Monthly focus topics

Each month, we focus on a specific health topic. Here's what we've done over the last year or so.

Colds, H1N1 flu and seasonal flu - October 2009 H1N1 influenza is already in our communities. With the time for colds and seasonal flu right around the corner, here's how to protect yourself and your family.     H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and seasonal flu Do you have a cold or the flu? Hand washing 101 Flu shots: The best way to avoid a bad case of the flu Back-to-school health - September 2009 Many health concerns come with the start of a new school year. Here's how to address some of them.     Get smart about swine flu for back-to-school Stifle allergy and asthma problems Back to school, back to sleep Choosing a backpack Asthma - August 2009 More than 20 million Americans have asthma, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.     Asthmatics don't have to stop exercising Controlling asthma with medicine How serious is your asthma attack? Managing your child's asthma Vascular disease - July 2009 About 8 to 12 million Americans have vascular disease, a range of conditions that affect your body’s vascular, or blood vessel, systems.     How you can improve your vascular health Peripheral artery disease (PAD) Managing your vascular disease Your child's health - June 2009 To help children and teens grow into healthy adults, we highly recommend well-care visits or check ups.     Well-care visits or check ups promote healthy development Minor reaction to childhood immunizations Immunization schedule Immunization record worksheet Stroke - May 2009 A stroke or "brain attack" results when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is stopped or interrupted. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.     What is a stroke? Stroke warning signs: Call 911 Brain attack (stroke): Are you at risk? Control risk factors for stroke Your hearing - April 2009 Hearing loss can be so gradual that you may not notice it. That’s why getting your hearing checked is so important.     Protect your hearing Have your child's hearing checked Have a hearing loss? Adjusting to a hearing aid Eye health - March 2009 Vision problems can occur at any age. The sooner they're caught, the better the chances are of treating them effectively.     Evaluating your child's vision Eye health for diabetics Eye health information with 3D eye online Seeing trees and the stars: Tom and Tommy's story Wear eye protection Heart surgeries and procedures - February 2009 Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. When your heart isn't working correctly or the arteries that carry blood to your heart become blocked, a heart procedure or surgery could save your life.     Angioplasty Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) Interventional procedures using cardiac catherization Pacemaker Total knee replacement surgery - January 2009 Having total knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and increase mobility so that you can again take part in the activities you enjoy.     Should I have total knee replacement surgery? Before surgery: Knee exercises After surgery: Knee exercises See a total knee replacement surgery online Blood pressure - December 2008 Tracking your blood pressure is one way to tell whether you may get or already have heart problems.     How to take a blood pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) Hypotension (low blood pressure) Keeping your heart healthy when you have diabetes Mental health - November 2008 Mental health issues involve everything from temporary stress to lifelong conditions like depression. This month, we explore healthful ways to identify and deal with these challenges.     Mental or emotional illness: What is it? Anxiety inventory Depression inventory Stress management