We kick off August with National Farmers’ Market Week, August 3-9. This is a perfect opportunity to:
- Promote access to fresh, nutritious food
- Support healthy communities
- Support local farmers and farmland
- Stimulate local economies
It’s a great week to highlight the benefits of healthy eating and the importance of fresh vegetables and fruits to your employees. Why not encourage employees to visit local Farmer’s Market on their lunch break? Here are some resources to find a farmers market near you:
USDA National Farmers Market Directory
Local Harvest
National Immunization Awareness Month
Each year in August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) provides an opportunity to highlight the need for improving national immunization coverage levels. Activities focus on encouraging all people to protect their health by being immunized against infectious diseases. The National Immunization Awareness Month Communication Toolkit developed by NPHIC in collaboration with CDC, focuses on four weekly themes:
Aug. 3-9: A Healthy Start
Aug. 10-16: Back to School
Aug. 17-23: Off to the Future
Aug. 24-30: Not Just for Kids
National Breastfeeding Month 2014
Section 4207 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Health Care Reform), amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), or federal wage and hour law. The amendment requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom place for nursing mothers to express breast milk during the workday, for one year after the child’s birth. The new requirements became effective when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Visit the “Workplace Support in Federal Law” page to learn more.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Prevent Blindness has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness month to inspire parents to make their child’s vision health a priority – it’s a good time for an eye exam before school starts. To commemorate the month, Prevent Blindness offers children’s eye health programs and tools to help parents, teachers and kids save sight.
Back to School Month
National Safety Council reminds us that “As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Safety should be a priority for every family as children return to classrooms this fall. It is important for parents to stay up-to-date on the proper safety precautions and share this information with their children to keep them safe throughout the school year.” The site offers a variety of tools ranging from transportation safety to bullying prevention and playground safety, as well as a Back to School Checklist.
Other observances, resources for August
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
August is National Water Quality Month
August 3-9 – International Assistance Dog Week
August 21 – National Senior Citizens Day
U.S. Drought Portal
Lyme Disease
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
National Hurricane Center
Looking for the most comprehensive and effective wellness program for your employees? ESI TotalCare Wellness pairs Behavioral Health Clinicians with certified Wellness Coaches to provide employees and their families with the help, motivation, tools and support to make changes and improve their lives. Call 800-535-4841 for more information.