Live Well Allegheny: July 2022 E-Update
A Letter From Our Director
Greetings from the Director’s Office,
With the warm summer weather upon us, most of us are spending more time outdoors. Getting outside is good for you in many ways – including your physical and mental health. I hope you can enjoy the county’s parks, concerts and events this summer.
As the temperature rises, please consider your personal health risks. When going outside, make sure to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Apply sunscreen
- When walking in areas with ticks, wear protective clothing and repellent and perform tick checks.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid plants such as poison ivy.
Have a great summer, everyone. Stay safe and be kind.
Dr. Debra Bogen
Director, Allegheny County Health Department
Health Observances
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
This year’s theme, “Hep Can’t Wait,” emphasizes that we must act to address the problem of hepatitis. Viral hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E, affects millions worldwide. Infection can cause both short and long-term liver disease.
For more information visit the CDC’s World Hepatitis Day webpage here.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July. It brings recognition to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. For additional resources, visit the Office of Minority Health website here.
Live Well, Be Well
Get Active at the Allegheny County Parks
Allegheny County is home to nine county parks and 12,000 acres of land. Sign up for an activity or event near you here. Activities include hiking with park rangers, trail adventures mountain biking, and some locations offer Soccer Shots Camp for ages 6-9.
Community Resources
The community resources we share are for informational purposes only and should not be viewed are an endorsement by the ACHD. They highlight current opportunities that promote health and wellness in the community.
Information for Families During the Formula Shortage
The Allegheny County Health Department and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh created an infographic for families during the baby formula shortage. For help troubleshooting the formula shortage go here.
Get free at-home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Order yours today. Need help placing an order for your tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
COVID-19 Vaccine Now Recommended for Individuals Aged 6 Months and Older
Vaccines for young children are now approved. For help finding a COVID-19 vaccine near you visit here.
Live Well Allegheny Story
A Matter of Balance – Classes Held Locally at Bennett Place
Many seniors experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. The Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention program is implementing an evidence-based program called A Matter of Balance (MOB) for seniors. The program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels.
Since the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on senior living facilities, the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program facilitated its first MOB class last May at the Bennett Place Living Community.
The class consisted of 10 seniors from both the Bennett Place Living Community and the surrounding Homewood neighborhood. The class also utilized students in both the Occupational Therapy doctoral program and the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling master’s program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The students assisted with the facilitation of the class and interacted with the seniors.
The participants learned:
- Falls are controllable
- Physical activity is attainable for all ages
- How to make changes to reduce fall risk at home
- Exercises to increase strength and balance
The seniors enjoyed the class and their interactions with the students. We hope to hold another similar class in fall 2022. For more information on the A Matter of Balance program, view the informational video here.