Breast Cancer in Men: It’s Rare — But It’s Real

Breast cancer is usually talked about as a disease affecting women, but men have breast tissue, too, and they can develop breast cancer. Knowing the basics helps you spot changes early and act fast.

What is Breast Cancer in Men?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Men have a small amount of breast tissue (mostly behind the nipple), and the same main types seen in women can occur in men:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

These types behave in men much like they do in women.

How Common is It?

Male breast cancer is uncommon. The CDC estimates that about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man.

For 2025, the American Cancer Society projects about 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men and about 510 deaths in men. The average lifetime risk for a U.S. man is about 1 in 726.

ACS also notes that breast cancer is ~100× less common among white men than white women and ~70× less common among Black men than Black women, and that Black men with breast cancer tend to have a worse outlook—important disparities that underscore the need for awareness and timely care.

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Signs and Symptoms to Watch for

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following on one side or both:

  • A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
  • Nipple discharge
  • Redness, scaling, or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
  • Irritation, dimpling, or puckering of breast skin
  • Nipple turning inward (retraction) or nipple pain

Sometimes cancer spreads to lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm and causes a lump before a breast lump is felt. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that aren’t cancer, but they should always be checked.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Your risk may be higher if you:

  • Have a strong family history of breast cancer or carry BRCA1/BRCA2 gene changes (especially BRCA2)
  • Have had chest radiation
  • Have conditions that raise estrogen levels (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, certain liver diseases)
  • Have obesity or certain testicular conditions
    Risk increases with age. Talk to your clinician about whether genetic counseling/testing is right for you.

How is it Treated?

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size and whether it has spread. Options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy—similar to treatments used for women. Your care team will tailor a plan to you.

Bottom Line

Breast cancer in men is rare, but real. If you notice a new lump, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or discharge, don’t wait—see your healthcare provider right away. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes.

 

Read More From The Uncas Health District

Bring Your Brave: Knowing Your Risk, Owning Your Health

Most breast cancers occur in older adults, but diagnoses among women younger than 45 have been slowly rising. The good news: deaths have fallen overall thanks to better awareness and early detection. Bring Your Brave puts practical, culturally relevant tools and stories in one place so younger women can spot risks and speak up sooner.

Meet Marleah

A Personal Story

Meet Marleah. At 25, she learned she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. That knowledge meant hard choices—but it also sparked a career in advocacy and helped her take charge of her care. Her story is one of many from the CDC’s Bring Your Brave campaign, which shares real experiences to help women under 45 understand breast cancer risk and act early.

Map Your Family History

Knowing your family health history is one of the most powerful ways to understand your personal risk. CDC’s My Family Health Portrait: Cancer (free on iOS and Android) helps you gather relatives’ cancer histories and get a personalized assessment for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer risks you can share with your clinician.

Who May Have a Higher Risk at a Young Age?

You may face a higher risk before 45 if any of the following apply to you:

  • A close relative was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at 45 or younger.
  • You have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change.
  • You had radiation therapy to the chest during childhood or early adulthood.
  • You’ve had breast cancer or certain breast conditions such as LCIS, DCIS, or atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia.

If these sound familiar, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a genetic counselor, earlier or more frequent screening, or steps to lower risk.

Screening: What to Know

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years from ages 40 to 74 for people at average risk. If you’re at higher risk, your clinician may suggest starting earlier, screening more often, or using additional tests (such as MRI). The right plan depends on your personal and family history—bring your questions.

Quick note on self-checks: Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is valuable—if you notice changes (a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or persistent pain), call your provider. Formal monthly self-breast exams don’t replace recommended screening and are not a stand-alone screening test.

What You Can Do Today

  • Download the CDC app My Family Health Portrait: Cancer and start a confidential family history. Share it at your next appointment. (Google Play | App Store)
  • Explore Bring Your Brave stories like Marleah’s for guidance on talking with family, navigating genetics, and advocating for yourself.
  • Ask your clinician whether your history or heritage suggests earlier or additional screening. If so, request a referral to genetic counseling.
  • Know your normal. If something feels off, don’t wait—get it checked. (The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers a clear, step-by-step guide on self-awareness techniques.)

Bottom line: Bring Your Brave is about informed action. Learn your risk, start the conversation, and make a plan that fits you—because early knowledge can be life-changing.

 

Read More From The Uncas Health District

Public Notice: Certificate of Need Application for Transfer of Ownership of a Large Group Practice

This posting is made pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-639a, regarding the Certificate of Need application process.

Public Notice

Consulting Cardiologists, P.C., and Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, Inc., are filing a Certificate of Need Application pursuant to Section 19a-638 of the Connecticut General Statutes for the transfer of ownership of a large group practice. Consulting Cardiologists, P.C. is a private cardiology practice located at the following addresses:

  • 1062 Barnes Road, Suite 300
    Wallingford, CT 06492
  • 256 North Main Street
    Manchester, CT 06042
  • 85 Seymour Street, Suite 719
    Hartford, CT 06106
  • 280 South Main Street, Suite 205
    Cheshire, CT 06410
  • 305 Western Boulevard
    Glastonbury, CT 06033
  • 433 South Main Street, Suite 109
    West Hartford, CT 06110
  • 100 Simsbury Road, Suite 202
    Avon, CT 06001
  • 57 South Main Street
    Middletown, CT 06457
  • 1025 Silas Deane Highway
    Wethersfield, CT 06109
  • 330 Washington Street, Suite 220
    Norwich, CT 06360

The capital expenditure associated with the transfer of ownership is $3,000,000.

Now Enrolling: ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager

ServSafe Food Manager Certification Course

The Uncas Health District will be holding a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Course and Exam on October 29, 2025.

ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager

Seating is Limited! Spots will not be reserved without registration.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Where: Montville Town Hall – Room #203, 310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT
Time: 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $175.00 (includes course book & exam)

Participants must register with the Uncas Health District by Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to attend.
Email Registration Form to: [email protected]

Are You Compliant?

CERTIFIED FOOD PROTECTION MANAGER (CFPM): Sec. 19a-36h-4. Certified food protection manager and alternate person in charge. (a) Each Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 food establishment shall have a person in charge who meets the requirements of section 2-102.11 of the food code and who is on-site at the food establishment at all times the establishment is operating. (b) At all times, a class 2, 3 and 4 food establishment is operating, the person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager. Exams may be available in other languages upon request at the time of registration.

A translator may be present during the course only. Please let us know if you need any special accommodations during registration.

 

September is Suicide Prevention Month: You’re Not Alone, and Help is Here

hand holding suicide awareness ribbon

If you’re struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, or just feeling overwhelmed by stress — please know this: you are not alone, and help is available 24/7. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Below you’ll find compassionate, practical steps and trusted resources in Connecticut and nationwide to support you or someone you care about.

If You Need Help Right Now

  • Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24/7, for free, confidential support from trained counselors. Help is available in English and Spanish; when calling for Spanish, press 2. Veterans can dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

  • In Connecticut, adults (18+) can also call the ACTION Line: 1-800-HOPE-135 (800-467-3135) or 2-1-1 for immediate support and warm transfers to mobile crisis teams. Youth under 18 can reach Mobile Crisis by dialing 2-1-1.

  • For substance use treatment access in CT (including detox and transportation), call the Access Line: 1-800-563-4086.

  • If someone is in imminent danger, call 911.

Prefer to communicate in Spanish? 988 offers 24/7 Spanish-language support by phone (press 2) and text instructions to connect with a Spanish-speaking counselor.

Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters

Suicide is preventable. Caring conversations, safer environments, and easy access to support save lives. Public health approaches focus on connection, early help, and reducing access to lethal means (like safely storing medications and firearms). Simple actions — checking in on a friend, offering to call 988 together, removing or locking up medications and firearms—can make a life-saving difference. (For local safe-storage options like medication disposal or lockboxes, check your local health district or police department.)

Signs Someone Might be Struggling

Everyone’s experience is different, but common warning signs include:

  • Talking about hopelessness, feeling like a burden, or wanting to die

  • Withdrawing from friends or usual activities

  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood (more irritable, anxious, or numb)

  • Increased use of alcohol or other substances

  • Searching for ways to harm oneself

If you notice these signs, reach out. You don’t need perfect words—try, “I’m really glad you told me. I care about you. Let’s find support together,” and offer to contact 988 or a CT crisis line with them.

