Another holiday season has come and gone. Unfortunately, many were given a gift that was not on their wish list. Whether hit with the common cold, influenza, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), COVID-19, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), many were forced to quickly change their holiday plans and opt to stay home rather than celebrate with family and friends. For others, it may not have been their physical health compromised, but their mental and emotional well-being. From unrealistic expectations, feelings of loneliness, or seasonal affective disorder, the holidays may not always be filled with joy, happiness, and celebrations. With a new year upon us, we are all given a fresh start and chance to put our health first through physical activity, proper nutrition, and taking care of our mental health.

It’s that time of year when many head into the woods in the hopes of harvesting food to fill their freezer following a successful hunt. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are more than 15 million hunting license holders in the United States, making it one of the most popular recreational activities.

Did you know that cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home burn injuries? Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. The good news is that most cooking fires and burns are preventable. Therefore, this year’s Fire Prevention Week (FPW) theme, Cooking Safety Starts With YOU, could not be more relevant.

In recent years, earthquakes and horrific wildfires spread along the West Coast of the United States, while tropical storms devastated popular vacation spots throughout the South. Severe flooding and tornados have wrecked numerous communities throughout the Nation, while blistering cold temperatures led to polar vortex winters in the North and Upper Midwest. Natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time; therefore, it is important to have a planned response. These events could occur while you are at home, at work, on vacation, or even on the road.

For many youths, mowing the lawn is often one of the first chores involving gas-powered equipment. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every year in the United States more than 9,000 children seek treatment at an emergency department for lawn mower-related injuries. Hazards exist for both the operator and bystanders, including rollovers, runovers, entanglements, sharp objects, collisions and projectiles. Therefore, to lessen the occurrence of an incident, proper training and guidance is essential.

While June 21 marks the official start of the summer season; for many, summer kicks off several days sooner when the school year concludes. As students begin their summer break, the long, hot days and weeks ahead will be filled with outdoor activities. Even with school not in session, it is still important to keep one subject at the forefront – safety! While some youth may be home unsupervised, others may be spending their summer helping on the farm or ranch. No matter the case, families should begin important conversations about safety expectations.

As the end of the school year quicky approaches, children are eagerly looking forward to summer break. Numerous seasonal activities, from camping and cookouts to family vacations and water parks, will likely involve swimming. As the weather heats up, pools, lakes, rivers, and even oceans are often sought out as ideal places to cool off.

With the snow melting, a ground that is ready for spring planting is beginning to reveal itself. Many are gearing up to start those outdoor digging projects that they have been planning all winter. However, before you reach for the shovel, it’s important to remember a vital task – call 811. Dialing 811 and making a simple, free phone call to the national call-before-you-dig number can ensure that any buried utility lines are clearly marked.

Every day more than 300 children are treated in emergency departments in the United States, and two children die from poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, data indicates the United States Poison Control Centers are alerted of a poison exposure nearly every 15 seconds.

Each year, a staggering 400,000 individuals in the United States seek medical attention for burn injuries. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared that burns were among the top 10 causes of non-fatal injuries in children under the age of four, and among the top five causes of death in those under the age of 65.

Hours, weeks, months; how long will your recent New Year’s resolution last? Each year, many of us give into the pressure of the long-standing tradition of adopting a new practice, or improving, changing, or eliminating an unfavorable trait.

Sadly, more than 12,000 children between the ages of 0-19 die each year from an unintentional injury according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, this equates to more than one child dying each hour in the United States

With October serving as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Halloween holiday soon approaching, it is a great reminder that we need to take safety into our own hands. Whether operating a vehicle, while out walking our pets, or taking an evening stroll as a pedestrian, staying visible and being aware can help ensure we all safely make it home each night.

You may have heard the saying, “our eyes are the windows to the world.” Therefore, to raise awareness for the importance of regular eye exams and identifying strategies to prevent eye-related injuries or issues, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has proclaimed August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month.

Did you know, sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet? According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, people who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and a type of arthritis known as gout.

Whether doing yard work or completing daily farm chores, enjoying a family camping trip, or taking a hike through the woods, bugs tend to try and ruin your pleasurable experience. While we invest money on citronella candles, zappers, and spray to keep pesky bugs away, we often still end up with bug bites.