February is often all about hearts, hugs, and love, but it’s also a great time to pause and check in on our own health and the health of those around us. Looking out for each other doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, small, everyday actions can make a big difference for families and our community.
Stay Home When You’re Sick (Yes, Even If It’s Just a Cough)
Cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are still making their rounds. One of the kindest things we can do is stay home when we’re sick to prevent spreading illnesses.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often (Like you just chopped jalapeños and need to touch your eyes.)
- Rest! (Yes, binge-watching your favorite show counts as rest.)
If you are at high risk of severe illness or if symptoms get worse, contact your doctor. Staying home helps protect your coworkers, classmates, children, and anyone with a weaker immune system.
Learn more about preventing respiratory illnesses: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/prevent-spreading-respiratory-viruses
Healthy Smiles Mean Happy Children
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which is the perfect excuse to get your kids excited about brushing (or at least not throwing the toothbrush across the room).
Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months keep little teeth strong and healthy. Healthy teeth support eating, speaking, learning, and confidence. Consistent routines really do pay off.
Have you heard of our Access to Baby & Children Dentistry (ABCD) program? They help families find pediatric dentists, schedule appointments, and overcome barriers like transportation, finances, or language. Children ages 0 to 6 on Washington Apple Health Insurance (Medicaid) are eligible.
Find out how the ABCD program can help your family: https://granthealth.org/217/Access-to-Baby-Child-Dentistry-ABCD
Vaccines Protect the Whole Community
Vaccines help protect everyone. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps prevent illness and supports healthy schools, workplaces, and communities. Routine adult and pediatric vaccines reduce the spread of disease, and seasonal vaccines, like the flu shot, provide added protection during times when illness is more common.
Stay up to date! Check out the immunization schedule at https://granthealth.org/211/Immunizations
STI’s? More Like ST-bye
Sexually Transmitted Infections, also known as STIs, can be sneaky! Many people don’t have symptoms, which means someone can feel fine and still have an infection. For example, chlamydia often shows no symptoms.
Getting tested is a normal and responsible part of taking care of your health, and testing is confidential. If an infection is found, treatment is safe and effective and helps protect both you and your partners. Speaking of partners, getting treated together helps protect both of you and prevents reinfection.
Make it a conversation! Talking about sexual health might feel awkward, but it’s a caring way to show respect for yourself and others. https://granthealth.org/238/Sexual-Health
Keep It Moving…Even Just A Little Bit
February is Walk Your Dog Month (or “Walk Someone Else’s Dog Month” if you’re feeling generous). The point is to find a great or creative excuse to walk a few extra steps without feeling dragged or bored.
Movement doesn’t need to be a gym membership or an extreme workout. A walk, dancing in the kitchen, stretching, or playing outside all count. Staying active supports heart health, boosts mood, and helps manage stress. Something we could all use a little help with during the winter.
Need a boost? Try the Keep it Moving Challenge. All you do is collect your steps, and the app keeps track while you compete against family members, coworkers, or others nationwide. The challenge ends April 12th. Join the challenge: https://www.apha.org/initiatives/national-public-health-week/get-involved/keep-it-moving