Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to keep your outdoor activities fun and safe. ​ Water Safety ​ Every year in the United States there are an estimated: 4,000* fatal unintentional drownings—that is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day, so water safety is critically important. Prioritize learn to swim classes for everyone and prevent unsupervised access to water. Camping Safety ​ Always pack a first aid kit when you go camping. Share your travel plans with family, a friend, or a neighbor and make sure to bring nutritious food and water. Consider taking a Red Cross First Aid and CPR Course. You can download the American Red Cross first aid app for your phone. If help is delayed, access to this app could be life saving. Picnic Safety ​ Summer is a great time to get outside for a picnic. Follow these safety tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe: ​ Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food. Separate uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Bring hand sanitizer if your picnic site doesn’t have hand-washing facilities. ​ ​ Safety at the Beach ​Watch the weather and get out of the water when there is thunder or lightening. Stay indoors till 30 minutes after the thunder and lightening has stopped. Only swim at beaches with lifeguards in the designated swim areas. All boaters, children, and inexperienced swimmers should wear approved flotation devices. ​ ​ Mosquitoes and Ticks ​ Outside summer activities make us more vulnerable to bites by mosquitoes and ticks. It is especially important to be vigilant of blacklegged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks. Use insect repellents containing DEET. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. ​ Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots. Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing. Avoid underbrush and tall grass. Check yourself several times during the day. Check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line. ​​Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home. READ MORE FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Fall Vaccines for Flu, COVID-19, & RSV ​ As fall arrives, it is time to think about the yearly flu shot. Also available this fall: updated COVID-19 vaccines and a new RSV vaccine. To head off another “tripledemic” winter, enough people will need to get vaccinated at the right time. Flu Vaccine The flu vaccine is now available. The vaccine formulation was decided about six months ago, and the recommendations will be the same as they usually are: Everybody over the age of 6 months is recommended to get a flu vaccine. For younger kids, it's a two-shot schedule. For adults over the age of 12, it's one shot. ​ September is a great time to get the flu vaccine. That September-October window is early enough so that if flu starts to emerge early—like it did last year at the end of October and into November—you still have a couple of weeks after your vaccine to build your immunity. And if flu emerges in December, January, or February, your vaccine immunity from September or October will still be helping you. Covid-19 Vaccine ​​ CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available. ​ Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.  RSV Vaccine ​ RSV is a common pathogen that's seen in very young children. It also causes a lot of severe disease in individuals over the age of 60. ​​ Adults 60 years and older should talk with their health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them. There is no maximum age for getting RSV vaccination. RSV vaccine is given as a single dose. ​ If you’re 60 or older, your health care provider might recommend RSV vaccination for you. Read more from John Hopkins & the CDC Preventing Another “Tripledemic” with Vaccines for Flu, COVID, and RSV CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season RSV Vaccination for Older Adults 60 Years of Age and Over

How To Cope with Holiday Stress and Depression While many of us find the holidays a time of joy and celebration, others experience a completely different set of emotions. It can be a time of year rife with stress, sadness, depression and loneliness. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Psychologist Dawn Potter, PsyD, outlines the causes of this holiday depression, some of the signs you’re experiencing it, even if you don’t realize it, and how to manage these tough times. ​ The causes for holiday depression according to Dawn Potter are: · Stressful schedules. · Putting pressure on yourself. · Separation from loved ones. · Loneliness. · Family dynamics. · Seasonal depression. ​ Dr. Potter says these are four main symptoms that may signal something bigger than normal stress. · Feeling depressed and hopeless for more days than not. · Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. · Constantly feeling anxious, nervous or on edge more days than not. · Trouble sleeping over an extended time. ​ In addition to these, Dr. Potter urges anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide to contact the 24/7 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through phone, chat or text. It is a free resource that connects people in crisis to a local counselor. If you feel you’re in immediate danger, go to the hospital or call 911 and your doctor immediately. ​ As daunting as this all may feel, there are ways to cope and find support and emotional stability to get you through a tough time of year. ​ Dr. Potter says that finding a way to acknowledge a lost loved one at your holiday get-together can be a positive experience. “Holidays can be more challenging when the loss isn’t talked about because it can make that absence seem even stronger,” she says. Sharing memories or a toast to the departed might be a bittersweet moment but one that can ultimately help make your holiday a richer experience. Difficult relationships are tested during the holidays, especially when it comes to families, but there are ways you can prepare. “It’s okay to decline an invitation or to leave an event early,” ​ “It’s okay to say no to attending an event you don’t feel comfortable with,” she adds. “You can’t make everyone happy so just do the best you can. ​ “Family isn’t just about the one you’re born into, it’s also about the people you connect with. Spend time with your chosen family, the people who bring you happiness and joy.” ​ The holidays are time with a multitude of volunteering opportunities, notes Dr. Potter. “Doing some type of charity work or helping out in some way really helps connect with others and can do go a long way to easing that loneliness.” ​ She also says that cutting down on social media can help you cut down on your own stress. “It can relieve you of feeling like you have to live up to something. Remind yourself that the holidays are about connecting, quality time and sharing joy with others and not just one ‘perfect’ photo.” ​ Even if you take some or all of these steps, you may still experience stress, depression and anxiety. A great way to alleviate those feelings is by seeking support. “If you have access to a therapist, be sure to discuss your feelings with them, especially at this time of year,” Dr. Potter says. “If you don’t have a therapist and think it might be a good idea, you should consider reaching out, too.” Read More at Cleveland Clinic

