As a new year begins, it is an important time to reflect. Many of us are making resolutions that we hope will benefit us through the year. A few popular resolutions are to quit smoking, lose weight and become more physically active.
But this year when thinking of making new resolutions, we should look to improve our overall health and wellness.
Becoming more proactive in your health may be a resolution you may not have thought of before. By being proactive you may be able to prevent or detect an illness early. Prevention is a main component to staying healthy. Here are some programs that work to prevent and reduce illness:
The Cayuga County Healthy Men and Women Partnership program offers breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate screening and education to uninsured or underinsured residents. The program is in place to ensure eligible residents of Cayuga County get screened for cancers in order to prevent or detect a problem as early as possible.
We also offer flu and immunization clinics throughout the year. Keeping up to date with vaccinations is one simple way to ensure your health and the health of your children regarding certain illnesses.
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is encouraging parents to be cautious with their children's exposure to lead. All children should be screened for lead at the age of 1 and 2. Be sure to ask you health care provider or call the health department to test your child if you think they may have been exposed to lead. High lead levels may be caused by lead paint or plastic in a child's toy that they have been putting in their mouth, renovation of an older home where lead paint may have been used and is now being circulated through the air, and by ingesting paint chips from walls or window sills where children have access.
Eat Well Play Hard is a program focused on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Obesity in young children can have adverse effects on their health as adults. The program encourages families to become healthier by focusing on; eating more fruits and vegetables, moving for at least 60 minutes a day and moving to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Take advantage of the New Year and try a fruit or vegetable you never have tried before. While exercising, try a new activity and make your work out creative. Incorporate low -fat or fat-free dairy products into your meals.
In recent years, there has been an increased number of people with pre-diabetes and diabetes in Cayuga County. A diabetes test card is one way to see if you may have pre-diabetes or diabetes. The card asks you certain questions and then you score yourself. If you rate high on the card, you should consult your doctor to get a diabetes screening test. If you are interested in receiving a diabetes test card, contact Suzanne Hai of the Cayuga Community Health Network by calling 252-4212.
Type I diabetes is hereditary meaning you are predisposed to having Type I diabetes. If you have Type I diabetes it is not preventable, but is treatable. Type II diabetes is preventable. Making healthier lifestyle choices, choosing healthy foods and increasing physical activity can help you to keep your diabetes manageable.
There is a diabetes support group that meets once a month. If you are interested in attending the meetings, again contact Hai.
Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Take time throughout this upcoming year to give back to others and by doing so you will feel better about yourself. A few ways to help others in the community:
• Donate to local food pantries more frequently, not just during the holidays
• Give blood this year
• Visit a relative who lives alone more often
• Spend more time doing activities with your family
• Volunteer your time by mentoring a child
When making your resolutions for this upcoming year be creative.
Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
To learn more
Cayuga County Health Department: Call 253-1560 or visit
co.cayuga.ny.us/hhs/doh
Eat Well Play Hard Program: Call 255-1183 or visit
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/cayuga/cayuga.html
Becoming more proactive in your health may be a resolution you may not have thought of before. By being proactive you may be able to prevent or detect an illness early. Prevention is a main component to staying healthy. Here are some programs that work to prevent and reduce illness:
The Cayuga County Healthy Men and Women Partnership program offers breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate screening and education to uninsured or underinsured residents. The program is in place to ensure eligible residents of Cayuga County get screened for cancers in order to prevent or detect a problem as early as possible.
We also offer flu and immunization clinics throughout the year. Keeping up to date with vaccinations is one simple way to ensure your health and the health of your children regarding certain illnesses.
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is encouraging parents to be cautious with their children's exposure to lead. All children should be screened for lead at the age of 1 and 2. Be sure to ask you health care provider or call the health department to test your child if you think they may have been exposed to lead. High lead levels may be caused by lead paint or plastic in a child's toy that they have been putting in their mouth, renovation of an older home where lead paint may have been used and is now being circulated through the air, and by ingesting paint chips from walls or window sills where children have access.
Eat Well Play Hard is a program focused on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Obesity in young children can have adverse effects on their health as adults. The program encourages families to become healthier by focusing on; eating more fruits and vegetables, moving for at least 60 minutes a day and moving to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Take advantage of the New Year and try a fruit or vegetable you never have tried before. While exercising, try a new activity and make your work out creative. Incorporate low -fat or fat-free dairy products into your meals.
In recent years, there has been an increased number of people with pre-diabetes and diabetes in Cayuga County. A diabetes test card is one way to see if you may have pre-diabetes or diabetes. The card asks you certain questions and then you score yourself. If you rate high on the card, you should consult your doctor to get a diabetes screening test. If you are interested in receiving a diabetes test card, contact Suzanne Hai of the Cayuga Community Health Network by calling 252-4212.
Type I diabetes is hereditary meaning you are predisposed to having Type I diabetes. If you have Type I diabetes it is not preventable, but is treatable. Type II diabetes is preventable. Making healthier lifestyle choices, choosing healthy foods and increasing physical activity can help you to keep your diabetes manageable.
There is a diabetes support group that meets once a month. If you are interested in attending the meetings, again contact Hai.
Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Take time throughout this upcoming year to give back to others and by doing so you will feel better about yourself. A few ways to help others in the community:
• Donate to local food pantries more frequently, not just during the holidays
• Give blood this year
• Visit a relative who lives alone more often
• Spend more time doing activities with your family
• Volunteer your time by mentoring a child
When making your resolutions for this upcoming year be creative.
Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
To learn more
Cayuga County Health Department: Call 253-1560 or visit
co.cayuga.ny.us/hhs/doh
Eat Well Play Hard Program: Call 255-1183 or visit
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/cayuga/cayuga.html
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