This is why I'm hot...

Did you know that July is the hottest month of the year for Ohio? 

Temperatures can sometimes be over 100 degrees at the peak time of day. Heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths each year in the US. It is important to prepared for these types of temperatures as being out in the sun can become dangerous.

Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be a life changing situation. Excessive heat can also cause heat cramps and sunburn. If you see someone or you yourself are experiencing heat cram

ps in the legs or abdomen, get to a cooler place, rest, stretch and get fluids every fifteen minutes. Signs of heat stroke include hot red skin (it can be dry or moist) changes in consciousness) vomiting and high body temperature. If you see these signs, call 911 immediately.

Not only are humans at risk for heat related ailments, but it is important to not forget man (or woman)'s best friend! Each year, hundreds of pets pass away from heat exhaustion due to being left in parked cars. Did you know that the temperature in your car can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes??? To see a table of how hot it could be outside vs in your car with the windows up, check out The American Veterinary Medical Foundation  If you have stops to make, its important to just leave your pet at home where they are safe. To see how your pet might feel trapped in a hot car, watch this video with an NFL player to see how long he was able to last.

For more information on how to beat the heat:

• Surviving the Summer
• Summer Safety
• How to Stay Safe in Hot Weather

Independence Day

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and that they were no longer part of the British Empire. 

Independence Day is often celebrated in many ways including; fireworks, parades, barbecues, fairs, picnics, concerts, family parties, as well as political events. However, fireworks is what many people associate the day with. Fireworks has been part of the 4th since the very beginning of Independence Day's history! Check it out!

As we gear up for firework shows, lighting off fireworks at home, purchasing sparklers for our kids, here is what you should know (especially if you live here in Ohio!)

In Ohio, you can buy fireworks however you CANNOT set them off in Ohio. You may take them to a neighboring state such as Indiana and Pennsylvania. However, each state still has their own set of particular laws so please check out their state's information before lighting up the sky. 

Each year there are over 11,000 fireworks related injuries and almost 16,000 fires caused due to fireworks. Even celebrities aren't immune to fireworks injuries. NFL player Jason Pierre-Paul had nearly 3 fingers destroyed due to a fireworks injury! In order to stay safe from fireworks its important to:

• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. 
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.

For more tips, visit www.fireworkssafety.org

Don't forget to also have fun! But safely!! :) Enjoy your Fourth of July!!! :)

FREE National Health Center Week Marketing Kits

National Health Center Week is UnitedHealthcare’s opportunity to show appreciation for all that health centers do for our members in the communities we serve. We know your providers, nurses and staff work tirelessly to deliver high-quality care under very challenging conditions. They serve our most vulnerable citizens, including many who would otherwise go without care. 

UnitedHealthcare has developed some tools you could use to recognize your providers, nurses and staff in your center during this week and beyond.  UnitedHealthcare has created a FREE Digital Marketing Kit for the first time ever. This FREE Digital Marketing Kit includes the resources:        
- Event Flyer (Print Template)
- Recognition Certificate (Print Template)
- Hero Spotlight for staff recognition (Print Template)
- Save the Date (Email Template)*  
- Personal Recognition E-card (Email Template)* 
- Post Event Thank You E-Card (Email Template)*
* Spanish versioning included 

To place your order or talk to UnitedHealthcare about ways to support your local efforts, contact:

Shunda Young 
Shunda_m_young@uhc.com  
763-361-6617    

Men's Health!

June is Men's Health Awareness Month!

This month is meant to recognize all things that affect the daily lives of men. Did you know that men typically visit their healthcare providers less frequently than women? Did you know that one in 3 men suffer from a condition related to cardiovascular disease? Not only that, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for men! If you or you loved ones have not yet made a commitment to be healthy this year, now is the time!

By making small changes like eating healthy, getting exercise and staying on top of preventative care, you can take big steps in improving your overall well being! Getting a regular check can include blood pressure screening, cholesterol, glucose, and prostate health. Because 1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, it is imperative that you stay on top of these well checks! 

• Looking for a place to get a check up? Click here to find a community health center near you!

• Need a last minute Father's Day gift that will help keep Dad happy and healthy, this is a great list of ideas!

• Do you want to spread awareness for Men's Health Month? Go to www.menshealthnetwork.org

• For more facts on men's health, check on the CDC's page on National Men's Health Week

Be Prepared!

Do you know what to do in case of a natural disaster? Many Americans would not know what to do if a tornado rolled through town, a volcano erupted while they are on vacation or if hurricane Alberto was flooding their streets. Being prepared for natural disasters at a moments notice can be helpful to both you and those around you. 

In 2017, 16 separate billion dollar disasters occurred in the US. These disasters include tropical cyclones, severe storms, inland floods, crop freeze, drought and wildfire. This year ties for the highest number billion-dollar disasters for a single year. 




Here in Ohio, we face numerous weather related conditions. Often times we feel the after affects of a major hurricane, which can cause floods. Not only that, we also see tornados. If you are caught in either situation, here are some tips on what you should do:

• Have a communication for your family
• Keep an emergency kit in your car
• Store important documents in a fire-safe box
• Take shelter

To prepare prior to a natural disaster, try getting first aid training. Red Cross as well as state and city governments often have resources on where you can obtain this training. Once you do learn, teach others around you those skills. Be sure to get a first aid kit for both your home and your office. 

For more information on how to stay prepared in a natural disaster, check out the resources below!

• What’s in Your State’s Disaster Management Plan?
• Oral Health First Aid
• Emergency Preparedness: Are you ready for a disaster?
• Make a Plan with Ready.gov