Lighthouse Community Health Services

Today is both Heat Safety Awareness Day and World No Tobacco Day! Heat Safety Awareness Day: Stay safe from the heat and learn more about heat safety using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety App. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a valuable resource for planning outdoor work based on perceived heat throughout the day. It offers a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts tailored to your location, along with occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH. Key features of the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool include: A visual indicator of the current heat index and associated risk levels specific to your geographical location. Precautionary recommendations tailored to the heat index risk levels. An interactive, hourly forecast of heat index values, risk levels, and recommendations for planning outdoor work activities. Editable location, temperature, and humidity settings to calculate for different conditions. Information on signs, symptoms, and first aid for heat-related illnesses. Learn more here https://lnkd.in/e9w_CG9 World No Tobacco Day: The global tobacco epidemic claims an estimated 6 million lives each year, including 600,000 from secondhand smoke exposure. If current trends persist, tobacco use is projected to cause about 8 million deaths annually by 2030, with 80% of these preventable deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. World No Tobacco Day, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and observed on May 31, emphasizes the health risks of tobacco use and promotes actions to reduce tobacco consumption. This year's theme is "Tobacco — a Threat to Development." WHO is encouraging activities that foster international collaboration to highlight the connection between tobacco use, tobacco control, and sustainable development. Additionally, WHO urges individuals to contribute to a sustainable, tobacco-free world by either committing to never start using tobacco products or by quitting their use. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eBvH7_qw Let's stay safe from heat exposure and harmful tobacco products together! #heatsafetytips #staysafestaycool #beattheheat #knowyourheatindex #notobaccoday2024 #quitsmokingnow #notobacco #tobaccoprevention #stopsmokingstartliving

We are thrilled to welcome Diane Bost, P.A. as our newest team member serving as a Clinic Coordinator in the Jesse Kay Clinic at Lighthouse Community Health Services! Diane brings a wealth of experience from her years as a healthcare professional in primary care. Her passion for surgery led her to enroll in a specialized physician assistant program, from which she graduated in 1988. She furthered her education and expertise in Internal Medicine and later worked in a detox unit at the Dallas Veterans Hospital, where she developed a deep interest in helping disadvantaged populations. Since Diane has always been fascinated with surgery, she began her career by enrolling in a physician assistant program that specialized in surgery. After graduation in 1988, she continued her education and worked in Internal Medicine. Later, at the Dallas Veterans Hospital, she was able to work in a detox unit. This opportunity grew her interest in assisting disadvantaged populations. While living in San Francisco, Diane was inspired by the GLIDE Foundation, a faith-based organization founded by Reverend Cecil Williams. The foundation's mission of selfless community service resonated with her deeply. This spirit of giving back accompanied Diane to Lynchburg, guiding her to The Lighthouse. As our Clinic Coordinator, Diane will support our doctors by taking vitals, electronic charting, and screening patients. She’s excited to join our growing team by working closely with Dr. Cathy Kay and Dr. Miebaka Roberts. Diane shares, “I’m excited to be involved in a faith-based ministry that provides so much for the community.” We are so grateful to have Diane on our team and eager for you all to meet her!

On this Memorial Day, we come together as a community to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who have protected our nation's values. Join us in honoring their legacy. #MemorialDay2023 #CommunityStrong #RememberAndHonor #MemorialDay #HeroesRemembered #Gratitude #NeverForget #InRemembrance

Today is National Asian Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! This is to help stop the HIV stigma in Asian and Pacific Islander communities! Join the conversation #NAPIHAAD #APIMAY19

Numerosos factores pueden influir en nuestra salud mental, incluidos los acontecimientos actuales, la soledad, la tecnología y las circunstancias sociales. Cuando la vida se siente abrumadora, puede marcar una gran diferencia tener personas a tu alrededor que apoyen tu salud mental y tu bienestar emocional. Rodéate de buenos oyentes que puedan levantarte el ánimo y ayudarte en momentos estresantes. Busque apoyo de fuentes como familiares, amigos o grupos de apoyo en línea. Además, la terapia y el asesoramiento pueden brindar un valioso apoyo adicional. ___________ Numerous factors can influence our mental health, including current events, loneliness, technology, and social circumstances. When life feels overwhelming, it can make a huge difference to have people around you who support your mental health and emotional well-being. Surround yourself with good listeners who can uplift your spirits and assist you during stressful times. Seek support from sources like family, friends, or online support groups. Additionally, therapy and counseling can provide valuable additional support. https://lnkd.in/ehyA8j_8

