Performing hands-only CPR to the beat of “Baby Shark” is the perfect way to help save a life. The song is the right speed for chest compressions.
According to the American Hear
Performing CPR within the first few minutes of cardi
The City Health Dashboard, a project of the Department of Population Health at New York University, spotlighted Oklahoma City’s innovative, data-based approach to advancing health and well-being in local communities.
Oklahoma City is one of the 500 cities on the City Health Dashboard, an online resource that contains city and neighborhood-level data on more than 35 measures of health, as well as the factors that shape health in cities throughout the United States.
Blogs and stories on how the Oklahoma City-County Health Department has used data to advance health outcomes among residents can be viewed here.
Many Americans find that their physical and mental health is adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, there are ways you can remain physically active and maintain your mental health during the workday.
Use a standing desk: A standing desk can improve your posture and relieve back, shoulder and neck pain.
Exercise: A few minutes of exercise every day has been shown to reduce stress and boost work performance. Take the stairs, do 10 pushups or try these desk exercises.
Step outside: Eat your lunch at an outdoor café, or take your meeting to a spot at a nearby park.
The average adult’s body weight is approximately 60 percent water. The body uses water in its cells, organs and tissues to help regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
As the body loses water through breathing, sweating and digestion, it becomes very important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. Fresh fruits in particular are a great source of water.
The amount of water a person needs depends on a variety of factors including climate, physical activity and health.
In this summer heat, hydration is critical, and water is the perfect choice to “Rethink Your Drink.”
Make this school year a healthy one for your kids. First, teach kids how to keep their hands clean by washing them thoroughly and keeping them away from the face.
While it is great to teach younger children the importance of sharing, make sure that they do not share water bottles or other personal items. Keep children active and rested with outside play after school, as well as a full night’s rest. Give children a brain-boosting breakfast, and pack a healthy lunch.
Finally, keep your children healthy as the winter months approach by getting them a yearly flu shot.
Juggling multiple responsibilities is hard, and maintaining your mental health through it all is even harder. With so much on our plates, it’s easy to neglect ourselves and forget to set aside time to breathe. Here are some tips to implement self-care tactics into your everyday life.
• Be comfortable saying no to extra responsibilities.
• Delegate work to others if you can.
• Know what you need – more sleep, exercise, energy to cook a healthy meal, etc.
• Prioritize yourself – you can’t be a good employee, parent, friend, etc., if you don’t take care of yourself.
• Be positive and give yourself credit.
– Haley Pegg & Sandra Lindquist, New Orleans Chamber
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department’s epidemiologists use various data points like outside temperature, mosquito trap counts and disease rates, complaints from residents and human surveillance of West Nile cases in Oklahoma County to determine the risk of West Nile disease during the summer months.
The Skeeter Meter tool is a way to monitor and evaluate the risk of West Nile infection among humans.
View the daily Skeeter Meter status here, and learn how using the three Ds and a P for mosquito safety (drain, DEET, dress and protect) will help residents of Oklahoma County “Fight the Bite” this summer.
Have you seen your kid’s USB flash drive lately? It could be an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) containing nicotine. E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among American middle and high-school students, and USB-shaped e-cigarettes, especially flavored e-cigarettes, are growing in popularity.
More than eight in 10 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who use e-cigarettes said they use flavored e-cigarettes.
As parents prepare to send their kids back to school in August, they should take time to learn more about the dangers of e-cigarettes for young people.
An estimated 160 million Americans experience difficulty sleeping. We recommend creating a Zen bedroom by ensuring the noise is consistent. Earplugs or a sound conditioner might be in order. Shutting down all electronic devices before sleeping will also help ensure a good night’s rest.
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule reinforces the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Skip the nap, and develop a bedtime routine that includes a warm shower or bath. Stay away from caffeine for four to six hours before you go to sleep. Exercising during the day fosters sleep at night, but don’t exercise too close to bedtime.
Trying to improve your health? Easy: get some z’s. That’s right – proper sleep habits have been linked to improved mental, physical and emotional health. At PA Health & Wellness, we know that a good night’s rest is key to great health.
Here are some tips to get you on your way to a healthier snooze:
• Avoid naps: Cut out afternoon naps to reserve your best rest for nighttime.
• Don’t force it: If you can’t sleep, do something else. Read a book or drink some tea, then try falling asleep again.
• Exercise: Surprise! Getting out pent-up energy helps you sleep soundly.
– Justin Davis, PA Health & Wellness
Oklahoma City-County Health Department’s Public Health Protection experts remind residents who plan to picnic or cookout this summer to keep all ingredients on ice to avoid the threat of contamination and sickness.
Foodborne bacteria can begin to multiply in perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk and mayonnaise when kept above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Try to pack meat, fish, milk, eggs or other spoilable foods into a cooler surrounded by ice, and don’t cross-contaminate. Be sure to keep raw meat securely wrapped.
