Toy Safety & Holiday Tips!

Season's Greetings & Stay Safe

The CDC Shared 12 Holiday Tips:

1. Wash your hands. 
2. Keep warm. 
3. Manage your stress. 
4. Don't drink and drive. 
5. Be smoke-free. 
6. Fasten your seat belt in the car. 
7. Get your examinations and screenings. 
8. Vaccinate. 
9. Monitor your children. 
10. Practice fire saftety. 
11. Safely prepare dinner. 
12. Exercise and eat healthy.

Read more about these holiday health & safety tips. 

Send a holiday e-card.

It's National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

• Test your knowledge about button battery safety 
• What you need to know about toy-related injuries  
• Check out these toy safety tips

Vaccinate & Wash Away Germs: Avoiding the Flu

Did you know that this week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and National Handwashing Awareness Week? 

It is no secret that these two things play a big role in the prevention of contracting influenza. What do you know about influenza? Test your knowledge! Also, don't forget to take the influenza vaccination pledge for 2015-2016!

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. Washing your hands and covering your cough can slow the spread of germs, however. Dr. Sawyer of Henry the Hand Foundation says to wash your hands before eating, don't use your hands to cover a cough or sneeze, and do not put your fingers in your eyes, mouth or nose.

 

 

More Info

• Check out all of the cool people on twitter getting vaccinated for against the flu! #vaxwithme
• CDC Influenza Vaccination Fact Sheet: #NIVW15
  
• Early-season flu vaccination coverage estimates

Great American Smokeout

Quit Like a Champion™

You’ve always said you could go the distance; that you could stop lifting that pack at any time; that you had the strength and the willpower to be a quitter.

Well, the American Cancer Society® is hoping you’ll prove it – to yourself.

On Thursday, November 19, we present the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout® event. It’s a day where defeating tobacco becomes a team sport.

Sure, overcoming the obstacle of addiction can feel like a personal competition, but when you go one-on-one with tobacco, we’re all in your corner.

So get ready, because with enough dedication, drive, and support, this is the day you’re going to lose – the cigarettes.

We know it’s a challenge. But if you can win one day, you can win them all. Give the fans of your life something to cheer about.

Quit like a champion.

To learn more, visit cancer.org/smokeout or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

More information:

• Stop Smoking Quiz
• Benefits of Quitting Smoking
• Why Quit Now?

Blog post brought to you by the American Cancer Society

Working to Improve Oral Health Disparities

The Possibility of Eradicating Dental Disease in Children

The DentaQuest Foundation hosted the annual Oral Health 2020 National Network Gathering in New Orleans. This year’s gathering was the biggest yet, with 250 grantees and stakeholders in attendance. 

Every year this convening gives us the opportunity to map out the progress of the national network, share best practices, problem-solve challenges around access and outreach, and advance our plan to completely eradicate dental disease for the next generation - children. This year’s convening was no exception – much of our conversation focused on the continued prevalence of dental disease in children and what we can do to eliminate this issue. 

One of our keynote speakers, Dr. Camara Jones, facilitated a fascinating conversation on racism, health disparities, and the social determinants of health and equity. Dr. Jones urged everyone in attendance to ask of their organizations, “How is racism operating here?” and to also recognize that “there is genius in all of our communities, and we need to invest in it.”

We talked about exciting progress that was being made when it comes to early childhood caries, but disparities remain that we cannot afford to ignore. According to recently-released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 77% of children reach age five without a cavity – this is a monumental achievement for which we should be very proud. 

However, that success is not evenly distributed across racial and ethnic groups. Also according to the CDC, the greatest racial and ethnic disparity among children ages 2-4 and 6-8 is seen in non-Hispanic African-American and Mexican-American children. Furthermore, non-Hispanic African-Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians and Alaska Natives generally have the poorest oral health of any racial and ethnic groups in the United States. From year to year, these disparities remain, meaning that we still have significant work ahead of us. 

