Latest Uncas Health District News
Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin and Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness
Warm, sunny days are a welcome part of summer in Connecticut, but too much sun and heat can quickly become dangerous. Whether you are spending time at the beach, working outdoors, attending a community event, or enjoying your own backyard, taking sun safety seriously can help prevent sunburn, heat-related illness, and long-term skin damage. Ultraviolet, … Read more
Pools are Cool — Let’s Use them Safely
Pools can offer cool relief on scorching days, a place for exercise and relaxation, and summer fun. But owning — or even using — a pool enjoyment comes with a big responsibility: safety. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 1-4 years old and the second leading … Read more
Fireworks Safety: Celebrate Independence Day Responsibly
As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks displays, cookouts, parades, and time with family and friends. Fireworks may be a holiday tradition, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries when used improperly. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a permitted public display conducted … Read more
HIV Testing Day Highlights the Importance of Early Detection and Prevention
National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27, highlights the importance of HIV testing as a routine part of preventive health care. Early detection is critical because it connects individuals to timely treatment, improves long-term health outcomes, and helps reduce the spread of HIV within the community. Advances in HIV treatment have made it … Read more
LAST CALL: Food Service & Salon Relicensing Due June 30th
If you operate a food service establishment or salon business in the Uncas Health District, your license renewal is due by June 30, 2026. In recent years, we streamlined the renewal process to make it quicker and easier than ever – all applications must be submitted online through our secure portal. How to File Online … Read more
Heat Season: Tips to Prepare for Extreme Summer Heat
Hot weather can become dangerous quickly, especially when high temperatures combine with humidity. During extreme heat, the body has to work harder to stay cool. If it cannot cool itself properly, heat-related illness can develop. Older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, and people without reliable air conditioning … Read more
Pride Month: Supporting Health, Belonging, and Prevention for Everyone
Each June, Pride Month offers an opportunity to recognize the importance of acceptance, connection, and community. From a public health perspective, these values matter every single day of the year. Good health isn’t just about medical appointments or test results; it is also shaped by whether people feel safe asking questions, supported in seeking care, … Read more
Men’s Health Month: Small Steps That Can Make a Big Difference
For many men, going to the doctor is something that gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Work, family, responsibilities, and the simple feeling of “I’m fine” can make it easy to delay a checkup or ignore small health changes. But Men’s Health Month is a good reminder that taking care of your health … Read more
CT DPH Confirms First Case of Clade I Mpox
Commissioner Juthani urges at-risk population to seek vaccination ahead of the summer travel season The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified the first case of clade I mpox in Connecticut through testing performed at the State Public Health Laboratory. The person with this case recently traveled to Western Europe, where clade I mpox … Read more
Cervical Cancer Prevention: Pap Tests, HPV Testing, and Vaccination
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening can find cell changes before they become cancer, and HPV vaccination can help prevent the infections that cause most cervical cancers. Together, these tools give women powerful protection at different stages of life. Most cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types … Read more