Great tips are available here: http://bit.ly/2EsrCJ0
Cases of measles are now appearing in pockets across the country, particularly in the northwest. It is critical to understand the virus and how to be protected from it.
The symptoms of measles appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. They include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, along with a rash on the face, neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
Children and adults can receive the measles vaccine at any of the three metro Oklahoma City-County Health Department locations. For more information, visit the CDC.
Many in our society are focusing on making their lives greener. But for some, the concept seems so vast that it’s hard to understand the lingo.
Here is a breakdown of some popular terms:
Cruelty-free: Created/developed without the product being animal-tested.
Organic: Created/developed without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial agents.
Clean: Created/developed without the use of controversial ingredients.
Vegan: Created/developed without the use of animal byproducts.
Tip: Use the GoodGuide app to get the dirt on who’s really green and who’s just green-washing. Android and iPhone versions are available.
West Nile Virus has existed in Oklahoma since 2002, as a seasonal outbreak which flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. It’s spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Our worst outbreak was in 2012, when over 50 cases sprang up. Some who get the disease experience no symptoms, while others experience fever, headache, neck stiffness, convulsions, coma, vision loss or paralysis.
We recommend three Ds and P. Wear a repellent containing DEET. DRESS in long sleeves and pants. DRAIN stagnant water around your home and PROTECT by checking window screens. Learn more: www.OCCHD.org/fightthebite.
With summer just a few months away, it’s the perfect time to jump into eating better and exercising. These habits can help you get in shape and have a healthier and more active season.
Eating healthy and exercising can be very daunting tasks; however, setting goals that accommodate your lifestyle and fitness level is a great way to help you get on the right track. Whether it’s drinking more water, eating more fruits and veggies or taking a walk, set some goals and stick to them.
After a while, you’ll find yourself looking forward to things you never imagined enjoying.
The OKC-County Health Department’s Total Wellness program is a no-cost, interactive weight-loss program for adults that helps prevent diabetes and heart disease. Classes meet one hour a week for eight weeks. The goal of the class is for everyone to lose 5 percent of their body weight and develop a more active lifestyle.
Participants will learn how to make healthy choices, find time to be more active, change unhealthy behaviors, lose weight and feel great.
Classes are open, but space is limited. Call 405-425-4422 or email totalwellness@occhd.org to sign up or learn more.
Cases of measles are now appearing in certain pockets of the country, particularly across the northwest. It is critical to understand the virus and how to protect against it.
The symptoms of measles appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected and include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, along with a rash on the face, neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
Children and adults can receive the measles vaccine at any of the three metro Oklahoma City-County Health Department locations. For more information, visit the CDC.
Every 39 seconds, an adult dies of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease doesn’t just happen to older adults. It’s happening more frequently to younger adults, and conditions that lead to heart disease are commonly occurring at younger ages.
February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about risks for heart disease and steps one can take now to help the heart in the future. The My Heart program at the OKC-County Health Department helps individuals between the ages of 25 and 60 improve their heart health.
Read more info here: occhd.org/myheart.
Let’s face it: Dreams can be weird, scary, humiliating and stressful. But what exactly do they mean?
1. Dreams about falling: This can be a sign that your life isn’t going well. You may need to rethink a choice or consider a new direction in your life.
2. Dreams about being publicly naked: These dreams might indicate that you’re afraid of revealing your imperfections and shortcomings to others.
3. Dreams about losing teeth: You may be worried about your appearance or that you have said something embarrassing.
4. Dreams about flying: This usually represents freedom or a desire to escape.
As spring approaches, it’s important to survey your surroundings and eliminate the culprits that cause allergies to flare up at home or in the office.
1. Pollen: Trees, ragweed and grass release plenty of allergens.
2. Dust mites: Remember to deep-clean your carpets, pillowcases and mattress.
3. Mold: Check damp places like bathrooms, baseboards and basements.
An easy way to avoid bringing allergens home:
1. Have doormats both inside and outside your entryways.
2. Take off jackets, shoes and scarves at the door.
3. Wash your hands often.
4. Keep hand sanitizer by the door and at your desk.
Laws enacted at the state Capitol can directly impact the lives and well-being of individuals across the state. The Oklahoma Legislature can take action to significantly improve the collective health of Oklahomans by passing legislation that further reduces the smoking rate and curbs vaping by teenagers. Enacting barriers to smoking and/or vaping is a proven strategy that has achieved greater health outcomes in states across the country.
Oklahomans are currently taking charge of their own health and have quit smoking in record numbers in the past decade, however, momentum must continue to continuously improve the state’s health rankings.
Oklahoma recently ranked 47th in health rankings by the United Health Foundation. As a result, Oklahoma businesses could see increased healthcare costs if rankings remain low.
To be proactive, businesses can schedule a complimentary one-on-one discussion with a Healthy Living Program Business Coordinator to plan health promotion strategies, cultivating a healthier workplace culture.
