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Don’t Face Crisis Alone — Suicide Prevention Resources Save Lives

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As mental health challenges and crises — including anxiety, depression, substance use struggles, and thoughts of suicide — can arise unexpectedly, it’s important to know help is only a call, text, or click away. In Eastern Connecticut, Uncas Health District partners with the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a network of regional crisis centers to provide free, confidential, 24/7 support to anyone in need.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • Call: Dial 988 on any phone.

  • Text: Send a text message to 988.

  • Chat: Visit 988Lifeline.org for secure online chat.

All 988 services are staffed by trained crisis counselors who offer immediate emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. Studies show that engaging with a Lifeline counselor leads to feeling less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful .

Local Crisis Centers — No‑Appointment‑Needed

For those who prefer in‑person help, these centers welcome walk‑ins across Southeastern Connecticut:

You can also dial 2‑1‑1 and press “1” twice to be routed to regional adult crisis services—available 24/7 UHD_988_Suicide_Prevent….

What to Expect When You Reach Out

  1. Immediate Assistance
    Within moments of calling, texting, or chatting, you’ll connect with a counselor ready to listen without judgment.

  2. Resource Referrals
    Counselors can guide you to ongoing support: outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, peer‑led groups, and more.

  3. Warm Transfers
    If you need mobile crisis response or emergency services, counselors can facilitate a seamless “warm” hand‑off to first responders or on‑site teams

You Are Not Alone—Reach Out Today

Whether you’re experiencing a sudden crisis or ongoing mental health challenges, remember:

  • 988 is free, confidential, and available from any phone.

  • Regional centers require no appointment—just walk in or dial (860) 437‑4550.

  • Texting or chatting online may feel easier if you’re not ready to speak aloud.

For more information and additional support services in Eastern Connecticut, visit Uncas Health District at uncashd.org. You don’t have to face these moments on your own — help is here, right now.

Eastern CT Sees Surge in Tick Activity — Stay Safe and Prevent Tick-Borne Illnesses

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sign warning of ticks in the area

As we move into mid‑May in Eastern Connecticut, tick activity is rising. With warm, mild conditions replacing a short winter, our local environment has become prime real estate for ticks at every life stage. According to experts at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), including Dr. Goudarz Molaei, this year’s unusually mild winter and early snow melt have triggered an earlier and potentially more active tick season in our region.

Ticks thrive in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas where hosts like deer, rodents, and even household pets are often found. Outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and pet owners should be aware that ticks are no longer confined to late spring and summer. Still, they can be encountered year‑round, especially in seasons following warmer winters.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Reducing exposure to ticks is the cornerstone of tick‑borne disease prevention. The CDC recommends several key steps to keep you and your family safe when spending time outdoors:

  • Know where ticks live. Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.

  • Dress for defense. Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light‑colored clothing to spot ticks easily.

  • Use EPA‑registered repellents. Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on exposed skin, and treat clothing and gear with permethrin (0.5%).

  • Walk smart. Stay on cleared trails and walk in the center to reduce contact with vegetation.

  • Create a tick‑safe yard. Remove leaf litter, clear tall grasses around your home, and consider a wood chip barrier to deter tick migration into recreational areas.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

Despite your best efforts, ticks can still find their way onto your body. If you discover an attached tick:

  1. Remove it promptly. Use clean, fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure—no twisting or jerking.

  2. Dispose safely. Place the tick in a sealed container, wrap it tightly in tape, or submerge it in alcohol. Avoid crushing it with your fingers.

  3. Clean the bite area. Wash the site and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

  4. Monitor and save evidence. Keep an eye on the bite site, and consider saving the tick in a sealed container for identification if symptoms develop CDC.

Conduct Regular Tick Checks

After outdoor activities, perform a full‑body tick check. Key places to inspect include:

  • Under arms

  • In and around ears

  • Inside the belly button

  • Back of knees

  • In and around the hairline

  • Between legs

  • Around the waist

Showering within two hours of being outdoors can wash off unattached ticks and is an ideal time for a thorough check.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early detection of tick‑borne illnesses is crucial. Recognizing the warning signs can prompt timely medical attention.

  • Lyme Disease: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and the hallmark erythema migrans (“bull’s‑eye”) rash appearing 3–30 days post‑bite. Later signs can include facial paralysis, severe headaches, heart palpitations, and arthritis.

  • Babesiosis: Flu‑like symptoms—fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue—and in severe cases hemolytic anemia and jaundice.

  • Anaplasmosis: Fever, headache, malaise, and muscle aches, typically beginning 5–14 days after a tick bite. Severe illness can develop, especially in older or immunocompromised individual.