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on your cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts. ​ HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most people, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer. ​ The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests, and go back to the doctor if your screening test results are not normal. Vaccines​ ​ ·HPV vaccines protect against cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9. Recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already. Not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. Adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. Screening Tests​ ​ The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. If you are getting a Pap test, the cells will be checked to see if they look normal. If you are getting an HPV test, the cells will be tested for HPV. When to Get Screened If You Are 21 to 29 Years Old You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. ​ If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you— An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. ​ If You Are Older Than 65 Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if— You have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years, and the test results were normal or negative And you have not had a cervical precancer in the past You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids. Call AAHAA's Network Nurses with any questions or concerns. ​ Where to get HPV vaccines Find free/low-cost screenings Cervical cancer support (847) 395-2809 X 2 More About Cervical Cancer from the CDC

Learn about kidney health Your kidneys make urine and remove waste and extra fluid from your body. If your kidneys are struggling, they will work harder to keep up. You can lose up to 60% of your kidney function before you notice any problems. That’s why it’s important to take steps to keep your kidneys healthy today. ​ Understand your risk for kidney disease If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease, or if you are over age 65, talk with a healthcare professional about your risk for kidney disease. Checking on your kidneys is the best way to know if they are healthy. Your health care professional can help you get tested for kidney disease and talk with you about your test results. ​ You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. During your next medical visit, you may want to ask your healthcare provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested my be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your healthcare provider will help decide how often you should be tested. ​ How do my kidneys work Each of your kidneys is made up of about a million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron includes a filter, called the glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters your blood and the tubule returns needed substances to your blood and pulls out additional wastes. Wastes and extra water become urine. Embrace a kidney-healthy lifestyle Take steps to build healthy habits. This can include eating healthy foods you enjoy, being active for 30 minutes each day, and aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep at night. Also quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman and two drinks per day if you are a man. ​ Make healthy food choices Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. ​ See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated. READ MORE

Paying attention to your health and taking care of your body can help you avoid or minimize issues that may cut your lifespan short. Unfortunately, those tasks often get ignored by men. A 2023 survey by Cleveland Clinic found men are often lacking when it comes to scheduling health screenings, eating a healthy diet and talking with medical professionals about stress. That indifference can play a role in these 10 health issues that often affect men, says primary care specialist Daniel Sullivan, MD. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Cardiovascular disease increases your risk for heart attack and stroke, two leading causes of death among men. So, how can you guard against cardiovascular disease? It starts with lifestyle choices. “Your risk goes down if you eat a diet that’s more plants and less animals, exercise regularly and don’t smoke,” he adds. Keeping tabs on your health is key, too. Regular health screenings that measure “hidden” factors such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and blood pressure can offer signs of cardiovascular disease. DIABETES Left untreated, the high blood sugar that comes with diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and damage to your kidneys (nephropathy), nerves (neuropathy) and eyes (retinopathy), among other issues. Lifestyle changes and medications can help you manage diabetes or decrease your risk of the disease progressing. SKIN CANCER There’s a significant difference in sunscreen use between men and women. In every age group, men are less likely than women to apply products protecting their skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Not coincidentally, men have higher rates of skin cancer and usually experience worse outcomes after a diagnosis. Changes to your skin (such as a new or larger mole) may signal skin cancer, so talk to a healthcare provider if you notice anything different. A full-body skin exam done by a dermatologist also is recommended to search for suspicious spots. If skin cancer is found and removed early, your chance for a full recovery is extremely high. PROSTATE CANCER The prostate may be a small gland in the male reproductive system, but it can be a big concern. It’s recommended that prostate cancer screenings (such as a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test) begin by age 55. Early detection of prostate cancer improves the chances of a positive outcome. It should be noted, too, that anyone with a prostate, including transgender women and nonbinary people assigned male at birth (AMAB), can get prostate cancer. TESTICULAR CANCER Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35. The good news? It’s very treatable when detected early. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump in your testicle. Taking two minutes once a month to do a self-exam of your testicles is recommended to check for anything unusual. COLON CANCER Colon cancer has been steadily rising in people younger than age 50. Current guidelines recommend colon cancer screenings beginning at age 45. If you have elevated risk factors (such as a family history of the disease), earlier testing is encouraged. A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” when it comes to prevention, as it’s a way for cancer-causing polyps to be found and removed. (Stool tests also can be used but aren’t as accurate or effective as a colonoscopy.) ​ ALCOHOL RELATED ISSUES Men consume alcohol more often and in much greater amounts than women — and that’s a truth that comes with increased health risks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drinking beer, booze and wine can up your chances of developing: Colon cancer. Esophageal cancer. Liver cancer. Oral cancer. Prostate cancer. Throat cancer. Alcohol use also can contribute to mental health issues (such as depression) and cause decreased sexual and reproductive health (like erectile dysfunction and infertility). ​ RESPIRATORY ILLNESS If you have a history of smoking, this is an area of concern. Puffing on cigarettes or other tobacco products elevates your risk for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes life-threatening conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Early detection of respiratory illness and various treatments can help minimize long-term effects. And if you smoke, breaking the habit is the best thing you can do for your health. VIRUSES Viral infections come in all shapes and sizes — and they can come at you in numerous ways. Viruses can lead to something as simple as the common cold or be at the root of a global pandemic. (COVID-19 in case you forgot). Vaccines can help protect you from the worst of viruses causing: Influenza. COVID-19. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly if you’re age 60 or older. Shingles. INJURIES The No. 3 cause of death for all men in the United States? It’s unintentional injuries. (Admit it: You’re right now thinking of countless YouTube videos showing guys making unwise decisions.) So, use your seatbelt, wear a bike helmet and think of taking a few more precautions while rolling through life. ​ READ MORE FROM CLEVELAND CLINIC ​ ​ ​

