Latest Uncas Health District News
Fall Allergies and Asthma: Know the Triggers and Stay Ahead of Symptoms
Fall has arrived in southeastern Connecticut, bringing cooler mornings, changing leaves, and, for many people, a return of allergy symptoms. Ragweed pollen and mold can make this a difficult season for people with allergies or asthma. Cooler air and respiratory illnesses may add to the challenge. A few practical steps can help you recognize your … Read more
World Heart Day: Everyday Steps for a Healthier Heart
Heart health deserves attention long before symptoms appear. Routine checkups, regular physical activity, and healthy eating habits can help reduce the risk of heart disease and identify problems early. On September 29, World Heart Day serves as a reminder to make these preventive measures part of everyday life. Uncas Health District encourages residents to use … Read more
Flu Season Is Approaching: Why Vaccination Matters This Fall
As fall brings school routines, cooler days, and more time together indoors, it is also time to prepare for flu season. Scheduling a flu vaccine now can help protect your health before illnesses begin disrupting classrooms, workplaces, and family gatherings. Recent seasons have shown how much influenza’s impact can change from one year to the … Read more
Safer Home Cooking: Bringing ServSafe Basics to Your Kitchen
Food safety starts well before a meal reaches the table. How you handle ingredients, clean your workspace, cook food, and store leftovers all affect the risk of foodborne illness. ServSafe®, the National Restaurant Association’s food safety training program, teaches food handlers about personal hygiene, cross-contamination, allergens, temperature control, and cleaning. Those same principles are useful … Read more
National Preparedness Month: Be Ready for the Unexpected
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 … Read more
Safe Medication Storage and Disposal: Simple Steps to Protect Your Home
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help people manage health conditions, relieve symptoms, and recover from illness. However, medications that are stored improperly or kept after they are no longer needed can create serious risks-including accidental poisoning, medication errors, misuse, and overdose. Regularly reviewing your medications, securing those you still need, and safely disposing of those … Read more
End-of-Summer Health & Safety Checklist for Families
Summer may be winding down, but the transition into a new school year brings its own set of health and safety considerations. A little preparation now can help families start the fall with fewer last-minute surprises – and keep healthy summer habits going even after the backpacks come out. Before the season officially changes, work … Read more
Hurricane Season: What to Do if a Major Storm Impacts Connecticut
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. For your safety and the well-being of your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some valuable tips for … Read more
CT Reports West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes in 22 Towns
The State Mosquito Management Program is warning Connecticut residents about the increasing risk of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this season. So far, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has detected WNV-infected mosquitoes in 22 towns: Branford, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, East Haven, Fairfield, Greenwich, Manchester, Meriden, Milford, Montville, New Britain, New Haven, North Branford, … Read more
Keeping Young Athletes Safe from Heat & Concussions
As students return to school, fall sports are also getting underway. Soccer, football, cross-country, field hockey, cheerleading, and other activities bring important opportunities for exercise, teamwork, and connection – but the first weeks of the season can also present health and safety risks. Late-summer practices often take place during hot, humid weather, sometimes before athletes … Read more