pencil next to drawing of lightbulb

August is Medic Alert Month!

by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney Did you know that August is Medic Alert Awareness Month? MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit organization that started 60 years ago with the mission to alert first responders to medical conditions that could affect a person’s treatment. A medic alert is a simple bracelet or necklace that is worn by a person with certain medical conditions such as severe allergies, asthma, … Continue reading August is Medic Alert Month!

Piloting Online Food Purchasing in a SNAP

by Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator By early 2018, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants will be able to make purchases online using their food assistance benefits in the following states: Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Amazon and Wal-Mart are two of the ten online retailers that have been selected by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate … Continue reading Piloting Online Food Purchasing in a SNAP

Medical Fitness 

by Shirley Brown, MiCafe Community Partner Engagement Specialist No matter your age, if you are considering adding exercise to your daily routine, recognize the safe ways of be more active. First, speak with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that you are planning. Even if you do or do not have a health condition, your doctor can help you choose exercises that are right … Continue reading Medical Fitness 

Man and woman jogging.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator People over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of obesity, heart disease and fall-related injuries.  This is greatly due to the fact that as people age they tend to lose muscle mass, bone density, energy, and flexibility causing them to lead a more sedentary lifestyle.  What many people don’t realize is that they can combat many of these … Continue reading National Senior Health & Fitness Day

A couple playing chess.

Stress Awareness Month

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist April is Stress Awareness Month, although some of you might say you’re aware of stress every month. Let’s take some time to focus on what we can do about it. In a culture of instant gratification and feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, something as simple as waiting for coffee to brew can make our blood … Continue reading Stress Awareness Month

Diabetes medical supplies.

National American Diabetes Association Alert Day

by Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator National American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the 4th Tuesday in March, this day is intended to be a 1-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans or about 9 percent of the U.S. population. It’s … Continue reading National American Diabetes Association Alert Day

Outdoor winter scene with trees in the snow.

The Importance of Physical Activity

by Karen Flores, Hotline Attorney We all know that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to both physical and mental health, however, during the winter months, maintaining consistent physical activity can be challenging. And although being exposed to natural sunlight is good for our health, the outdoors is not very inviting when days are cold and gloomy. There are various ways to stay active indoors.  Of course … Continue reading The Importance of Physical Activity

A bed made with blankets and a book lying on it.

Sleep Awareness Week

by Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator The week of March 6th through 13th is Sleep Awareness Week and brings awareness to how sleep affects health and safety. Adults over age 65 typically require less sleep. Although 7-8 hours is recommended for those over 65, 5-6 hours may be an appropriate amount of sleep. Sleep affects mood, attention, memory, sleepiness, falls, and quality of life. Daylight Saving Time … Continue reading Sleep Awareness Week

Red heart decoration.

National Wear Red Day

by Sara Jackson, MiCAFE Network Specialist When you go to the store during the month of February, you will see lots of red and pink decorations for Valentine’s Day. However, the red decorations can be used for another special event. That special event is American Heart Health Month. During the month of February, the American Heart Association raises awareness throughout the whole month to express … Continue reading National Wear Red Day

Grandfather walking with grandchild.

Heart Health Awareness

By Jennifer Blanck, Call Center Staff Member In March of 2010, my 55-year-young father had been having issues with leg cramps and was going in for a heart stent to improve circulation. However, the stent procedure turned into a quadruple bypass. It was one of the scariest times in my life to see my dad after the surgery so pale and lifeless and hooked up to so many … Continue reading Heart Health Awareness