How to Help — Practical Steps

  1. Ask directly and listen. “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door to help.

  2. Stay with them (or on the phone) and reduce immediate risks. If possible, secure medications and firearms or ask a trusted person to help.

  3. Connect to professional support. Call or text 988, or in Connecticut, use ACTION Line (1-800-HOPE-135) for adults or 2-1-1 for youth mobile crisis. Offer warm handoffs (e.g., dial together and stay on the line).

  4. Follow up. A caring text or visit in the days after a crisis matters.

Connecticut Resources

  • ACTION Line (Adults, 18+): 24/7 crisis support, referrals, and warm transfers to Mobile Crisis: 1-800-HOPE-135 or 2-1-1.

  • Mobile Crisis for Youth (Under 18) – Call 2-1-1 for on-site/phone support statewide.

  • CT DMHAS Crisis Services – Overview of adult mobile crisis, 988 in CT, and resources.

  • Prevent Suicide CT (CTSAB) – Statewide prevention materials, trainings, and ways to get involved.

  • NAMI Connecticut – Education, support groups, and a help line for information (not a crisis line).

National Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for anyone in the U.S., any time.

  • Veterans Crisis LineDial 988, then press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer crisis counselor; additional specialized keyword options (e.g., for financial stress) may be available.

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) – 24/7 support via call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online. (Note: the 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ+ subline ended on July 17, 2025; inclusive support remains available at 988 and through Trevor.)

  • Trans Lifeline — A peer support line run by and for trans people: 1-877-565-8860. (Check current hours on their site.)

For Our Communities: Prevention is a Shared Effort

  • Normalize check-ins. Ask friends, coworkers, and family how they’re really doing.

  • Promote safe storage. Encourage lockboxes for medications and firearm locking devices. Many local health departments and police departments provide free locks or disposal options.

  • Share resources. Post 988 and local CT crisis numbers at workplaces, schools, faith communities, and on social media.

  • Learn a skill. Consider trainings like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or Mental Health First Aid through local partners listed on Prevent Suicide CT.

 

Read More From The Uncas Health District

Help Save Lives with CT’s New Life-Saving Hotline

Every second counts in an overdose. That’s why we’re sharing an important free life-saving resource now available to the communities you serve: SafeSpot, a confidential overdose prevention hotline.

By calling 800-972-0590, individuals are connected with a trained operator who will:

  • Stay on the line while they use
  • Ask for their location in case they stop responding
  • Call for help immediately if an overdose is suspected

As you know, a person experiencing an overdose can’t administer life-saving medication like naloxone (NARCAN® Nasal Spray) to themselves. SafeSpot is here when others can’t be.

Please share this number widely with your teams and the individuals you support.  

To help you spread the word, we’ve created a free toolkit that includes a range of social media assets. You can access the materials on the LiveLOUD Toolkit and search under “harm reduction”.

Help us reduce overdose deaths and ensure no one is ever truly alone.

Hurricane Season: What to Do if a Major Storm Impacts Southeastern CT

satellite image of a hurricane

Hurricane season is here, and while Connecticut is not as frequently affected by hurricanes as many southern coastal areas, it is not immune to the potential impacts of these powerful storms. To ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some valuable tips for Connecticut residents to stay safe and be prepared in the event a hurricane impacts Southeastern Connecticut.

Stay Informed

The first step in hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Keep a close watch on weather forecasts and pay attention to any hurricane watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications through platforms like FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to receive timely updates.

Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit

A well-prepared emergency kit is essential for any disaster situation. Assemble your kit well in advance of hurricane season and include items like:

  • Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
  • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  • First-aid supplies and prescription medications
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies
  • Important documents (passport, insurance papers, identification)
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Pet supplies if you have pets

Develop an Evacuation Plan

In the event of a hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home. Plan your evacuation route in advance and communicate it with your family members. Identify local shelters or hotels that accept pets if you have them. Consider the needs of elderly family members or individuals with disabilities when planning your evacuation.