  • Powassan Virus: Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. Severe neuroinvasive disease may cause encephalitis or meningitis, with confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures—and transmission can occur in as little as 15 minutes of attachment.

If you develop a rash or fever within days to weeks of a tick bite, seek medical care promptly. Inform your healthcare provider of the tick exposure, when it occurred, and where you likely acquired it.

More from the Uncas Health District

Quit Tobacco For Good. Uncas Health District Launches Free Virtual Tobacco Cessation Program

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Hand releases a pack of cigarettes into a garbage can

Uncas Health District is now enrolling Eastern Connecticut residents in a FREE, science-based Tobacco Cessation Program delivered virtually via Zoom. Beginning Wednesday, May 14, 2025, and running for eight sessions over seven weeks, this initiative uses the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® curriculum to help participants prepare to quit, quit, and — most importantly — stay tobacco-free.

Program Highlights

  • Supportive, Science-Based Environment: Engage with a community of peers in a structured setting focused on lasting behavior change.

  • Comprehensive Quit Support: From preparing to quit to relapse prevention, every step is guided by trained facilitators.

  • Healthy Lifestyle Reinforcement: Learn stress-management techniques, increase physical activity, and adopt healthier eating habits to support your tobacco-free life.

  • Free Resources: Participants receive nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no cost, plus the Freedom From Smoking® workbook.

Schedule & Enrollment

  • When: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, starting May 14, 2025

  • Format: Eight 90-minute sessions via ZOOM

  • Who: Open to adults living in Eastern Connecticut

  • Cost: Free of charge

  • Enrollment Limit: Spaces are limited; early registration is encouraged

How to Register
Pre-registration is required. To secure your spot, contact:
Carolyn Wilson, MPH, CHES, NCTTP, CPS
Email: carolynwilsonwellness@gmail.com
Call/Text: 860-400-2072

This program is supported by the Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn More

Recent Cancer Report Reflects the Importance of Early Screening

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Every year, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer offers a snapshot of the nation’s ongoing battle against cancer. This collaborative effort from  the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides crucial insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and trends. 

From the public health perspective, this report helps highlight both the progress we’ve made and the areas where our work can make the biggest difference — particularly when it comes to the life-saving potential of early screenings.

 

Key Takeaways in Cancer Trends

The latest report paints a picture of both encouraging advancements and persistent challenges in the fight against cancer. One of the most significant positive trends is the steady decline in overall cancer death rates observed between 2001 and 2022. This sustained decrease underscores the impact of advancements in treatment, early detection methods, and prevention efforts.

At the same time, new cancer diagnoses among women grew steadily among women between 2003 and 2021 — largely driven by a consistent rise in breast cancer diagnoses. However, the overall mortality rate from breast cancer has been on the decline.

The report shows a profound impact in public health initiatives directed at curtailing harmful habits. The decline in smoking and increasing prevalence of smoking cessation programs over the past two decades has resulted in a significant drop in tobacco-related cancers.

Conversely, the report highlights an emerging trend of concern: a rise in the incidence of cancers associated with obesity. These include cancers of the female breast, uterus, colon and rectum, pancreas, kidney, and liver. 

 

Decoding the Data: What Cancer Rates Really Tell Us

Understanding the data from this report requires us to look beyond the numbers. It’s especially important to recognize that changes in cancer rates don’t always translate directly to changes in the actual occurrence of cancer. For instance, an increase in reported cancer cases in a community might understandably cause concern. However, this increase could actually reflect more effective and widespread screening programs. 

Screening programs are designed to detect cancers earlier, often at a more treatable stage. While this leads to a higher number of diagnoses being recorded, the early detection is also a significant contributor to better outcomes.

It’s notable how the overall rate of new cancer cases in the United States plummeted 8 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic disruptions making it more difficult for patients to see their doctor, it was more challenging for them to receive the screenings that could lead to early detection. New cancer cases returned to expected levels in 2021. 

 

The Power of Prevention: How Cancer Screenings Improve Our Understanding

Cancer screenings are more than just tests; they are powerful tools that significantly enhance our understanding and management of cancer. By proactively looking for signs of cancer in individuals who may not yet have symptoms, screenings offer several key advantages:

  • Early Detection: This is perhaps the most critical benefit. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage, when it is often smaller and hasn’t spread, dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
  • Identifying Precancerous Changes: Some screenings can identify precancerous conditions, allowing for interventions that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
  • Understanding Disease Patterns: Population-wide screening data contributes valuable information to our understanding of cancer incidence, prevalence, and risk factors within specific communities. This data helps inform public health initiatives and resource allocation.
  • Empowering Individuals: Screening programs empower individuals to take an active role in their health. Knowing their screening options and understanding the potential benefits can lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.

