by Kate Evans The National Suicide and Crisis helpline and other prevention resources list these following behaviors as possible warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide. The suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems linked to a painful life[Read More…]
Health
Suicide continues to be a leading public health issue
by Kate Evans Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and was responsible for almost 46,000 deaths in 2020. The COVID pandemic has increased suicide risk factors such as social isolation and barriers to physical and mental health care. Mental health experts have said those risk[Read More…]
Maryland Delegation announces $2.9 million for local foods in school meal programs
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie B. Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) recently announced $2.9 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for Maryland schools to purchase local foods and beverages[Read More…]
Protect yourself & your family from carbon monoxide poisoning
by Kate Evans Wintertime poses the greatest risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the use of gas-powered furnaces and dangerous sources of alternative heat and power used during power outages. Keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by following this information and these safety tips. Carbon monoxide Carbon[Read More…]
Valley Health cuts fitness services, will keep physical therapy in Berkeley Springs facility
Health system officials with Valley Health have said they’re dropping fitness services from their Berkeley Springs physical therapy facility, and two other facilities in their system, in an effort to save money. Physical therapy and rehabilitation services will still be offered at Berkeley Springs in the Valley Road facility, said[Read More…]
Respiratory illness cases remain steady
by Kate Evans The number of area seasonal flu, RSV and COVID cases are remaining level, according to local health officials. River Bend Family Medicine medical assistant Becky Huff said that their office had been seeing pretty steady amounts of flu, COVID and RSV cases along with some strep, bronchitis[Read More…]
Strengthen your body to increase your balance and prevent falls
by Kate Evans In winter as inclement weather sets in, it’s even more important to deliberately stay physically active and healthy. Strengthening our bodies and working on balance and flexibility can improve health, prevent falls and reduce injuries. Strength training Strength training or resistance training includes exercises that improve strength[Read More…]
Health officials seeing surge in “triple threat” of respiratory illnesses
by Kate Evans Health officials continue to worry about an onslaught of respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, seasonal influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – during this holiday season. There has been a wave of respiratory illness in West Virginia, Maryland and nationwide. Health officials have continued to urge everyone to[Read More…]
Hancock COVID vaccine clinic set for Thursday, December 8
by Geoff Fox The Washington County Health Department is following up its recent flu clinics at local public schools with COVID-19 vaccination clinics at middle schools in the county. Hancock Middle-Senior High School was originally supposed to host a clinic on November 17, but it was rescheduled for this Thursday,[Read More…]
Department of Health launches program to reduce suicides among Maryland service members, veterans
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) fully launched the Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program, a new initiative to reduce suicides and increase lethal-means safety for service members and veterans. Developed by the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, this training is free[Read More…]
