October

Each October, we come together to raise awareness, promote hope, and remind one another that we are in this together!

Breast cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44% since 1989!  That’s not a coincidence.  For 40 years Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of breast cancer across the nation.  It has encouraged millions to take action, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives!

Early Detection is critical to survival!

• Mammography is the gold standard in detecting breast cancer.

• Mammography can detect breast cancer at its earliest stage; up to three years BEFORE a lump can be felt.

• Women should begin scheduling their annual mammograms at the age of 40 unless symptoms of breast cancer occur.

• Breast cancer can happen at any age, it is important to be aware of your risk factors, including family history, and to consult your doctor if you are showing any symptoms of the disease.

Someone you know may be touched by the disease.

• Breast cancer is a global burden; it is the most common cancer int he world among women.

• In the US, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in all women.

• 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, and of those affected, 1 in 36 women will die from breast cancer.

• Low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for negative breast cancer outcomes.

• Women living in poverty are more likely to die of breast cancer than women who are more affluent.

Read more…

September

 Did you know?

Each September, we come together to raise awareness, promote hope, and remind one another that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Suicide affects millions of individuals and families every year, yet too many continue to struggle in silence.

This month is dedicated to:

• Recognizing the warning signs of suicide

• Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health

• Connecting people to proven treatments and life-saving resources

Whether you’re facing challenges yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to make a difference, your voice matters. By standing together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and save lives.

Do you want to take charge of your health? Learn more about:

• Warning Signs
• Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

July

 Did you know?

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. While sunshine is essential for your body to process vitamin D, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can quickly damage your skin, no matter your skin tone.

Here are some other important facts about Ultraviolet (UV) to know:

• 1 in 5 Americans get skin cancer
• Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
• UV Light exposure causes most skin cancers.
• Just FIVE sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
• Most skin cancers are treatable when caught early, and people with naturally darker skin are less likely to get early treatment for possible skin cancers.

Sun safety is easy:

• Stay in the shade when possible.
• Stay inside when the sun is at its brightest.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply frequently.
• Wear a hat, long sleeves and sunglasses

Do you want to take charge of your health? Learn more…

June

 Did you know?

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to remind men of the health issues they face and what they can do to take charge of their health.

Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider. Only 60 percent of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine check up, and 40 percent won’t go until something is seriously wrong. “Despite these statistics, 20 percent of men report seeing a doctor so their significant other or a loved one will stop nagging them,” said Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine and assistant professor of urology. Bernie also leads the state of Indiana’s only male sexual and reproductive medicine fellowship. “It’s important to encourage the men in your life to see a doctor. You can make an impact!”

Here are some other important facts about men’s health to know:

• The overall mortality rate is 41 percent higher for men than women, and it’s higher for men for 8 out of 10 leading causes of death—including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
• 31 percent of men suffer depression in their lifetime and 9 percent of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety. But only 1/4 talk to a mental health professional, and only 1/3 take medication. Pay attention to signs of depression and don’t be afraid to seek help.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having PSA and DRE levels checked.
• Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million men of all ages across the United States. If you’re having problems, see a urologist and make sure it’s not an early warning sign for something more serious, like heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar.

Do you want to take charge of your health? Learn more…

May

Did you know?

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.

At HealthFirst, Behavioral Health Services are offered to health center patients.  Learn more…

September

Did you know?

With the proper treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible for everyone. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders.

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Learn more about HealthFirst’s Opioid & Alcohol Recovery Program and how you can receive the proper treatment, support and resources.

April 

Did you know?

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance held in April, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and young from vaccine-preventable diseases.  Read more… 

• Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Vaccines help protect both individuals and communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

• Vaccination is a shared responsibility. Families, healthcare professionals, and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community.
• Vaccines are safe. The U.S. has a long-standing vaccine safety system that ensures vaccines are as safe as possible. As new information and science become available, vaccine recommendations are monitored, updated, and improved.
• Trust in vaccines is built through millions of conversations between parents, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and community members. NIIW provides an opportunity to encourage vaccine conversations at all community levels.