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National Preparedness Month

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM) which serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. Due to the success of last year’s theme, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,”  will be returning for this September with a continuing emphasis on preparedness for youth, older adults, and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Week 1 - Kickoff to National Preparedness Month 
Resources at: www.ready.gov/september

Week 2 -  Preparing Family & Friends - Make a family emergency communication plan

Week 3 -  Preparing Through Service - Honor 9/11 by Getting involved in your community & planning with neighbors.

Week 4 - Individual Preparedness - Take individual steps to prepare for a disaster today like downloading the FEMA app.

Week 5 - Lead up to National PrepareAthon Day - Be counted and register your preparedness event for National PrepareAthon Day!

About 1 of every 5 (17%) children in the United States has obesity and certain groups of children are more affected than others. While there is no single or simple solution, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides an opportunity for learning about ways to prevent and address this serious health concern

• Children who have obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults. This can lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems, including diabetes and increased risk of certain cancers.
• Children who have obesity face more bullying and stigma.
• Childhood obesity is influenced by many factors. For some children and families factors include too much time spent in sedentary activities such as television viewing; a lack of bedtime routine leading to too little sleep; a lack of community places to get adequate physical activity; easy access to inexpensive, high calorie snacks and beverages; and/or a lack of access to affordable, healthier foods.

There are ways parents can help prevent obesity and support healthy growth in children.

• To help ensure that children have a healthy weight, energy balance is important. To achieve this balance, parents can make sure children get adequate sleep, follow recommendations on daily screen time, take part in regular physical activity, and eat the right amount of calories.
• Parents can substitute higher nutrient, lower calorie foods such as fruit and vegetables in place of foods with higher-calorie ingredients, such as added sugars and solid fats.
• Parents can serve children fruit and vegetables at meals and as snacks.
• Parents can ensure access to water as a no-calorie alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Parents can help children get the recommended amount of physical activity each day by encouraging them to participate in activities that are age-appropriate and enjoyable. There are a variety of age appropriate aerobic, muscle and bone-strengthening activities that kids can do.

Resources:

CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

BMI Calculator for Children and Teens

ChooseMyPlate.gov

Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Ellicott City Flood Recovery Information

For health or other information about the Ellicott City flood recovery, visit www.ecfloodrecovery.org.

Your kitchen is filled with food safety tools that, when used properly, can help keep you and your loved ones healthy. Learn how to make the most of these tools so that your kitchen is your home's food safety headquarters.

September is National Food Safety Education Month. Get CDC information on keeping your family's food safe that you can use year-round.

(Information courtesy of the CDC)

For more information on substance use/abuse and prevention see our Behavioral Health page

An Opioid Overdose Response Program Information video is available for viewing online. To view, click on the following ezcast.com link to Opioid/Heroin Overdose Training.

Important: If you think you are sick due to eating bad food or food product contact the Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1772.  After business hours, leave a message with your call back information and we will return your call first thing the morning of the following day.