While we are getting closer than ever to the Oral Health 2020 goal of eradicating dental disease in children, all children deserve access to dental care and education that will set them up for a healthy life. With that, we’re working to ensure that oral health is improved for all children, specifically addressing these gaps so that by 2020, at least 85% of children reach age 5 without a cavity.

You can learn more about Oral Health 2020 and the gathering in New Orleans by searching the hashtag #OH2020inNOLA on Twitter. 


Blog Post brought to you by the DentaQuest Foundation

The Votes Are In!

2015 Ohio Election Recap

 

State Issue 1

State Issue 1, which will create a new process for drawing legislative districts, was the first to be called last night. With a final tally of over 72% to 28%, voters overwhelmingly approved this bi-partisan plan. Backers of the initiative had hoped for such a strong result in order to build momentum for further district-drawing reforms. The issue had not received much paid media attention due to lackluster fundraising, but in the end yes votes outnumbered no votes by 1.2 million. The new process will not go into effect until 2021.

 

State Issue 2

This was by far the closest issue of the night, but in the end this legislature-created barrier to allowing monopolies in the state constitution passed with a tally of 1.55 million for and 1.45 against (52%-48%). This proposal had bi-partisan support and was closely linked to the campaign for Issue 3 but both supporters and detractors.

 

State Issue 3

The most heavily covered issue of Election Day surprised almost everyone with the result of 64% no, 36% yes. Voters handily rejected a proposal to allow medicinal and recreational marijuana use in Ohio that would have restricted the market to the control of just 10 businesses responsible for the growth and distribution of the product. Recent polling of registered voters had shown the issue passing.  Supporters of the Issue had spent over $25 million on the campaign, buying significant television time in the last 3 weeks highlighting the medical use opportunities. Voters seemed to support legalizing medicinal use, but were turned off by the oligopoly this particular proposal would have created. After the results were announced Ohio House leaders indicated a willingness to consider some form of legalization for medicinal use in light of the public support for it.

Stay informed - sign up to be a Community Health Center advocate for updates and information regarding the health center program.

Special thanks and credit to Nikki Reiss of Carpenter Lipps & Leland LLP for this post.

Healthy Changes to Lower Your Risk

American Diabetes Month

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 11 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 29 million people. And another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living, OACHC is proudly participating in American Diabetes Month. In the state of Ohio, 830,000 live with diabetes.

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. To help prevent type 2 diabetes:

• Watch your weight
• Eat healthy
• Get more physical activity

More Information

• Learn more with these FAQs on Diabetes.  
• Take Diabetes self-management classes

Don't Forget to Vote!

Your Voice Matters - Voting in Ohio is November 3rd

Election day in Ohio is quickly approaching.  Below are some quick links to get you prepared to vote.  Listed are items such as; what you would be voting for, how to check if you are registered to vote, where you go to vote, voting FAQs and more! Express yourself by voting for things that would make Ohio a better place for you to live.

 

Quick Links

• What is on the ballot?

• Voter Toolkit

• Check your voter registration

• Find your voting precinct

• Voting Schedule

• Voter Registration Form

• Absentee Voting

• Voting FAQs

•  More Info

Dental Hygiene Month

ADHA's 4 Steps for a Good Oral Health Routine

• Brush X2 a day
• Floss!
• Use mouthwash
• If you chew gum, make sure it is sugar-free

Kid's Section

• Webinar for children on oral health 
• Website with handouts and a video for children on oral health habits

Share Your Story/Spread Awareness

• Use hashtag #NDHM2015 in social media

FREE CE Course

• Take "Chewing Gum, Eating Behaviors, Oral Ecology and Saliva As a Homeostatic Mechanism" between October 16-Nov 16. Earn continuing education by clicking here.

2015 Super Hero Award Presentation

Team Members Unite to Accept Award

On September 29th, OACHC presented the 2015 Super Hero Award during the networking reception of the 2015 Fall Conference: CommUNITY.

