CCRHN Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2021 |
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HEALTHCARE NETWORK HEALTH TIPS |
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Raising awareness of relevant health issues
affecting the SWFL community
Created by Healthcare Network, #HealthTips is an ongoing video series to help inform the community about important health subjects in a bite-sized and fun format. In this series, Healthcare Network knowledge experts will share helpful tips and tools on a variety of health-related topics such as:
Explore the connection between mental and physical health, and how they both relate to your complete wellbeing. Watch here.
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Do you believe your healthcare should be personalized to your individual needs? At Healthcare Network, they do too! Learn about the patient-centered model of care at Healthcare Network and how to become an active member of your care team! Watch here. |
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To stay up to date with upcoming #HealthTips videos, follow Healthcare Network on social media!
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If you live in Florida, you are likely familiar with our seasons: tourist, summer and hurricane.
Bringing powerful winds and torrential rain, hurricanes are said to be the most violent storms on Earth. Even low category storms can often lead to the loss of essential services such as electricity, water, gas and communication channels. If outages are prolonged, they can potentially impact health and safety.
So, how do you prepare? If you are an older adult, managing a chronic condition or disability or are a caretaker, consider these tips when creating your hurricane preparedness plan.
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VACCINATING COLLIER COUNTY |
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Combatting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been a challenge in communities throughout the United States. In Southwest Florida, health organizations have teamed up to vaccinate community members and educate them on the importance and benefits of getting vaccinated. Efforts have included:
Moving the Needle
To help "move the needle on vaccine hesitancy," a public awareness campaign created, in collaboration with
Collier County Medical Society, NCH Healthcare System, Healthcare Network and others, aims to improve vaccination rates in our community. The campaign will focus on addressing concerns and questions about the vaccines' effectiveness and safety. Read more about the campaign on the Healthcare Network blog.
Fighting Vaccine Distribution Inequities in Immokalee
Health disparities exist in normal times, but in times of crisis, some of the most vulnerable often get overlooked. To ensure the people of Immokalee have equitable access to vaccines, organizations such as the Collier County Department of Health, Partners in Health, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Healthcare Network and others have come together to tackle this issue.
Taking on a boots-on-the-ground approach, Healthcare Network's COVID-19 Response Team has conducted door-to-door outreach and education to farmworker and low-income communities. The team, with the help of trusted organizations and agencies in Immokalee, has provided consistent testing and vaccine events to families who face barriers to adequate care and resources. Read more about the vaccine efforts in Immokalee on South Central Florida Life.
Educating the Public and Building Trust
Leading health experts in the community go LIVE to dispel rumors and share critical information about the COVID-19 vaccines. In Vaccine Myth and Facts - Virtual Town Hall, experts from Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System and Healthcare Network take part in a Facebook Live Town Hall. The virtual event gave the public an opportunity to have their questions answered by health leaders in SWFL. Panelists also spoke about the types of vaccines available to community members, where they could go to get vaccinated and eligibility requirements. The full town hall is available to watch on Facebook.
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RESILIENT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA |
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"We are only as healthy as our most vulnerable individuals"
A BLUE ZONES initiative, Resilient Southwest Florida aims to connect those in need with those who can help. Founded by local organizations such as Healthcare Network, NCH Healthcare System, David Lawrence Centers and many others, this new initiative is committed to improving the community's overall well-being through these services:
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The pandemic exposed unmet needs in the community, including financial concerns and underlying health risks like depression, anxiety, and loneliness. A resilient SWFL is possible by connecting individuals and organizations to health resources. You can read more about this initiative in the Naples Daily News.
For more information or to connect with local resources, please visit ResilientSWFL.com.
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Summer is here! You are probably thinking about trips to the beach, grilling outdoors, boating and jumping in the pool. But, are you thinking about your skin?
The skin is the body's largest organ and can be damaged by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes of its unprotected.
Overexposure to the sun's UV rays can cause sunburns, dehydration, heat strokes and eventually lead to long-term health conditions such as skin cancer. To keep your skin protected this summer and throughout the year, keep the following tips in mind before you step outside.
Apply plenty of sunscreen and be sure to reapply it at least every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Don't forget to apply sunscreen on easy-to-miss areas such as your ears and the tops of your feet.
Cover up! Wear a hat or shirt to add an extra layer of protection. Items like a long-sleeved shirt or wide-brimmed hat are great choices. Make sure the fabric is lightweight and breathable to prevent overheating. You can also add sunglasses to shield your eyes.
Check the time day. Try to avoid being outdoors when the risk of UV exposure is at its highest. Keep outdoor activities to a minimum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pro tip: check the UV index in your area before planning on spending an entire day in the sun. Check out the United States Environmental Protection Agency's UV Index Search.
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HIV/AIDS AND AGING AWARENESS DAY |
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Did you know nearly half of the people living with HIV in the United States are age 50 or older? And yet, according to the National Institute on Aging, older people are less likely than younger people to get tested.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is observed every year on September 18.
This year you can help reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS by:
- Visiting with your healthcare provider
- Getting tested and knowing your HIV status
- Having a conversation with your friends
- Raising awareness on social media
- Educating yourself about what HIV/AIDS
If you or someone you know would like to get tested, you can make a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL appointment at a Healthcare Network location in Immokalee. Call 239.658.3000 to schedule a test today or visit HealthcareSWFL.org to learn about their specialty services.
To learn more about how HIV affects older Americans, visit the CDC website.
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1454 Madison Ave., Immokalee, FL 34142 |
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