 

Your Local Support: Cancer Screening Services at the Uncas Health District

The Uncas Health District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community through various cancer prevention and early detection initiatives. We proudly offer resources and support for:

We encourage you to reach out to the Uncas Health District to learn more about available screening programs and how you can take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection. Your health is our priority, and early detection can make a life-changing difference.

When Should You Call Out Sick?

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April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, with a focus on what employers and employees can do to maintain workplace safety. One crucial factor that often gets overlooked is the importance of staying home when you’re sick.

Employees often feel obligated to go into work even when they’re under the weather, but doing so is a leading factor in the spread of contagious diseases. Remember that taking a sick day isn’t just about your own recovery; it’s an act of responsibility that helps protect your colleagues and the wider community.

 

Why Working While Sick Isn’t Worth It

The pressure to avoid calling out sick can be immense. People worry about falling behind on their projects and burdening their team. They’re reluctant to use up their paid time off. They may even think that taking a sick day will jeopardize their position, fearing that their employer will regard taking time off for illness as a lack of commitment.

However, the workplace allows for the easy transmission of disease, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and even the break room coffee machine all serving as potential transmission points. Coming into work while sick can cause much greater disruptions than taking a day off to recover by:

  • Prolonging your own illness: Trying to work while your body is fighting off an infection can hinder your recovery and potentially lead to more serious complications.
  • Spreading illness to colleagues: You might think you can power through something that feels like a moderate cold, but the same illness could cause more severe symptoms if it spreads to a colleague with a compromised immune system or underlying health condition.
  • Reduced productivity and errors: When you’re not feeling your best, your focus and cognitive abilities are likely impaired. This makes it more likely that you will make mistakes, be less efficient, and not produce your best work. The spread of an illness can amplify these same effects within your team, leading to a much more significant disruption than if you had simply stayed home.

 

Knowing When It’s Time to Stay Home

It’s especially important to know when something is a minor ailment and when it’s a symptom of something more serious. If you can maintain hygiene and manage your symptoms, such as taking an aspirin for a mild headache, you may not need to take a sick day.

However, your body will send clear signals when it needs a rest. These include:

  • Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, which is often a sign of an infection.
  • Persistent cough or difficulty breathing: These symptoms can be signs of respiratory illnesses like the flu or bronchitis, which are highly contagious.
  • Significant gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting or diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration and rapid transmission of an illness. 
  • Widespread body aches and fatigue: Feeling overwhelmingly tired and achy often means your body is actively fighting off an illness.
  • Known contagious illnesses: If you’ve been diagnosed with something like the flu, COVID-19, or norovirus, staying home is essential to prevent further spread.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s always better to take a day to recover and prevent potential spread than to try and push through and risk making things worse for yourself and others.

 

Working from Home

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines when it comes to sick days. The temptation to “work from home sick” is understandable. You might feel you can still contribute while resting intermittently, thus minimizing any disruptions at your workplace.

While remote work can offer flexibility, being unwell still impacts your ability to perform effectively. Ask yourself:

  • Can I truly focus and concentrate? If your symptoms are significantly impacting your cognitive function, you won’t be able to do your best work.
  • Am I still contagious? Even if you’re not physically in the office, you might still be contagious to household members. Pushing yourself could prolong your illness and potentially expose others.
  • Am I truly resting and recovering? Trying to work while sick can prevent your body from fully recovering, potentially extending the duration of your illness.

There might be instances where you feel well enough to handle a few essential tasks remotely. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between lightly engaging when you’re on the mend and trying to maintain a full workload while genuinely ill. Often, the best course of action, even when working remotely, is to take the time you need to fully recover. This allows you to return to work feeling refreshed and able to contribute effectively in the long run.

Learn more from the Uncas Health District.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough

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Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that has seen an alarming resurgence recently. Cases of this disease in the United States have risen dramatically; tragically, two infants in Louisiana have died of the disease this year.

This is a stark reminder that even diseases widely regarded as under control can rebound, posing a significant public health threat in our communities — especially to the youngest and most vulnerable. Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, so receiving an immunization is the best way to prevent further spread.

 

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The illness typically starts with mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. After one to two weeks, the most serious symptom emerges: severe, rapid coughing fits that produce a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person struggles to breathe. 

This disease is particularly dangerous to infants and young children. Since their airways are smaller, coughing fits can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, apnea (dangerous pauses in breathing), seizures, and even brain damage or death.

