Uncas Health District

Connecticut Department of Public Health Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act

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woman pouring glass of clean tap water

The 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is being celebrated and recognized in 2024 by public and environmental health leaders at the state Department of Public Health (DPH) and across the nation. Originally passed by Congress in 1974, the SDWA helps protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply.

Prior to 1970, 40% of the nation’s drinking water systems failed to meet the most basic water quality standards.  As of the end of 2023, 94% of Connecticut’s community water systems met all health-based standards set by the SDWA.

The SDWA authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish minimum standards to protect public health and drinking water. DPH’s Drinking Water Section is responsible for the administration of state and federal drinking water regulations and is dedicated to assuring the quality and adequacy of the more than 2,300 public water systems serving approximately 2.8 million people in Connecticut.

“Nothing is more elemental to public and individual health than water.  Ensuring our residents have clean, safe drinking water by working collaboratively with the EPA and our water utilities to protect drinking water at its source has been one of the most significant public health achievements of the last 50 years,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.   

Since the original signing of the SDWA, numerous programs and amendments have been created to help protect the state’s drinking water including:

  • Setting water quality standards and removing contaminants from our drinking water including microorganisms, volatile organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, synthetic organic chemicals and radionuclides
  • Providing routine inspection of our public water systems to identify and correct sanitary deficiencies
  • Improving protection of our water sources
  • Setting standards for operator training and certification
  • Requiring removal of lead service lines
  • Recently establishing enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS in drinking water
  • Assisting public water systems by providing funding for system infrastructure projects including new storage tanks, upgrading/constructing new treatment plants, installing new water mains, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition improvement projects, and upgrading cybersecurity efforts

Additionally, SDWA funds will continue to support the DPH Drinking Water Section in addressing water quality issues and emerging contaminants, developing a competent operator workforce and upgrading an aging water infrastructure.

For more information about public water systems and drinking water, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/dph/drinking-water/dws/drinking-water-section

Uncas Health District Offering Free Radon Test Kits

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House at night

January is officially recognized as Radon Action Month by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). This annual designation highlights the importance of addressing radon—a silent and invisible threat — in our homes and communities. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, following smoking, and it is the primary cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Uncas Health District is helping residents take proactive steps for their health. Throughout January 2025, the district will provide 50 free radon test kits on a first-come, first-serve basis. These kits are available exclusively to residents of Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown.

How to Get Your Free Radon Test Kit

  • Pick-Up Location: Uncas Health District Office, located at the Uncas on Thames Campus, 401 West Thames Street, Norwich, Conn.
  • Eligibility: Test kits are only available to residents of the towns listed above.
  • Requirements: Residents must provide their contact information and the location where the test will be conducted for follow-up purposes.
  • Availability: Supplies are limited, so plan to visit early in January to secure your kit.

Testing your home for radon is a simple yet vital step in protecting your family’s health. If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation measures can significantly reduce exposure.

Why Radon Testing Matters

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors. While it is odorless and invisible, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors, posing a significant health risk over time. Regular testing is the only way to detect its presence and ensure your living environment is safe.

Learn More About Radon

For additional information and resources about radon and how to protect your home, explore these links:

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season

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Friends enjoying a holiday celebration

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, with festive activities come unique safety and health concerns. To ensure your holiday is merry and bright, consider these essential tips for staying safe and healthy.

Holiday Decoration Safety

Holiday decorations set the mood, but they can pose fire hazards if not handled properly.

  • Inspect Lights Before Use: Examine light strands for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Replace damaged items before plugging them in.
  • Avoid Overloading Outlets: Too many devices on a single outlet can lead to overheating and potential fires. Use surge protectors and distribute the load across different circuits.
  • Choose Safe Trees: If you’re opting for a real tree, ensure it’s fresh by checking for green, flexible needles that don’t fall off easily. Keep the tree well-watered to prevent it from drying out.
  • Candle Caution: Never leave lit candles unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials like curtains or decorations. Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative.

