Health Education Blog

It’s a common occurrence to have your blood pressure taken just about every time you visit a clinic or doctor’s office. You sit in the chair with the cuff around your arm, patiently waiting while the cuff contracts and expands. Once it’s finished, the doctor or nurse gives you a couple of numbers. Have you ever wondered what they mean? If you’ve ever been afraid to ask, or just want to understand your blood pressure better, the quick guide below can help.

The weather is getting sunnier, the days are getting longer, and the temperature is rising. The hot summer months are upon us, and living in Northern California means they stick around well into the fall. Because you’re exposed to the sun and heat for a good part of the year, it’s important that you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Learn the 3 most important things you can do to protect your health and body.

It's that time of year when many people suffer from runny noses, sore throats, congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing. As you try to manage your symptoms, you might find some relief, but many people are left feeling very confused about their health status.

We all experience levels of stress, sadness, depression, anxiety and other emotions in our lives. They are part of who we are as human beings and our natural way of responding to situations. But as many as 1 in 5 people are affected by these expected behaviors and responses turning into a mental health condition. The signs of mental illness are not always obvious, and each mental health condition has its own symptoms. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms and to know how to help yourself or someone else who is suffering.

Ninety-five percent of Americans are in favor of being an organ or tissue donor but only 58% are registered. If you fall into the 95% that like the idea of being a donor, but haven’t registered, maybe it’s because you have some hesitation or questions about organ and tissue donation. As you consider becoming a registered donor, take a few minutes to get answers to common questions.

***As of April 19, 2019, there are 10 confirmed measles cases in Butte County***

Get continued updates here.

The cases are considered part of a cluster outbreak in Butte, Tehama and Shasta Counties. A disease outbreak is the occurrence of cases of a disease in excess of what would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season. Measles is a virus that is highly contagious, and potentially dangerous for those who have not been vaccinated. Here’s what you need to know.

We’d like to do whatever we can to avoid the fever, body aches, stuffy nose and coughing that comes from the seasonal flu. You’ll be happy to know that this year’s flu season is turning out to be milder than last year’s – one of the worst on record.

Approximately every 38 seconds an American dies from cardiovascular disease. It's a sad statistic that will only get worse if we ignore the problem. Cardiovascular disease is not only the leading cause of death in our nation, but globally as well. A large number of these deaths could be prevented through education and lifestyle change.

COPD is a painful condition that can slowly limit a person's ability to breathe and move. However, exercise can help to slow the progression of this disease and may even improve a person's strength and mobility. The following guide will help anyone with COPD start a beneficial exercise routine. 

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Just one blood donation can potentially save up to 3 lives. Every day blood donations can help patients of all ages who are accident and burn victims, hearth surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. Blood donation is extremely important because blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors. While 38 percent of the U.S. population can donate blood only 10 percent actually do.