Safe Summer Travel

• Memorial Day weekend is the start to not only the busiest, but also the deadliest time on Montana roadways. Approximately 40 percent of highway fatalities happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
• Before hitting the road, make sure all passengers are wearing their seatbelt or restrained in an appropriate and correctly installed child restraint, and secure loose objects that could become projectiles in a crash.
• Follow the rules of the road and drive free from the influence of drugs, alcohol, or distractions, and designate a sober driver or call a cab, Uber, or Lyft if you plan to drink.

Physical Activity to Relieve Arthritis Pain

• Over 60% of Montana adults with arthritis report they have moderate to severe joint pain.
• Participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve arthritis pain, joint function, overall mood, and quality of life.
• Proven physical activity and self-management education programs can help reduce or manage arthritis pain without using medication.

National Stroke Awareness Month

• Stroke can have devastating consequences and is a leading cause of adult disability and death.
• Stroke is an emergency – calling 911 is your best option.
• Prevention is always best - there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.

It's Okay to Not Feel Okay Right Now:

Social Distancing Does Not Have to Equal Social Isolation

• In the best of times, maintaining good mental health can be difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, but there are ways to cope with these feelings.
• In 2018, nearly 22% of Montana adults reported having ever been told they have a form of depression and 12% of Montana adults reported experiencing frequent mental distress.
• If you are struggling with mental health issues, or just need someone to talk to, a number of support services are available.

Prevention Week May 10-16, 2020: Alcohol Use for Montana Youth

• Alcohol remains the number one drug of abuse for Montana's youth. In 2019, 26 percent of 9th graders, 30 percent of 10th graders, 33 percent of eleventh graders, and 46 percent of 12th graders had used alcohol within the past 30 days. 
• Parents, we need your help; studies show that parental disapproval of underage drinking is the number one reason youth chose not to drink alcohol. 
• Start the conversation today with your teen about NOT using alcohol.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

• In Montana melanoma is the 2nd leading cause of cancer among teens and young adults (aged 15 to 39) accounting for 12% of all cancers in this age group.
• There are 345 new cases of melanoma each year in Montana; melanoma incidence rates in Montana are higher than the United States overall.
• Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family.

May 5th is World Asthma Day: Focus on Asthma and Secondhand Smoke Exposure

• Secondhand smoke is a known asthma trigger, yet 1 in 5 Montana adults with asthma smoke tobacco or are exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of an asthma attack, reduce the likelihood of achieving good asthma control and reduce the effectiveness of controller medications.
• Make your home asthma-friendly with resources from the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program like model smoke-free lease language, smoke-free property signs, compliance and enforcement tips, and access to the free Tobacco Quit Line.