Food Safety for Holiday Feasts

With guests gathering around the table, food safety is extremely important.

  • Plan Ahead: Ensure you have enough space in your refrigerator and freezer to store perishable items safely.
  • Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods, and wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw ingredients.
  • Hold That Temperature: Keep cold foods cold (at, or below 41 degrees) and keep hot foods hot (at, or above 135 degrees)
  • Cook Food Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to check that meats are cooked to their recommended internal temperatures.
  • Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: Store leftovers within two hours of serving to prevent bacterial growth.

Responsible Alcohol Consumption

Holiday celebrations often include festive drinks, but responsible consumption is key to staying safe.

  • Know Your Limits: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and pace yourself to prevent overindulgence.
  • Provide Alternatives: If hosting, offer non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water, mocktails, or festive punches for guests who choose not to drink.
  • Arrange Safe Transportation: If alcohol is part of the celebration, ensure guests have a designated driver or access to rideshare services.

General Holiday Health Tips

Beyond safety, maintaining health during the holidays is equally important.

  • Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to offset holiday indulgences. A brisk walk after a big meal can help with digestion and keep energy levels up.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Late-night gatherings can interfere with rest, so aim to prioritize quality sleep whenever possible.
  • Manage Stress: The holidays can be overwhelming. Delegate tasks set realistic expectations, and take time for yourself to relax and recharge.

Recall Alert: MadeGood Granola Bars Recalled Over Potential Metal Pieces

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Granola Bar Recall

Riverside Natural Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain batches of MadeGood granola bars due to the potential presence of a piece of metal in the product, which, if consumed, may result in a safety hazard. The health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority. This recall is being initiated as a precautionary measure; no injuries have been reported.

Specific products impacted by this recall include the following MadeGood products: Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, Mixed Berry Granola Bars, Strawberry Granola Bars, Cookies & Crème Granola Bars, Chocolate Banana Granola Bars, Chocolate Drizzled Birthday Cake Granola Bars, Chocolate Drizzled Cookie Crumble Granola Bars, and Chocolate Drizzled Vanilla Granola Bars. Recalled products were produced between January and November 2024 and distributed throughout Canada, the United States, and other international markets. Product UPCs and best-by dates included in the recall can be found on the website madegoodfoods.com.

Riverside has conducted an extensive investigation of where the recalled products were manufactured and has identified the source of the issue in the manufacturing process. The company has remediated the issue and tested the new processes to ensure that any future risk is fully mitigated.

The company is conducting the voluntary recall with the knowledge of regulatory authorities and working closely with retailers for the removal of recalled products from store shelves.

Consumers who have purchased these products are asked to check them against the list and return the recalled product to the store where they bought it for a full refund.

The health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority. If you have questions regarding the recall, please contact the MadeGood Consumer Hotline at 855-215-5695 between 8am and 5pm EST. For more information, visit the MadeGood website.

Impacted product list can be found below:

December 9, 2024 – Voluntary Recalled Products:

*Items with a Z after the Best By Date are excluded from this recall [e.g., 10/14/2025 Z].

Product Description 

Size 

UPC 

Best By Date* 

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

34oz (40 bars)

X002FK5HCF

10687456216451

05/03/2025 up to and including
12/06/2025

05/03/2025; 10/12/2025

53.55 oz (63 bars)

10687456216055

08/05/2025; 10/25/2025

5.1oz (6 bars)

687456213057

05/03/2025 up to and including
01/16/2026 and 02/01/2026

10.2oz (12 bars)

687456214115

05/10/2025; 05/11/2025; 06/13/2025;
06/28/2025; 06/29/2025; 07/01/2025;
07/05/2025; 07/06/2025; 07/07/2025;
08/04/2025; 08/05/2025; 09/09/2025;
09/10/2025; 09/22/2025; 09/232025;
10/12/2025; 10/13/2025; 12/19/2025;
12/20/2025; 12/21/2025; 12/22/2025;
01/11/2026; 01/12/2026; 01/13/2026;
02/07/2026; 02/08/2026; 02/21/2026

