National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention  (CAP).  CAP is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.  

During this time, people across the country come together to show their support for nurturing families who provide happy, healthy childhoods.  Every year Pinwheels for Prevention - the national symbol for CAP Month - are planted in the ground to raise awareness of the need for programs that focus on child development and nurturing families, policies that strengthen families and awareness in the community that we all have a role to play in prevention.  

Get the Thirty Ways to Prevent Child Abuse Tips sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana here.  

 

Alcohol Awareness Month

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Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 to help reduce the stigma so often associated with alcoholism by encouraging communities to reach out to the American public each April with information about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease, genetically predisposed and fatal if untreated. However people can and do recover. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 20 million individuals and family members are living lives in recovery!

Alcohol Awareness Month provides a focused opportunity across America to increase awareness and understanding of alcoholism, its causes, effective treatment and recovery. It is an opportunity to decrease stigma and misunderstandings in order to dismantle the barriers to treatment and recovery, and thus, make seeking help more readily available to those who suffer from this disease.

Alcohol-Free Weekend

An integral part of NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month is Alcohol-Free Weekend, which takes place on the first weekend of April to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, businesses and our communities. During Alcohol-Free Weekend, NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans to engage in three alcohol-free days. Those individuals or families who experience difficulty or discomfort in this 72-hour experiment are urged to contact local NCADD affiliates, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms.  You can also contact the CARE Centers.  

Information provided by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.  

Rethinking Your Drinking 

Irma White

Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

April 6, 2017 is National Alcohol Screening Day

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April 6, 2017 is National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD).  NASD is an outreach, education, and screening initiative that raises awareness about harmful and independent drinking behaviors and connects individuals who are at risk with treatment options.  NASD is held annually on Thursday of the first full week of April.  Thousands of colleges, community-based organizations and military installations provide the program to the public each year.  By bringing an opportunity for education, referrals and treatment to those with alcohol dependency issues, screening is a large part of the outreach program.  

Sponsored by Screening For Mental Health, National Alcohol Screening Day offers anonymous and confidential screenings online or at NASD events.  

Take an anonymous self-assessment today.  

Information provided by Screening For Mental Health.  

Irma White - Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action

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April 5, 2017 is Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action.  The first Wednesday in April is nationally recognized in the United States and observed annually as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  SAAM Day of Action provides a day to focus awareness on sexual violence prevention. 

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any type of forced or coerced sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent.  Sexual assault includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, and sexual harassment or threats.  In the United States, nearly one in five women has been raped and almost half of women have experienced another type of sexual assault.   If you have been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault.

Sexual assault can include:

  • Any type of sexual contact with someone who cannot consent, such as someone who is underage, has an intellectual disability, or is passed out
  • Rape
  • Attempted rape
  • Sexual coercion
  • Sexual contact with a child
  • Incest (sexual contact between family members)
  • Fondling or unwanted touching above or under clothes

Sexual assault can also be verbal or visual. It is anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples can include:

  • Voyeurism, or peeping (when someone watches private sexual acts without consent)
  • Exhibitionism (when someone exposes himself or herself in public)
  • Sexual harassment or threats
  • Forcing someone to pose for sexual pictures

Who is Sexually Assaulted?

Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any age, race or ethnicity, religion, ability, appearance, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  However, women have higher rates of sexual assault than men.

What are the Mental Health Effects of Sexual Assault?

There are many health effects of sexual assault which can include:

  • Severe anxiety, stress, or fear
  • Abuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-injury or suicide

How to Lower Your Risk of Sexual Assault.

