Latest UNCASHD News

Summer’s Approaching — Let’s Practice Pool Safety

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toddler trying to get into the pool

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. Saturday is National Pool Opening Day, so let’s take a moment to recognize the importance of pool safety. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 1-4 years old and the second leading cause of death for those 5-14. Here are some ways to enjoy a backyard pool safely and cautiously:

Fortified Pool Area

  • Fencing is Fundamental: A complete fence, at least 4 feet high, should surround your pool entirely. Look for self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. Make sure there’s nothing near the fence that can be used for climbing, like chairs or planters.

  • Door Access: House doors leading directly to the pool area should have alarms or self-closing mechanisms. Consider a secondary fence with another self-latching gate for an extra layer of security.

Safety in and Around the Water

  • Supervision is Key: Never leave children unattended near the pool, not for a second. Designate a “water watcher” who stays focused on swimmers, especially young children.

  • Life Vests Save Lives: Children who don’t know how to swim well should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they’re in or around the pool.

  • Safety Gear at the Ready: Keep a life preserver, reaching pole, and first-aid kit poolside and easily accessible.

  • Poolside Playdates: Establish clear rules for pool use. No running, diving in shallow areas, or roughhousing.

General Pool Safety

  • Chemical Caution: Store pool chemicals securely, away from the pool, and out of reach of children. Always follow manufacturer instructions for handling and storage.

  • Maintenance: A clean pool is a safe pool. Regularly skim debris, test and adjust the water’s chemical balance, and maintain proper circulation.

  • No Electronics Allowed: Keep radios, phones, and other electronics away from the pool to prevent electrical hazards.

  • Be Water Aware: Don’t swim alone, especially after consuming alcohol. Know your limits and encourage others to do the same.

Following these pool safety tips, you can turn your backyard into a fun and functional space for everyone. Remember, constant vigilance and a focus on safety are essential for a worry-free summer by the pool.

Don’t forget: Enroll your children in swim lessons! These valuable skills can make a life-or-death difference in the water.

 

See: Information for Public Pools from Uncas Health District

Where to Find Free Narcan Distribution Boxes in Uncas Health District

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naloxone cartridge in woman's hand

In the fight against opioid overdoses, access to naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is critical. Naxolone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives in crucial moments of crisis. However, access to naloxone has been an issue, hindering its potential to prevent tragic outcomes. Locally, an initiative led by NLC Cares is making significant strides in addressing this gap.

NLC Cares, through grant funding, has installed more than a dozen free naloxone distribution boxes throughout New London County. These boxes are located in central areas, ensuring that naloxone is readily available when needed. Among these locations are four within the Uncas Health District, making this life-saving medication easily accessible to the community:

  1. Montville Old Town Hall, 310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville
  2. Taftville VFD, 134 Providence St, Taftville
  3. Matt’s Mission, 70 Main St, Jewett City
  4. Greeneville Fire Station, 446 North Main St, Norwich

The placement of these distribution boxes represents a tangible effort to empower individuals and communities to respond effectively to opioid-related emergencies. Each box contains naloxone kits along with instructions for use, ensuring that even those without prior training can administer the medication confidently.

One crucial aspect of NLC Cares’ initiative is the emphasis on education and training. While naloxone can reverse an overdose, knowing how to use it correctly is paramount. Recognizing this, the Uncas Health District offers training sessions to equip community members with the necessary skills to administer naloxone safely. These training sessions not only demystify the process but also instill confidence in individuals to intervene effectively during emergencies. Contact Uncas Health District.

The simplicity of naloxone administration underscores its potential to save lives. With proper training, anyone can learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone promptly. This empowers communities to take proactive measures in combating the opioid crisis.

Moreover, initiatives like NLC Cares serve as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in addressing public health challenges. By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging community resources, tangible solutions can be implemented to tackle complex issues.

Access to naloxone is not just a matter of convenience; it can be a matter of life and death. Organizations like NLC Cares are paving the way for greater accessibility to this vital medication, ensuring that no life is lost to opioid overdose due to lack of access. Coupled with education and training, naloxone distribution programs are instrumental in saving lives and building resilient communities in the face of the opioid epidemic.

National Infant Immunization Week: Protecting Our Littlest Ones

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infant receiving vaccine

Every year in April, we celebrate National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a dedicated time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This year, NIIW runs from April 22nd to 29th, 2024.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are one of the most successful and cost-effective public health tools we have. They work by exposing the body to a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria, which helps the body develop immunity without getting a full-blown illness. This protects not only the vaccinated child but also those around them, creating a herd immunity effect that benefits the entire community.

