Health Brief No. 35: How Neighborhood Conditions Affect Our Health (March 2014)

Neighborhood security can affect your physical and mental health. The City of Flint offers programs that try to protect the health and safety of residents. Flint’s Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps., for example, teaches residents how to improve both crime and quality of life issues. If you want to become a Flint Blue Badge Patrol Full Article…

Health Brief No. 34: Health Literacy in Genesee County (February 2014)

The Health Literacy of America’s Adults reported that about 9 out of 10 American adults have some problems with understanding health information. Genesee Health Plan, Genesee Health System, Genesee Community Health Center, and the Flint public library have health instructors to help you find the health information you may need. Personal Action Toward Health’s (PATH) Full Article…

Health Brief No. 33: Health Care Coverage in Genesee County (January 2014)

The Affordable Care Act or “ObamaCare”, which the Supreme Court upheld in June 2012, offers open enrollment for the health insurance Marketplace located on www.HealthCare.gov, until March 31, 2014. The health insurance Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage and will also tell you if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage Full Article…

An image of the red AIDS awareness ribbon

Health Brief No. 32: HIV/AIDs in Genesee County (December 2013)

In the United States, one in six people who have HIV are not aware of their infection 1. There are more than ten clinics in Flint, Michigan where HIV testing and care services are available by appointment. YOUR Center in Genesee County offers HIV/STI Outreach Prevention Education (HOPE) as one of their services which uses Full Article…

A photo of a smoldering cigarette in and ashtray

Health Brief No. 31: Pollution & Air Quality in Genesee County (November 2013)

Polluted air is a national and global health concern because it causes negative medical conditions such as asthma and lung cancer. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we are working to inform the Genesee County residents of ways to improve their indoor air quality and become more aware of the possible dangers of polluted Full Article…

Health Brief No. 30: Overweight and Obesity (May 2013)

Did you know that more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese? An adult is considered obese if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.1 An adult is considered overweight if they have a BMI between 25 and 30. Being overweight and/or obese increases the risk of many physical and mental Full Article…

Health Brief No. 29: Neighborhood Safety (April 2013)

Did you know that the degree of safety in your neighborhood can affect your health? Crime rates influence what people do and do not do in their neighborhood. Crime limits the amount of time you spend exercising each week.1 It also limits the amount of time you spend socializing with your neighbors.2 Strong relationships and Full Article…

Health Brief No. 27: Community Participation and Your Health (February 2013)

Did you know that where you live can affect your health and well-being? The parks, sidewalks, buildings, and schools in your community can affect how healthy you are. 1 Your friendships and relationships with your neighbors help you stay healthy.1 Participating in events in your neighborhood also helps keep you healthy.2, 3 The beginning of Full Article…

Health Brief No. 26: Coping with Financial Stress (December 2012)

Coping and managing stress is vital to staying healthy year round and long term. Stress left unchecked weakens immune systems and makes people more susceptible to infections, colds, headaches, sleep problems, and unhealthy behaviors.1,2 Additionally, chronic stress contributes to health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, anxiety, obesity, and diabetes.1,2 One of the Full Article…