You cannot always prevent sexual assault.  If you are assaulted, or if you find yourself in a situation that feels unsafe, it is not your fault.  But you can take steps to help stay safe in general:

  • Go to parties or gatherings with friends.  Arrive together, check in with each other, and leave together.  Talk about your plans for the evening so that everyone knows what to expect.
  • Look out for your friends, and ask them to look out for you.  If a friend seems out of it, is way too drunk for the amount of alcohol she's had, is acting out of character, or seems too drunk to stay safe in general, get her to a safe place.  Ask your friends to do the same for you.
  • Have a code word with your family and friends that means "Come get me, I need help" or "Call me with a fake emergency."  Call or text them and use the code word to let them know you need help.
  • Download an app on your phone. You can download free apps you can use if you feel unsafe or are threatened.  Some apps share your location with your friends or the police if you need help.  You can also set up an app to send you texts throughout the night to make sure you're safe. If you don't respond, the app will notify police.
  • Avoid drinks in punchbowls or other containers that can be easily "spiked" (when alcohol is added to a drink without permission).  If you think that you or one of your friends has been drugged, call the police.  Tell them what happened so that you can be tested for the right drugs.
  • Know your limits when using alcohol or drugs.  Don't let anyone pressure you into drinking or doing more than you want to.
  • Trust your instincts.  If you find yourself alone with someone you don't know or trust, leave. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation for any reason, leave.  You are the only person who gets to say whether you feel safe.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.  Especially if walking alone, avoid talking on your phone or listening to music with headphones.  Stay in busy, well-lit areas, especially at night.

How to Get Help if Sexually Assaulted.

After a sexual assault, you may feel fear, shame, guilt, or shock.  These feelings are normal.  But sexual assault is never your fault.  It may be frightening to think about talking about the assault, but it is important to get help. You can call the Plaquemines Community CARE Centers @ 504-393-5750.  

Information provided by Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

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The goal of the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it. 

What is sexual assault?  

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.  Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.  It doesn’t always take physical force to sexually assault a victim. Attackers can use threats or intimidation to make a victim feel afraid or unable to refuse them. It is also sexual assault if the victim is drunk, drugged, unconscious, or too young (ages of consent differ from state to state) or mentally disabled to be legally able to agree to sexual contact.

Sexual assault or sexual violence is a significant problem in the United States.  Anyone can experience sexual assault, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and usually someone known to the victim. The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member. 

Get the facts about Sexual Assault as provided by the Office of Women's Health.  

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault and you are not alone.  Help is available at the Plaquemines Community CARE Centers Foundation, Inc.  Call us for an appointment @ 504-393-5750.

National Youth Violence Prevention Week begins today!

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Founded in 2001, this campaign raises awareness and educates communities on effective ways to prevent or reduce youth violence. The campaign is a week-long event with each day of the week corresponding to a specific challenge presented by one of the sponsors which will be executed by communities around the country

 

Take part in National Youth Violence Prevention Week which begins today!  

FREE TAX PREPARATION

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Through a collaborative effort with United Way of Southeast Louisiana and their certified volunteers, free tax preparation is available at the Plaquemines Community CARE Center, 115 Keating Drive in Belle Chasse, rough April 12, 2017.  

The VITA program offers free tax help to individuals and families who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Free tax preparation will be provided on MONDAYS and FRIDAYS from 9am-1pm, and WEDNESDAYS from 9am-11am. Free tax preparation will also be available on SATURDAY, pril 1, from 9am-12noon.  

Please see the attached flyer for more information, including what documents should be brought with the person hen the walk in for this free service. 

 

 

National Nutrition Month

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National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, National Nutrition Month® promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.

"Put Your Best Fork Forward" is the theme for NNM 2017 which serves as a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month® and over time, helps improve health now and into the future. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help guide the public on gradually shifting toward healthier eating styles by promoting NNM activities and messages during March.

Be sure to visit the Academy's National Nutrition Month® website during the upcoming months for new and updated resources to help make the NNM 2017 celebration an infinite success!

Irma White

Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

Plaquemines Community Care Centers

American Diabetes Alert Day

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American Diabetes Alert Day, observed annually on the 4th Tuesday in March, is a one-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. 

Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans or about 9 percent of the United States population. It's also estimated that one in every four persons with diabetes is unaware that they have the disease. Did you know that if you have a family history of diabetes, you have a greater chance of getting the type 2 diabetes? That means if you have a mother, father, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes, you have a greater chance of getting the disease.

