Category: preparedness

The Hero Within: Knowing Hands-Only CPR & How To Use An AED Can Save Lives

Performing CPR

The first week of June was National CPR/AED Awareness Week. In belated observance, Public Health Matters looks at how people can confidently help someone in cardiac arrest. The numbers are staggering. About 350,000 people have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, and about 9 in 10 of them die. (1) Bystanders and Read More >

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Buyer Beware: How to Avoid Scams & Misinformation during COVID-19

Working on a computer

When a disaster or emergency affects a community, it’s normal for the community to come together. Many people go out of their way to care for each other and find ways to get involved. But others may try to profit off or take advantage of people’s fear and anxiety. Scams & price gouging during the Read More >

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Older 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 >

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Kitchen Conversations: How to Talk with Young Children About COVID-19

Teenager conversation with parents

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 >

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Effective Handwashing: Learn. Teach. Repeat.

Soapy Hands

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 >

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What You Need to Know About Pets & COVID-19

Golden retriever laying on ground next to cat

Post updated: Dec. 14, 2020 May 3 to 9, 2020, is National Pet Week. With the recent news of tigers, lions, and pet cats and dogs in the US testing positive for the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), you may be wondering about the risks to your pets. We’re still learning about this Read More >

Posted on by Casey Barton Behravesh, MS, DVM, DrPH, DACVPM, Director, One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases13 CommentsTags , , , , , , , , , ,