20.4oz (24 bars)

687456215587

05/10/2025 up to and including
02/21/2026 and 02/25/2026;

5.1oz (6 bars)

00687456215792

02/01/2026

Chocolate
Banana Granola
Bars

5.1oz (6 bars)

687456213088

05/11/2025 up to and including
01/17/2026

Mixed Berry
Granola Bars

34oz (40 bars)

X002FK87OZ

10/04/2025; 11/23/2025; 11/24/2025

10687456216475

10/04/2025; 11/24/2025

5.1oz (6 bars)

687456213064

05/22/2025 up to and including
12/30/2025 and 02/11/2026

5.1oz (6 bars)

00687456215808

07/19/2025; 09/08/2025; 09/16/2025;
01/19/2026

Strawberry Granola Bars

30.6oz (36 bars)

X00485O4XN

09/06/2025; 10/03/2025; 11/22/2025

5.1oz (6 bars)

30.6oz (36 bars)

09/06/2025; 10/03/2025; 11/22/2025;
01/18/2026;

Cookies &
Creme Granola
Bars

30.6oz (36 bars)

X002H3FXVZ

05/29/2025 up to and including
10/27/2025

5.1oz (6 bars)

687456213743

05/29/2025 up to and including
12/26/2025 and 02/10/2026

Halloween
Chocolate Chip
Granola Mini
Bars

12.6oz (30 bars)

687456216508

11/02/2025; 11/03/2025

Chocolate
Drizzled
Birthday Cake
Granola Bars

25.5oz (30 bars)

X002SSIRIF

01/09/2025 up to and including
06/16/2025

4.2oz (5 bars)

687456214160

01/09/2025 up to and including
09/21/2025

17oz (20 bars)

687456215594

03/05/2025 up to and including
07/25/2025

8.5oz (10 bars)

687456215709

01/09/2025 up to and including
09/04/2025

4.2oz (5 bars)

00687456215815

04/25/2025; 08/29/2025; 05/17/2025

Chocolate
Drizzled Cookie
Crumble
Granola Bars

4.2oz (5 bars)

687456214177

01/04/2025 up to and including
09/15/2025

25.5oz (30 bars)

X002SSOR5H

01/05/2025 up to and including
06/02/2025

Chocolate
Drizzled
Granola Bars
Variety Pack

25.5oz (30 bars)

X002SSNEF1

01/05/2025 up to and including
07/12/2025

Holiday
Sprinkles
Chocolate
Drizzled
Granola Mini
Bars

10.5oz (25 bars)

687456214696

08/15/2025; 08/22/2025

Chocolate
Drizzled Vanilla
Granola Bars

25.5oz (30 bars)

X002SSLE1R

02/14/2025; 03/08/2025; 05/10/2025;
06/25/2025

4.2oz (5 bars)

687456214153

02/14/2025 up to and including
08/06/2025 and 09/17/2025

MadeGood
Variety Pack

37 count

X0043RL9KR

12/12/2024 up to and including
07/16/2025

7 count

B079LY41VY

02/17/2025; 02/22/2025; 03/24/2025;
03/25/2025

 

Find More FDA Food Safety Recalls

Up & Away: Keeping Your Medicine Out of Reach From Children

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toddler reaching for medication in bathroom

Each year, approximately 35,000 young children are rushed to emergency rooms due to accidental medication poisoning. Often, these incidents occur when medicines are left within a child’s reach. As caregivers, parents, and guardians, understanding proper medication storage is essential for protecting the health and safety of children.

The “Up & Away” Initiative

The “Up & Away” campaign, spearheaded by PROTECT in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to reduce the number of children who accidentally ingest medications. This initiative provides practical tips for ensuring that medications and vitamins are stored securely and kept out of sight and reach of curious little hands.

