring Spirits. “We can see what happens when people don’t get the help they need; there can be tragic consequences.”

Neff Hernandez is one of many CNN Heroes who have found unique ways to help people with their mental health. Some of them marked Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing advice and insight with CNN’s Elizabeth Belanger about what is working for their communities. Below are edited versions of their conversations.

For Neff Hernandez, whose organization helps widowed people connect with each other in a community of support, it’s important for everyone to know they aren’t alone in their struggle. Mental illness is common, yet the stigma surrounding

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Health Care

May 1, 2023admin

Nurses organize to champion contract demands, raise awareness over ‘threats’ to public health care

Nurses are expected to gather across Ontario for a “community day of action” to champion their contract demands and raise awareness over what they say are threats to Ontario’s publicly-funded hospital and health care system.

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) has been calling for an improved contract for some 60,000 members in the hospital sector since talks started earlier this year. In March, talks between the union and the Ontario Hospital Association ended without an agreement, sending the parties to arbitration expected to start sometime early next month.

“Simply put, our patients need and deserve better care,” ONA interim provincial president Bernie Robinson, who is also a registered nurse, said in a news release.

“The failure to properly invest in our public hospital system is hurting those who rely on quality care.”

ONA represents 68,000 registered nurses and 18,000 nursing student affiliates. It says the community events planned for Sunday are also aimed at educating the public on how the Doug Ford government’s policy on hospital and health care is hurting Ontarians — particularly taking aim at the province’s recent move to start expanding care, such as some surgeries and procedures, in private and for-profit clinics.

“As front-line nurses and health-care professionals, we’re informing people of the threats to their health care and making it easy for them to take steps to bring back better care for all,” said Robinson.

CBC Toronto has reached out to the province and the Ontario Hospital Association, which represents 140 public hospitals, for comment. Back in March, when nurses organized a separate demonstration, Ford commented on the province’s relationship with nurses.

“We love our nurses. We know the dedication. They go in day in and day out,” Ford said when criticized by the official opposition on its treatment of nurses.

“We’re going to continue

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Tag: awareness

What is Glaucoma?

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Preventive Measures for Glaucoma

Speak up, guys. We’re all hurting during Covid-19 – want to talk about it?

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