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December 31, 2024
Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Put your health, well-being at the top of New Year’s goals
Tips include vaccinations, quitting tobacco, reducing excessive alcohol use, getting active, supporting your mental health and eating better
PORTLAND, Ore.— Whether choosing to get vaccinated against respiratory diseases or quitting tobacco, the decisions you make about your health affect not only longevity and quality of life, but the health of the entire state. That’s one reason Oregon Health Authority is offering a few ideas for anyone setting goals and making resolutions for the new year. When it comes to health, we’re all connected.
Here are some ways to prioritize your health and well-being in 2025:
Get vaccinated
Protect your families, co-workers, neighbors and community from influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Cases of these infections have been on the rise across Oregon, but it’s not too late to get shots for all four. You can find flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations by visiting Vaccines.gov or calling 211. For pertussis, talk to your health care provider about vaccination, which is required in Oregon for children and adolescents, and recommended for adults.
Quit tobacco
Nearly 7 in 10 Oregonians who smoke want to quit. If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco, free help is available. Contact the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or online at https://quitnow.net/oregon or in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA or online at https://quitnow.net/oregonsp.
Move more
Add getting outside and moving more as a family activity in the evenings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of aerobic physical activity each day. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition outlines the amounts and types of physical activity needed to maintain or improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Eat better
Shared and family meals not only improve nutrition but also build stronger family bonds and emotional health. CDC offers ideas for having healthier meals and snacks, and tips for healthy eating to maintain a healthy weight.
Drink less
Raising awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon and giving people tools to start conversations about alcohol’s role in their lives—including during the holidays—are goals of OHA’s Rethink the Drink initiative. RTD resources can help people cut back on their drinking or reduce the impact that excessive drinking has in their communities.
Test for radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground through cracks and gaps, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Home radon test kits cost between $15 and $30, though people may qualify for free kits if they live in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results recorded. Free test kits are available while supplies last.
Look after your mental health and well-being
- OHA provides support for Community Mental Health Programs that provide services related to mental health, substance use, and problem gambling, in counties and communities across Oregon. A directory of these services, listed by county can be found
- In Oregon, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The easy-to-remember 988 number is available for people experiencing any type of mental health challenge, substance use crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Anyone who needs support can call, text or chat in English and Spanish (interpretation services and American Sign Language are also available) and connect with trained crisis counselors. The 988 Lifeline is also a resource for friends and families concerned about a loved one.
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Online resources from Sources on Strength - Sources of Strength has two online resource packets. The first is Resources for Practicing Strength at Home, and the second is a shorter version that also offers a wellness plan. Any resource in these packets can be used in classrooms, staff meetings, in individual or group counseling, or to practice strength wherever you are.
Find health care coverage or renew benefits
- Find free assistance to locate health care coverage. Anyone in Oregon can obtain free help from community partners, insurance agents or for Medicare recipients, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) counselors across the state to find out which health coverage option could work for you. Health insurance coverage options are described at OregonHealthCare.Gov/GetHelp.
- Renew your Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) coverage. If you received a notice to renew your OHP benefits, learn more about how to renew your OHP coverage or log into your ONE Online account and complete your renewal at oregon.gov. You can also call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document.
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