During this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and let your guard down when it comes to maintaining your healthy lifestyle. While it’s important to enjoy family, friends and celebrating, it’s equally important to be mindful of your eating and exercising habits. With a few healthy tips, you…
Are you preparing for respiratory season? While you may not be able to avoid every virus, vaccines can decrease your chances of catching COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and help you to get less sick if you do catch them. We spoke with Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director of El Paso County…
Fountain Valley Communities That Care (FV-CTC), an initiative of El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH), actively works to prevent youth substance use in the Fountain Valley by providing resources, education and opportunities. As a community-led coalition, FV-CTC uses an evidence-based approach to promote healthy youth development, improve youth outcomes, and prevent youth substance use. “With…
What is seasonal depression? Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that is related to the change of seasons. The reduction in sun exposure this time of year can cause a disturbance in your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), a decrease in your levels of serotonin (a hormone…
October is designated National Dessert Month, and it’s a great time of year to take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Fruits such as apples, pears, cranberries or pineapple can be used in a variety of dessert recipes ranging from pies and cakes to pandowdies. Vegetables like sweet potatoes and pumpkin can be used in…
October is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month. It’s a great time to start enjoying meals together if you’re not already doing so. Eating together goes beyond what we eat. According to experts, it provides the opportunity to talk about your day, share thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and enjoy listening to our loved ones. In…
The kick-off of October officially marks the start of some kids’ and adults’ favorite fall activities. This includes venturing into spooky haunted houses, navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze, carving a hand-picked pumpkin, and of course, all the excitement and preparation that goes into the big event – trick-or-treating on Halloween. While…
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it represents a time to listen, offer help and reduce stigmas around suicidal thoughts and seeking support. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) joins community members and organizations nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention, amplify resources and expand opportunities to get involved in…
September is recognized each year as National Preparedness Month in order to raise awareness about disaster incidents that may affect public health and safety. Emergencies include a broad range of natural and man-made disasters, including floods, tornadoes, wildfires, landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme weather, power outages, gas leaks, terrorism and pandemics. El Paso County Public Health…
The food supply in the United States is among the safest in the world. However, when certain disease-causing bacteria or pathogens contaminate food, they can cause foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning.” The federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually – the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6…