Month: September 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

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woman receiving mammogram

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is projected that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and 42,500 women are expected to die from the disease.

While these numbers are concerning, there is good news: early detection plays a critical role in improving survival rates. When breast cancer is detected early, is in the localized stage, and treated promptly, the five-year survival rate is 99%. This underscores the vital importance of regular breast cancer screenings.

Why is Breast Cancer Screening Important?

Breast cancer screening tests, such as mammograms, can detect the disease before symptoms develop, when the cancer is often smaller and has not spread. This early detection makes treatment more effective, less invasive, and can significantly improve outcomes.

For many women, timely screening could be the difference between a manageable condition and a more complicated diagnosis.

Who Should Get Screened?

The ACS recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer start receiving annual mammograms at age 40. Women considered at higher risk—such as those with a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), or other risk factors—may need to begin screenings earlier. It’s important to discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor.

How Often Should I Get Screened?

Most women should have a mammogram every year, according to the ACS guidelines. However, depending on your risk profile, your doctor may recommend a more frequent screening schedule or additional tests such as breast MRIs. Staying consistent with screening is essential for catching any potential issues early.

What Should I Do If I Find a Lump in My Breast?

If you detect a lump or notice any changes in your breasts, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider promptly. While many breast lumps are not cancerous, only a professional evaluation can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate next steps.

How Can I Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are many ways you can get involved and help raise awareness:

  • Get screened for breast cancer, and encourage others to do the same.
  • Share information about the importance of screening with friends and family.
  • Donate to breast cancer research or organizations that provide support to patients and survivors.
  • Volunteer your time to local cancer charities or support groups.

By taking these steps, you can contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce breast cancer mortality and support those impacted by the disease.

More Facts About Breast Cancer

Fruit Flies: Why They’re Common in the Fall, the Health Risks They Pose, and Safe Ways to Get Rid of Them

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fruit fly trap

As the weather cools and autumn sets in, many people notice an uptick in fruit flies buzzing around their homes. These tiny insects are more than just a nuisance — they thrive in the fall when ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and compost bins attract them in greater numbers. Understanding why fruit flies are so common during this season, the health risks they pose, and how to safely get rid of them can help you keep your home fly-free.

Why Fruit Flies Are Common in the Fall

Fruit flies, or Drosophila melanogaster, are attracted to fermenting fruit and vegetables, making fall an ideal season for them to thrive. During harvest time, produce is more readily available, and even the smallest piece of overripe fruit left on the counter can attract them. Warm homes with moist environments, such as drains, garbage disposals, and recycling bins, provide perfect conditions for these pests to multiply.

Fruit flies reproduce rapidly, laying hundreds of eggs on decaying organic matter. Within just a few days, those eggs hatch into larvae, turning a small infestation into a larger one in no time.

Health Risks Posed by Fruit Flies

While fruit flies aren’t directly harmful like mosquitoes or ticks, they do pose some health risks:

  1. Bacteria Contamination: Fruit flies are known to carry bacteria from one surface to another, particularly from garbage or spoiled food. This can result in contamination of kitchen counters, dishes, and fresh food.
  2. Foodborne Illnesses: Fruit flies may spread foodborne pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause illness if contaminated food is ingested.
  3. Respiratory Irritation: For individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, a large number of fruit flies could potentially worsen symptoms due to the allergens they can introduce into the air.

Safe and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

There are several safe and non-toxic ways to prevent and eliminate fruit flies from your home:

  1. Eliminate Attractants:
    • Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, especially if they’re ripe or nearing overripe.
    • Regularly empty garbage bins and compost containers, ensuring that they are sealed tightly when in use.
    • Clean spills, particularly those involving sugary drinks, and remove any food debris from counters and floors.
  2. Vinegar Trap: One of the simplest ways to catch fruit flies is to set up a vinegar trap. Pour apple cider vinegar into a small dish, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover the top with plastic wrap, poking small holes in it. The flies are attracted to the vinegar, but the soap reduces the surface tension, causing them to drown.
  3. Red Wine Trap: Similar to the vinegar trap, fruit flies are attracted to the fermented sugars in red wine. Leave a small amount of red wine in a bottle or glass, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the top. This will trap the flies as they enter.
  4. Drain Maintenance: Since fruit flies often breed in drains, keep them clean by pouring boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to remove food residue where eggs could be laid.
  5. Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, can act as natural repellents. Dilute these oils in water and spray them in areas where fruit flies are prevalent, like around trash cans or countertops.

Fruit flies are a common but manageable problem in the fall. By understanding what attracts them and the potential health risks they carry, you can take effective, safe steps to get rid of them. Regularly cleaning your kitchen, storing produce properly, and using natural remedies like vinegar traps and essential oils will help keep your home fly-free as the cooler months approach.