Water coming over road during hurricane

Secure Your Home

Prepare your home for a hurricane by taking the following steps:

  • Reinforce windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.
  • Trim trees and bushes to reduce the risk of debris during high winds.
  • Ensure your roof is in good condition and make any necessary repairs.
  • Elevate valuable items and electronics in your home to protect them from flooding.
  • Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

Stock Up on Supplies

Stock up on essential supplies well in advance of a hurricane. Grocery stores and gas stations may run out of supplies in the days leading up to a storm. Ensure you have enough food, water, and other necessities to last at least three days.

Health Considerations

Hurricanes can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some health-related tips:

  • Keep a supply of necessary medications on hand.
  • Stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses during power outages.
  • Avoid floodwaters, as they may be contaminated and pose health risks.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by using repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Stay Connected

Maintain communication with friends and family during a hurricane. Share your whereabouts and safety status regularly. Consider investing in a backup power source for your phone, such as a portable charger or a car charger, as power outages can disrupt communication.

Sign up for Text Alerts from Uncas Health District

Your Ultimate 2025-26 Connecticut Back-to-School Health & Safety Guide

mom sending young child off to school

As August winds down and the new school year is just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to take steps to make sure every student starts the year safe, happy, and healthy. This updated guide covers everything you need — from required vaccines to mental wellness and bus safety — to set your child up for success.

Get Caught Up on Required Immunizations

Connecticut state law requires students to have up-to-date vaccinations before entering school. These vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child and the entire school community from serious, preventable diseases. Even if your child seems healthy, missing shots can mean missing school.

Vaccine Grade(s) Required Why It's Important
DTaP/DTP/DT Pre-K (4 doses), K-6 (≥4 doses) Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus (lockjaw), and Pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening.
Tdap (Adolescent booster) Grade 7–12 (1 dose) A crucial booster to maintain protection as childhood immunity wanes.
MMR Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) Prevents highly contagious Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, which can have serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) Protects against the itchy and sometimes severe chickenpox virus, which can cause skin infections and pneumonia.
Hepatitis B Pre-K through Grade 12 (3 doses) Prevents a serious liver infection that can become chronic and lead to liver cancer.
Hepatitis A Pre-K through Grade 12 (2 doses) Prevents a contagious liver infection that spreads easily in schools, especially since young children may not show symptoms.
Polio Pre-K through Grade 12 (≥3 doses) Protects against a crippling and potentially fatal disease that has been eliminated in the U.S. thanks to vaccination.
MenACWY (Meningococcal) Grade 7–12 (1 dose) Protects against a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord lining.
HPV Grades 7–12 (Strongly Recommended) A cancer-prevention vaccine that helps prevent several types of cancer later in life.

Annual Check-Ups & Mandated Screenings

Beyond vaccines, routine well-child visits are essential for a healthy school year.

  • Vision & Hearing Screening: State law mandates these screenings for students in kindergarten, first, third, fourth, and fifth grades to detect issues that can impact learning.
  • Dental Check-Up: Good oral health is linked to overall well-being. Schedule a cleaning and exam before school starts.
  • Asthma & Allergy Action Plans: If your child has asthma or severe allergies, update their inhalers, EpiPens, and emergency plans with the school nurse. Share any food allergy information with teachers and cafeteria staff.

Build Healthy Routines from Day One

A strong routine and self-care go a long way in keeping kids physically and emotionally ready to learn.

  • Sleep Schedule: To support learning and emotional regulation, aim for 9–11 hours per night for elementary students and 8–10 hours for teens.
  • Balanced Breakfast: Fuel up with protein and fiber to boost focus and energy.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated improves brain function. Pack a reusable water bottle every day!
  • Hand-Washing: Proper hand-washing (20 seconds with soap and water!) is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Prioritize Mental & Emotional Wellness

A happy school year is more than academics — it’s about feeling supported and connected.

  • Open Conversations: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. The Jed Foundation offers great conversation starters for parents of teens.
  • Bullying Prevention: Talk to your children about bullying and what to do if they see or experience it. For resources and information on Connecticut's anti-bullying laws, visit StopBullying.gov.
  • Know the Resources: Your school counselor and the Uncas Health District are valuable resources if you have concerns about your child's mental health.