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. ​ Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment. ​ Symptoms Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Prostate cancer that's more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as: Trouble urinating Decreased force in the stream of urine Blood in the urine Blood in the semen Bone pain Losing weight without trying Erectile dysfunction​​​​ ​ ​ See your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms. ​ ​​ Learn more about prostate cancer from Mayo Clinic urologist Mitchell Humphreys, M.D.

All winter flakes are not made of snow. Cold weather, with its low relative humidity, wreaks havoc on our skin, making it dry and flaky. Not only is the air drier, but indoor heating further depletes the skin of moisture. The result? Winter itch. ​ Skin health is important not only for appearance sake, but more importantly because skin performs so many of the body’s essential tasks. Among other things, it protects the body from the many viruses and bacteria that a person is exposed to daily. It also protects against the sun's deadly ultraviolet rays that can damage cells. Healthy skin also helps a person react better to important changes around them by feeling pain or pressure. The cold weather months can greatly compromise skin health, triggering such conditions as xerosis (dry skin) or eczema (itchy, dry, reddish patches or lesions on the skin) which can vary in severity. ​ Winterproof your skin with these tips ​ Moisturize daily. Petroleum or cream-based moisturizers are better than lotions for normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. Apply moisturizer directly to your wet skin after bathing so the moisturizer can help trap surface moisture. Cleanse your skin, but don’t overdo it. Too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural moisturizers. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet, and between the folds of your skin once a day. While you can rinse your trunk, arms, and legs daily, it is not necessary to use soap or cleanser on these areas every day. Limit the use of hot water and soap. If you have “winter itch,” take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a thick cream or petroleum-jelly-type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry. Humidify. Dry air can pull the moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers can be very beneficial. However, be sure to clean the unit and change the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce mold and fungi. Protect yourself from the wind. Cover your face and use a petroleum-based lip balm. Skin protectants that include petroleum and creams with ceramides are effective as well. Avoid extreme cold. Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or frostbite in some people. See a doctor immediately if you develop color changes in your hands or feet accompanied by pain or ulceration. If you develop extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you may have frostbite. Protect your skin from the sun. Remember that winter sun can also be dangerous to the skin. Even in the winter, you should use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater if you plan to be outdoors for prolonged periods. Overexposure to sunlight can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Avoid winter tanning. Tanning beds and artificial sunlamps are always damaging to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you want to keep your summer glow, use self-tanners along with extra moisturizer, as self-tanners can also dry out the skin. Take vitamin D supplements. During the summer, your natural vitamin D production increases as a result of daily sun exposure, but when winter rolls around that exposure decreases. Taking vitamin supplements can ensure that you get the recommended amounts of vitamin D all year round. See your dermatologist. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, rashes, or skin growths that concern you, see your dermatologist — not only in winter but any time of the year.