Emphasis on preventive care, general patient safety during Patient Safety Awareness Week March 4-10
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, being celebrated this week, Californians for Patient Care encourages people to secure preventive care and exercise common sense to ensure their health and safety year-round.
“Patient Safety Awareness Week is a great reminder for both healthcare providers and patients about the importance of efforts taken to keep patients safe and healthy while receiving care,” said Carmella Gutierrez, president of non-profit patient advocacy organization Californians for Patient Care. “Taking charge of your personal health and home environment can help people live healthier and safer lives. This includes getting preventive care – 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 Patient Safety Awareness 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.
- If you think you are sick, stay home. School children and employees are used to hearing this suggestion, but it’s also applicable to anyone visiting someone in the hospital. Most patients admitted to the hospital have weakened immune systems (due to their illness), so the last thing they need is a well-meaning sick friend or relative coming to visit, and potentially prolonging their stay.
- 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.
- Take medications as prescribed. It is important to take all medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals. Doing so gives your system enough time to battle the illness you’re suffering from, but failing to do so may weaken your system to further infection.
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.
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 Children Consumer Family General Health Managed Care
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