|
In this monthly issue:
Note: All PWHD offices and clinics will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
|
|
|
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we thank our public health nurses here at Prince William Health District for their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” reflects the trust, compassion, and care they bring to our patients every day. With them on the team, we are able to drive meaningful, lasting change and help make our community healthier, stronger, and more resilient—thank you for all that you do! ☤ 🩺👚 ♡
|
|
📢 ALL community members and partners are invited to help develop a plan of action to improve the health of residents in our community.
Data ➡️ Action!
The 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) reveals that residents call for coordinated action to address persistent barriers to health and well-being. Lasting health improvements require more than reporting problems – they require multi-sector partnerships. Help the Coalition ensure the 2026-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) reflects the diversity of our population and residents’ needs.
🤝 Join a CHIP workgroup to improve:
- Access to Care (resource navigation)
- Behavioral Health
- Health Communication
- Maternal and Child Health
|
|
|
While one in five people experience a mental health condition each year, every single one of us has a mind to take care of.
This May during Mental Health Awareness Month take time to check in on yourself and others. Mental health is a part of our well-being and taking care of it is just as important as physical health.
Here are a few ways to support your mental health:
⌛ Make time for rest and reflection even in small ways
🔋 Recharging ideas for mental rest🔋
- Slow down and breathe, even a 1 minute break can help
- Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 mins. look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Try a relaxation exercise
💚 Connect with a friend, family member, therapist, or support group
❓ Know when and where to reach out for help
Need support?
|
|
As pools, lakes, and splash pads begin to open up this season, it's a great time to raise awareness about drowning prevention and water safety.
Drowning
In the United States:
- More children ages 1–4 years die from drowning than any other cause.
- For children ages 5–14 years, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
- While children are at highest risk, anyone can drown.
|
What You Can Do
Stay safe in and around the water:
- Make sure everyone has basic swimming and water safety skills.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets as directed.
- Designate a responsible adult to closely and constantly supervise children in or near the water.
- Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
Help keep backyard pools safe:
- Prevent access to water when pool is not in use.
- Install and maintain barriers that fully enclose the pool and separate it from the house, like four-sided fencing.
- Use locks and alarms for windows and doors.
- Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use.
|
Resources
|
|
|
In Virginia, ticks are active year-round, but tick season generally peaks in May.
Keep in mind the following tips before heading outdoors:
👖 Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
✅ Use EPA-registered insect repellents
🌳 Stay on trails and avoid tall grasses
🔎 After outdoor activities, check your body and clothing for ticks
Resources
This identification chart from VDH has images and sizes of various ticks for easy identification. It also includes when ticks are active in Virginia as well as a chart of tick species and tick-borne diseases.
🎙️ Chart available in
|
The CDC has developed a flyer to explain how ticks spread Lyme disease, how to prevent tick bites, and when to see a healthcare provider.
🎙️ Flyer available in
|
|
|
|
|
