At the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD), prevention isn’t just a concept, it’s a commitment. Through our Prevention pillar, we invest in programs and partnerships that help our community take action before health concerns become serious, costly, or life-threatening.
We believe that prevention begins with proactive measures like annual physicals, prenatal exams, blood pressure monitoring, cancer screenings, and other essential early diagnostics. These steps not only extend life but improve quality of life by preventing the progression of cancer and chronic diseases.
This October, the nation observes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Dental Hygiene Month, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, as well as Mental Illness Awareness Week with National Depression Screening Day. We are reminded that prevention is the foundation of better health for every stage of life.
Breast Health and the Power of Early Detection
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, as an estimated 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection greatly improves survival rates.
Prevention here means both screening and education:
- Regular mammograms as recommended by your provider, especially for women over 40 or those at higher risk, according to Johns Hopkins.
- Breast self-awareness and knowing what’s normal for your body so you can identify changes early.
- Healthy lifestyle choices that support breast health, including exercise, a balanced diet, and limited alcohol intake.
Our investment in action: MCHD partners with organizations and providers who make screenings more accessible, so cost, transportation, or awareness is never a barrier. We also invest in the Vet Resource Center, Inc., which provides early cancer detection and education specifically for Marion County veterans.
Oral Health and Prevention Beyond the Smile
Dental health is an essential but often overlooked part of preventive care. Good oral hygiene protects against gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss, and it also supports overall health by lowering the risk of systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Prevention looks like:
- Routine cleanings and checkups every six months.
- Daily brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste.
- A healthy diet that limits sugary snacks and drinks.
Our investment in action: We support access to quality dental care through investments in our community partners like Heart of Florida and FreeDOM Clinic.
Infant Safety and Simple Prevention Tips
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby under one year old, most often occurring during sleep. Because these deaths frequently happen in a crib, SIDS is sometimes referred to as “crib death.”
While the exact cause remains unknown, research suggests it may be linked to issues in the part of an infant’s brain that regulates breathing and the ability to wake from sleep. It can be reduced through evidence-based safe sleep practices and proactive prenatal care.
According to the Mayo Clinic, prevention includes:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep – For the first year, make sure your baby is laid down on their back for every nap and bedtime, whether it’s you or another caregiver putting them to sleep. Don’t assume others will do it correctly; clearly communicate this. Once your baby can roll over on their own in both directions, this rule becomes less critical.
- Avoid sleeping on the stomach or side – Never place your baby on their stomach or side to sleep, except for supervised tummy time when awake.
- Keep the crib clear – Use only a firm, flat mattress with no pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft items.
- Prevent overheating – Dress your baby in light layers or a sleep sack, and avoid covering their head.
- Share a room, not a bed – Have your baby sleep in your room in their own crib or bassinet for at least six months.
- Never sleep with your baby – Avoid letting your baby sleep in an adult bed to prevent suffocation hazards.
- Breastfeed if possible – Breastfeeding for at least six months to a year may lower the risk of SIDS.
- Don’t rely on home monitors – Products claiming to prevent SIDS are not a substitute for safe sleep practices.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time – Give a pacifier for naps and bedtime once breastfeeding is established, without straps or cords.
- Don’t force the pacifier – If your baby refuses it or it falls out during sleep, leave it out.
- Stay current on vaccines – Keeping your baby vaccinated may help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Our investment in action: MCHD supports prenatal education and safe sleep initiatives so parents and caregivers have the information and resources they need to keep babies safe during their most vulnerable months.
Mental Illness Awareness Week & National Depression Screening Day
Held during the first week of October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is a national effort to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention for mental health conditions. National Depression Screening Day, observed during the same week, offers a free and confidential way for individuals to assess their mental well-being and seek professional support if needed.
Early identification of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and other conditions that can make a critical difference in treatment and recovery. By promoting access to screenings and mental health resources, MCHD underscores that prevention isn’t only about physical health, it’s also about taking care of our minds.
To support mental wellness, here are some practical prevention tips that can help reduce the risk of depression or manage symptoms effectively:
- Stay connected with friends, family, or support groups to reduce isolation.
- Seek help early if you notice symptoms like persistent sadness or changes in sleep or appetite.
- Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
- Limit alcohol and substance use, which can worsen symptoms.
- Establish a daily routine to provide structure and purpose.
- Educate yourself about depression symptoms and treatment options.
- Utilize professional resources like counseling or support groups.
- Encourage open conversations to reduce stigma around mental health.
- Take advantage of regular mental health screenings to catch concerns early.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential 24/7 support by phone, text, or web chat, making it easier for people in distress to quickly access vital mental health crisis services.
Our investment in action: At MCHD, we’re dedicated to whole-person prevention by integrating behavioral health and medical services to support mental health and depression awareness, partnering with organizations like SMA Healthcare, LifeStream, My Life Counsel, and more.
Prevention Is More Than One Month
While October’s observances shine a national spotlight on these issues, prevention is a year-round mission for MCHD. Our approach is rooted in early action and catching health concerns before they progress, and in many cases, before they even start.
This work is made possible through strategic investments in community programs that meet people where they are, from neighborhood health fairs to veteran-focused cancer screenings. By funding early diagnostics, we reduce the burden of disease in Marion County and help more residents live longer, healthier lives.
What You Can Do This October
- Schedule your annual checkup or any recommended screenings.
- Visit your dentist if it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning.
- Share safe sleep tips with new parents in your family or community.
- Check in on your mental health and encourage loved ones to seek support if they’re struggling.
- Talk to friends and loved ones about the value of early detection and preventive care.
Prevention is the thread that connects breast health, dental care, and infant safety. At MCHD, we are committed to keeping that thread strong through education, access, and community partnerships so every Marion County resident can live a healthier, longer, and more vibrant life.
