Friday, May 30, 2008

Helmet Habits

Wearing a bicycle helmet when riding a bike is a very important habit to get in to. Although, a bicycle helmet will only protect you if you wear it correctly!

To wear a bicycle helmet correctly, don’t tilt it back on your head; your forehead will be left unprotected. Make sure your helmet fits nice and snug; there should be no slack in the straps and it shouldn’t shift as you move your head! Get in the habit of wearing a helmet!

Health Statistic: In 2006, there were 944 bicycle crashes in Minnesota . Of all the bicyclists injured in 2006, 58% were less than 25 years old. Nearly 2 out of 5 bicyclist’s fatalities were less than 15 years of age. (Minnesota Department of traffic safety)

Walking Score

Need a little exercise while your at the library? Check out the walking distance to the different businesses, parks, and schools on our "Walking Score" map. Want to see how close things are to your home? Go to: http://www.walkscore.com/ .


Thursday, May 22, 2008

Parks & Recreation Summer Activities

Park s & Recreation Summer Activity Registration

Registration for summer activities starts May 19th at 7:00 p.m. and goes through May 25th. Sign up for youth activities and adult golf lessons. Visit www.hibbing.mn.us and click on the Parks & Recreation logo.

Headed Out in the Summer Sun? 

Protect your skin from the sun with a block that screens both UVB and UVA light. Make sure your sunscreen contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Continue to re-apply sunscreen when out in the sun for long periods of time or in the water. And remember to drink plenty of water.

Health Statistic: 1999-2003 870 Minnesotans were diagnosed with invasive melanoma of the skin each year. It was the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the state. 115 Minnesotans died from melanoma of the skin each year. (American Cancer Society)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. In 2004*, 50,039 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma, while 7,952 people died of this kind of skin cancer.

Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer. When used consistently, sun-protective practices can prevent skin cancer.

"Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma. Yet on an average day, more than one million Americans tan in tanning salons," said Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and chair of the Academy's Council on Communications. "Research shows 70 percent of indoor tanners are female, primarily 16 to 29 years old - the age group that's particularly at risk for developing skin cancer. We especially hope women who are using or considering using tanning salons will think twice about partaking in this risky behavior."

Research also shows the dangerous results of indoor tanning. Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group. And in females 15-29, the torso is the most common location for developing melanoma, which may be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.

The Great American Health Check - http://www.cancer.org/greatamericans

Friday, May 09, 2008

Mother's Day

HELP YOUR MOM SAVE $3,600!

People all over the country are helping their moms save as much as $3,600 per year on the cost of prescription drugs. You can too!

We all know the high cost of medicine can be a burden on mothers who have limited income and resources. But there is extra help — available through Social Security — that could pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth up of $3,600 per year.

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
So this Mother’s Day, help your mom save up to $3,600 a year on her prescription drugs. Long after the candy and flowers are gone, the extra help through Social Security will keep on giving.