Tips for Properly Storing Medications

Here are some key recommendations from the “Up & Away” initiative:

  • Store Medications Out of Reach and Sight
    Keep all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, in high and secure locations. Ensure these storage spots are beyond the reach of children and out of their line of sight.
  • Lock It Up
    If possible, use childproof locks or containers to store medications. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent accidental access.
  • Be Cautious During the Holidays
    The holidays often involve hosting guests or visiting other homes. Be mindful of where purses, bags, or coats containing medications are placed. Encourage guests to store these items up and away when visiting your home, and practice the same precautions when you’re a guest in someone else’s home.
  • Teach Medicine Safety
    It’s crucial to educate children about the role of medication. Explain that medicine is not candy and should only be taken when given by a responsible adult. Avoid using phrases that compare medicine to treats, even if children dislike taking it.
  • Be Prepared for Emergencies
    Store the Poison Control hotline (1-800-222-1222) in your phone and ensure it’s easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Establishing Safe Habits

Creating a safe environment for children goes beyond physical precautions; it involves fostering an understanding of safety from a young age. Encouraging open conversations about the purpose and proper use of medications can help children develop respect for these substances as they grow.

For additional tips and resources, visit the “Up & Away” campaign website at UpandAway.org.

DPH: Make Sure Your Child’s Vaccinations are Up to Date

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happy vaccinated child

With 2025 just around the corner, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding parents to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date.

The good news is that Connecticut school immunization rates are rebounding. The percentage of Connecticut kindergarten students receiving the required measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023–2024 school year is 97.7%. This is an increase of 0.4% from the previous year. Among schools with more than 30 kindergarten students, compared with last year, there was a 3% increase in the number of schools with MMR vaccination rates at or above 95%. Parents and the public can access information on immunization completion rates for schools in Connecticut by visiting data.ct.gov and typing in school immunization survey data.

“It’s important for parents to check with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “If parents have any questions or concerns about vaccinating their children, they should discuss them with their child’s primary care provider. We want to make sure every child attending school in Connecticut is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.”

Earlier this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Connecticut medical exemptions went up 0.1% and non-medical exemptions went down 0.4% from the 2022–2023 to 2023–2024 school years.

Additionally, coverage rates for Connecticut kindergartners increased from the 2022–2023 to 2023–2024 school years and remain above the national average.

High vaccination rates protect not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot or have not been vaccinated. This is called herd immunity. Schools that achieve herd immunity reduce the risk of outbreaks. High vaccination rates at schools are especially important for medically fragile children.

Some children have conditions that affect their immunity, such as illnesses that require chemotherapy. These children cannot be safely vaccinated, and, at the same time, they are less able to fight off illness when they are infected. They depend on herd immunity for their health and their lives.

“School attendance is foundational to learning and academic success, as well as to supporting students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “Ensuring students are healthy and ready to learn from the first day of school is critical, and immunizations are one of the many important tools that help create safe and supportive learning environments for all.”

Uncas Health District Has Flu Vaccines

Flu Shots are available through Uncas Health District. Vaccines are available through our Mobile Health Team or by appointment. To schedule, simply call 860-823-1189

There are still plenty of vaccine doses available, and flu shots are free for individuals with the following insurance plans:

  • Anthem BC/BS
  • Cigna
  • ConnectiCare
  • Medicare
  • TriCare
  • UnitedHealthCare

Thanks to a donation, individuals without insurance or with other insurance can also receive their flu vaccine at no cost this season. Normally, the standard-dose flu vaccine costs $20, and the high-dose flu vaccine is $65 for those without insurance.

Get Your Vaccination Record Online

To learn how to get you or your child’s vaccine record securely online, visit ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. The CT WiZ Public Portal is a confidential and free service provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program.

Anyone with questions regarding the Connecticut Vaccine Program can call 860-509-7929 or email [email protected].

For more information about vaccines, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html

CPSC Reports 154K Toy-Related ER Visits in 2023, 10 Deaths

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child chewing on toy

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to put safety at the top of the list while cooking, decorating, and toy buying. In addition, CPSC reminds families to take precautions, whether shopping online or in-person, to keep family and friends safe from common holiday-related hazards. CPSC’s latest Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report reveals that in 2023, an estimated 154,700 children 12 years or younger were treated in emergency rooms due to toy-related injuries, and 10 children died in toy-related incidents.

