​​Since 1995, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has celebrated National Health Education Week (NHEW), (initially in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services), during the third week of October.

NHEW is focused on increasing national awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education.

​This year NHEW is celebrated from October 19th to October 23rd. SOPHE has many interesting resources and FREE webinars to share:

 Tuesday, October 20 | Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?

• Activity: Webinar – Emergency Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stories from the Field | 2pm EDT

Wednesday, October 21 | Mental Health & Mindfulness

• Activity: Webinar – Supporting Employee Mental Health and Well-being during COVID-19 |  2pm EDT

Thursday, October 22 | Health Literacy: Words Matter

• Activity: Webinar – Health Literacy: Words Matter | 2pm EDT

Friday, October 23 | Career Settings for a Health Education/Promotion Specialist

• Activity: Webinar – A Snapshot of Health Education and Promotion Career Settings | 2pm EDT

​NCFH offers a variety of Educational Resources in English and Spanish, focused on health topics related to general and agricultural worker population that can help address any need for information.

​According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, one in five adults experience mental illness each year. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10) and National Depression and Mental Health Screening month in October, we wanted to share some important resources related to mental health that contain valuable information, tools, and resources that you can share with your patient populations, colleagues, family, friends, etc.

​NCFH also has COVID Resources for Mental Health specific to the agricultural worker population available. We encourage you to utilize these resources to educate and inform others about mental illness and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.

"Sometimes we get so used to our traditions, it becomes hard for us to change. But we need to live a healthier life,” says Elvia Alcala. National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, is a great time to start!
 
As a lifestyle coach with the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program, Elvia helps her Hispanic/Latino community understand that they don’t need to abandon their traditions when celebrating their Hispanic heritage in order to achieve or maintain health goals. She shows people with prediabetes how to make healthy food and activity choices to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to other health conditions such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Hispanics/Latinos are more likely than other groups to have prediabetes, which is when a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
 
The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and being more physically active. When it comes to balancing family traditions with these changes, there are many options! For example, modify an existing tradition by preparing your family’s favorite meal in a healthier way, like using the tips and recipes in the Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families booklet. Or start a brand-new tradition, like having a dance party after dinner to get up and get moving as a family.
 
“It’s important that we all understand why these changes are needed, which is for prevention,” explains Elvia. “We don’t want to end up with type 2 diabetes.”
 
Making healthy food choices, being more active, and supporting family members with prediabetes to lose a few pounds are all ways you can start a new family tradition for better health – and show the next generation that type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be their future.
 
During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, if you think you may have prediabetes or may be at risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor or learn more about a lifestyle change program, like the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The National DPP helps people with prediabetes change their lifestyle to improve their health. Participants work with one of our trained lifestyle coaches and share experiences with others who have the same goals and challenges. Many who have participated in the program say they have more energy, less stress, and better checkups. Signing up with your family can help you create a new, healthier family tradition!

October 1, 2020 - The latest issue of NCFH News is now available! 

• NCFH News! 2021 Virtual Forum for Migrant & Community Health, Limited Time Offer for PPE, Upcoming Webinars, New Learning Collaborative Page + More!

​Stay informed of our events, products and resources, as well as news from the migrant health center community.  Sign up to have NCFH news delivered to your inbox every month.