Flu Trends from Down Under

Flu season is picking up in Australia, with an earlier uptick in infections than previous years. In the graph below, we can see that flu cases in Australia typically peak in June, July, and August. The solid red line for 2022 shows that cases actually started peaking in late April—two months earlier than usual.

How can you protect yourself and others this fall?

It may not be flu season yet in the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s never too early to learn about flu prevention. According to the CDC, receiving a yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Other preventive measures include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses, and washing your hands with soap and water.

In the United States alone, over 300 million people have a smartphone. For many, that increase in connectivity through technology has led to becoming disconnected from the outdoors.

During National Great Outdoors Month, we look to celebrate and explore our surroundings and discover the many beautiful sights our world has to offer. 

‍What activities can you take part in to embrace the outdoors?

‍Where should you explore? 

‍How should you celebrate? 

Besides spending time outside, how else can we take part in helping our environment and the many communities that thrive outdoors?

In today’s article, we’ll be touching on the many activities and places you can visit to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Keep reading to discover more!

What physical activities can we take part in?

There’s no shortage of activities to do outdoors.

From rock climbing to canoeing, with such a diverse landscape across the country, there’s bound to be some kind of activity to enjoy.

We know there are many benefits from exercise itself. It can help control weight, improve mood, and reduce the risk of heart diseases. But combining exercise with spending time outdoors could have a profound impact on your well-being.

But physical activity isn’t the only way to reap the benefits of spending time outside. Just being out in nature is good for us. 

In fact, spending time outdoors may actually reduce stress. 

‍While there are many different outdoor activities you can take part in, some ideas include:‍

• Cycling - this is a great cardio workout that puts minimal stress on our joints yet challenges core muscles and legs. 
• Hiking - explore your local area or a national park while improving your cardiovascular health and decreasing stress.
• Paddling - spending time on the water by kayaking or canoeing with others is a great way to enjoy the weather while working your muscles and cardiovascular system, and it may even help improve stability.
• Rock climbing - challenge your abilities and enjoy the natural landscapes by rock climbing.
• Walking - physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Take a walk in your local park, or a stroll through a zoo or nature preserve.
• Garden - gardening is a great way to reap the benefits of being outside and get some mild exercise. 
• Have a picnic or BBQ - eating outside feels good. Have a picnic with friends or family or invite them over for a BBQ and share the benefits of being together and being outside. 

How to celebrate great outdoors month and where to explore

Getting out and active is a great way to celebrate this June, but there are other ways you can  celebrate Great Outdoors Month by contributing and helping the environment and local communities.

Here are a few ideas:

• Plan a trip - whether traveling solo or with friends and family, planning a trip is a great way to celebrate. 
• Spend some time outdoors - You don’t have to go on a big trip to celebrate this month. Go to the local park and throw the ball around or go on a small hiking trip to explore your local area.
• Visit national parks - with a total of 63 national parks in the United States there are lots of landscapes to explore. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Yosemite National Park in California, America has plenty of national parks to discover.
• Conserve the outdoors - Help celebrate this month by cleaning up. Participate with local groups hosting events or host your own. You can even go out and clean up the trails, parks, and other local spots in your area.
• Volunteer as a summer camp counselor - spend some time helping others as a counselor at a summer camp. ‍

Conclusion - Great Outdoors Month

Great Outdoors Month is a time to embrace the surrounding landscapes and nature. 

Whether you decide to take a day trip fishing or to explore a national park you’ve never been to, we encourage you to get outdoors and find some time to get active and enjoy all the beautiful landscapes our country has to offer.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who you’d like to take with you on a trip or adventure during Great Outdoors Month!

What Flu Season in the Southern Hemisphere Can Tell Us

Although flu season in the Northern Hemisphere won’t begin until fall, it’s already underway in the Southern Hemisphere.

In fact, seasonal flu activity is spiking earlier this year when compared to the previous five years! In the graph below, see how the spike in cases at the beginning of 2022 is higher than most spikes during peak flu season in previous years.

