Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week
 May 19 – 25, 2013, is observed as EMS Week in Virginia and celebrates emergency medical service responders’ heroic efforts and commitment to saving lives.
EMS for Children Day is May 22 and raises awareness of pediatric health and safety.
Every year, EMS Week brings together local communities and EMS providers to recognize and honor their dedication to providing lifesaving pre-hospital care to those in need.
Read more about EMS Week in Virginia. To learn more about EMS in Virginia, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/oems.
Mumps
Multiple cases of mumps have been reported to the Virginia Department of Health. As of May 21, 2013, 111 cases* of mumps are under investigation in different regions of the state. The majority of cases are part of an outbreak of mumps occurring at one university in the central region of the state. As investigations continue, additional cases are possible. It is also possible that the cases under investigation will decrease as investigations are completed and cases are ruled out.
Learn more>>
*Case counts will be updated once a week.
Introducing Health Bites
Health Bites is an interactive online nutrition education tool designed to help you and your family enjoy healthier lives. The interactive website provides fun, informative videos on nutrition and ideas on simple and healthy recipes. If you are a WIC participant, the site will allow you to complete modules, to receive nutrition education credit for WIC. Visit www.HealthBitesVA.org to have a world of nutrition and health information at your fingertips!
Virginia Health Information
'Virginia Health Information' is a resource for patients and consumers looking to learn about and compare options on everything from obstetrical services, to heart care, to pricing information on commonly performed medical procedures. Virginians can use VHI information to make informed health care purchasing decisions and as the basis for an informed conversation with their health care providers.
Learn more>>
 |
 National Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26 – June 1, 2013, highlights the importance of planning ahead for the upcoming hurricane season.
Read more about preparing for severe weather:
 Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week
May 20–26, 2013
This week is a time to remember the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones while having fun in pools, water parks, fountains, lakes, rivers or oceans this summer. Many water illnesses and injuries can be prevented.
The best way to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWI) is to keep germs out of the water:
- Don't swallow pool, lake, pond or river water.
- Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before and after swimming.
- Avoid swimming, diving or other activities in obviously stagnant freshwater bodies when temperatures are high and water levels are low.
- Hold your nose or wear nose plugs when underwater or when diving or swimming in hot, shallow freshwater bodies.
In addition to preventing RWI, you can reduce the risk of drowning and water-related injuries:
- Never leave a child alone near water, and always designate a responsible adult to supervise children swimming or playing in or around the water.
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). You can save a life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
- Teach children to swim. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children between 1 and 4 years old.
- When boating in open waters, be sure to wear U.S. Coast Guard- approved life jackets, regardless of the distance to be traveled, the size of the boat or the swimming ability of the boaters.
- With any recreational water activity always use the buddy system, be aware of local weather conditions, do not consume alcohol before or during recreational water activities, avoid swimming after dark, do not dive into unknown or shallow areas and watch out for dangerous waves or rip currents.
For more information about healthy swimming, please visit:
 May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
One of three American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and many people with high blood pressure have trouble keeping their condition under control.
Take time this month to speak with your health care provider about steps you can take to control your blood pressure.
For more information:
 National Senior Health & Fitness Day
National Senior Health & Fitness Day is Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
This event, the nation’s largest health and wellness events for older adults, promotes the importance of regular exercises and improving the fitness of older adults in the communities. Regular exercise can help reduce the effects muscle weakness that occurs as one ages, maintain balance and reduce the risk of falls.
More information is available:
|
