Emphasis on preventive care, general safety during National Public Health Week April 4-10
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In recognition of National Public Health Week, being celebrated April 4-10, Californians for Patient Care encourages people to secure preventive care and exercise common sense to ensure their health and safety year-round.
“The concept of getting and staying healthy and safe can be overwhelming, especially if you are already in poor health or don’t have adequate health insurance,” said Carmella Gutierrez, president of Californians for Patient Care. “But there are simple things we all can do to start down the path toward good health and safety. Taking charge of your personal health and home environment will help people live healthier and safer lives. This includes getting preventive care that is available throughout California at no or low-cost – including scheduled check-ups and immunizations– and preventing common household hazards that can result in avoidable hospitalizations.”
The following health and safety tips are offered by Californians for Patient Care during National Public Health week and all year long:
Preventive Health
- Get the immunizations needed for everyone in your household. A new law requires all students seventh-grade and older to have a whooping cough vaccination prior to the start of the school year. Need a flu shot? Do you know any seniors who need their shingles vaccination? There are low- and no-cost healthcare resources in almost every community that can help you.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and washing your hands frequently. Immediately disinfect any cuts or scrapes.
- Meet with a physician and get a physical before starting any new exercise program or activity. Start a routine of stretching, warming and cooling down when you exercise.
- Embrace a healthy diet by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Household Hazards
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries once a year.
- Store all cleaning supplies and medicines in locked cabinets, out of the reach of children. Make sure you have the Poison Control Hotline (800-222-1222) programmed into your phone or easily available in case of emergency.
- Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and cover electrical outlets and cords if crawling babies are in the house.
CPC recommends taking advantage of affordable community programs that encourage health and wellness. Check Californians for Patient Care’s MyHealthResource at www.calpatientcare.org to find a list of no- or low-cost healthcare resources in your area. Check with your city, county and community groups to see what wellness programs they are offering.
People can access the MyHealthResource guide by clicking on the blue button at www.calpatientcare.org. After typing in basic search information such as city or county and category of resource, Californians can find a comprehensive list of local healthcare providers that provide primary, dental and mental healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured.
Along with information on local healthcare service providers, Californians for Patient Care also provides information on chronic disease management, how to shop for health insurance, information on new research studies and links to helpful organizations and websites.
Californians for Patient Care is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento dedicated to protecting the interests of patients and ensuring all California consumers have fair and equitable access to high quality healthcare. For more information, visit www.calpatientcare.org.
CONTACT:
Californians for Patient Care
Anissa Routon, 916-552-3064
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America California
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Seniors Health Hospitals Baby/Maternity Children Consumer Family General Health
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