Focus on Staying on Track with Vaccinations

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of our lives, including well-child visits and childhood vaccinations. This NIIW, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) want to emphasize the importance of getting your child back on track with their recommended vaccinations.

Getting Back on Schedule

If your child’s vaccinations have been delayed, don’t worry! It’s not too late to catch up. Talk to your doctor about creating a plan to get your child current on their immunizations. Remember, on-time vaccination is critical for protecting against potentially life-threatening diseases like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles.

Access Your Child’s Vaccination Records

Visit the State of Connecticut Immunization Program here.

The CT WiZ Public Portal allows individuals who were vaccinated in Connecticut to access their immunization records, while parents and guardians can also access their minor child’s records.  Check your and/or your child’s immunization record here.

Together, we can ensure that all children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. This NIIW, let’s recommit to staying on track with childhood immunizations.

Uncas Health District Offering Free Gun Locks to Promote Firearm Safety

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gun lock

Uncas Health District is committed to promoting safety in our community, including firearm safety. We are pleased to announce that we are offering free gun locks to residents while supplies last.

Gun safety is critical for everyone. Each year, nearly 500 people die from unintentional firearm injuries. These tragedies can often be prevented with proper storage and handling of firearms.

One study found that the most common reasons for unintentional gun deaths include:

  • Playing with a gun (28%) – This highlights the importance of keeping firearms out of the reach of children.
  • Believing the gun was not loaded (17%) – Always double-check that a firearm is unloaded before storing it.
  • Hunting accidents (14%) – Proper gun handling and safety training are essential during hunting seasons.

Gun locks are a simple and effective way to help prevent these accidents. They provide an extra layer of security by making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access and fire a weapon.

Free Gun Locks Available

Uncas Health District is offering free gun locks to residents.  These locks are a valuable tool for promoting gun safety in your home.  Supplies are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

How to Get Your Free Gun Lock

To arrange to pick up your free gun lock, please contact Connie at Uncas Health District at 860-823-1189 (x122) or visit us during regular business hours.

CDC Statistics on Firearm Injuries and Deaths

Flu Update: 51 New Cases Reported in First Week of April

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Flu Update - April 6, 2024
2023-24 continues to be a busy flu season, as 51 new influenza cases were identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District, according to April 6, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 987 cases in the district.
Those aged 18-49 represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 379 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 208 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 Reporting Numbers

To help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses, please 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

Ticked Off — Your Guide to Tick Removal and Lyme Disease Prevention

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tick on a blade of grass

Living in Connecticut, we all cherish our state’s natural beauty. But with those scenic woodlands and brushy fields comes a potential health threat: ticks. These tiny arachnids can transmit Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Did you know that in Connecticut alone, an estimated 30,000 people contract Lyme disease each year? That’s a significant number, highlighting the importance of awareness and preventive measures.

The danger lies not just in the prevalence of ticks but also in the possibility of them carrying Lyme disease. While not all ticks are infected, about 30% of ticks in Connecticut can transmit the bacteria. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause a range of health problems, from fatigue and joint pain to neurological issues and heart complications.

Minimizing Your Risk

So, how can you minimize your risk of encountering ticks and Lyme disease? Here are some key strategies:

  • Dress for Defense: Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when spending time outdoors. Tuck your pants into your socks for added protection.
  • Repel the Threat: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on your clothing and exposed skin. Follow product instructions carefully.
  • Mind Your Surroundings: Stick to cleared trails and avoid tall grass and brushy areas where ticks are more likely to be present.

What to Do if You Find a Tick

Now, imagine you find a tick attached to your skin. Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

  1. Remove Carefully: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near its head and gently pull it straight out. Avoid squeezing the body, as this can increase the risk of infection.
  2. Clean and Monitor: Disinfect the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Keep an eye on the bite for the next few weeks, looking for the telltale “bullseye” rash, a circular red mark that expands over time.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or the bullseye rash, consult your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery.

If you find a tick and safely remove it, the tick can be brought to Uncas Health District for free testing. This helps public health officials track tick populations and Lyme disease prevalence in the area.

Remember, in Connecticut and across the U.S., Lyme disease is a significant public health concern. By following these preventive measures and taking prompt action in case of a tick bite, we can all play a role in protecting ourselves and our community. So stay vigilant, enjoy the outdoors responsibly, and let’s all have a safe and healthy summer.

National Public Health Week: Five Fantastic Public Health Campaigns

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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

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

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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

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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:

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