EDUCATION

Monthly Health Topics

National Influenza Vaccination Week

12/2-12/6

Did you know that every year, millions of people around the world get sick from the flu? In the United States alone, it is estimated that between 9 million and 45 million people get infected with influenza each year. This highly contagious respiratory illness can lead to serious complications and even death in some cases.

To combat this preventable disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) as an annual observance week back in 2005. The goal of NIVW is to highlight the importance of getting a flu shot and provide education on how to prevent and treat the flu.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated

The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated.

The flu vaccine not only protects you from getting sick, but it also helps to protect those around you, especially young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you can help stop the spread of the virus in your community.

It's important to note that even if you've had the flu before or have received a flu shot in previous years, it's still necessary to get a new flu shot each year. This is because the influenza virus constantly evolves and changes over time, making last year's vaccine less effective against this year's strain.

National Handwashing Week

12/5-12/11

Effective Handwashing Techniques

Mastering effective handwashing techniques is essential to ensure that germs are thoroughly removed. Start by wetting your hands with clean water and applying soap generously. Rub your hands together to create a lather, making sure to scrub all surfaces, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails where bacteria often hide. Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water to wash away the soap along with the germs. Finally, dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

By adopting these effective handwashing practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of infections, safeguard your health, and contribute to a healthier community. Whether at home, work or in public places, making hand hygiene a priority is a simple yet impactful step towards a safer world.

Common Handwashing Mistakes

While handwashing is a simple task, it is easy to fall into some common mistakes that can make it less effective. Here are some things to avoid when washing your hands:

  • Not wetting your hands before applying soap. Water helps create a lather and allows the soap to spread evenly.

  • Using water that is too hot. Extremely hot water can dry out your skin, making it vulnerable to germs.

  • Not scrubbing all surfaces of your hands. Bacteria and viruses can hide in hard-to-reach areas, so make sure to scrub well.

  • Rinsing off the soap too quickly. It takes time for soap to work against germs, so ensure you rinse thoroughly after scrubbing long enough.

For more tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZw4Ga3jg3E

Training Videos

HIV Education

Learn more about the importance of medication in the treatment and prevention of HIV.

Educational information from www.helpstopthevirus.com.

 

Men’s Health

Northern Pharmacy - Erectile Dysfunction Seminar 2021

A discussion for Men's Health. Erectile Dysfunction and compounding pharmacy treatments that can help.