ABLE SC, Public Health and Emergency Response Monthly Newsletter

 

Public Health and Emergency Response Monthly Newsletter In case you missed it: Why Health Literacy Matters Understanding health information gives you the power to take charge of your well-being. Our *brand-new* fact sheet highlights how health literacy can help you make informed decisions, reduce stress during medical visits, and find accessible ways to live a healthier, safer life—at home and in your community.

Reminder! Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Now Available in the U.S.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first nonprescription birth control pill in the United States. The pill is called Opill and will be available over the counter—no prescription needed. Sales began in early 2024 at drugstores, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online.  This is an important step forward in making reproductive healthcare more accessible. For people with disabilities and others who face barriers to getting a prescription, this means more control, privacy, and independence when it comes to making decisions about birth control.  According to the FDA, Opill is safe when used as directed and works better than other over-the-counter birth control options at preventing unintended pregnancy.  Sources:  Opill: FDA approves first over-the-counter birth control pill in US | CNN  Opill: FDA approves first daily birth control pill sold over the counter : NPR  Disability Rights and Sexual Health - AMCHP  Just the Basics: The Power of Rest and Sleep Rest and sleep are essential for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While they are different, both help you recharge and stay healthy.  Rest includes any activity that relaxes your body and mind, such as taking a walk, deep breathing, or simply pausing during a busy day. Prioritizing rest can lower stress, improve focus, and support overall health.  Sleep is a necessary body function that affects everything from memory and concentration to immune health and metabolism. Unlike rest, your body cannot function without sleep. Adults should aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.  Tips for Better Rest and Sleep  Daily Rest & Relaxation:  Make rest part of your routine, just like eating or working.  Try meditation, yoga, reading, or taking a short walk.  Set aside time each day to unwind and relax.  Better Sleep Habits:  Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.  Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable.  Avoid caffeine, large meals, and alcohol before bed.  Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before sleeping.  Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. Health Benefits of Good Sleep  Strengthens your immune system.  Reduces stress and improves mood.  Supports heart health and metabolism.  Lowers the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  Improves memory, focus, and reaction time.  If you struggle with sleep, talk to your healthcare provider. Prioritizing rest and sleep aren’t a luxury—it’s essential for your health! References:  CDC, About Sleep; Integris Health, Why It's Important to Allow Yourself to Rest  Violence Prevention and Survivor Services People with disabilities are at higher risk of abuse compared to those without disabilities. This is partly because abusers exploit stereotypes that view people with disabilities as less valuable or capable. Often, abuse comes from those close to us, such as caretakers, friends, family, or partners, but it can also occur with people like medical staff or transport drivers. People with disabilities who experience domestic violence or sexual assault are the experts in their own experiences and needs.   No matter who is doing it or where it's happening, abuse is never the victim’s fault. If you are a person with a disability or health condition who has been hurt or abused, you deserve safety, you deserve to be listened to, and you are not alone! Able SC helps people with disabilities in South Carolina who have been hurt or abused by providing:  1. Support and Resources: We provide help to people with disabilities who have been affected by violence. We can connect them with resources, explain their legal rights, and offer support for healing. Our staff are not required to report abuse to authorities unless the person asks us to. We work closely with individuals, respecting their choices and needs.  2. Educational Resources: We create easy-to-understand materials on how to have safe and healthy relationships. Our webinars, classes, and written guides are designed to be accessible for people with different disabilities. We teach about recognizing abuse, healthy relationships, and how to seek help.  3. Professional Training: We train professionals who work with people with disabilities to improve their services. With 1 in 3 South Carolinians having a disability, our training helps organizations become more accessible and supportive for people with disabilities.  If you or someone you know needs help or would like to be referred to our Violence Prevention program, please contact us at 803-779-5121 or email us at referral@able-sc.org  IMPORTANT: Please know that we don’t provide direct crisis services. This means that we do not have a shelter (a place for people to stay for a short time while escaping an abusive situation). We also do not have lawyers, police, therapists, or medical workers on staff. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Public Health Initiatives Able SC provides advocacy and education to ensure that disability is represented in all areas of public health. We have established state and national partnerships with public health entities to ensure the needs of the disability community are included in all programs and services. We also offer direct programs to ensure people with disabilities have access to the information and resources they need to lead healthy, active, and independent lives.  Public Health Initiatives Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery Services We organize the SC Disability Partners in Disaster Planning Coalition to ensure people with disabilities are being included and receiving equitable services throughout the state in all aspects of emergency planning. We also provide individual services to assist people with disabilities to prepare for emergency disasters, get the resources they need before, during and after emergency disasters Emergency Prep and Response Services

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Able South Carolina 720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210 803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org Follow Us Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser