Living in Idaho, it’s easy to think that we don’t have to worry as much about disasters like the hurricanes that have hit the Gulf Coast and East Coast this season. But wildfires, flooding and even earthquakes are real possibilities here, and with September being National Preparedness Month, it’s a great time to think about putting together a go-kit, making a family emergency plan and making sure you’re informed when disaster strikes our state. Continue reading “Disasters don’t plan ahead – but you can! It’s National Preparedness Month”
BOISE — Smoke from several wildfires in Idaho and surrounding states is affecting the air quality for residents in nearly every Idaho community and is expected to continue to do so for the next several days. Public health officials are advising people in the affected areas to limit their time outside as much as possible to reduce their exposure to smoke. 
Completed suicides are statistically rare, but Idaho has some of the highest rates of suicide in the United States, ranking 5th in the nation in 2015. Though rates are high, it’s important to know that recovery from suicidality is the norm. More than 90 percent of people who make attempts never go on to die by suicide. This week is Suicide Prevention Week, so now is a good time to review how you can Rock Your Role, and help someone who may be struggling with thoughts of killing themselves. 
September is National Recovery Month and it’s is a good time to talk about mental illness and substance use disorders with the hope that every time we talk about them, a little more of the stigma associated with them disappears. We also want to invite everyone to join us this Friday, Sept. 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the Idaho State Capitol for our 2nd Annual Recovery Month Awards and Proclamation celebration, where you will hear from some of the Idaho voices for recovery. 
This month is National Immunization Awareness Month, so with summer winding down and many kids already going back to school, be sure to check immunization requirements, especially for kindergartners and seventh graders. It’s also a good time to check records for everyone in your family, including adults. Getting immunized is a safe and important step to protecting our families and ourselves against serious and even deadly diseases throughout our lives. 
Idaho has many beautiful lakes and reservoirs where you can fish, boat, and swim. Most of the year these bodies of water are safe to enjoy. However, when water temperatures rise and the right type of nutrients are available, some bodies of water can produce harmful algal blooms. These can pose health risks to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. 
DHW Voice 