Beverly Gifford's HealthSource of Ohio team members accepted her award on her behalf. "For those of you who know Bev....she has always been in the community", said Kim Patton, CEO of HSO, during the 2015 Super Hero Award presentation.

Bev's Nomination

"She always goes above and beyond to serve our patients at our health center. When she assists someone in our community she is always warm and friendly in addition to being very knowledgeable about the services we provide. She constantly finds a way to help someone even if we cannot directly assist them. She has been with HealthSource of Ohio for over 25 years and is incredibly familiar with the populations we serve, and it shows with her compassion towards every one we help. She truly is a Health Care Hero."

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, OACHC is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

• If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
• If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.

Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.
 

Member Highlight

The HealthCare Connection is hosting an event, "A Crucial Catch Day", on October 13th which will include a Mercy Health mobile mammography unit.  There will also be education, activities and more!

Ohio Cancer Facts

• In 2012, 582,607 cancer deaths occurred in the United States*, including 25,261 in Ohio. 
• Cancer Quick Profiles: Ohio

More information

• Send someone an eCard reminding them to get a mammogram 
• General Information about Male Breast Cancer  
• Mammograms: Questions for the doctor  
• Breast awareness and self-exam  
• Breast Cancer Types
• Key statistics about breast cancer  
• Find cancer early
• Learn more about Breast Cancer

Finally

• Take the Breast Cancer Quiz

Child Obesity

September - National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, OACHC encourages your family to make healthy changes together.

• Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park. 
• Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
• Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.

Taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight.

Learn More:

• CDC: September is National Childhood Obesity Month 
• National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Toolkit 
• Alliance for a Healthier Generation

STEADI - Falls Prevention

 

Did you know?

•    Approximately 15 percent of Ohio citizens are age 65 or older, yet this group accounts for more than 84 percent of fatal falls.
•    An older adult falls every 2 minutes resulting  in 3 fatalities per day
•    Ohio spends over $1.8 million a day in falls related costs,  totaling  $677 million annually
•    Falls are not a normal part of aging and most falls are preventable
•    There is a simple screening that can assess patients at low, medium and high risk for falls

Ohio will observe National Falls Prevention Awareness Day (NFPAD) on September 23, 2015 with this year’s theme, “Stand up to Prevent Falls.” Celebrated each year on the first day of autumn, Falls Prevention Awareness Day is designed to educate Ohioans that the risks of falling may increase as we grow older, but that falling is not a normal part of the aging process and can be prevented. 

As a health care provider, you can play a critical role in the prevention of falls and can help your patients stay healthy, active and independent longer. We can address risk factors to reduce your patients’ chances of falling and suffering serious injuries like hip fractures and traumatic brain injury that often lead to loss of independence and sometimes their life.

To help raise awareness of this serious issue, the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers is proud to partner with the Ohio Departments of Health and Aging to promote the CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) Tool Kit. 

STEADI is a powerful resource based on a simple algorithm adapted from the American and British Geriatric Societies’ Clinical Practice Guideline.  It includes basic information about falls, case studies, conversation starters, and standardized gait and balance assessment tests.  In addition to the toolkit, ODH has a new video and printed collateral about fall prevention specifically designed for patients and their friends and family. 

You can find additional resources here:

Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Department of Aging STEADY U Ohio
STEADI materials

By working together, we can reduce falls and ensure that older Ohioans are leading happy, healthy and productive lives.

Bad Habits: Are you standing up straight yet?

Get up and move and keep that posture straight!

Did you watch the video? Take the quiz. I bet you were subconsciously adjusting your posture throughout the video.  Many, most, people are guilty of bad posture.  It's hard not to slouch especially when you are sitting at a desk all day.  Many times you forget to even get up and walk around.  These bad habits are also bad for your health.

Look up!

Take a break from your phone! Check out this study by New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, "Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head", a study on the effects of posture due to gravity and phone usage.