If a fruit fly infestation persists despite these efforts, you may want to consider contacting a pest control professional for additional help.

Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Child During Peak Season

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young boy with a backpack coughing into his hand.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. While it often presents as a mild cold, RSV can lead to severe complications in some cases, making it important for parents to be informed about when the virus is most prevalent, the symptoms to watch for, and how to protect their children, including the use of new vaccines.

When Is RSV Most Prevalent?

RSV circulates throughout the year but tends to spike in the fall and winter months. The virus typically thrives in colder weather, making October through March the most common time for RSV infections. This is also when children are back in school or daycare, increasing their exposure to germs in crowded settings.

The Potential Harms of RSV

For most children and adults, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms that resolve on their own. However, RSV can be more severe in certain groups, including:

  • Infants (especially those under six months)
  • Premature babies
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children with underlying heart or lung conditions
  • Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions

In these high-risk groups, RSV can lead to serious health complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants under one year of age in the U.S.

Protecting Your Child from RSV

There are several measures parents can take to protect their children from RSV, including:

  1. Vaccination: RSV vaccines are available for infants and adults over 60. For babies, nirsevimab, an RSV monoclonal antibody, can be given to protect against severe RSV infection. This preventative treatment is recommended for infants, especially those at high risk for severe RSV. Speak to your pediatrician to determine whether this option is suitable for your child.

  2. Good Hygiene Practices: Since RSV spreads through direct contact and droplets, practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the chances of infection. This includes:
    • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water.
    • Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
    • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, like toys and doorknobs.
    • Teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

  3. Limit Exposure: If possible, try to limit your baby’s exposure to crowded places, especially during peak RSV season. You might also consider keeping infants away from individuals who have cold-like symptoms.

chart describing types of vaccines against RSV

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV

RSV symptoms can mimic those of a common cold, but it’s important to know when they might signal something more serious. Common symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

In severe cases, infants might show signs of respiratory distress, such as:

  • Rapid breathing or gasping for air
  • Flared nostrils
  • Bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen

What to Do if Symptoms Appear

If your child begins to show symptoms of RSV, it’s important to monitor their condition closely. Mild cases can usually be managed at home by keeping your child comfortable, ensuring they stay hydrated, and using fever reducers as recommended by your pediatrician.

However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of worsening illness, such as difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or if your child is lethargic or not feeding well. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or fluids.

Stay Prepared and Informed

RSV is a virus that many children will encounter at some point, but by staying informed and taking preventative steps, you can reduce the risks of severe illness. Vaccinations, good hygiene, and prompt medical care when symptoms arise are the best ways to protect your child during RSV season. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance on how to keep your family healthy.

For more information, visit the CDC’s RSV page or contact Uncas Health District.

Why Early Fall is the Ideal Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine

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Woman with a cold on autumn background

As we transition into the crisp, cool days of fall, it’s the perfect time to think about protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older get a flu vaccine every year, with September and October being the optimal months for most people to receive their shot. Here’s why getting vaccinated during these early fall months is important for your health and the well-being of your community.

The Importance of Flu Vaccines

Flu vaccines are your best defense against the influenza virus, which can cause mild to severe illness and even lead to hospitalization or death, especially among high-risk populations like the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to shield vulnerable members of the community who may be at higher risk for serious complications.

Influenza is not a virus to be taken lightly. From 2018 to 2022, influenza and pneumonia combined were responsible for 47,052 deaths in the United States, making it the 12th leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Specifically, influenza accounted for 5,944 deaths, or 1.8 deaths per 100,000 people, during the same period. These statistics underscore the significant impact that influenza can have on public health, particularly in seasons when the flu virus is more virulent or when vaccine coverage is lower.

Why September and October Are the Best Times

The flu season typically begins in the fall and peaks in the winter months, which is why getting vaccinated in September or October is ideal. The vaccine takes about two weeks to build up sufficient immunity, so by getting your shot in early fall, you ensure that you’re protected before flu activity becomes widespread. Vaccinating early also helps to minimize the spread of the virus within the community, especially to those who may be more susceptible to severe outcomes.

Where to Get Your Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccines are widely available and easy to access. You can receive your vaccine at various locations, including your healthcare provider’s office, local pharmacies, and community health centers. In Connecticut, residents can also get vaccinated through the Uncas Health District and the Mobile Health Team, which offer convenient and accessible options for receiving the flu shot.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

By getting vaccinated against the flu this fall, you’re playing an active role in safeguarding your health and the health of those around you. It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference, particularly as we head into the colder months when flu activity tends to rise. Don’t wait — plan your flu vaccine today and help prevent the spread of this serious illness.