Summer Travel Tips for Flu Prevention

Planning to go to the southern hemisphere this summer? The CDC shares these tips to protect yourself and others: 

• Keep up to date on flu trends wherever you’re traveling 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
• Get a yearly flu vaccine 
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue), consider staying home

‍

In 2017, health promotion and wellness programs were offered in almost half of all US worksites. And with over 150 million people spending the majority of their waking hours at work, it’s an encouraging number to see.

Professional Wellness Month looks to shed light on the importance of creating a work culture that emphasizes and creates an environment that encourages wellness in the workplace. 

It also looks to stress the importance of a work-life balance for our health.

From financial well-being to our physical well-being, we can participate and celebrate this month in many different ways.

‍So, how can we celebrate Professional Wellness Month in the workplace?

‍What are steps we can take to improve our wellness at work and at home?

‍And, how can we better balance our work and personal lives?

In today’s article we’ll be breaking down the many options you have to celebrate and take part in during Professional Wellness Month.

How to celebrate professional wellness month in the workplace

According to the American Institute of Stress, 

“83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress.”

But there are steps we can take to create an environment that encourages wellness in the workplace.

‍How can we deal with stress?

Employers and employees can take many different approaches to create a culture that emphasizes the importance of wellness in the workplace. Some ideas include:

• Workshops -  Workshops can be a great way to teach new concepts and ideas to employees. From education around different health exercises to certain habits and actions we can take. Workshops can serve as a great way to build a healthier working environment. 
• Resources - having paid sick days, holidays, and health and dental insurance are some of the many ways to develop a healthy work culture that emphasizes the health of its employees.
• Classes - taking part in different classes may also be a powerful way of creating wellness in the workplace. From meditation classes to fitness circuits, there’s really an endless supply of ideas we can tap into.
• Events - having some sort of event can help us connect with our coworkers and better our overall well-being through socialization. In fact, being social helps us deal with loneliness and may even help improve our cognitive skills and memory. We can take part in online games with coworkers or laid-back meetings talking about our weekends. Events can be a great way to connect and unwind with coworkers in the workplace.
• Wellness challenge - creating a wellness challenge for coworkers to take part in not only encourages people to get active, but it’s a great way for people to connect. Exercise increases the release of endorphins (the feel-good chemical), and it’s a great way to maintain a healthy weight. ‍

Work-Life Balance

Professional Wellness Month is about highlighting the importance of wellness in the workplace. But, it’s also about creating a better work-life balance.

It can be hard to separate the two with the convenience of modern technology and remote work. 

‍How can we make it easier?

Some ways we can create a better work-life balance include:

• Unplugging and relaxing - taking a break to spend some time on our hobbies and passions can help us destress and unwind.
• Detach from work - technology allows us to be constantly connected with work and our duties. If you work at home, try to only work in a dedicated workspace. And when you finish work for the day, make a transition into home life by changing your clothes or going for a walk.
• Managing our time - we should give ourselves enough time to take care of our responsibilities at work. Learning to schedule our time accordingly and avoid taking on too much if we know it’s going to interfere with our work-life balance is a critical skill.
• Develop a support system - we can balance our work and personal lives much easier with support. Whether it's coworkers who can cover for us if needed or family members who can help with responsibilities at home. Having a support system is an effective way to find balance.
• Take some time off - completely shutting off from work and taking time to relax and unwind can be a great way to refocus. It also allows us to mentally and physically recharge.‍

Closing Thoughts

Professional Wellness Month is a time for employers and employees to evaluate the focus they put on health and wellness in the workplace and at home. 

Whether you decide to participate in new workshops or classes or you choose to take some time off from work completely. Every June we’re reminded of the importance of taking care of ourselves in every aspect of our lives. At home and at work.

Make sure to share this with a coworker, friend, or family member that may need the reminder! 

During donate life month we look to raise awareness around donations that have the ability to save lives. 

From blood and organ to tissue donors, this month is about encouraging people to donate if they’re willing to. And honoring those that have donated in the past, saving lives in the process.

