Immunization helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and tuberculosis, adults need to get their shots – just like kids do.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots.
How can National Immunization Awareness Month make a difference?
We can all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share strategies to increase immunization rates with our community.
Here are just a few ideas:
How can I help spread the word?
We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference! This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
This article was found on HealthFinder.gov.
Many people love the warm sun. The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But our love affair isn't a two way street:
Exposure to sun causes many of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces and is the number one cause of skin cancer.
In fact, sun exposure causes many of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place. The skin also bruises and tears more easily -- taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life.
Exposure to the sun causes:
Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can sometimes repair itself. So, it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun.
Follow these tips to help prevent sun-related skin problems:
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects one in three adults in the United States, while only half are treated for this condition. An additional 25% of adults have blood pressure readings that are considered pre-hypertensive, placing them at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension can occur at any age, and the risk rises as one continues to age.
Blood pressure is the force exerted on artery walls from blood flowing through the body. A blood pressure reading provides two measures, systolic pressure and diastolic pressure, which are expressed as millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Systolic pressure is measured as the heart pumps. Diastolic pressure is measured between beats, as blood flows back into the heart.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has no symptoms, and is often called the “silent killer” because it can go undetected for years until a fatal heart attack or stroke occurs. Untreated hypertension causes damage to blood vessels over time. This can lead to other health complications such as stroke, kidney failure, impaired vision, heart attack, or heart failure. Blood pressure levels should be closely monitored and checked regularly.