Other key findings from the report include:

Toy-related ER-treated injuries from 2016 to 2023

  • Decreased by nearly 5% for children under 15 from 175,600 to 167,500
  • Decreased by nearly 8% for children under 13 from 167,800 to 154,700

Non-motorized scooters 

  • Accounted for the largest share of injuries in 2023 (53,000) across all age groups
  • Are involved in more than one in every five toy-related injuries for children under 15

Toy-Related Deaths

The majority of toy-related death were related to:

  • Choking on small balls or crayons
  • Drownings linked to flotation toys
  • Entrapment inside a toy chest
  • Ingestion of water beads

Injury diagnoses

  • Lacerations were the most common toy-related injury for all ages
  • Contusions/abrasions and fractures were the second and third most common for all ages
  • Contusions/abrasions and internal injuries were the second and third most common diagnoses for children under 15 years old
  • Ingestion and internal injuries were the second and third most common diagnoses for children under 5 years old

“From online shopping to in-person gatherings, safety and protecting our children should be a top priority this holiday season,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “By being mindful of product hazards, checking for recalls and purchasing from reputable sources, you can protect your loved ones and ensure a joyous and accident-free holiday for all.”

CPSC is highlighting the following additional safety tips for safe and happy holiday activities including toy-buying, cooking and decorating.

Dangerous or Illegal Toys

CPSC, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seized nearly 1.6 million dangerous or illegal toys in fiscal year 2024. Of those, nearly 101,900 toy seizures were related to lead content.

Wrap your holiday with a protective bow with these giving gift safety tips:

  • Follow age guidance and other safety information on toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
  • Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys–and make sure that children use them every time.
  • Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3 and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
  • Once the gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous playthings.

Holiday Cooking

The largest share of the 352,400 annual residential fires are cooking related (45%), according to CPSC’s report on Residential Fire and Loss Estimates. Cooking fires spike on Thanksgiving Day with an average of 1,400 cooking fires – more than three times the daily average of cooking fires. CPSC data also shows that Black Americans have the highest rate of deaths from fire, nearly twice the overall rate across the population.

Prep holiday cooking with these tips for a safe and fire-free holiday season:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven.
  • Only fry a turkey outside and away from your home or other flammable materials. Never use turkey fryers in an enclosed area like the garage or on the porch.

Holiday Decorations

There are about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of the injuries involving falls. In the 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023), about 14,900 people were treated in emergency rooms due to holiday decorating-related injuries.

Keep holiday decorating safe, festive, and bright with these helpful tips:

  • Water your live Christmas tree and look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree.
  • Never leave candles unattended. Keep burning candles in sight, away from flammable items and put them out before leaving the room. Use flameless candles whenever possible.
  • Never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights and never overload electrical outlets.

Online Toy Shopping

  • Know your seller. Purchase toys from stores and online retailers you know and trust.
  • When purchasing toys and games online that contain small parts, balls, marbles and balloons, look for a choking hazard warning statement on the firm’s advertising page about these products.

Visit CPSC’s Holiday Safety Information Center for more holiday safety tips, as well as a sharable Holiday Safety video, poster and b-roll that show the serious risks posed by using a turkey fryer too close to the home, a dry Christmas tree, and burning candles near flammable items.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

Learn More About Lead Testing for Children

Flu Vaccines: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

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As December approaches, we are entering the heart of flu season. The flu can have serious consequences, especially for individuals at higher risk, including children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), observed from December 2-6, serves as an important reminder that it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu vaccine.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

Every year, millions of people in the U.S. get sick with the flu. For many, the illness can lead to complications requiring hospitalization or, worse, be life-threatening. Vaccination is the best defense against flu-related illness. The flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting the flu and can also lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Importantly, it protects those around you, including infants who are too young to be vaccinated and others who may be more vulnerable.

