Flu Season

This flu season is off to an astounding start. As of last week, over 2,000 flu associated hospitalizations have been reported by the Ohio Department of Health. This is up significantly as this time last year, only 369 had been reported. Many of the patients tested have been carrying a virus called H3N2 and several people have not only been hospitalized, but have passed away due to the virus. 

It is still highly recommended by CDC officials that everyone get a flu shot to stay protected against the flu. Other ways that you can keep yourself and others against the flu are:

• Staying home if you are sick! Symptoms of the flu include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting as well as a temperature over 100 degrees. 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

For more information on flu, visit the CDC's website here!

Learn how to protect yourself from the flu by visiting OSHA's website here!

Tips on how to stay healthy in the cold and flu season can be found here!

Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is the leading cause of blindness for individuals over 60 as well. Glaucoma effects approximately 3 million Americans, but only half of those realize they have it. 

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. This fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. But, blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.

Some early symptoms of an attack may include blurred vision, halos, mild headaches or eye pain, however most people have no symptoms of glaucoma. Those who have a family history of glaucoma are more susceptible to it and you tend to lose your peripheral vision first. 

Although glaucoma can cause blindness, it can also be easily treated. Using eye drops or laser surgery, you can save your remaining vision. 

For more information on how you can spread awareness, visit NEHEP's website here!

For facts about glaucoma, click here!

To find the nearest health center to you to get an eye exam go to OACHC's website at www.ohiochc.org/page/FINDACHC 

New Year, HEALTHIER you!

What are you resolving to do?

Are you one of those people that says every January 1st, "This is the year I change my life!!"
And then what? By February, your gym pass is covered in dust, the lettuce in your fridge is molded and you are just mentally exhausted? If this is you, then you are a part of the 80% of people who fail to keep their New Year's resolutions. Even with this statistic, don't give up hope just yet! Sometimes just finding that one thing you really love can really motivate you to make a change. 

Although healthy eating and exercise are good for you, it is also important to stay mentally healthy and emotionally healthy as well. Adding some online or in person classes are a great way to keep yourself motivated and held accountable for these changes in your life as well. 


For suggestions on activities and courses, check out this article on Business Insider 

For tips on how to live healthier, read

• 9 Ways to Live Healthier in 2018 
• 12 Things You Need to Give Up in 2018 to Be Healthy (and Happy)
• 8 simple habits to change for a healthier 2018

Want to try something new? Try these food trends for 2018!

No matter what you resolve to do or not to do, have a happy and healthy 2018!