‍Donate life states that over 100,000 people in America are on the waitlist for potentially life-saving transplants. Roughly 85% are waiting for a kidney. 

But the reality is that many never receive them. In 2020 alone, it’s estimated that 6000 people passed away while on the waitlist.

That’s why it’s important to realize that we can all make a difference. 

‍According to the HRSA,

“Every donor can save 8 lives and enhance 75 more.”

We each have the ability to make a positive impact. Whether through spreading awareness, honoring those who have donated in the past, or becoming a donor. 

Spreading awareness

There are many forms of donation that can make an impact.

These include: ‍

• Organ donations
• Tissue donations
• Blood donations
• Eye donations
• Marrow donations

People of all ages have the potential to be a donor, and there are some donations you can make while you’re still living.

A system matches donors and people on the waitlist based on:

• Donor distance
• Tissue type
• Body size
• Blood type
• How sick they are

The most common donated organs include the lungs, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, and intestines. While the most common donated tissues are heart valves, corneas, blood vessels, skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. 

Approximately 8,000 people donate their organs every year - donating an average of 3.5 organs each. And it’s estimated that people who donate when they're alive provide 6000 organs every year. 

But Over 100,000 people are on the waitlist for organ donations. 

And only approximately 14,000 people are donating every year. 

This highlights the importance of Donate Life Month. 

‍But, donating organs or tissue isn’t the only way that we can help. 

You can also help by donating blood. It’s estimated that more than 4 million Americans need blood transfusions every year, and according to the Red Cross, 

“Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.”

A single donation can help save more than one life.

The good news is Americans are already showing up and contributing in a way that makes a big impact. In fact, the Red Cross reports that in the U.S, roughly 6.8 million people donate blood every year.

Celebrations 

Donate Life Month focuses on raising awareness for people in need and recognizing and honoring those who’ve donated in the past.

There are also dates set aside within April to focus on certain aspects of donation. 

‍Donate life living donor day (April 6) - celebrates and honors the people who’ve donated organs, tissues, and more - thanking them for their generosity. 

• National donate life blue and green day (April 22, 2022) - encourages us to spread the message of donate life and stresses the importance of signing up as a donor. We’re also encouraged to wear the colors blue and green to spread awareness. 
• National pediatric transplant week (April 24-30, 2022) - is dedicated to and focused on the conversation about ending the waiting list for pediatric transplants.‍

How to take part

How can we take part and help spread awareness during Donate Life Month, while also honoring those who’ve donated in the past?

There are many ways we can make a difference and participate.

One of the most impactful is to sign up as an organ donor. 

You can learn more about how it works and register as a donor by visiting the National Donate Life website here.  

But there are other forms of donation that make an impact as well - such as giving blood.

Another way we can take part is by spreading the word and creating awareness.

People might be unaware of how significant this month is. They might not even realize how much of a demand there is for donors.

With the right information, the conversation can spread - creating an awareness around this topic that is much needed!

Donate Life Month Conclusion

Donate Life Month is a time that’s dedicated to:

• Spreading awareness
• Honoring those who’ve donated in the past
• Creating a conversation about becoming a donor 

There is a high demand for donors. And although it can be an intimidating topic, conversations about it are important. 

If you want to make an impact during Donate Life Month you can do so by donating blood, talking about it with friends and family, or even participating in events during the month.

‍

The last few years have been tough on us all. And the worldwide impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected each of us in different ways. 

One of the most recognized effects of the pandemic is an overall increase in attention to wellness. We’re talking about our health more. We’re paying attention to what helps us stay healthy, and what we can do to avoid getting sick.

Over the last couple years, many of us have looked to improve our overall wellness in some way. This is especially apparent when we look at what people are searching for on the internet.

Every January, Google lists the top search trends of the previous year. In 2021, wellness topics were very popular.

So, we took a look at the most popular search terms for health and wellness in 2021, and we found a wide range of topics.

From affirmations to where can I get a covid booster, we’ve compiled a list of the most searched health and wellness topics and top wellness trends of 2021.

