Review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the current flu season. Flu shot recommendations for 2024-25 season Influenza (Flu) is a very contagious respiratory illness. Flu is caused by infection with four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C and D) and various subtypes (such as A/H1N1, … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
health & safety
Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region
There are several emergency notification systems in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and throughout the Puget Sound region that can communicate with residents during emergencies. These systems are used to send alerts to the public, as well as to first responders and other government employees during emergencies, … [Read more...] about Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region
Free, safe disposal of unwanted medications
Safely disposing of unwanted medicines is an important part of being safe at home. Protect your family and the environment from a common cause of accidents by safely getting rid of meds you no longer need. Why safe medicine disposal matters Unwanted medicines left in the home endanger our children, seniors, and … [Read more...] about Free, safe disposal of unwanted medications
40+ Walking labyrinths in Washington State
Although a labyrinth is like a maze in appearance, unlike a maze it has only one path (unicursal) and no dead ends. There’s no getting lost in a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a single, methodical path leading to a center point. You begin a labyrinth walk at the only entrance (and exit) and proceed along the path. At the … [Read more...] about 40+ Walking labyrinths in Washington State
Disaster Relief: where to donate
The best way to help whenever a disaster strikes at home or abroad is to donate money to reputable, established charities and funds. Clean-up and rebuilding takes months of effort...sometimes years. Every dollar you donate to well-established aid organizations go toward relief efforts. Above all, beware of charity … [Read more...] about Disaster Relief: where to donate
News you can use about nCoV
Listed below is useful information about the coronavirus pandemic. Last updated July 5, 2023. About CoV On May 11, 2023 the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 ended. The expiration of the emergency declaration does not mean that the pandemic is over as COVID-19 continues to circulate in … [Read more...] about News you can use about nCoV
Free food safety apps and guides
By following basic rules of food safety, you can help prevent foodborne illness for yourself and others. Here is a list of downloadable, free food safety fact sheets for grilling and other summer activities with food. The information will help you prevent food poisoning while having delicious fun this summer. USDA … [Read more...] about Free food safety apps and guides
Educate yourself on local fireworks laws
The symbolic use of fireworks on the July 4th, New Years Eve, and other celebratory events is something Americans have always enjoyed. However, for public safety reasons, many local municipalities have passed restrictive laws restricting the possession and use of fireworks. Every year there are dozens of … [Read more...] about Educate yourself on local fireworks laws
10 mental health self-care tips for every day
We all need to handle stress in our daily lives. The trick is to take care of our mental health before the day-to-day pressures build up and cause “burnout” or worse. Symptoms of burnout include a loss of motivation—finding it difficult to complete tasks. You may feel overwhelmed, tired, or simply incapable of … [Read more...] about 10 mental health self-care tips for every day
Crisis Centers and Suicide Hot Lines
Find resources for yourself or others experiencing emotional, housing, or financial crisis. The following crisis centers and phone call help lines in Washington State or across the country can provide support and access to resources for individuals, teens, families, and their loved ones who want to … [Read more...] about Crisis Centers and Suicide Hot Lines
Emergency Preparedness information & classes
Bookmark this page for quick access to resources for emergency preparedness in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. These resources can help you get prepared before an emergency occurs and after disaster strikes. This emergency preparedness information includes links to local and national emergency preparedness … [Read more...] about Emergency Preparedness information & classes
Help with substance abuse and needle exchange
In Washington State, 10.7% of all adults are in need of substance abuse treatment, yet in King County, 69.6% of adults in need of treatment do not receive it. In the City of Seattle, it is estimated that 46-70% of homeless women and men report having substance abuse issues. The following are FREE substance abuse … [Read more...] about Help with substance abuse and needle exchange
Where to find low cost medical care in Seattle and Puget Sound
If you have no health insurance, low income, are homeless, or a new immigrant to Seattle or the Puget Sound area, you have several options for obtaining medical care in Seattle, King County, Pierce County and Snohomish County through one of the following providers. Medical services in Seattle and King … [Read more...] about Where to find low cost medical care in Seattle and Puget Sound
