January 2020

 GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States — especially for older adults and African Americans. Glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms at first, but over time it can cause peripheral (side) vision loss and blindness.  That’s why we need your help to get the word out about glaucoma. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can often stop the damage and prevent further vision loss. People who are at risk for glaucoma need to know what steps they can take to help protect their vision. Learn more about this condition at this source –(https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma)

CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. More than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening. HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from both high risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low risk types that cause genital warts. The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. The vaccine is available for all males and females through age 45 but, for those 15 and older, a  full three-dose series is needed. (Source: https://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/cervical-health-awareness-month/)

LEARN ABOUT RISK FROM RADON

You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.(Source: https://www.epa.gov/radon/national-radon-action-month-information)

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD

There are many telephone scams going on.  Scammers are trying to trick you into giving them your personal information and money. Don’t be fooled! The number you see on your caller ID  or email may even look like a local or official number. The caller or email may say there is a problem with your Social Security number or bank account.  They may ask you to give personal information in order to fix the problem and may even threaten you with fines or arrest. Don’t be fooled. HANG UP! Contact your bank or go to Social Security online website.  Social Security will never ask you for cash, pre-paid debit cars, wire transfers or retail gift cards.

Also, when writing the date of 2020 on checks and important documents, write the numbers in its entirety. Do not abbreviate the date.

Thank you for continuing to live In Faith and Health! We hope the information below is of use to you and your faith community. Please be sure to check back frequently as community events come and go, and health information is subject to change!