Category: Disease Outbreak
AFM is Serious: Know the Symptoms. Act Fast.
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a serious neurologic condition that causes limb weakness and paralysis. While uncommon, AFM affects mostly children, and can have devastating, long-term effects for patients and their families. There have been three AFM outbreaks in the United States—in 2014, 2016, and 2018. If this biennial pattern continues, another outbreak might occur Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentProbabilities, Not Promises: How Computer Models are Used in Emergency Preparedness & Response
Computer models are not crystal balls. They are the result of a set of variables going through mathematical algorithms. What comes out is a simulation of what might happen if present truths are accurate predictors of future trends. Models show probabilities; they don’t make promises. Models have many applications. Epidemiologists use them to predict disease Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentOlder Americans Month: How You Can Help Protect Their Health
May is Older Americans Month. When President John F. Kennedy designated May as “Senior Citizens Month” in 1963, approximately 17 million Americans were age 65 or older.(1) Today, that number is 45 million.(2) It’s a demographic comparable in size to the population of Argentina.(3) Who Are Older Adults? Older adults are our parents, grandparents, aunts, Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentKitchen Conversations: How to Talk with Young Children About COVID-19
This pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. The COVID-19 outbreak has changed our daily lives in ways we never could have imagined. As a result, many of us are wearing multiple hats, including that of a homeschool teacher. Children learn from adults outside of scheduled school time, too. Kids are observant. They soak in Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentEffective Handwashing: Learn. Teach. Repeat.
May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day. Of all the practical skills and lessons, learning to protect your health in a public health emergency or a natural disaster by teaching and practicing effective handwashing is the most important. Clean hands are essential to health, whether in an emergency or day-to-day life. Start making handwashing a Read More >
Posted on by 4 CommentsHeaded Out? How to Stay Healthy When Running Essential Errands
Millions of people living in the United States are being told to stay at home to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). While these stay at home orders can be different by state (contact yours to learn more about the order where you live), the message is the same—avoid travel, needless shopping trips, and Read More >
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