August - Sept. 2023
Welcome!
I hope you are remaining healthy and well during these summer months.
August is National Immunization Awareness month. This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases (like whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, pneumonia) with vaccines. As your children head back to school this fall, make sure vaccines are at the top of your check list. Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure that you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines. You are encouraged to visit the CDC's Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout your child's life. Use the CDC's Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.

National Preparedness month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. Here are just a few tips they recommend:
*What important documents should you have for an emergency? Download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, which will walk you through the planning process: https://go.usa.gov/xypkQ .
*Keep some cash on hand in case of emergencies since ATMs and credit card readers won't always be available.
*Make an Emergency Plan: https://ready.gov/make-a-plan .
*Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area: https://ready.gov/alerts .
*Learn your evacuation zone and have a plan: https://ready.gov/evacuation .
*Learn how to turn off your utilities (like natural gas): https://ready.gov/safety-skills
*Be prepared for a power outage by having enough food, water and medications for at least 72 hours.
*Teach children what to do in an emergency if they're at home or away from home: https://ready.gov/kids .
*Help your kids know how to communicate during an emergency. Review with them sending text messages, emergency contact numbers, dialing 911 for help.
*Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) train volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters their community may face.
*Take classes in life saving skills such as CPR/AED and First Aid, or CERT.
*Check with neighbors to see how you can help each other before/after a storm.
*If you have a disability, contact your city or county government's emergency management agency so they can keep you on their list to be helped if needed.  God willing, these measures won't be needed. But it is always good to be prepared.

Wishing you health in mind, body and spirit, and a colorful autumn.
~Lyn Florio, RN