Free COVID-19 Tests Available Again

several boxes of COVID-19 tests

Every household in the United States is eligible to receive four additional free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests, delivered straight to your door.

You can order these tests at no cost, including free shipping, by visiting covidtests.gov.

Extended Shelf Life for COVID-19 Tests

Many COVID-19 test kits now have extended expiration dates, meaning they may still be effective after the date printed on the packaging. To verify if your tests are still valid, visit the FDA’s website for a list of extended expiration dates.

 

Additional COVID-19 Resources

National Public Health Week: Five Fantastic Public Health Campaigns

distracted mother driving son in car

As we celebrate the 29th annual National Public Health Week from April 1-7, 2024, it’s a time for both celebration and reflection. Over the past three decades, some really remarkable public health campaigns have emerged, leaving an indelible mark on society by fostering safer, stronger, and healthier communities. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge and applaud five of these transformative initiatives:

1. Safe to Sleep®

Safe to Sleep® (formerly Back to Sleep) encourages parents and caregivers to place babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The national campaign began in 1994, and shared critical information about infant sleep through PSAs on 6,700 radio stations and 1,000 TV stations, and collaborated with 250,000+ childcare centers nationwide. In 2020, there were about 1,400 deaths due to SIDS in the U.S.*

Learn more about safe sleep for babies

*Source: Data and Statistics for SIDS and SUID | CDC

2. The Heart Truth®

The Heart Truth

In 2002, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) created The Heart Truth® campaign, designed to raise awareness about heart disease as the leading cause of death in women. The campaign originally focused on women aged 40‒60, with an emphasis on reaching women of color, and has now expanded awareness efforts to educate younger women on the benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle. In 2003, the campaign introduced the Red Dress® as the national symbol for women and heart disease, and the campaign holds special events throughout American Heart Month each February to help raise awareness. Studies show women’s heart disease awareness has doubled since 2002, but it remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States.*

Learn more about ways to protect your heart health.

*Source: About The Heart Truth®

3. It Can Wait

It Can Wait

In 2010, AT&T® launched the It Can Wait® campaign to help stop distracted driving. The campaign urged people to pledge not to drive distracted, with 40M+ pledges to date. It Can Wait® partnered with schools to promote the pledge among young people and released a video series featuring people directly impacted by distracted driving. In 2019, 424,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in the United States, and distracted driving causes nearly 3,000 deaths in the United States each year.*

Learn more about recognizing and preventing distracted driving

*Source: Distracted Driving | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC

4. Hear Her®

Hear Her

In 2020, the CDC launched the Hear Her® campaign to raise awareness of warning signs for pregnancy-related complications and encourage better communication between pregnant people and their healthcare providers. The campaign has developed informational posters and handouts in nearly 20 languages and features videos of women sharing their personal pregnancy stories and how they got help. Hear Her® encourages everyone to listen to pregnant women when they say something doesn’t feel right because acting quickly can save a life. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States can be prevented¹ yet over 700 women still die each year as a result of pregnancy complications².

Learn more about signs of pregnancy-related complications.

(1) Source: About the Campaign (2) Source: PubMed (nih.gov)

5. The truth®

The truth

The truth® campaign began in 2000 by the Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation) and aims to decrease youth smoking. With messaging and marketing rooted in youth culture, the campaign uses provocative videos, digital media, unique merchandise, and “truth trucks” at sports and music venues to share educational information about the harms of smoking. Since its launch, the campaign has contributed to multiple research reports, funded prevention and quitting projects for underserved populations, and expanded its focus to include vaping prevention. Currently, nearly 3 million youth use a tobacco product of any kind.*

Learn more about reducing smoking and vaping

*Source: Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey | FDA

Flu Update: 52 New Cases Reported as Busy Flu Season Continues

weekly flu update
The 2023-24 flu season has been quite busy, and that’s continuing in late March. Last week, 52 new influenza cases were identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District, according to March 22, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 863 cases in the district.
Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 312 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 185 cases. It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.
flu season week 12 data

Even as we approach April, flu season is not over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Also Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

Reminder: Temporary Food Service License Applications Must Be Submitted 14 Days in Advance

couple ordering from food truck

As the warm weather approaches, we enter a season of outdoor events, festivals, and celebrations. From food trucks to music festivals, these gatherings are a beloved part of our local culture, bringing people together to enjoy good food, music, and community. However, behind the scenes, there’s an essential aspect that ensures these events are not only enjoyable but also safe — the permitting process.