2021 wellness trends

1. Affirmations

If you’re unfamiliar with affirmations - they’re a form of positive self-talk. They’re used to encourage yourself and bring about positive feelings.

An example of an affirmation might be: “I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to” 

or “I am strong, healthy, and confident.”

The idea is to talk to yourself using these affirmations on a daily basis. And, in doing so improve your emotional and mental well-being.

But, does it work? 

‍Do affirmations actually make an impact?

Many believe they do. In fact, affirmations are a part of several cultural and religious practices world-wide. Professional athletes and entrepreneurs often use them regularly. And we’ve all heard the adage about the power of positive thinking.

‍But what about the science?

Studies show affirmations may cause a physical response in the brain.

 This study in particular looked at brain scans of individuals who practiced self-affirmation and those who didn’t. 

Those who practiced self-affirmation had more activity in the brain associated with valuation and reward compared to those who didn’t practice self-affirmations. They also demonstrated behavioral changes related to their goals. In other words, they were more likely to take steps in their daily lives to realize their affirmations.

‍But, what does this mean?

It means affirmations might actually change the way people value certain states they’re in or actions they take. In the same way we value food more when we're hungry - affirmations might be able to change how much we value certain things in our lives.

Affirmations are an easy way to possibly improve emotional and mental well-being. It requires minimal effort and no risk.

2. SoulMate

The idea of a soulmate has been around for centuries.

And, as one of the top searches in 2021, it’s evident that people are either curious to learn more about what a soulmate is, or even how to find theirs.

Although marriage rates are on the decline - it seems people are yearning for a strong connection with someone significant in their lives.

And, healthy relationships might even have a positive impact on our wellness. 

‍Research suggests that healthy relationships and social ties can help us live longer, healthier lives. And, according to the NIH, relationships can affect our physical health, health behavior, and mental health.

‍Experts even suggest with a healthy loving relationship we can: 

Heal quicker

• Lower our blood pressure
• Experience less pain 
• Improve heart health
• Strengthen our immune system
• Become more physically fit

There are different ideas of what a soul mate could be. Some might say a soul mate is a romantic life partner. For some, it could be a friend.

Regardless, based on what researchers suggest, healthy relationships have a positive impact on our wellbeing.

3. Where can I get my covid booster

It’s no surprise that this was such a sought-after topic on the internet in 2021.

As vaccines rolled out, the world began to open up and become somewhat normal again. 

‍Vaccines work by imitating an infection and helping the body develop immunity against it. This is especially important for those at risk. This includes people with underlying health conditions or people with weakened immune systems. 

An increase in searches around where to get a covid booster suggests that more people were looking to make sure they’re fully protected.

Afterall, arming yourself the best you can against COVID is something we can all do to help keep ourselves and our communities safe. 

And seeing this was one of the top searches of 2021 tells us that many of us were ready and eager to do our part. 

4. How to maintain mental health

According to Google,

“How to maintain mental health was searched more this year globally than ever before.”

There’s no doubt mental health has suffered worldwide in recent years. And learning how to maintain good mental health is something that can benefit everyone regardless of what’s happening in the world.

Some great ways you can maintain your mental health include:

Getting enough sleep

• Spending time with friends and family
• Spending time on your passions and hobbies
• Exercising regularly 
• Taking part in relaxing activities (meditation, yoga, etc.)
• Eating healthy and staying hydrated
• Practicing gratitude

‍Meditation can directly affect regions of the brain associated with depression. And exercise can lower feelings of stress, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Our body is directly connected with our mind. The activities we take part in can help both our physical and mental well-being.

So find what works for you and know that maintaining good mental health is an important part of our overall well being. 

5. Women's health and mammography

In the trending searches for wellness in 2021 - women's health and mammography were amongst the top.

With breast cancer affecting 1 in 8 women in the United States - it's become an epidemic of sorts. 

It's unclear exactly why these topics were searched so much, it could be an increase in awareness or education around women’s health.

