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Health briefs: Precautions advised for ATV safety

Ninety-two percent of ATV-related deaths are the result of warned-against risks, such as youth riding adult-sized ATVs. Northwest Colorado Health and the ATV Safety Institute remind riders to abide by the following Golden Rules for ATV Safety.

  • Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
  • Never ride on public roads.
  • Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
  • Choose an ATV appropriate for age and readiness of the rider.
  • Supervise riders younger than 16.
  • Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

For more safety information for young riders, visit atv-youth.org. Rider readiness checklists and a free online safety course are available at atvsafety.org.

Free breast exams available for qualified women

Women who are age 40 to 64 and have limited or no health insurance may qualify for free breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. In addition to meeting age and income requirements, women must live in Colorado, be legal residents (or legally present) in the U.S. and have not had a mammogram or Pap test in the last 12 months. Women’s Wellness Connection is a program at Northwest Colorado Health. For more information, visit northwestcoloradohealth.org/wwc or call 970-879-1632.



Free, confidential Medicare help available

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Colorado has established a new local office to provide free, confidential counseling to anyone with questions about Medicare.

The office is located at 3001 S. Lincoln Ave., Suite E, and the local phone number is 970-819-6401.



The office is available by appointment.

For more information, contact Betsy Packer at 970-819-6401 or medicareship@gmail.com.

Crisis support lines available

A variety of crisis support lines are available 24 hours a day to connect local residents dealing with a personal mental health or other type of crisis with trained professionals or volunteers who can provide support.

They include the following.

  • Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS) 24-hour crisis line: 970-846-8182
  • Advocates Building Peaceful Communities 24-hour crisis line: 970-879-8888
  • Mind Springs Health 24-hour crisis line: 1-888-207-4004
  • Colorado’s mental health crisis line: 1-844-493- 8255,

In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

To submit a health brief, email jpatterson@steamboattoday.com.


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