Join the Office on Women's Health in celebrating National Women's Health Week, dedicated to empowering women to prioritize their health! Day 1 - May 12: Empowering Women in Their Health Journey Advocate for yourself in healthcare settings to ensure your concerns are taken seriously. Here are tips for your next doctor's visit: https://lnkd.in/eUsR_czv Day 2 - May 13: Safe Sexual Health Sexual health encompasses more than STD prevention—it's about fostering safe, respectful, and positive sexual experiences. Day 3 - May 14: Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health Approximately 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or postpartum, often without adequate treatment. Day 4 - May 15: Talk About It - Reducing Women's Health Stigma Many women's health issues carry stigma, but open conversation helps break down barriers and educate others. Day 5 - May 16: Understanding Care Is There Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccinations are essential for preventing health issues. Day 6 - May 17: Reproductive Health from Puberty to Menopause and Beyond Reproductive health needs evolve with each stage of life; understanding and care are vital throughout. Day 7 - May 18: Women and Heart Health Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women—addressing heart health is crucial at every age and background. Here's to fostering healthier physical and mental well-being for all women! #Womenshealthweek #mentalhealth #physicalhealth

Don't forget to hug your mom! Today we celebrate all of the wonderful mother figures in our lives! #happymothersday #HappyMothersDayMom

World Asthma Day highlights the impact of this lung condition. Asthma attacks triggered by various factors can lead to symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness. and even chest tightness. The CDC's National Asthma Control Program helps those suffering from asthma to enhance health and quality of life. On World Asthma Day (May 3, 2022) and throughout May, people with asthma and organizations dedicated to asthma control and education join together to increase awareness about asthma and improve the lives of all people with asthma. Here are some excellent resources to support those with asthma: EXHALE: CDC’s National Asthma Control Program (NACP) and its partners help people with asthma achieve better health and improved quality of life. NACP developed EXHALE, a set of six strategies that each contribute to better asthma control. https://lnkd.in/eD2Mc-J6 Asthma Action Plans: Everyone with asthma needs their own Asthma Action Plan. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that works for you. Your goal is to prevent and control your asthma attacks. Create your own plan using CDC’s Asthma Action Plan tool. https://lnkd.in/dF9QHB6 Controlling Asthma in Schools: CDC’s National Asthma Control Program plays a pivotal role in promoting asthma-friendly schools. These schools work to create safe and supportive learning environments for students with asthma. Download the factsheet about controlling asthma in schools. https://lnkd.in/eJmMEvWC Controlling Childhood Asthma and Reducing Emergencies (CCARE): CCARE, Controlling Childhood Asthma and Reducing Emergencies, is CDC’s new objective of preventing 500,000 Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospitalizations due to asthma by August 31, 2024. About 6 million children in the US ages 0-17 years have asthma. More than half of all children with asthma had 1 or more asthma attacks in 2016. Every year, 1 in 6 children with asthma visits the ED, and about 1 in 20 children with asthma are hospitalized for asthma. https://lnkd.in/ey2hTWbM Centers for Disease Control and Prevention #asthmaawareness #asthmafriendly #asthmaprevention

Not all lung cancer is caused by smoking! In the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Researchers estimate that secondhand smoke contributes to about 7,300 and radon to about 2,900 of these lung cancers. (Source: https://lnkd.in/gkEJEwxa ) You can help lower your risk of lung cancer by staying away from secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, and other air pollution, as well as asbestos, arsenic, and some forms of silica and chromium. You should get your home tested for radon and take steps to lower the radon level if it is high. If you have a smoking habit, quit smoking — and encourage those around you to do the same. The CDC operates multiple programs that have been dedicated to the prevention and control of lung cancer. Learn more about prevention at their website: https://lnkd.in/erFKyQ8e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention #lungcancerprevention #lungcanceradvocate #lungcancersymptoms

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week aims to support children in achieving developmental and emotional milestones and nurturing healthy social skills! According to the CDC, mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders begin in early childhood with "...1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years (17.4%) had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder". (source: https://lnkd.in/d45njbq) The CDC is working towards enhancing access to mental health care for children by understanding the faults in children's mental health care and improving strategies to link families to mental health care. Learn more about how you can support mental health in children at https://lnkd.in/dHZUpd2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mental Health America #childrensmentalhealthmatters #childrensmentalhealthawareness #childrensmentalhealthawarenessweek