Uncas Health District will begin administering or offering flu vaccines as of October 1st.  High dose and regular flu vaccines will be available for anyone aged 6 months and up.  The following insurances are accepted with a zero copay: Anthem, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Medicare, and TriCare.  All others will have a $20 copay.  Flu clinics will be offered with no appointment necessary in the office on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in October and November.

Uncas Health District Offering Online Free Programs to Help People Quit Tobacco

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quit smoking

Uncas Health District is offering a tobacco cessation (quit smoking) program to help adults quit using tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery (vaping) products. The program’s goal is to remove common barriers by offering quit aids, coaching, and social support at no cost.

Programs are open to those who live or work in Eastern Connecticut. The program uses the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking®” curriculum to help participants quit tobacco in eight sessions over seven weeks. Participants will receive free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, and lozenges). Individual counseling is available by appointment if interested participants can’t attend the group program or would prefer one-on-one support.

The first class starts on Monday, September 16th, 2024, at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.

“Quitting tobacco is a huge step towards improving your health and preventing disease. Ask any former tobacco user; it’s the best decision they’ve ever made,” said Program Facilitator Carolyn Wilson. “Sometimes it takes several attempts to be successful, but creating a plan, seeking support, and developing a set of strategies is the best course of action. It’s important to never give up on the journey to becoming tobacco-free.”

This program is supported by the Health & Human Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The tobacco cessation program is FREE.  A reliable internet connection with access to the ZOOM platform is needed.

Participants will receive a free program workbook, FREE nicotine replacement therapy and other helpful quit aids. To register for the program, contact Carolyn Wilson at (860) 400-2072 (call or text).

National Preparedness Month: Are You Ready for the Unexpected?

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Father and son assemble the emergency evacuation bag together and put necessary items into backpacks

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a health crisis, or an unforeseen event, being prepared can make all the difference. Do you know what kinds of hazards are common where we live, work, and travel? From hurricanes to wildfires to power outages, each region has its own risks. But whatever hazards we face, it’s important to have a plan for safety before, during, and after any emergency.

In 2024, the National Preparedness Month Theme is “Start a Conversation.” Initiating a conversation today can empower you and your family to take more steps toward preparedness. By making small efforts, you can gradually strengthen your readiness at your own pace.

Choose a time when everyone is calm and at ease. It might be helpful to spread the discussions out over a set period, allowing for more thoughtful decisions and ensuring everyone feels comfortable discussing the topic. Share the steps you’ve already taken to prepare and invite others to ask questions about preparedness actions that may suit their needs.

Here are some more helpful tips for emergency preparedness:

Stay Connected: Have a Plan

When emergencies strike, staying connected with your family and getting timely information from local officials is crucial. How prepared are you to stay in touch during a crisis? There are some easy ways to ensure you and your family can communicate effectively. Visit the Ready.gov website and create a free, fillable family emergency plan. It’s a great way to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go. Share your plan with your loved ones and ask them to share theirs too!

Get Alerts: Stay Informed

Another important step is staying informed about potential threats. Downloading the free FEMA App is an excellent way to receive warnings and alerts for up to five different locations in the U.S. This app is extremely helpful for those of us who travel or have family in different regions. Additionally, check your phone to ensure it can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert System messages. This simple action can give you critical information when you need it most.

Plan for Evacuation: Know Where to Go

Do you know where you and your pets will go if you’re told to evacuate? Whether it’s a friend or relative’s house, a community shelter, or a hotel in another town, it’s important to have a plan. Visit Ready.gov’s evacuation page and learn how to prepare for a quick and safe evacuation. Take a moment to talk with your family about your evacuation plan so everyone knows where to go and how to get there.

Build a Kit: Be Ready for Everyone in Your Family

When preparing for an emergency, it’s vital to think about the specific needs of each family member. Have you considered what supplies you may need for your kids, older adults, or family members with disabilities? Don’t forget about your pets, either! Check out Ready.gov’s Build A Kit page and learn about the essential items you will need to stay safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. Remember to include things like medications, medical devices, and anything else that’s crucial for your family’s well-being.

Medical Needs: Plan for Power and Temperature

If anyone in your family relies on medical devices or medications that need to be kept at a certain temperature, it’s important to have a plan in place. Do you have backup power supplies or know of places where you can store medicine safely? Ready.gov has guidance on what you should do to prepare before something happens. Taking the time to plan now can prevent a lot of stress later.

Protect Important Items: Keep Your Valuables Safe

Finally, consider how you’ll protect important documents, family mementos, and treasured possessions. Do you have water-resistant plastic bags or containers to keep them safe? Make digital copies of my documents and photos and store them in a password-protected online account. Ready.gov’s Make a Plan page has more tips on how to safeguard these items.

National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to start or update your emergency plans. Visit Ready.gov today to ensure you and your family are prepared for whatever may come your way. Stay safe, stay informed, and be ready!

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