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Health eTips is produced by the staff of the St. Charles County Department of Public Health. The department consists of three divisions - Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services - that provide a wide range of services focused on enhancing the well-being of this community.

If you have questions about the Department of Public Health or have suggestions on public health topics you'd like to see explored in this blog, please email us.

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Dec 29

Healthy Resolutions

Posted on December 29, 2016 at 8:57 AM by Doug Bolnick

MAKE A RESOLUTION TO BE HEALTHY IN 2017


HappyNewYear

 As we start another New Year, many strive to improve themselves. Whether your New Year’s resolutions call for losing weight, stopping smoking, increasing exercise or learning something new, it’s best to set a SMART goal as a way to achieve the improvement. SMART goals are ones that are:

SPECIFIC – Identify exactly what you hope to accomplish.
MEASURABLE – Track your accomplishments to show the path toward that goal.
ATTAINABLE – If your goal is challenging, but reachable, you’re more likely to follow through.
REALISTIC – Set a goal that has a likelihood of being reached.
TIMELY – Establish a set date to complete the goal and enjoy the rewards.

If you’re looking for ideas, here are a few suggestions, from each of our divisions, on ways to improve your health, our community and our pets in 2017:

DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PROTECTION
  • Reduce the amount of trash in our community by creating less waste.
  • Reuse items to conserve natural resources.
  • Recycle paper, glass and aluminum to save trees, energy and resources.
  • Eat locally and Know the Score of your favorite establishments.
  • Pick up your yard and clean gutters to decrease mosquito habitat.

DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
  • Wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Make sure your family is current on all vaccinations to prevent illness.
  • Eat a balanced, healthy plate at every meal for more energy and nutrients.
  • Get an STD test to Know Your Status in 2017.
  • Update your records and keep a copy of birth certificates and passports.

DIVISION OF HUMANE SERVICES
  • Spay or neuter your pet to control overpopulation.
  • Make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations to prevent illness.
  • Walk your dog every day to combat obesity (for your pet and you).
  • Donate blankets and toys to improve the lives of shelter pets.
  • Adopt a pet into your home and create lasting memories.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
  • Recognize our common threats to be prepared for what may happen.
  • Make a plan to respond to these threats and share with your loved ones.
  • Build a kit to provide resources for your plan.
  • Be informed about your surroundings to receive warnings and notifications.
  • Get involved in community activities to help others.