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Medicare is health coverage for adults 65+, but you may qualify earlier if you have a disability, ESRD, or ALS. Some people are enrolled automatically, while others need to sign up, it all depends on when you begin receiving Social Security benefits. You can have an annual Wellness visit to update a personalized plan for preventing disease or disability; this visit focuses on prevention, not a physical exam. Medicare Part B covers the cost for your annual visit.

Your Guide to Medicare Wellness Visits and Preventive Care

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Prevention

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence vs. Domestic Violence

Understanding the Flu Vaccine

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among both youth and adults in the United States. For every life lost, many more individuals make a plan, attempt suicide, or seek care in an emergency department. Mental health plays a major role. Nearly half of people who die by suicide have a history of a diagnosed mental health condition. However, many others may struggle silently, with no diagnosis at all. Access to timely mental health care can make a critical difference in reducing risk. It’s important to understand that suicide is complex. Factors at the individual, relationship, and community levels can all contribute. Veterans, for example, face higher suicide rates than the general population. Programs like the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program and the Make the Connection campaign are working to provide support, share personal stories, and connect veterans to resources. Youth mental health is also an urgent concern. According to the most recent data from 2023, 1 in 5 U.S. high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. This highlights the importance of open conversations, prevention efforts, and ensuring young people know help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Free and confidential help is available 24/7/365. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .

Every Ingredient in a Vaccine Has a Purpose

What to Know About Measles

Whether you’re on a construction site, in a warehouse, or simply working outside during a heatwave, extreme temperatures can put your health at serious risk. Heat-related illnesses can strike quickly and range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening emergencies. Let’s take a look at the most common heat-related illnesses, how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do if you or a co-worker is affected. Heat Stroke – A Medical Emergency Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. It happens when your body can no longer regulate its temperature. Without emergency treatment, it can lead to permanent disability—or even death. Warning Signs: Confusion, slurred speech, or altered mental state Loss of consciousness Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating Seizures Body temperature of 106°F or higher What to Do: Call 911 immediately Stay with the person until help arrives Move them to a shaded, cool area Remove excess clothing Cool them down fast—with an ice bath, wet cloths, or by soaking clothing with cool water Apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin Heat Exhaustion – Your Body is Overheating Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much water and salt through sweat. It’s often a warning sign before heat stroke. Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness Weakness or irritability Heavy sweating Thirst and reduced urine output Slightly elevated body temperature What to Do: Move to a cooler area and rest Remove unnecessary clothing Sip cool water slowly Use cold compresses or rinse with cold water Get medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle Breakdown from Heat Stress Rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” is caused by intense physical exertion in the heat. It leads to muscle breakdown, which can damage your kidneys and heart. Watch for: Muscle cramps or unusual pain Weakness or fatigue Dark-colored urine (tea or cola-like) In some cases, no symptoms at all What to Do: Stop working immediately. Drink plenty of fluids Seek medical care right away—ask for a creatine kinase blood test to check for rhabdo Heat Syncope – Fainting from the Heat Heat syncope is a brief loss of consciousness due to standing too long or rising suddenly in hot conditions. Dehydration and lack of heat adaptation can make it worse. Symptoms: Fainting or dizziness Light-headedness after standing or sudden movement What to Do: Sit or lie down in a cool spot Sip water or a sports drink slowly Heat Cramps – Painful Muscle Spasms Sweating during strenuous work can drain your body’s salt levels, leading to heat cramps—especially in your arms, legs, or abdomen. Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps or spasms What to Do: Drink water or a sports drink every 15–20 minutes Rest in a cool place Avoid salt tablets Get medical help if you have heart issues, are on a low-sodium diet, or cramps persist longer than an hour Heat Rash – Irritated Skin from Sweat Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin, often in hot, humid environments. Look for: Red bumps or small blisters Usually shows up on the neck, chest, groin, or elbows What to Do: Move to a cooler, less humid space Keep the skin dry Use powder for comfort (avoid ointments or creams) Final Tips for Staying Safe: Drink water often, even if you’re not thirsty Take breaks in the shade or air-conditioning Wear light, breathable clothing Know the signs of heat illness—and never ignore them Staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it can save lives. Share this information with your team and make heat safety a priority every day.