It could also have something to do with the general move toward improved health that we’ve experienced across the board during the last two years.

Regardless, increased knowledge and awareness of women’s health and the importance of mammography can only lead to better outcomes.

Better awareness means earlier detection of signs or symptoms and better adherence to preventative screenings. Both of which save lives. 

Conclusion

There you have it. The top five health and wellness trends of 2021. 

And while they appear at first glance to seem somewhat unrelated, the one thing they have in common is this…

They show us that we are more connected to and more concerned with our overall health and wellbeing than ever before. And they tell us that we recognize the importance of not only physical health, but emotional and mental health as well. 

A Collaboration around Community-based health engagement: We’re joining forces with Project TECH to advance better health outcomes

One of our core values is to put individuals first--our collaboration this year with Project TECH embodies this commitment and represents an exciting step towards working directly with community leaders to encourage everyone to participate in better health outcomes.

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, with extended roots in Atlanta and Charlotte, Project TECH is an organization grounded in four community pillars: 

Technology 

Education 

Communication 

Health 

We’ve been fortunate to connect with the leaders of this organization and identify the common values that motivate our teams to do what we do. 

From our first conversation with Project TECH, it was clear that we have the opportunity to develop a new kind of collaboration model that emphasizes both group’s strengths. Evidation offers the technology and tools for better health engagement, and Project TECH helps bring the voices and experiences of their community. 

Together, we can continually improve and refine how we help individuals measure and improve their health in everyday life. 

With this ongoing collaboration, we hope to learn from and co-develop digital experiences that individuals will find helpful for improving their quality of life and meeting their health goals. Things like making healthy heart decisions and protecting each other from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To accomplish our goals, Evidation and Project TECH will host design workshops with community members. These will be collaborative spaces focused on eliminating barriers around digital health engagement and research programs, so we can work collectively to improve our offerings.

This cycle of listening and responding is at the core of our mission to put individuals first and help people take control of their own health goals. Stay tuned as we embark on this journey of co-learning.

New Year's Eve is an exciting time for millions of Americans looking forward to fireworks, food, and countless celebrations to ring in the New Year!

And while New Year's Eve is often seen as a time to let go of the past year and focus on the new opportunities ahead, the dangers that many of our celebrations present make it a very difficult day for some.

How Dangerous is New Year's Eve?

It's important to know just how dangerous New Year's Eve can be in order to help your family stay safe during the holiday. Below are some of the most common causes of accidents, injuries, and death during the New Year holiday.

Traffic Accidents

The National Safety Council estimates between 308 and 514 traffic-related deaths during the 3-day New Year's Eve holiday period. That’s about 6 to 7 deaths per hour due to fatal accidents!

Some, if not most, of these accidents will be due to alcohol consumption during the holiday. According to the NSC, in 2019, 36% of fatal car accidents involved drunk driving.

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others is to stay off the roads if you can. And, if you do go out, be sure to have a designated driver or hire a car if you’ll be drinking. 

Fireworks

Fireworks are a dangerous part of the New Year's Eve Holiday. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 10% of fireworks fires happen between December 30 and January 3, peaking on New Year's Day!

Burns from fireworks can be deadly and injure a person's hands, face, eyes, and arms. The NFPA says that over 9,000 people are sent to the emergency room every year due to firework injuries, showing just how serious these injuries can be.

It's not just adults that get hurt by fireworks either. The 2018 U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission Report found that one third of all firework injuries that year involved children and teens younger than 15 years old.

Gunfire

According to data from Shot Spotter, a forensic investigation system, statistics showed that 22.9% of gunfire incidents in 2015 happened on a single day - New Year's Eve!

People fire guns into the air in celebration at midnight on New Year's. According to the CDC, this is dangerous since bullets can fall to the ground hard enough to be fatal.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition, and can affect people without them knowing it. This is especially true around the holidays when many people drink more than usual. American Addiction Centers found that on New Year's Eve, people consume 4.4 alcoholic drinks on average, making it the second most alcohol fueled holiday in America next to Mardi Gras. This excess drinking on New Year's Eve can lead to alcohol poisoning.