Safety on the Way to School

  • Backpack Safety: An overly heavy or improperly worn backpack can cause pain and posture problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a backpack weigh no more than 10-20% of a child's body weight and that both shoulder straps are always used.
  • Bus Safety: Review getting on/off procedures and staying seated until the bus stops fully.
  • Walk & Bike Routes: Practice the route to school and always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking.
  • Car Seat & Booster Seat Safety: Ensure your child's car seat meets current Connecticut standards. For detailed information and to find a local car seat clinic, visit Safe Kids Connecticut.
  • Teen Driving: Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens. Remind new drivers about the risks of distracted and impaired driving.

CT Leads Nation in MMR Vaccination Rates

child receiving MMR vaccine

As families across Connecticut prepare for the new school year, our state can take pride in another public health achievement: Connecticut has the highest two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate in the nation, with 98.3% of kindergarteners up to date in the 2024–2025 school year. This not only reflects the dedication of parents and healthcare providers but underscores the critical role vaccinations play in safeguarding individuals and entire communities from highly contagious diseases like measles.

Why Vaccination Matters

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, capable of spreading through tiny respiratory droplets that linger in the air and on surfaces. High vaccination coverage interrupts transmission chains, creating “herd immunity”—a community-level defense that protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including infants, people undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals with certain immune disorders. Public health experts agree that achieving at least 95% MMR coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks; Connecticut stands among only ten states to surpass this threshold this year.

Beyond preventing measles-specific outbreaks, routine immunizations reduce absenteeism, keep schools open, and avoid the personal and societal costs of preventable illness. According to DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, “Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school season, is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity."

Staying Vigilant: Keeping Immunizations Current

Even with Connecticut’s success, vaccination rates can fluctuate. Nationally, coverage among kindergartners for vaccines like DTaP and MMR dipped in the past year, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance. To ensure every child has the protection they need:

  • Check your child’s vaccine record: Parents can securely access school immunization data through the CT WiZ Public Portal at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.

  • Consult your healthcare provider: Schedule any overdue vaccinations before school begins.

  • Stay informed: Review the latest CDC recommendations at cdc.gov/vaccines to understand catch-up schedules and booster requirements.

Governor Ned Lamont reminds us that “these vaccinations have been proven to be safe for many decades and are responsible for preventing the spread of life-threatening illnesses. Let’s keep Connecticut healthy by getting vaccinated and stopping the spread of these diseases."

Beyond Vaccines: Other Critical Precautions

While immunization is our strongest defense, combining vaccines with everyday health practices creates a layered approach to disease prevention:

  1. Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after restroom use.

  2. Respiratory Etiquette: To limit droplet spread, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow—not hands.

  3. Stay Home When Sick: Promptly isolate anyone displaying fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms to avoid exposing others.

  4. Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: To reduce germ transmission in classrooms and homes, disinfect doorknobs, desks, and shared devices.

Together, these measures help contain outbreaks of various infections— from measles to seasonal flu—and reinforce the protective power of vaccines.

For questions about the Connecticut Vaccine Program, call 860-509-7929 or email [email protected]. Learn more about vaccines and download your immunization records today at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.

Gov. Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Monday

Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting 211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day heat wave over the coming week, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, and remaining in effect through at least 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

During this period, temperatures are expected to reach into the 90s and will be accompanied by humid conditions pushing the heat index near or above 100 degrees.

This is the third time the protocol has been activated this year. The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

“The forecast is indicating that we are in for another stretch of hot and muggy conditions over the next few days, and we’re working with our partners to open cooling centers,” Governor Lamont said. “We’re advising those who are most vulnerable to extreme conditions, especially seniors and those who have certain disabilities and medical conditions, that they should take precautions to stay hydrated and cool. To locate a nearby cooling center, view the list that will be published online at 211ct.org or call 2-1-1.”

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:

  • The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
  • Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
  • Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
  • The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

  • Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
  • People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
  • People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  • People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
  • People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

  • Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
  • Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
  • Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
  • Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

More from the Uncas Health District