Lower Your Salt, Lower Your Risk

Everyone needs some salt, or sodium chloride, to function. But, did you know that your body only needs a small amount to work properly? The amount of salt in a food is listed as “sodium” on the Nutrition Facts label that appears on food packaging. Dietary guidelines recommend that most adults eat less than 2300 milligrams of sodium per day. That equals about one teaspoon of table salt a day. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure, and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Reading food labels can help you monitor and reduce the amount of much sodium you eat every day.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed every December 1 to raise awareness of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Today there are effective treatments that help people with HIV live long, healthy lives and prevent them from transmitting it to others. However, the disease remains a major global public health concern. Knowing your HIV status is the first step toward treatment and prevention. Find HIV prevention services near you.

It's Not Too Late to Protect Yourself From the Flu

This is National Influenza Vaccination Week and we'd like to remind you that it's not too late to get a flu shot. The annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. The flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-related illness and hospitalization in working age adults and older adults, and can even be life-saving for children. If you've been putting off that annual flu shot, now is the time to act!

Handwashing is a Win for Everyone (Except the Germs)

Germs are everywhere - you can't avoid them. But you can help protect yourself and others from illness caused by germs with regular hand washing. Learn when and how you should your wash hands to keep the holidays healthy.

The 20-20-20 Rule

Do you spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen, smartphone, or TV? Your eyes need a rest, much like sore muscles do after a good workout. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. MedlinePlus has many other great eye care tips to help you see your best.