At the heart of this process lies the Temporary Food Service License Application. These licenses play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of attendees, and their applications must be submitted within a specific timeframe in order to be approved. 

Temporary Food Service License Applications should be submitted at least 14 days in advance of the event. This timeframe allows the Uncas Health District the necessary time to review the application thoroughly, conduct any required inspections, and ensure that all health and safety regulations are met. It’s not just about paperwork – it’s about making sure that every event is held in a safe environment, free from potential health hazards.

But what happens if an event organizer misses the 14-day window?  Uncas Health District aims to incentivize timely submissions while still allowing for some flexibility. Temporary Food Service License Applications submitted less than 14 days but more than five business days before the event may still be approved, but the fee amount will be doubled. This additional fee helps cover the extra resources required to expedite the processing of these last-minute applications.

However, there must be a cut-off for applications. Applications submitted within five business days of the event will not be issued a temporary food service license. This is because there is simply not enough time to properly review the application, conduct inspections, and address any potential issues that may arise. While it may seem stringent, it’s a necessary measure to uphold the standards of safety and health for all event attendees.

This policy is reflective of our commitment to the well-being of our community. The Uncas Health District understands the importance of these events in bringing enjoyment and vitality to our neighborhoods. Still, it also recognizes the responsibility to ensure that these gatherings are held in safe and sanitary conditions. By adhering to these guidelines, event organizers play a crucial role in creating an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves without worry.

As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming season of festivities, let’s remember the importance of prioritizing health and safety. By working with the Uncas Health District and submitting temporary event permit applications in a timely manner, we can all ensure a spring, summer, and fall full of really great community celebrations.

You can find the temporary food service license application here.

Uncas Health District Fee Schedule

Think. Test. Treat TB: World Tuberculosis Day – March 24th

world TB day

Every year, on March 24th, we seek to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a serious but preventable and treatable infectious disease. This year, Uncas Health District is asking residents of eastern Connecticut to  “Think, Test, and Treat TB” —  understanding the importance of early detection and treatment to stop the spread of Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health threat. In 2022, more than 10 million cases of TB were reported worldwide, and 1.3 million people died from the disease. In the United States, while TB  cases have been on the decline, there were increases in reported cases in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, there were 8,331 tuberculosis cases reported in the U.S.

A Local Perspective

While Tuberculosis is a global health concern, Connecticut has done a very good job at staying on top of active cases — leading to some of the lowest TB rates in the U.S. In 2022, Connecticut reported just 67 of the nation’s more than 8,300 cases — with just four reported in New London County

Despite the low number of cases in Connecticut, it is important that people remain vigilant in the prevention of the spread of Tuberculosis. Much like the national numbers, the state’s reported cases in 2022 showed a 24% increase over 2021. Local health departments, such as Uncas Health District, continue to be excellent resources for those with questions or concerns about Tuberculosis. 

Think. Test. Treat TB.

This year, we are  highlighting three critical steps in the fight against Tuberculosis:

  • Think: Be aware of the risk factors for TB. These include close contact with someone with TB, having a weakened immune system, being from a country with high TB rates, and substance abuse.
  • Test: If you experience symptoms like a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, or fever, get tested for TB. A simple skin test or blood test can diagnose TB infection.
  • Treat: If you are diagnosed with TB, it’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to cure.

Latent TB Infection vs. TB Disease

It’s important to understand the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease:

  • Latent TB Infection: People with latent TB infection have the TB bacteria in their bodies but are not sick and cannot spread the disease to others. The immune system usually keeps the bacteria in check, preventing them from multiplying. However, people with latent TB infection can develop TB disease if their immune system weakens.
  • TB Disease: People with TB disease are sick and can spread the bacteria to others through coughs and sneezes, so this is why the “THINK. TEST. TREAT” message is so important to remember.

Early detection is key to stopping the spread of Tuberculosis. If you think you might be at risk for TB, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent TB disease and save lives.