Here are some tips, however, to improve poor posture even if you can't look away from your phone.

 

Stand up!

Luckily for us, there are apps such as "Stand Up!" that remind you to stand up from working at your desk.  It has a little reminder, "Stand up! We want you to live longer!".  Go take a walk around the office, do some stretches or at least just stand throughout the day. Don't take our word for it though, check out this "Sitting So Much Should Scare You" infographic.

According to the MayoClinic, sitting for long periods of time seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Learn the risks of sitting to long and tips on how to fix the bad habit here. 

So don't just sit there and stand up straight!

Ohio NACHC NHCW Photo & Video Contest

Congrats!

Congratulations to The HealthCare Connection – honored as a runner-up in the 2015 NACHC Picture & Video Contest!
 

Pictures

Our great state submitted some wonderful photos: 

Videos

In addition to the photos, check out there were amazing videos from Neighborhood Family Practice, Behavioral Health & Dental Centers of CAA  and Lorain County Health & Dentistry 

Check out all of the NACHC Contest Grand Prize winners. Looking forward to what the Buckeye state submits next year!

Fruit and Veggies!

September is Fruits & Veggies - More Matters Month

Most people know that eating fruits and vegetables is important for good health, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. This September, OACHC is proud to participate in Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you:

• Lower your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer 
• Maintain or reach a healthy weight
• Keep your body strong and active

Here are some ideas to help you and your family fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:

• Keep a bowl of fruit handy where the whole family can see it. 
• Cut up fruits and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready for quick, healthy snacks.
• Challenge your family to try a new veggie or fruit every week.

Remember, eating more fruits and veggies can be fun – and it’s worth it!

More Information

• Find a farmer's market near you! 
• Get some tips, recipes and more! 
• 30 ways in 30 days to stretch your fruit & vegetable budget

Be a part of OACHC's CommUNITY!

 

OACHC's 2015 Fall Conference: CommUNITY

The 2015 Fall Conference: CommUNITY is a 2.5 day event held at the Sherton at Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio from September 28th-30th. Learn new ways to improve your health center and network with fellow community health center professionals at OACHC’s 2015 Fall Conference: CommUNITY. Choose from four different tracks including; Finance, Clinical, Outreach & Enrollment, and Workforce.  

Also, new this year we are offering an "FQHC Leadership: Essentials for Success" session on Monday the 28th of September for any leadership looking for some tips of the trade (registration is required).

We would love to have you as an attendee!

Come to Columbus!

Columbus has so much to offer! Don't miss a chance to visit this vibrant city!

www.ohiochc.org/fall

 

 QUESTIONS? Contact Megan Bourque-Stith

NHCW15 was a Success!

National Health Center Week was a Blast!

OACHC got to travel all over Ohio to visit our member's health centers during their National Health Center Week events! Our health centers had events such as ribbon cutting events for new locations, back to school fairs, health center tours and more! Many health centers even got visits from State and even Federal legislators! We are very excited about how enthusiastic everyone was about celebrating this great week! Click here to view pictures from NHCW15

 

Per tradition OACHC is sending out Health Center Hero Awards.  These awards are given to nominees that are recognized as outstanding leaders and advocates working for local Community Health Centers.  Click here to view all of the Ohio Health Center Heroes

OACHC created a new twist to the hero awards this year in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the health center movement! People were given the opportunity to vote between five finalists of the nominated heroes.  The winner would be deemed "Ohio Health Center Super Hero"! The contest ended on August 15th and after great turnout from the voters we received a winner.  Bev Giffford of HealthSource of Ohio, Inc. is to be presented the "Ohio Health Center Super Hero" award at this year's Fall Conference, September 28-30.  

https://www.facebook.com/oachc/photos/a.10153467494962512.1073741850.141625007511/10153471430062512/?type=1

Beverly's nomination outlined her Compassion while working at her community health center.  Congrats Bev and congrats to all of the heroes this year!