Hello everyone:

Here we are again in September, that month of transition. As Labor Day approaches, the nation finds itself easing from the end of summer to the beginning of fall, and we watch our kids return to the structure of school after three months of freedom. In keeping with this theme, September holds the distinction of being both National Recovery Month and National Preparedness Month, as those who struggle with addiction focus on making the change to a healthier, more disciplined lifestyle while businesses and organizations attempt to highlight and improve their ability to stay strong in the event of a natural disaster, malevolent threat, or any other type of unexpected disruption, including earthquakes, fire, flooding, cyber attacks, terrorism, or seasonal pandemic. As we take time this month to appreciate how hard we have worked in the past, let us continue to be mindful that in times of duress we are the ones to whom the community will turn, and the best way we can help our neighbors is by being prepared beforehand.
American Red Cross Unveils New Disaster-Related Technology

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign, the American Red Cross has unveiled new and updated technology to help families stay safe and reconnect in the event of a national disaster.

Focusing on internet trends that allow users to quickly and conveniently connect with friends and loved ones, the Red Cross has launched a site called Safe and Well, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that allows people inside a disaster-affected area to list themselves as “safe and well,” and to send messages referencing their condition. Recognizing the power of online social media, this site allows people to customize messages for loved ones and update their Facebook and Twitter statuses right from the site. In addition, a new mobile version of the site will make it easy for people to register or search from a smart phone.

There are several ways to register on or search the Safe and Well site. From a computer, visit http://www.redcross.org and click on the "List Yourself or Search Registrants" link under "How to Get Help." From a smart phone, visit http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the "List Yourself as Safe and Well" or "Search for friends and family" link. You can also register by phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In addition, the Red Cross "Find Shelter" tool pulls information from the National Shelter System and allows people to view a Google map of open Red Cross shelter locations and search for shelters closest to their location.

To access shelter information, visit http://www.redcross.org and click on the "Find Shelter" link. Shelters that are currently open will be displayed on the map or in the search results. The National Shelter System is owned and operated by the Red Cross and used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and local governments, and other community agencies to track and report shelter information.

Recovery Month

September hosts National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month, an annual observance that seeks to emphasize the societal benefits of substance abuse treatments, honor the contributions of treatment providers, and promote the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. This observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need.

Recovery Month provides a platform to highlight those who have made the brave step of attempting recovery, as well as those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs across the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about the specific goals and methods of treatment. Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans.

  

Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, emphasizing the fact that addiction is a treatable disease and recovery is possible. This observance further highlights the benefits of treatment not only for the affected individual, but family, friends and loved ones as well. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, the value of those who work in the treatment field, and the needs of those seeking treatment.

Free Blood Pressure Screening

On Wednesday, September 1, Coast Plaza Hospital will offer a free blood pressure screening to patients, employees and the general public. This event will be held at the Norwalk Senior Citizens Center, 14040 San Antonio Dr, and take place in the Medical Review Room from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Further screenings will be held on the first and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure affects as many as 60 million Americans. It is known as the “Silent Killer,” since it has no initial symptoms but can lead to many long-term diseases and complications including heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysms (weakening of the wall of the aorta, leading to widening or ballooning of the aorta).

The good news is that public awareness of these dangers has increased. As a result, high blood pressure has become the second most common reason for medical office visits in the United States. According to research studies, the risk of dying of a heart attack is directly linked to high blood pressure, particularly systolic hypertension. The higher your blood pressure, the higher the risk. Maintaining lifelong control of hypertension decreases the future risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.

If you or someone you know is at risk for high blood pressure, please take this opportunity to get it checked, free of charge. Coast Plaza Hospital is proud to offer our services n our continued attempt to help the people of Norwalk and surrounding areas address health concerns before they become problematic.

Please contact Manuela Ochoa at (562) 868-3751 for more information.