Learn more about National Radon Awareness Month (By Wano Urbanos, Chaffee County Public Health)
By now most Americans are aware that radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. For most non-smokers, radon gas is public enemy #1. But what exactly is Radon? Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium in the soil, with a release into the air that we breathe. Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon…
Spring Cleaning Begins Within: Mind, Body, and Spirit :Spring and Chinese Medicine: Wisdom for Cleansing, Renewal, and Peace of Mind (by Jacqueline Allen, Two Roots Acupuncture) In the Northern Hemisphere, we have officially crossed the vernal equinox and moved into the season of spring. The duration of light each day now exceeds the dark and continues to increase, an…
What the Health Blog- Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Field (By Andrea Carlstrom, Director, Chaffee County Public Health) Now that the public health system is settling into a routine disease control mentality on how we all learn to live with COVID-19 and future variants of it, I’d like to share a few lessons that I have learned (or confirmed) along…
Setting Goals for a Happier and More Satisfying Life (by Mike McHargue, Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator) While we typically consider goal setting around the New Year and possibly now as we exit the Omicron surge and return to more normal activities, it should be a key component of your overall fitness program year-round. Goals provide focus and structure…
How To Be An Everyday Hero For Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Assault (by Jordan Pollack) In 2020, The Alliance served over 600 survivors. We provided over 1,300 nights of emergency shelter and over $100,000 in rental assistance for survivors fleeing their abusive household. Although we are able to help these individuals, we know that people experiencing domestic or sexual…
Learn more about Loneliness Can Be Lethal (by Molly Bischoff)
Loneliness Can Be Lethal (by Molly Bischoff) Did you know, loneliness can have the health effects on a person equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Read that again, 15 cigarettes! (Source: https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20180504/loneliness-rivals-obesity-smoking-as-health-risk) This is a very alarming yet enlightening statement. Thus, your physical health is directly affected by your perceived social interaction with others. Individuals who feel socially isolated…
Learn more about Abuse in Later Life (ALL)
Abuse in Later Life (ALL) “Elder abuse” is a very broad term, covering a wide range of behaviors. Preferred terminology for this type of abuse in the context of The Alliance’s services is Abuse in Later Life. The Alliance works to empower individuals beyond domestic and sexual violence. Abuse in Later Life (ALL) is the willful abuse, neglect, or financial…
Getting Clear on What Health Actually Is Can Help You Clarify Next Steps (by Prita Chanda Klco) I went to the doctor recently for a routine check-up. I was asked to give a “medical reason” (a disease or a problem) for making the appointment. In a system where disease is more billable than health, it’s easy to spend most of…
Learn more about “I Wish They Would All Die”
“I wish they would all die!” (by Mike Orrill) “I wish they would all die!” That’s what an angry friend once said to me when told him I was working with people struggling with drug addiction. “I just wish they would all die! They made their bed, so let them sleep in it. They’re a drain on society and don’t…
Learn more about Anne’s Story: Recovery IS Possible
Announcing Peer Empowered Recovery Community Solutions (PERCS) Formerly known as Ark Valley Recovery, the mission of PERCS is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways…
Learn more about Laura’s Story–Recovery IS Possible!
Announcing Ark Valley Recovery Our mission is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways to achieve and sustain their recovery. Their strong message of hope…
Learn more about Andy’s Story–Recovery IS Possible!
Announcing Ark Valley Recovery Our mission is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways to achieve and sustain their recovery. Their strong message of hope…