Mosquito protection

The National Institutes of Health has a timely article on avoiding mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses.  West Nile, dengue, malaria, and the newly popular Zika virus are all spread by mosquitoes.  Read their article for tips on protecting yourself against mosquitoes, and information on the illnesses they can spread.

Wonders of walking

Walking is one of the best and simplest ways to add more activity.  In addition to helping with balance, walking is good for the brain, the heart, and the lungs.


The St. Louis Public Library has an assortment of DVDs and books to support an interest in walking.

Helping people keep pets healthy with PAWS

Pets have many benefits, including health benefits.  They can add fun, companionship and a feeling of safety to your life.  Research also shows that pets lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress.  Keeping pets healthy is an important responsibility of being a pet owner, and is especially important for people with AIDS or who are otherwise immune-compromised.

PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is a program of St. Louis Effort for AIDS that helps pets stay with their people by providing support for vet bills, pet food, and cat litter.  From their website: 

"PAWS strongly supports the deep bond of family between people and pets. PAWS strives to ensure that clients do not experience the loss of pets due to financial hardship, lack of transportation or hospitalization. Pets are truly a source of unconditional love and support that is irreplaceable to people living with HIV/AIDS."

Dining out for life 2016: This Thursday!

Dining Out For Life 2016

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Dining Out for Life© (DOFL) is an international event that has raised over $4.23 million nationally in 2015 to provide vital services to people living with HIV/AIDS.  In 2015, the St. Louis community raised over $220,000 to help Saint Louis Effort for AIDS provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for those affected by the disease.

Usually held on the fourth Thursday in April, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS made the decision to move DOFL one week earlier in 2016.  This decision was made to honor those who wish to observe the Passover holiday and still provide them the opportunity to participate in DOFL. 

Grab your family and friends and make plans to dine out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails and more at any of the participating Dining Out For Life© restaurants where at least 25% of your check will be donated to support the work of Saint Louis Effort for AIDS.  For a list of participating restaurants, click here. 

Sickle Cell Awareness Day

April 23, 2016

FACE Sickle Cell Awareness Day

 

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Harris Stowe State University, Emerson Gymnasium
3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis MO 63103

Attendees will learn from a variety of experts, doctors and hematologists about the disease and organizers will encourage attendees to be tested for the sickle cell trait. To learn more or register for the event, please visit http://sicklecellassociation.org/

Alive and Well STL hits prime time!

Earlier this year, KSDK NewsChannel 5 produced a prime time special as part of the health initiative with the Regional Health Commission.  The program featured on-air interviews with Dr. Tiffany Anderson (Superintendent of Jennings School District) and Dr. Heidi Miller (physician at Family Care Health Centers), as well as pre-produced Alive and Well STL news segments, which have aired at various times since August 2015.  It was hosted by KSDK anchors Nichole Berlie and Art Holliday.

Watch the full prime time Alive and Well STL special here.

April is National Minority Health Month

African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are at high risk for developing kidney failure. This risk is due in part to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities. Follow this link for more information about kidney failure for each of these groups, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Health at the Zoo!

On Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Saint Louis Zoo is hosting a "One Health" fair.  The Zoo's Institute for Conservation Medicine will be joined by Saint Louis University and Washington University medical schools, as well as the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, to offer information on the links between wildlife conservation and human health.  Admission to the Zoo and to all One Health activities is free.  More information can be found on the Zoo's website, or by calling 314.781.0900.

Medication disposal

Proper disposal of unused or expired meds When is the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet?  If it has been a while (or never), you maybe have expired medication in need of disposal.  Here's how you can do so safely. Some police stations accept unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and they are collected by the Missouri Prescription Pill & Drug Disposal (P2D2) and disposed of responsibly.  For a list of accepted items, as well as a list of drop box locations, visit their website.