Health Observances

March is National Nutrition Month and Poison Prevention Week (17-23) 

Healthy Eating for Your Family

National Nutrition Month®, is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which takes place during the month of March. It invites everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This campaign emphasizes the importance of meaningful nutrition decisions and overall well-being. marchnutrition.png

 Benefits of healthy eating:

  • Children get the foods they need to learn, play, and grow healthfully.
  • Children and adults are less likely to be overweight.
  • Children are less likely to develop diabetes or cardiovascular disease later in life.
Healthy Meals and Snacks Tips:

When making meals you should look for ingredients in the following categories: Dairy, Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, and Protein. 

  • Meals: Aim for at least 1 food from each group of the 5 food groups.
  • Snacks: Aim for foods from 2-3 of the food groups. Think of snacks as mini meals. For healthy snack ideas, view this kids(PDF, 483KB) or adults(PDF, 501KB) guide. 
  • Choose Less Often: Foods that are highly processed, contain added sugars, and offer no nutrients. For example, candy, sugary drinks, and fried foods. 

Children may need to taste, touch, and smell new foods many times before accepting them.

More Resources

National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23)

National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) is observed every third week in March. Its purpose is to raise awareness about poison prevention and safety. The theme for this year is: “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you 24/7.” If you need assistance related to medications, cleaning products, insect bites, food poisoning, or liquid nicotine, don’t hesitate to call Poison Help. They’re there to provide guidance and support, at no cost.

Be aware! There are lots of items that could be dangerous to the health and well-being of your family. Call to Action-Save Poison Help-Partner-Instagram-English.jpg

  • household cleaning products
  • prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • pesticides
  • and other common items that can be hazardous

Tips to prevent poisoning:

  • Cleaning out your medicine cabinet regularly and locking it or keep it stored away from children
  • Keeping all chemicals out of sight from children
  • Keeping all items in its original container

March is the start of Spring, do some spring cleaning! It’s perfect time to deep clean the rooms in your home, get rid of old and outdated products, and open windows when using strong chemicals to allow air into the house.

For more information call the poison center: 1-800-222-1222
 

February is Heart Health Month and Children’s Dental Month

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the in the United States. It affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure,  high cholesterol, and smoking. Some medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at higher risk. They include, diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. This is why in February, National Heart Health Month, we raise awareness on the importance of keeping a healthy heart and encouraging healthy habits. There are many ways heart disease can be prevented and things you can do the reduce your risk. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle and take charge of your medical conditions is very important to maintain a healthy heart. AHM_2022_SM_CandyHearts_IG_Static_Breathe.jpg

Additional Resources

Children's Dental 

National Children's Dental Month is also observed in February to promote the benefits of good oral health in children. Cavities, or tooth decay, is the most chronic disease in childhood. Children with untreated cavities can have pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. With poor oral health, they are more likely to miss more school and receive lower grades than their peers with better oral health. However, tooth decay is preventable. You can help your child protect and maintain their teeth by teaching them good oral habits early. Also, eating a balanced diet from all the food groups and limiting sugary foods and drinks will help keep your child’s teeth strong and gum healthy. With good oral hygiene, children are more likely to avoid health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

 

 

Additional Resources

Medi-Cal Has Dental Services Covered 

National Children’s Dental Health Month | Smile California

Children's Oral Health | Basics | Children's Oral Health | Division of Oral Health | CDC

 

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month

The CDC estimates that about one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect in the United States each year. They are common, costly, and critical conditions that are the leading cause of infant mortality. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk and increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

Doing what is best for you is also best for your baby! Here are steps you can take to prevent birth defects.

  1. See your healthcare provider regularly and start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant. Doctor and pregnant patient.jpg
  2. Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant.
  3. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.
  4. Talk to a healthcare provider about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking.
  5. Know how to prevent infections during pregnancy.
  6. Be proactive in identifying and treating fever when ill or after getting a vaccine. Treat fevers higher than 101oF and avoid hot tubs, saunas, or other environments that might cause overheating.
  7. If possible, be sure any medical conditions are under control, before becoming pregnant. 

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also can be stressful. Knowing that you are doing all that you can to get ready for pregnancy, staying healthy during pregnancy, and giving your baby a healthy start in life will help you to have peace of mind.

Additional Resources

Birth defects and your baby | March of Dimes

What are Birth Defects? | CDC

Folic Acid | CDC

Folic Acid Flyer-English(PDF, 871KB)| Folic Acid Flyer-Spanish(PDF, 1MB)

 

December is National Influenza Vaccination Week (12/3-9/2023)

Flu is a contagious disease that can be dangerous. Almost every year, the flu causes disease in millions of people, hundreds of thousands get hospitalized, and tens of thousands die because of the flu. The CDC urges you to take the following measures to protect yourself and others from the flu.

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SHOULD GET VACCINATED!

The most important step to protect yourself against the flu viruses is getting a flu vaccine each year. All persons 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine. If possible, it is best to receive your shot before the end of October, or as soon as possible if after October. Flu vaccines are offered in many places, such as your doctor’s offices, health department, health center and drugstores.

Easily schedule a FREE flu shot at CVS or Walgreens 

Flu Symptoms

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly.

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • running or stuffing nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, thought this is more common of children than adults.

Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to get medical care. If you have symptoms of flu and are in a higher-risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider for further medical direction.