We may think of health as something that is influenced by genetics, diet or exercise, but the point behind the annual release of a trove of Idaho and national county-level data comparisons known as the “County Health Rankings and Roadmaps” (CHRR) is that health is more than what happens at a visit to the doctor’s office.
Increasingly, research shows that the economic, social and environmental conditions in the communities where we live, work, and play also factor into our ability to make healthy choices and live healthy lifestyles. In general, living in Idaho provides the environments and opportunities for those healthy choices and lifestyles, from easy access to recreation for exercise, safe communities, family and social support systems and access to clinical care. Continue reading “Health equity in Idaho? 2018 County Health Rankings show disparities”
Most poisoning emergencies are unexpected and happen quickly in our homes. A majority of non-fatal poisonings involve children younger than six. And for adults, poisoning is the No. 1 cause of injury death in the United States. This week is National Poison Prevention Week, so it’s a good time to think about what you would do in a poisoning emergency. 
Easter arrives early this year, on April 1, and some of you might be thinking about buying chicks or ducklings as gifts for the spring holiday. You might also be thinking about replenishing your backyard poultry flocks. Keeping backyard poultry can be a great experience, but before you make a purchase, you should know that poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella that can make you sick. Whether you are thinking about buying your first chick or are an experienced backyard poultry enthusiast, you should be aware of the risks of keeping poultry and learn how to help protect yourself and your family from getting sick. 
Spring recreation in Idaho is not too far off – and on some chilly days, it may feel farther off than we want! – but if you are getting ready to get out into the southern Idaho desert, remember spring is also the time to be aware of the potential for plague. Plague is dangerous to people and pets, but with proper awareness, precautions, and treatment when needed, plague should not discourage you from enjoying the Idaho outdoors. 
As we head into the last couple of days of February, there’s another reason besides rising temperatures to welcome March – it’s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to figure out when you should be screened. Getting screened for colorectal, or colon, cancer is something Idahoans age 50 and older should consider because it is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the state. In fact, 1 in 20 Idaho adults will develop colon cancer and, sadly, around a third of those diagnosed will die. 
According to the 2017 Idaho Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, 21% of female students and 5% of male students in Idaho experienced sexual dating violence in the past 12 months. Sexual dating violence includes kissing, touching, or being physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to by somebody they were dating or going out with. While every month is an appropriate month to discuss healthy relationships with young people in your life, February is National Teen Dating Violence and Awareness Month. 
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s a good time to remind everyone – adults and children alike – that your oral health is important to your overall health. Practicing good oral health habits such as daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits are easy steps toward keeping teeth and gums healthy at every age. 
DHW Voice 