Whooping caught can persist for several weeks or even months, earning it the nickname “the 100-day cough.” Even when the intense coughing subsides, individuals can remain contagious for several weeks and potentially spread the disease to others.

 

The Importance of Vaccination

To protect against whooping cough, it is recommended that children receive either a DTaP or Tdap immunization. These are combination vaccines that also provide protection against diphtheria and tetanus. By exposing the body to harmless components of the pertussis bacteria, the vaccine helps the body develop antibodies to recognize and fight the bacteria if someone is exposed to it.

DTaP vaccines are given to children under the age of seven. They are administered as a series of four doses, starting at two months old and lasting until 15-18 months old. A booster dose is given between the age of four and six. 

 

Booster Shots

The effectiveness of childhood DTaP vaccines wanes over time, though they still guard against serious illness caused by whooping cough. Tdap is a vaccine given to older children and adults who have not previously been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that adults receive a Tdap dose if they have not been vaccinated against whooping cough, and that they get a booster every 10 years.

Booster shots are also recommended for adults who will be in close contact with infants, who are more vulnerable to whooping cough. Pregnant women are strongly advised to receive a dose of Tdap during their pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to pass protective antibodies on to their newborns.

Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on your whooping cough vaccinations.

Learn more about the Uncas Health District’s immunization work here.

Reducing Your Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which seeks to improve public understanding of issues ranging from alcohol abuse to impaired driving. It’s also a good time to be aware of the potential cancer risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

In January 2025, an advisory from the Office of the Surgeon General warned that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer. Some studies have also suggested an increased risk of other types of cancer associated with drinking alcohol.

With summer approaching — a time when nicer weather, holidays, and get-togethers often lead to more social drinking — it’s important to understand the connection between alcohol and cancer. By doing so, we can take proactive steps to adopt healthier habits.

 

How Alcohol Contributes to Cancer

Alcohol has long been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer — putting it in the same category as asbestos and tobacco. This is because our bodies break down alcohol into a toxic chemical called acetalaldehyde, which can damage DNA and increase the possibility of uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Alcohol can contribute to the risk of cancer in other ways as well. These include producing free radicals during metabolism that can damage DNA or other cellular components, elevating the risk of breast cancer by increasing estrogen levels in women, acting as a solvent that makes it easier for other carcinogens to enter the body’s cells, and impairing the absorption of essential nutrients that strengthen cells and protect against cancer.

Cancers that develop as a result of alcohol consumption are most likely to affect the following parts of the body:

  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Esophagus 
  • Breast (in women)
  • Liver
  • Colon and rectum

Some studies have also suggested that alcohol consumption may increase the risk of cancers affecting the stomach, pancreas, and prostate.

 

Factors that Increase the Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

While any level of alcohol consumption carries some risk of alcohol-related cancers, certain factors can significantly increase this risk. 

The amount and frequency of drinking is the most significant factor affecting cancer risk. The more alcohol a person drinks over time, the more at risk they are of developing cancer. What constitutes “excessive drinking” will vary based on a person’s physical attributes and health, but is generally defined as more than one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men. 

A standard drink is defined as 1.5 fluid ounces of distilled spirits (which contain about 40% alcohol) or five fluid ounces of wine (which contains about 12% alcohol). Twelve fluid ounces of beer is a standard drink when it contains about 5% alcohol, although it should be noted that certain IPAs and other types of beer have a significantly higher alcohol content.

The risk of developing cancer as a result of alcohol consumption can also be affected by:

  • Smoking: The combination of smoking and drinking significantly elevates the risk of several concerns, particularly head and neck cancers and esophageal cancer. The effects are often synergistic, meaning the combined risk is greater than the sum of the individual risks.
  • Diet and Nutrition: Since alcohol can impede nutrient uptake, the carcinogenic effects of drinking can be worsened by poor dietary habits.
  • Overall Health: Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or health issues, or genetic variations that affect how their bodies process alcohol, may be at higher risk.
  • Gender: Women tend to be more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of alcohol at lower levels of consumption compared to men, possibly due to differences in body size, metabolism, and hormone levels.

 

Risk Reduction Strategies

By making informed choices about alcohol consumption, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers. Here are some strategies you can adopt:

  • Avoid alcohol altogether: Since all alcohol consumption comes with some increased cancer risk, complete sobriety is the only guaranteed way to avoid alcohol-related cancers.
  • Moderate your drinking: If you do choose to drink, moderate your intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. 
  • Reduce drinking frequency: Consider having alcohol-free days during the week, or “dry” periods where you completely stop drinking.
  • Understand standard drink sizes: Make sure the drinks you are consuming are within the standard drink sizes and alcohol content levels.
  • Avoid binge drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time is particularly harmful and can increase cancer risk.
  • Adopt other healthy habits: A nutritious diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can all improve your health and reduce your overall cancer risk.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or your risk of alcohol-related cancer, talk to your doctor. They can provide personalized advice and support.

