Latest Uncas Health District News
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is projected that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and 42,500 women are expected … Read more
Fruit Flies: Why They’re Common in the Fall, the Health Risks They Pose, and Safe Ways to Get Rid of Them
As the weather cools and autumn sets in, many people notice an uptick in fruit flies buzzing around their homes. These tiny insects are more than just a nuisance — they thrive in the fall when ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and compost bins attract them in greater numbers. Understanding why fruit flies are so common during this season, the health risks they … Read more
Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Child During Peak Season
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. While it often presents as a mild cold, RSV can lead to severe complications in some cases, making it important for parents to be informed about when the virus is most prevalent, the symptoms … Read more
Why Early Fall is the Ideal Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine
As we transition into the crisp, cool days of fall, it’s the perfect time to think about protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older get a flu vaccine every year, with September and October being the optimal … Read more
Uncas Health District Offering Online Free Programs to Help People Quit Tobacco
Uncas Health District is offering a tobacco cessation (quit smoking) program to help adults quit using tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery (vaping) products. The program’s goal is to remove common barriers by offering quit aids, coaching, and social support at no cost. Programs are open to those who live or work in Eastern Connecticut. The … Read more
National Preparedness Month: Are You 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
DEEP to Spray for Mosquitoes in Area of Pachaug State Forest
While there have been no human cases of EEE in Connecticut so far this season, detections of EEE-carrying mosquitoes in this area remain high. While there have been no cases of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) in humans in Connecticut so far this season, the risk level for EEE in the eastern part of the … Read more
RECALL ALERT: Walmart Apple Juice Recall Impacts Several Eastern CT Stores
Walmart has issued a voluntary recall of Great Value Apple Juice due to potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic. The recall applies to 9,535 cases of “Great Value; 8 oz. Apple Juice in 6 packs; 100% Juice,” which was shipped to stores in 25 states, including several Walmart stores in Connecticut. Impacted Walmart Stores (Local … Read more
DEEP Announces Round 2 of eBike Incentive Program
The program seeks to improve Connecticut’s air quality and promote sustainable transportation. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the launch of Round 2 of the eBike Incentive Program, set to open for applications on September 17, 2024, at noon. This round introduces a new application process with a lottery system … Read more
DEEP Reports Case of EEE in White-Tailed Deer in Eastern Connecticut
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Rarely Documented in Wild Mammals; DEEP and DPH Advise Continued Precautions to Avoid Mosquitoes The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that a white-tailed deer that exhibited neurologic symptoms and died on August 12, 2024, in Lisbon, Connecticut, was infected with the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. EEE … Read more