|
|
|
|
April is National Minority Health Month, and this year, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will feature the theme Active & Healthy while encouraging healthy activities at home to advance physical, mental and emotional wellness.
Throughout the month, OMH invites everyone to join #ActiveandHealthy, a national social media campaign that will focus on the steps we can take every day in and around the house to keep our minds and bodies active, consistent with the social distancing guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. Daily themes will provide tips, resources, and best practices and include:
- Wellness Mondays
- Trivia Tuesdays
- Work Out Wednesdays
- Throwback Thursdays
- Family Fridays
- Spotlight Saturdays
- Empowerment Sundays
|
The Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Training and Mentoring Program (STAMP) is a collaboration between OMH, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care. STAMP is a free telehealth series taught by hematologists for primary care providers. The program trains primary care providers on the basics of sickle cell disease care such as pain management, hydroxyurea, and preventive services. Trainings this month include:
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020 ǀ 5 PM ET: Screening Assessments in SCD
- Wednesday, April 29, 2020 ǀ 12 PM ET: TBD
Visit our sickle cell disease site to register and learn more about upcoming trainings.
|
April 7 is World Health Day which is used to highlight health issues such as mental health, maternal and childcare, and climate change according to the lead observer, the World Health Organization (WHO).
Each year WHO brings awareness to a specific health theme to highlight a priority area for the organization. This year's theme will focus on the essential role nurses and midwives play in providing health care around the world.
If you are a nurse or are thinking of becoming one, visit OMH's Think Cultural Health free e-learning program to become equipped with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to provide the best care for all patients, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.
|
On April 14, pick up a shovel and some seeds and participate in National Gardening Day. Gardening and yard work are great ways to incorporate physical activity into your routine and can be fun for the whole family. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is also a great way to incorporate more nutritious choices into your diet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP can also be used to purchase food seeds!
Before starting your garden make sure to:
- Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants.
- Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants.
- Use insect repellent.
- Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
|
Walking is a low-impact exercise routine that is beneficial to the health of all age groups. To read about the specific health benefits of walking programs for minority populations, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