Healthy behaviors can be reinforced at the workplace by adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a staff meeting or by taking a walk around the block. Supporting tobacco cessation is also an effective strategy for businesses to reduce costly healthcare claims related to tobacco use.
American Heart Association’s revolutionary movement, Healthy for Good, inspires people to create lasting changes in their health and in their lives. Make 2019 the year to be “healthy for good,” with the following tips:
– Eat smart: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats and whole grains into your daily diet.
– Move more: Find an exercise you enjoy, and stick with it. If you can’t go to the gym, go for a walk or take the stairs.
– Be well: Along with eating right and being active, real health includes getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, managing stress and so much more.
– Lanie Russo, The Houston 100
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is saying goodbye to the Obama administration’s school lunch and breakfast program in a move to serve meals more appealing to students.
Starting last month, around 30 million American children on USDA federally subsidized programs saw new items with higher salt content and fewer grains on the lunch menu. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says the plan will “meet the needs of their students based on their real-world experience,” and help to eliminate waste.
The American Heart Association isn’t pleased with the move and says it puts kids’ health in jeopardy.
– Mary Simton, The Alaska 100
Nations Laboratory Services LLC (NLS), recently opened a new location in Tecumseh, in partnership with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN). NLS will provide clinical and medical testing services for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
CPN tribal member Steven Weddle has owned and operated NLS since April of 2018. With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Weddle began NLS due to the rising need for affordable and accessible care among Native Americans. The lab can diagnose a broad range of viruses, bacteria and parasites within 24 hours.
Call 405-287-3028 or email steve@nationslaboratoryservices.com to learn more.
A new year is a good reminder to safeguard those prescription medications before guests of all ages visit your home. When family and friends are in your home, continuously monitor your medicines for missing or outdated pills, and never keep leftover prescriptions.
Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet, and be sure to store them away in a safe, locked place. Always remember to properly dispose of any expired or unused medicines.
It is also recommended to keep Naloxone, the medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, in your first-aid kit.
Visit www.okimready.org to find Naloxone.
“The definitive factors in determining whether someone is in good health extend significantly beyond access to care and include the conditions in their life and the conditions of their neighborhoods.” – John Auerbach, former policy director with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department aims to improve the physical, social and emotional health of vulnerable youth and their families in communities with higher health disparities and without access to things that enhance quality of life.
Through programming at the Southern Oaks Learning and Wellness Campus, youth can reach their full potential as citizens and leaders.
Milk’s vitamins and minerals make it an important part of a healthful diet, but yet many wonder if milk is healthy for humans. Here are a few myth busters:
Myth: Chocolate milk is bad for kids.
Truth: Studies show that it is an important source of nine essential nutrients.
Myth: People with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy.
Truth: There are many ways to enjoy dairy including lactose-free milk.
Myth: Milk contains a lot of excess calories and fat.
Truth: Milk has more nutrient bang for your caloric buck.
Learn more about the benefits and pick up a gallon today.
Healthy families raise healthy children. The OKC-County Health Department’s Health at School program partners with local schools to help them become healthier places for staff, students and families. One way we do this is through the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs).
CHWs work with families of school-aged children. Through strong relationships, they help families find and follow through with medical, mental health and social services in the community. CHWs also provide information, education and advocacy. They’re well-positioned to do this, as they are members of the communities they serve and have built trust with vulnerable families.
Dr. Dan T.D. Nguyen, a nationally renowned neuroradiologist, has moved his medical talents to Oklahoma and is breaking down the barriers of pain management.
Dr. Nguyen opened Neuroradiology & Pain Solutions of Oklahoma (NPS) and joined the Oklahoma Spine Hospital team in August, bringing nearly 20 years of experience and expertise in the field.
NPS is the region’s premiere practice for minimally invasive pain management, ranging from chronic headache management to treating seniors with osteoporosis and even treatment for cancer patients. Dr. Nguyen goes beyond just treating the symptoms and focuses on uncovering and tending to the source of pain!
– Meaghan Hatch, Jones PR
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine before flu activity begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) epidemiologist Ozair Naqvi notes the flu shot lowers one’s chance of contracting the flu and lowers the severity of symptoms if one does get sick.
The shot is available without charge at all three OCCHD clinics. OCCHD’s first drive-thru flu clinic will be on Oct. 20 at the Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Oklahoma City-County Health Department
As working professionals, we’re all too familiar with the afternoon slump, as productivity and motivation often decline in our post-lunch exhaustion. Most people don’t take naps while at work, but could there be benefits to midday rest?
A 20-30 minute nap has been shown to be extremely effective for improving alertness throughout the day, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, anything longer will cause “sleep inertia,” making you feel groggy and lethargic.
While critics dismiss naps as something for young children and the elderly, experts say napping can do wonders for both your mental and physical health.
– Beth Turnbull, The Pittsburgh 100
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