In Part 1 of our health series, we discussed what chickenpox is and how it spreads. Chickenpox is a contagious illness caused by a virus that can cause an itchy rash, blisters, and fever. It spreads easily from person to person through the air and through contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. Now that we understand how chickenpox spreads, let's look at how we can help prevent it! Chickenpox Vaccine: Why it is important Vaccines help protect us from illnesses that can s

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to learn more about breast health and how to care for ourselves. Maintaining your health involves recognizing symptoms, understanding your personal risk, and knowing what to do if you have concerns. Understanding Your Family Health History Your family's medical history can help you understand your risk of developing breast cancer. If any close relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or child, have had breast cancer, your risk

What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is also known as varicella. Although chickenpox is more common in children, the virus can affect people of any age and may lead to serious complications at any stage of life. Knowing the signs and symptoms and how to prevent its spread can help protect our families and community. What are the symptoms? Chickenpox often causes an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled b

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, giving us an opportunity to learn, spread awareness, support one another, and make time for our health. What Is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast begin to grow in an abnormal way. These cells can form a tumor and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can affect women and men, although it is much more common in women. Breast Cancer Can Affect Anyone Knowing about breast cance

Food is more than just something we eat. It connects us to our culture, families, land, and community. Traditional foods carry knowledge and stories from past generations, nourishing both our bodies and our local food systems. When we share and teach our traditional ways of making and harvesting food, we help the next generation understand the whys and how’s. Young people often ask: How do we harvest? How is a traditional dish made? Where does this food come from? Why is it i

Move Together, Grow Together September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of healthy habits and creating supportive environments where children can grow, move, and thrive. When we talk about preventing childhood obesity, the conversation doesn't have to be about weight. It can be about something much more positive: helping our children build healthy habits, enjoy movement, spend time outdoors, and feel connected to their familie

August is a good time to pause, see how you’re feeling, and update your daily habits. As summer ends and routines shift, a simple health reset can help you feel your best as you get back into your schedule or start fresh for fall. A health reset doesn’t mean changing everything at once. It’s about making small, realistic choices that help you feel better, both physically and mentally. Stay Hydrated Try to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re spending

When the Heat Rises, So Do the Health Risks Summer brings beautiful blue skies, outdoor gatherings, cultural events, and time spent with family, but it also brings high temperatures that can affect our health. As our climate continues to warm, hot days are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. While hot weather may seem simply uncomfortable, excessive heat can have serious health impacts, especially for elders, young childr

In a previous blog, we talked about how no two bodies are the same—and how important it is to build a health plan that reflects your personal needs. That message carries over into nutrition as well. While there are some natural differences in how men’s and women’s bodies function, the goal isn’t to compare—it’s to understand and empower. When we learn how our bodies work, we can fuel them in ways that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more in tune with ourselves. You

Why Colorectal Cancer Is Often Preventable Colorectal cancer is considered one of the most preventable cancers because screening can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Key reasons it’s preventable: 1. Slow Development Most colorectal cancers begin as adenomatous polyps (non-cancerous growths). It typically takes 10–15 years for some of these polyps to develop into cancer. 2. Polyps Can Be Removed During certain screening tests—esp

Colorectal health focuses on keeping the colon and rectum functioning well, while also preventing diseases like colorectal cancer. The blog emphasizes that colorectal cancer is highly preventable , despite being the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Prevention comes down to understanding risk factors, making healthy lifestyle choices, and staying up to date with screening. Diet and Lifestyle A major message is that what we eat matters . D

In a previous blog, we talked about how health is not one-size-fits-all. Now, we’re taking that a step further by focusing on one major reason why: hormones . When we understand how our hormones work, we can make choices that support our bodies instead of working against them.  Hormones: The Biggest Difference Hormones are not small details in the body — they are powerful messengers that affect how we feel, move, eat, recover, and perform every single day. Because hormon

Motherhood is powerful. It is sacred. From the very beginning of pregnancy, a mother’s body becomes a place of growth, protection, and nourishment. Within her, life is formed, sustained, and carefully carried. The human body’s ability to create and nurture life is truly remarkable. February is recognized as International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about protecting both mom and baby from preventable infections during pregnancy.

In our community, we always talk about taking care of each other, but how often do we talk about taking care of our hearts ? Your heart is the powerhouse that keeps your entire body going, pumping blood, energy, and life through every step you take. When we take care of our hearts, we’re not just improving our own lives, but we’re building a healthier community together. Why Heart Health Matters Your heart works nonstop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for your entire life.

This blog continues our thyroid health series. After covering what the thyroid is and common symptoms, this post focuses on when to seek medical care, how to prepare for conversations with your healthcare provider, and what to know about treatment and medications. Because thyroid symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook, knowing when to reach out and what to discuss can help you get answers sooner and protect your long-term health. When to Seek Medical Care for Thyroid Con

In Part 1 of our thyroid series, we introduced the thyroid gland, its functions, and some common conditions that individuals may encounter. In Part 2, we will focus on everyday awareness, simple self-care habits, and understanding when it might be time to consult a healthcare provider. This information is intended to enhance knowledge, not to replace medical advice, or cause unnecessary concern. Listening to Your Body Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatic

The thyroid is a small, butterfly‑shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Even though it’s tiny, it plays a big role in how our bodies use energy, how fast our hearts beat, and how warm or cold we feel. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which helps keep the body balanced and functioning smoothly. Knowing about it is simply a way to better understand our health — not a reason to worry or feel alarmed . Why It Matters The thyroid makes two important hormone

The start of a new year often brings renewed motivation to focus on health. Many of us set goals to move more, eat differently, or lose weight with hopes that this year will be different. For many people, however, these efforts can quickly become frustrating. Health advice that works well for one person may not work the same for another. This is not a personal failure—it is often biology. Health is not one-size-fits-all and understanding this can help us approach wellness w

As we return to work after the holidays, many of us are experiencing a mix of emotions. We may feel gratitude for the time spent with loved ones, motivation for a fresh start, and even stress as we ease back into our daily routines. The beginning of a new year serves as a powerful opportunity to reset, refocus, and prioritize our health and well-being. In 2026, let’s commit to finding balance instead of striving for perfection. By taking small steps and making gradual changes

How the Flu Spreads Flu viruses spread mainly through droplets made when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. You can also get sick by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face. And with holiday shopping, school events, travel, and crowded gatherings, this is exactly when the virus thrives. Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season Here are simple but effective steps t