Live Well Allegheny: June 2022 E-Update
A Letter From Our Director
Greetings from the Director’s Office,
Has your New Year Resolution to get in shape gone by the wayside? It might be a good time to restart your physical activity goal.
About half of all American adults – 117 million people – have one or more preventable chronic diseases. Physical activity protects against seven of the ten most common chronic diseases. This month we will be talking about the Move Your Way campaign that provides resources to help increase physical activity.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Members of the Black community are disproportionately impacted by diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association and AARP are spreading awareness of the racial inequities of Alzheimer’s in the Black community and how to address these disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
As of June 9, Allegheny County moved to the “medium” COVID-19 community level transmission designation. What does this mean? Make sure you’re up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, get tested if you have symptoms, and maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking additional precautions. The federal government released its third round of free at-home tests. Order yours today here. If you test positive on an at-home test you can self-report here.
Welcome to our newest Live Well Allegheny partner!
This month we are welcoming one new Live Well Allegheny School District.
North Hills School District has made a commitment to promote health and wellness for their students and staff. View their commitment as a Live Well Allegheny School District here.
You can learn more about their commitment to health and wellness on the Search Local Resources page.
Please stay safe and be kind.
Dr. Debra Bogen
Director, Allegheny County Health Department
Health Observances
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month!
More than 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control memory and language. Watch this informative YouTube video for more information on Alzheimer’s disease.
June is National Safety Month!
June is National Safety Month. The National Safety Council (NSC) offers free weekly resources to help keep workplaces safe on topics like musculoskeletal disorders, workplace impairment, injury prevention, slips, trips, and falls.
Allegheny County Health Department Updates
Help Shape Allegheny County’s Healthy Future
Take part in one of our upcoming Allegheny County Community Health Improvement Plan engagement sessions. The plan aims to recognize the needs of Allegheny County’s diverse populations and sets goals to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for all residents. As the plan is developed, it is essential to engage and listen to all members of the community. Four topics will be covered during the sessions:
- Family and Child Health
- Chronic Disease and Prevention
- Environment
- Community Health: Mental Health, Overdose Prevention, and Violence Prevention.
All Engagement Sessions will be held online/virtually. Sign up here.
Live Well, Be Well
Move Your Way Resources
Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy. But it can be hard to find the time in your busy routine. Move Your Way is a physical activity campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Visit the Move Your Way website to find tools and resources for adults, parents, and for during and after pregnancy. No matter who you are, you can find safe, fun ways to get active!
COVID-19 Booster Doses
Adults 50 and older — and some immunocompromised individuals — are now eligible to get a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, if it has been at least 4 months since their original booster. Find a vaccine near you!
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.
Join Alliance for a Healthier Generation for Girls in Motion: Summit for a Healthier Future.
The discussion will focus on advancing the future of gender equity and inclusion in physical activity and sports. The event will be held on June 21, 2022 starting at 12 p.m. Register here!
Bridge to Learn Website: A Resource for Families in Allegheny County
Bridge to Learn connects families to learning opportunities across the region to ensure every child flourishes all year. The website includes resources to find a summer camp or after school program or are interested in a cultural or nature activity.
Visit the Bridge to Learn website for more resources.
Live Well Allegheny Story
AARP Partners with Alzheimer’s Association for Pittsburgh Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia
A Collaborative Community Conversation for the African American Community
In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pittsburgh Chapter partnered with AARP for a summit that addressed how Alzheimer’s and other dementia impacts the Black community and ways to address it in the area. The event was held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the Hosanna House. The Allegheny County Health Department attended this event to show support for the community and to provide resources to those in attendance.
According to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic American seniors are more likely than their white counterparts to have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Research hasn’t identified the cause but higher rates of cardiovascular, heart and blood vessels, disease may play a role. Some studies indicate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear. During the month of June, Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month the Alzheimer’s Association wants to amplify the message that this is not just an aging issue, but a lifespan one that should be addressed in the way we address other chronic diseases. Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis that takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll, and as with any such crisis, there are potential ways to intervene and implement public health best practices to improve lives.
Only 20 percent of Black Americans say they have no barriers to excellent care and support for Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The summit on included experts speaking about different facets of the disease, as well as caregivers sharing firsthand experiences.
“This summit showed the importance of healthy aging and preventing chronic diseases in relation to preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Dr. Debra Bogen who attended the event. “The Alzheimer’s Association is an active Live Well Allegheny Community Partner and they provide valuable resources and information to help all Allegheny County residents live long and healthy lives.”
If you are interested in learning how to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, please connect to Sara Murphy by emailing [email protected].
For more information about Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – visit the Alzheimer’s Association website or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.