Health Education Ministry
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1. National Handwashing Awareness Week
The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 1-7). According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness to others. Keeping hands clean is especially important right now during the pandemic to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.
Follow these five easy steps to stop the spread of germs:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
To help raise awareness about the importance of handwashing, visit CDC’s Life is Better with Clean Hands webpage, also available in Spanish.
2. National Influenza Vaccination Week
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To raise awareness about the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond, OMH is proud to support National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 6-12).
According to the CDC, as many as 45 million people in the U.S. get sick from the flu each season. Flu vaccination is especially important for people from racial and ethnic minority groups, who are often less likely to be vaccinated against flu and more likely to be hospitalized with flu.
During 2020-2021, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our medical system and save medical resources for the care of COVID-19 patients.
To protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu this winter, find a flu clinic near you by visiting the CDC’s influenza (flu) webpage, also available in Spanish.
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3. Mental Wellness during the Holidays
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Managing your mental wellness during the holiday season can be challenging when unaware of holiday triggers. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has resources to help you identify songs, scents, and other holiday reminders that can trigger emotions such as loss, loneliness and shame.
The following are tips from SAMHSA to help recognize and manage stressors this holiday season:
- Take time to notice your own responses.
- Ask yourself “What helps and what hurts?”
- Talk about what the holidays may bring up for you.
- Pay attention to nutrition and exercise
For additional resources to help manage mental health and emotional wellness including addressing mental health myths and facts, visit MedlinePlus and MentalHealth.gov.
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Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health
