Let’s talk about our ticker, the heart. It’s the unsung hero that keeps us going! Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States, according to the CDC. It’s truly the one thing we can’t live with out and you only get one. So take charge of your heart health with these four steps to make sure you can continue to do all the things you love!
Continue ReadingTag: Public Health
As we step into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to think about what you want to achieve (if making a resolution is your thing). Whether it’s about feeling healthier, giving back to your community or finding a new job, here’s a little secret: we can help!
So, grab a pen and take some notes on how Mecklenburg County can be your secret weapon for nailing those goals. Let’s get into it!
Continue ReadingEating healthy? Check!
Exercising (at a Park and Recreation greenway, recreation center or fitness center)? Check!
Getting plenty of rest? Check! (Sometimes.)
Up-to-date immunization?
If you and your family are making great strides at living your best and healthiest life, make sure your immunization records are part of your health checklist.
You might be thinking “I never get sick,” or “I just don’t have the time.” However, it’s important to remember that immunizations not only protect you, they also protect those you spend time with the most. And if you have children, North Carolina law requires that students show proof of certain required vaccines within the first 30 days of the school year.
Continue ReadingHere are some words of wisdom: DON’T TOUCH A RACCOON, FOX, BAT OR ANY OTHER WILD ANIMAL. I don’t care if the bat reminds you of a superhero or if the baby raccoon batted its eyes at you.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk rabies. Why? Because somewhere out there, there’s someone who thinks it’s safe to play with these fake friends.
Continue ReadingWhile the holiday season is often a time to be jolly, it can leave a lot of people feeling sad and exhausted. Even people who love the holidays can experience the blues during this busy season.
What gifts are you going to get for everyone? Do you have enough time to spend with people that you love? Are you missing a loved one this holiday season? There are so many reasons why holiday stressors can turn into the holiday blues.
Here’s an early gift to yourself: Five ways to make your holidays a brighter shade of blue.
Continue ReadingWhat if I told you that there is a place where you can go to get help improving the quality of life for you and your family? This place provides resources to help people and families grow stronger. And this same place connects you to community partners and County programs that promote health and wellness by providing services you need. It’s Mecklenburg County’s Community Resource Center (CRC) and it’s right off I-85’s Freedom Drive exit.
Continue ReadingAs the weather is warming up and I’m planning my pool day, all I can think about is floats, sunscreen, waterproof speaker, snacks, extra sunscreen…safety? Wait, did I latch that pool gate before I left this morning? I wonder if I ingested too much chlorine this weekend. Yikes, I thought I saw something green in the water as I was walking by this morning? Was it a leaf or bacteria?
If you are a worried bod like me, well here are some safety tips for preventing illnesses and injuries when you swim, play and relax in the water — this summer and all year-round.
Hurricane season is right around the corner and although we may not get the same destructive winds and damage to property seen at the coast, the Piedmont area has experienced its share of high winds and flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms. Creating a plan and knowing what resources are available are your best bet for staying safe. Fortunately, we have the information you need to get ready.
Continue ReadingWhen you think of the County, your first thought is probably 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. But some of our departments are working some unusual hours.
We’ll go ahead and get this out of the way: You can use our website any time you want. That’s our number one, super-secret (OK, not at all secret) tip. But there are other County services and staff at work during unusual hours — some even in the middle of the night. This list isn’t all-inclusive (that would get boring fast!), but we’ll walk you through a few that might matter most to you.
Continue ReadingThe eyes of the world are on police interactions with communities across the United States. So what’s Mecklenburg County doing about it? Since 2008, the County has been a part of the Crisis Intervention Team program, or CIT. The program better prepares officers to respond to people in crisis with a serious mental illness.
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