Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week
May 19 – 25, 2013, is observed as EMS Week in Virginia and celebrates emergency medical service responders’ heroic efforts and commitment to saving lives.
EMS for Children Day is May 22 and raises awareness of pediatric health and safety.
Every year, EMS Week brings together local communities and EMS providers to recognize and honor their dedication to providing lifesaving pre-hospital care to those in need.
Read more about EMS Week in Virginia. To learn more about EMS in Virginia, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/oems.
Virginia Department of Health Public Health Nurse of the Year
Central Shenandoah Health District Nurse Cathy Halterman Honored as Public Health Nurse of the Year
During more than 35 years as a public health nurse, Cathy Halterman has become a trusted member of the community. As Highland County’s only Public Health Nurse, her services range from well-child services, WIC and nutrition counseling, to testing for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases and assisting with disease investigations. Cathy was selected from four regional public health nurses of the year and represents the Northwest Region. Her award recognizes the outstanding work public health nurses make toward the health of all Virginians.
Read more about this year’s award winners…
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis is a disease which causes inflammation of the liver. There are three main types of hepatitis, A, B, and C.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that lasts from a few weeks to several months. It does not lead to chronic infection. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, life-long infections which can lead to liver cancer. Millions of Americans are living with chronic viral hepatitis, and many do not know they are infected.
If you were born between 1945 and 1965, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get a blood test for Hepatitis C. Learn more about your risks for Hepatitis by taking the online assessment.
For more information about Hepatitis, testing and treatment, contact the VDH Disease Prevention Hotline at 1-800-533-4148.
May is Healthy Vision Month
Taking care of your eyes is an important step in preventing injuries and diseases. This month take time to make sure you are caring for your eyesight.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam can detect eye diseases and conditions in their early stages, before vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment can help to save your sight
Wear protective eyewear. Wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports, recreational activities
and yard work to prevent accidental eye injuries.
National Women's Health Week
Women’s Health Week, May 12 – 18, is a time to encourage the women in your life to make their health a priority and lower their risks for certain diseases.
Share these five steps with the women in your life to help them improve their physical and mental health:
- Have regular checkups and screenings.
- Get active.
- Eat healthy.
- Pay attention to mental health.
- Avoid unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet, and texting while driving.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet, and texting while driving.
