If you have expired, unused, or unneeded drugs in the house, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wants to make it easier for you to dispose of them. Saturday, September 29th has been designated as National Drug Take-Back Day and sites throughout the United States have been designated to take your unwanted drugs for disposal. Drugs may be turned in at these sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Can one day really make a difference? (more…)

Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Have you tried before and been unsuccessful? Join millions of Americans this month around a common quit date. The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to set up a quit plan and quit together on the third Thursday of November. This year, the quit date is Thursday, November 17th. Get the support and guidance you need to kick the habit with cessation resources available to you.

The Free & Clear Quit for Life Program is here to help you every step of the way. Log on to your myODS account to learn more*.

The Oregon Quit Line offers numerous resources online and via phone. Call 1.800.quit.now (784.8669) or log on to https://www.quitnow.net/oregon/.

*Services may not be included in all benefit plans.

Flu vaccines are generally given at the beginning of the “flu season” – usually late October or early November in the U.S. However, they may be given as late as March, and still provide some benefit. Most people achieve protection from the flu approximately 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine. Many companies offer flu shots on-site, so check with your HR department or wellness coordinator to see if this is being offered. ODS is doing this very thing for our own employees next week.  

Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, sore muscles, and cough. Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year from the flu or its complications. Most of those who die are the elderly, young children, or people with compromised immune systems.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get a flu vaccine. The flu shot is for people age 6 months and older. People at risk for more serious flu infections should always get a flu vaccine every year.

You should get a flu shot every year if you: (more…)

World Health Day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) each year by selecting a health issue of importance. The goal of World Health Day is to bring together communities and people of diverse backgrounds all over the world to promote healthy living. This year’s World Health Day is on April 7th and the theme is Combat Drug Resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance, also known as drug resistance, is becoming critical problem and efforts need to be made to prevent resistance. Drug resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites change the way they react to medications used to cure them. When this occurs the bacteria, viruses or parasites become “superbugs” and can easily be spread to others and sometimes this “superbug” can kill.

What does this mean for you? (more…)