The CDC estimates that 2,200 people die of alcohol poisoning every year. And New Year’s Eve sees an increase in ER visits and hospitalizations due to excessive alcohol consumption. 

Staying Safe and Sane this New Year's

Fortunately, many of the dangers common to New Year's Eve can be avoided by following simple tips. Below is a list of some of the best ways you and your family can stay safe during the holiday.

1. Don't Play with Fireworks - It sounds simple, but avoiding playing with fireworks can be one of the best ways to prevent injuries to you or your children. Instead, visit a firework show or enjoy the fireworks on your TV screen from the comfort of your own home!

2. Avoid Hazardous Areas - If there's an area in your city that had lots of gunfire accidents last year, it's best to plan ahead and avoid that area this year. You don't want to risk a fatal gunfire accident.

3. Drink Responsibly - If you're going to drink, stick with the CDC's recommended amount of 1 to 2 drinks per day to enjoy the holiday. Better yet, make some non-alcoholic drinks that are just as tasty (and safer)!

4. Avoid Driving while Drunk - With Uber and Lyft around, there are so many options for getting a ride even when you're intoxicated. You can also leave your car keys at home or with a friend to ensure you don't drive drunk accidentally.

5. Drive Defensively - Even if you're not driving drunk, you can still be involved in a car accident. Drive defensively, put down the cell phone, and keep an eye on the road to help you avoid an accident this holiday.

6. Watch out For Others - If you see your loved ones drinking excessively, playing with fireworks or guns, or attempting to drive impaired, speak up and prevent an accident!

This New Year's doesn't have to be dangerous. By following these tips and being informed on the dangers of the holiday, you and your family can stay safe and sane and start the New Year off right (and injury free)!

“Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect.” Waangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize Winner 

National Human Rights Month and Universal Human Rights Month are a time every December to remember that we’re all born with important inalienable rights. 

In December 1948, representatives from around the world drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document was the foundation for establishing fundamental human rights that the United Nations has worked to protect ever since. 

The first Article of the document states:

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” 

Human Rights Month serves as a reminder of these principles. 

What are Human Rights?

The United Nations and World Health Organization both define human rights as inherent rights we are all entitled to regardless of race, sex, gender identification, nationality, religion, or ethnicity. 

These include freedom from slavery and torture, religious freedoms, freedom of expression, the right to work and become educated, the right to clean food and water, and a general right to human dignity and respect. 

All of which are vital for our health and wellbeing. 

“Human rights are rights we have simply because we exist as human beings - they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. They range from the most fundamental - the right to life - to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food, education, work, health, and liberty.”

What Role Does Health Play in Human Rights?

The World Health Organization states that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Without clean water and air, nutritious food, adequate housing, and the bare necessities of health, people cannot thrive. 

And while these rights are the same for everyone, the reality is,

“Disadvantage and marginalization serve to exclude certain populations in societies from enjoying good health.”

Health equity continues to be something we struggle to achieve.

And despite laws and declarations, violations of human rights still occur in some places. That’s why it’s important to take time each year to remember the strides that have been made and draw attention to the long way we still have to go. 

What You Can Do to Raise Awareness this Human Rights Month

As we turn toward awareness during National and Universal Human Rights Month, let’s remember that we’re all human beings striving to live the best life we can. Shining a light on human rights and the importance of access to quality healthcare for all can help raise awareness for those still fighting for health equity. 

What can you do?

1. Spread the message - Share posts, hashtags, and information. Standupforhumanrights.org has some great resources for easy sharing!
2. Learn more - Read the Universal Declaration for Human Rights. Reach out to local organizations focused on supporting human rights and health equity.
3. Speak up - Lobby with your local community and government to uphold human rights and make positive changes that impact your community. 
4. Participate - join a human rights group near you or go to an event that raises awareness for human rights. 
5. Reflect - Think about health inequality and other human rights violations you may have witnessed. Talk about it with others. Hold discussions.