Could you have diabetes and not know it? One in four Americans with diabetes has it and doesn’t know it.  Take the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk Test to see if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Information provided by Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.  

 

Irma White

Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

Plaquemines Community Care Centers

March is National Gambling Addiction Month

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Gambling in moderation is socially acceptable.  Many people enjoy gambling, whether it's playing the lottery, betting on a horse, playing a football pool, or playing poker and most people who gamble don't have a problem.  However, some people become addicted and a gambling addiction, if left untreated, can destroy lives.   

Signs of problem gambling include

  • Always thinking about gambling
  • Lying about gambling
  • Spending work or family time gambling
  • Feeling bad after you gamble, but not quitting
  • Gambling with money you need for other things

If you have concerns about your gambling, the CARE Center can work with you to find the treatment that's best for you.  Give us a call @ 504-393-5750 to schedule an appointment.

Patient Safety Awareness Week

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This week, March 12-18, 2017 is Patient Safety Awareness Week.  

Although the responsibility for safe care lies primarily with the leaders of health care organizations and the clinicians and staff who deliver care, patients and families can also play a role in preventing medical errors and reducing harm. And, although barriers to patient engagement exist, being an active partner in your health care team is well worth the effort. 

At some point in our lives, we are all patients.  It is important for each of us to be familiar with everyday practices that can help us have a positive, safe experience when we seek health care.  It is also important that we pay attention, ask questions, and speak up if something is confusing or seems not right. 

So, what should patients do to keep care safe?

Adapted from Safety Is Personal: Partnering with Patients and Families for the Safest Care (NPSF LLI 2014), available for download at www.npsf.org.

Irma White

Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator

Plaquemines Community Care Centers

Daylight Savings begins March 12, 2017 and it is a great time to reset your sleep habits.

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Daylight Savings Time is a great time to reset your sleep habits, as well as your clock.

If you have trouble sleeping, try the following sleep tips: 

  • Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day and avoid spending more time in bed than needed.
  • Use bright light to help manage your "body clock." Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
  • Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between your bed and sleep. It may help to remove work materials, computers and televisions from your bedroom.
  • Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to calming music.
  • Create a sleep environment that is quiet, dark and cool with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
  • Save your worries for the daytime.  If concerns come to mind, write them in a "worry book" so you can address those issues the next day.
  • If you can't sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired.
  • Exercise regularly ... at any time of the day that feels right for you.

If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or “stop breathing” episodes in your sleep, contact your health care professional for a sleep apnea screening. 

Article courtesy of National Sleep Foundation.

March is Save Your Vision Month.

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This year, The American Optometric Association (AOA) is challenging the public to prioritize not only their eye health, but also their overall health and well-being, and limit exposure to blue light.  They are promoting awareness around digital eyestrain and the importance of receiving regular, comprehensive eye exams from a doctor of optometry.

The AOA’s campaign is focusing specifically on blue light’s impact on overall health.

According to 2016 AOA Eye-Q survey data, the average American spends seven hours per day using digital devices.

Overexposure to blue light due to smartphones, tablets and other technology use for extended periods of time can cause vision damage, sleep problems and more.

Read complete article here.  

National Sleep Awareness Week

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March 5th-12th, 2017 is National Sleep Awareness Week.  Why is Sleep Awareness Important?

The National Institutes of Health estimates that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes. Sleep disorders are common in both men and women. The cumulative effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders represent an under-recognized public health problem and have been associated with a wide range of health consequences.  

Problems sleeping include not getting enough sleep, not feeling rested and not sleeping well. This problem can lead to difficulties functioning during the daytime and have unpleasant effects on your work, social and family life. Problems sleeping can be secondary to a medical illness such as sleep apnea or a mental health condition like depression. Sleep issues can also be a sign of an impending condition such as bipolar disorder.  In addition to affecting sleep itself, many medical and mental health conditions can be worsened by sleep related problems.  

Learn more about the connection between sleep and mental health here.