Additional Resources:

Flu Update: Busy Flu Season Continues as Nearly 80 New Cases Reported

weekly flu update
In what continues to be one of the busiest flu seasons in recent memory, 79 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 15, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 811 cases in the district.
Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 286 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 174 cases. It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

Even though spring has sprung, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

A Springboard to Better Health: How Healthy Eating Makes a Difference

father and son making a salad

It’s National Nutrition Month, and what better time to celebrate the incredible power of food?  The choices we make on our plates don’t just affect our taste buds; they have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being.

This month, let’s ditch the fad diets and focus on building a sustainable, healthy relationship with food. By prioritizing nutritious choices, we can empower ourselves to prevent chronic diseases and live life to the fullest.

Healthy Eating for a Healthy You

  • Disease Prevention Powerhouse: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These play a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

  • Weight Management: Filling your plate with nutrient-dense foods keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing cravings and aiding in healthy weight management.

  • Energy Booster: Processed foods and sugary drinks might give you a temporary spike, but they often lead to crashes and leave you feeling sluggish. Healthy meals provide sustained energy to power you through your day.

  • Sharper Mind, Stronger Body: The right nutrients nourish your brain and nervous system, improving cognitive function and focus. Additionally, a balanced diet supports a strong immune system, keeping you protected from illnesses.

Making Healthy Choices Easier

  • Plan Your Meals: Taking some time each week to plan meals and snacks helps you make healthy choices in advance and avoid grabbing unhealthy options when you’re short on time.

  • Get Cooking: Experimenting in the kitchen allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore new flavors and get creative!

  • Stock Up on Staples: Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy essentials like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. This makes it easier to whip up nutritious meals on the go.

  • Read Food Labels: Don’t be fooled by marketing! Understanding ingredients and portion sizes allows you to make informed choices.

  • Make Small Changes: Start by incorporating small changes into your diet. Swap sugary drinks for water, add a side of vegetables to your lunch, or choose whole-wheat bread instead of white. Every healthy step counts!

National Nutrition Month is a springboard, not a finish line. By embracing healthy eating habits, you’re investing in yourself and your future. Remember, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a powerful tool for living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. So, this month and beyond, celebrate the joy of healthy eating and fuel your body to reach its full potential.

Flu Update: 45 New Cases Reported, Totaling 729 for Flu Season

flu-season-report
45 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 8, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 729 cases in the district.
Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 250 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 164 cases.It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.flu cases by age

Even though we are experiencing spring-like temperatures this week, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

 

Get the Lead Out: Testing and Screening for Lead Exposure

chid with toy in his mouth

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, especially for young children whose bodies and minds are still developing. Exposure to lead can have long-lasting negative consequences, including:

  • Learning and behavior problems: Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and decreased IQ.
  • Developmental delays: Growth problems and delayed speech and language development.
  • Hearing and vision problems: Lead exposure can even impact a child’s hearing and vision.

Unfortunately, lead is still present in our environment, and in Connecticut, this is of particular concern. Around 70% of the state’s housing stock was built before 1980, and lead paint was commonly used in homes constructed prior to 1978. This means the potential for lead exposure exists in many homes across Connecticut.

The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test administered by a healthcare provider. Thankfully, Connecticut has taken a crucial step by mandating universal blood lead screening. This means all children in the state are required to be tested at least twice between the ages of 9 months and 35 months.

However, while this initial screening is crucial, only about 60% of children in Connecticut receive the recommended two tests before the age of 3. This is concerning because lead exposure can occur at any time during this critical developmental window.

Here’s what you can do to protect your child:

  • Know your home’s history. If your home was built before 1978, consider getting it tested for lead paint. You can find resources and information on lead testing at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control-Program.
  • Schedule regular blood lead tests for your child. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child tested at the recommended intervals, even if you don’t suspect lead exposure.
  • Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure. While lead paint is the most common source, lead can also be found in soil, dust, and even some imported toys, foods, and products.

By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our children from the dangers of lead poisoning and ensure they have the healthy environment they need to thrive. Let’s make sure every child in Connecticut has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.

Flu Update: 90 New Cases Reported Last Week, Season Total Approaching 700

90 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 1, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 684 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 231 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 155 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

flu cases by age

Even though we are experiencing spring-like temperatures this week, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

 

 

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