Living Well - Healthy Aging Program

SCPH promotes the health and well-being of all Siskiyou County residents with a focus on disease prevention and injury prevention, promoting early intervention and screening, and providing access to resources. SCPH wants to ensure that while health is maintained across the lifespan, older adults and their caregivers receive focused attention. 

The Living Well-Healthy Aging Program supports well-being in older age by:

• Advocating for healthy behaviors
• Reducing health risks through prevention and education initiatives
• Providing resources to support caregiver needs
• Collaborating with community partner agencies to promote education regarding reduction of chronic disease and early assessment

SCPH Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI)

Funded by the California Department of Public Health Alzheimer’s Disease Program, the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) aims to build and raise awareness by providing education about brain health and its risk factors for Siskiyou County residents using community-based interventions and best practices.

To learn more visit Take on Alzheimer's or Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

2024 Community Needs Assessment

In Fall 2023, the HBI program collected input from community members to complete a Community Needs Assessment (CNA).

The purpose of the assessment is to guide community health programs in planning for treatment and support provided to individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  This guidance will help community partners work together to offer high-quality services, comprehensive care, and educational resources.

The 2024 Community Needs Assessment Report presents the data collected from the surveys completed by caregivers, first responders, and seniors.

Read the report >>

HBI Strategic Plan

In creating the HBI Strategic Plan, the program took into account ongoing community efforts and the unique aspects of Siskiyou County. Three main goals were set that can be achieved with current resources: 1) raising awareness and screening, 2) improving education and outreach, and 3) expanding collaboration across the county.

By working with our current partners and coalitions, who have diverse community experience, we aim to continue effectively serving older adults and those at risk for dementia.

Read the plan>>

Healthy Habits Lead to a Longer, Healthier Life

Taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health is important for healthy aging.  Even making small changes in your daily life can help. Take steps to help manage your health and maintain your quality of life as you age:

• Stay active with physical activity that increases heart rate and blood flow for at least 150 minutes a week.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, especially berries and green leafy vegetables.
• Get a good night's sleep with at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Schedule regular checkups with your doctor for routine screenings and vaccinations. 
• Quit smoking. To get help with quitting, please visit Kick It California.
• Engage and connect with your community to participate in health promotion and wellness activities and events.

Learn more about Healthy Aging >>

Fall Prevention Safety Supports Independent Living

You can reduce your risk of falling by knowing the risk factors and taking simple steps towards a steady, fall-free future

Health risk factors for falls that increase as we age:

• Balance and mobility challenges
• Taking multiple medications
• Impaired vision
• Fatigue

Steps to prevent a fall:

• Speak with your doctor right away if you fall or are concerned about falling. You can assess your own fall risk and share it with your doctor.
• Check your risk for a fall by taking NCOA's Falls Free CheckUp
• Stay active to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Make walking, Tai Chi, or another exercise part of your weekly routine.
• Have your eyes checked by your doctor once a year to update your eyeglasses and adjust for vision changes.
• Make your home safer by using this checklist to identify trip hazards.

Siskiyou County Fall Prevention Coalition 

The Siskiyou County Fall Prevention Coalition works to reduce older adult fall risk through advocacy, resource development, and provider education. Coalition members include clinicians, occupational therapists, senior center directors, educators, first responders, and other professionals.