Unfortunately, flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, particularly among children and other high-risk groups. This year, it’s critical to ensure as many people as possible are protected, and National Influenza Vaccination Week is a timely opportunity to act.

Wild to Mild

Uncas Health District Has Flu Vaccines

Flu Shots are available through Uncas Health District. Vaccines are available through our Mobile Health Team or by appointment. To schedule, simply call 860-823-1189

There are still plenty of vaccine doses available, and flu shots are free for individuals with the following insurance plans:

  • Anthem BC/BS
  • Cigna
  • ConnectiCare
  • Medicare
  • TriCare
  • UnitedHealthCare

Thanks to a donation, individuals without insurance or with other insurance can also receive their flu vaccine at no cost this season. Normally, the standard-dose flu vaccine costs $20, and the high-dose flu vaccine is $65 for those without insurance.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. It’s especially important for individuals in high-risk groups, including:

  • Pregnant people
  • Young children (especially those under 5)
  • Adults 65 and older
  • Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)

Take Action Against the Flu

The flu vaccine is your first and most important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu. With the holiday season in full swing, don’t wait—get vaccinated today. If you’re ready to take action, contact the Uncas Health District for your appointment or visit their Mobile Health Team at a location near you.

Let’s all do our part to keep our community healthy this flu season. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones—get your flu vaccine today!

The Great American Smokeout 2024 — November 21

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Man breaking cigarette

Every year, on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society (ACS) organizes the Great American Smokeout, a nationwide event that encourages and supports people in quitting tobacco. This year, on November 21, 2024, people across the country are invited to take a crucial first step toward breaking free from tobacco addiction. Whether it’s cigarettes, vaping, or other tobacco products, quitting can significantly improve your health and reduce your risk for serious diseases, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

The Great American Smokeout provides encouragement, resources, and a strong community of support to help people quit. The ACS offers practical tools and personalized guidance, including tips for managing cravings and developing a quit plan. With the right support, quitting tobacco is achievable, and each small step leads toward a healthier, smoke-free life.

Additionally, Uncas Health District offers programs and resources tailored to help individuals quit tobacco, making it easier to begin the journey and stay on track.

If you or someone you know is ready to quit, consider joining the Great American Smokeout on November 21 and taking advantage of the resources available through Uncas Health District. Visit the ACS website or contact Uncas Health District for more information on programs that can help you make this important life change.

Public Water Systems Contacting CT Residents About Service Line Materials

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Woman filling a glass with tap water

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is notifying Connecticut residents who use public water systems for their drinking water that they will receive a notification from the public water system if their service lines are made of lead, galvanized (coated with a protective layer of zinc), requiring replacement, or are made of an unknown material.

If the service line is not in one of these categories, residents will not receive a notification from their water supplier. The service line is the pipe that carries water from the water supply main in the street to a home and/or building structure.

“I applaud the EPA and public water systems for taking these unprecedented steps to protect our communities from exposure to lead and other dangers in our drinking water,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “These rule changes from the EPA and the funding to implement them are vital to protect the public health of our
communities.”

Public water systems are required to notify all customers with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown material in their service lines and repeat the notice on an annual basis until the service line has been replaced.

The communication that water companies are sending to their customers includes:

  • Information about the material used in the water service line
  • An explanation of the health risks associated with these hazardous materials
  • Simple steps to reduce exposure
  • Information on the plan to replace lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown material service lines
  • Information about opportunities to verify the material of the service line, if the material is unknown

To support communities in identifying and replacing lead and galvanized requiring replacement service lines, public water systems are encouraged to apply for assistance through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Eligible projects include inventorying and replacing service lines from the public water main to customers’ plumbing.

For residents who have received a notification about your service line material, please contact your water company for more information to learn how they can replace or identify the material of your water line and find out how to test your water for lead. For more information about how to protect the rest of your home from lead, please visit
www.leadfreect.org