Are You Fully Vaccinated?

  

Vaccination provides protection against illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. A vaccine works by introducing a piece of the germ or a dead or weakened germ. This causes your body to recognize the germ as harmful. You create antibodies against the germ and generate memory cells so that your body will continue to recognize and fight that germ in the future.

Vaccination is an important component of both individual healthcare and public health safety. It can prevent you from getting a disease, or from getting very ill or dying of the disease if you do get it. Vaccination also reduces other community members’ exposure to disease. This result is called herd immunity. This outcome of mass vaccination is important for the safety of those who can’t be vaccinated (e.g., people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications) or who have less well-developed immune systems (e.g., babies, the elderly).

Several vaccines are commonly recommended for adults, in addition to the lifetime vaccines most of us got as children.

Some recommended adult vaccines are seasonal, reformulated to protect from the prevailing strains of germs present each year. Those include:

• COVID-19 vaccines are reformulated each year to match the latest germ variants. Get the new shot each year.

• Influenza (flu) vaccines are also reformulated annually to protect against the coming season’s flu variants. Get this update in September or October.

To combat germs that do not generally change annually, consider the following:

• Pneumococcal vaccine protects against three serious health threats: pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Bacteremia is a blood infection that can cause sepsis. All three infections are caused by the same bacteria and can be life-threatening.

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine protects against a seasonal viral disease that usually causes only mild, cold-like symptoms. However, this disease can be more severe in infants and the elderly. Adults over age 75 (over age 50 if at high risk) should get this vaccination. Pregnant women should get this vaccination at 32-36 weeks to protect their newborn child.

• The shingles (Zoster) vaccine protects against the exceedingly painful rash caused by the virus that caused chickenpox and re-emerged in your body. You will need two shots, 2-6 months apart.

• The tetanus booster (Td vaccine) protects against both tetanus and diphtheria. Adults need a booster every ten years.

Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccinations are appropriate for you.

To get a personalized vaccination planner, answer the five questions on this short quiz: https://www.everydayhealth.com/general-health/vaccine-planner/

September is National Food Safety Education Month

Every year there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the US. That’s about one in six Americans. These illnesses result in about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

 

Foodborne illnesses are colloquially called food poisoning. There have been several serious outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in the US this year, including cyclospora (in iceberg lettuce), salmonella (in jalapenos and eggs), E. coli (in alfalfa sprouts) and listeria (in soft cheeses).

Many of these foodborne illnesses could have been avoided by practicing the Core Food Safety Principles. These principles are:

• Clean: Personal and environmental hygiene is important. Wash hands, surfaces and kitchen utensils often. Rinse produce well.

• Cross-contamination: Raw foods can spread germs to cooked foods. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate, away from prepared foods. This prevents cross-contamination.

• Cook: Heat foods to the correct internal temperature, determined by a food thermometer. Many microbes and other parasites in raw foods are killed when heated to the correct temperature.

• Chill: Refrigerate all perishable items promptly. Cold slows bacterial activity.

Together, these four principles are called the Four C’s.

 

The month of September has been designated Food Safety Education Month. The 2026 theme is “Everyone’s Table.” The focus is on safe food practices in all eating environments, from home dining rooms and school cafeterias to  fast food drive-throughs and formal restaurant dining.

 

Food Safety Month is a great time to learn more about how to buy, store and prepare foods. You can find many educational resources here: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-safety-education-month.

Small Habits, Stronger Mind

 

September is WorldAlzheimer’s Month. The purpose of this awareness month is to educate the public about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and combat stigma. Early detection, support for dementia caregivers and promotion of research about dementia are also goals.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting over 6 million Americans. It damages cognition, including memory, thinking and behavior. Dementia impacts both patients and their families, who are often the primary caregivers.

Staying mentally and physically active as you age and getting good nutrition will help you lower your risk of dementia. You may not be able to prevent dementia, but lowering your risk of developing it is important.

A B12 vitamin, taken daily, can help you maintain cognitive health. It also boosts your energy so you can exercise regularly. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to support brain health. Walking is easy, requires no special equipment or gym membership, and can be done indoors or outside.

Brain games and puzzle solving may reduce inflammation and stress. This can help the overall health of your brain as well as strengthening particular skills. And they’re fun.

You may be tired of hearing these general health recommendations, but they also help reduce the risk of dementia. Don’t smoke. Get adequate sleep. Protect your heart health. Limit alcohol. Stay engaged socially.

Some organizations to check out:

Alzheimer’s Disease International - https://www.alzint.org/

Alzheimer’s Association (US) - https://www.alz.org/

Alzheimer’s Society (UK) - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Alzheimer Society of Canada - https://alzheimer.ca/en

Alzheimer’s Association (Australia) - https://www.alz.org/au/dementia-alzheimers-australia.asp

Alzheimer Europe - https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/

September is an excellent time to prioritize your brain health. Start today!

Saturday, September 12, is Mindfulness Day

  

Mindfulness is an innate ability to be fully present and aware of your current experience without judging. It relies on a recognition of the mind-body connection.

Mindfulness Day is celebrated every September 12 to raise awareness of being present. It is intended as a reminder for us all to pause, become non-judgmentally aware of our thoughts and our surroundings, in order to reduce our stress. It’s a great time to practice mindfulness activities and learn their physical and mental benefits.

The many benefits of mindfulness may include:

• Compassion toward self and others

• Deeper self-insight

• Enhanced performance

• Improved sleep quality

• Improved working memory

• Reduced stress and burnout

• Satisfaction with relationships

• Sharper focus

Here are some mindfulness activities to try:

• Body scan – Check in with the various parts of your body from your head to your toes. If you find spots of tension, relax them.

• Mindful breathing – Sit quietly for a few minutes and focus on the different sensations while you inhale and fill your lungs, and exhale to empty your lungs.

• Mindful eating – Eat slower than you usually do. Pay attention to the flavors, smells and textures in each mouthful.

• Nature walk – Go outside and notice the world around you with all your senses.

Other suggested mindfulness activities may be found here: https://mindfulness.com/what-is-mindfulness-day.