The Role of Infant Immunizations in Fighting Preventable Diseases

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When parents welcome a new baby into their lives, they know they are in for a whirlwind of new responsibilities — especially when it comes to keeping a child safe and healthy. One of the most effective ways they can do so is keeping up with a recommended schedule of early childhood immunizations.

National Infant Immunization Week, which this year is observed from April 21st to 28th, is an important reminder of the critical role vaccines play in safeguarding the health of infants and young children. Immunizations not only protect these children from preventable diseases, but also improve the overall health of our communities.

 

What Immunizations Are Recommended for Children Under Two? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have established a comprehensive immunization schedule designed to protect infants and toddlers from a range of serious illnesses. These vaccines are carefully timed to provide protection when babies are most vulnerable to these diseases.

Generally, children under the age of two are recommended to receive vaccines against the following diseases:

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): Usually given at birth, with subsequent doses by 6-18 months.
  • Rotavirus (RV): Given as early as six weeks old, with an additional one or two doses (depending on the brand) completed by eight months. 
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): A series of four doses given at two months, four months, six months, and 15-18 months.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Given as early as two months and completed by 12-15 months using a series of 3-4 doses 
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13):  A series of four doses given at two, four, six, and 12-15 months.
  • Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): A series of four doses given at two months, four months, and 6-18 months, with a final dose given between the age of 4 and 6. 
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): The first dose is typically given at 12-15 months (a second dose is typically given between the age of 4 and 6).
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): The first dose is typically given at 12-15 months (a second dose is typically given between the age of 4 and 6).
  • Hepatitis A (HepA): This vaccine is typically given as two doses, at least six months apart, between 12 and 23 months
  • Influenza (Flu): An annual vaccine is recommended for all children, starting at 6 months.

Parents should work with their pediatrician to ensure that they follow this recommended schedule, which offers timely protection against these potentially life-threatening illnesses.

 

Early Protection: Why Vaccinate So Young?

Administering vaccines to infants and young children provides critical protection when they are most vulnerable to severe complications from these diseases. Since their immune systems are still developing, they may not be strong enough to fight off these infections effectively on their own. For example:

  • Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications in young, unvaccinated children, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death.
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) can be particularly dangerous for newborns, causing severe coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and death. 
  • Hib disease can cause serious infections like meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and epiglottitis (swelling of the windpipe), especially in young children.

Vaccinating on schedule builds immunity before a child is exposed to these diseases, which in turn helps prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and long-term disabilities. Furthermore, high vaccination rates within a community create “herd immunity,” which indirectly protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns too young to receive certain vaccines or those with weakened immune systems.

 

Addressing Concerns

It’s understandable that parents may have concerns about vaccinating their young children. They may worry that the frequency of the injections and the mild side effects they sometimes bring will cause a child discomfort, and may want to wait until a child is older to vaccinate them.

It’s important to remember that early immunization offers substantial protection against preventable diseases. Any discomfort will only be temporary, and a child will suffer much greater distress if they contract one of these diseases.

Parents sometimes believe that it is preferable to allow a child to develop natural immunity to a disease, by catching it and recovering from it. However, vaccines allow a child to develop this immunity without the prolonged suffering a disease can cause. They also avoid the serious and life-threatening consequences that can occur as a result of contracting these diseases, including long-term health effects.

Unfortunately, misinformation about vaccines has circulated freely online in recent years, including the common misconception that vaccines can cause children to develop autism. This idea has been debunked by numerous scientific studies, and all vaccines recommended for young children undergo extensive testing and review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government (including the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to ensure their safety and efficacy. 

 

Vaccinating your child is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health and the health of our community. By following the recommended immunization schedule, you are giving your child the best possible defense against preventable diseases.

Learn more about the Uncas Health District’s immunization work here.

Uncas Health District in Your Community: Teen Outreach Program

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During National Public Health Week, we’re looking at some of the ways Uncas Health District works in the community — including how we invest in the future. Through a collaboration with Norwich Public Schools, the ASPIRE After School Program, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services, we work to bring the nationally recognized Teen Outreach Program (TOP) to local youth.

 

A Legacy of Positive Development

TOP was first developed in 1978 by Brenda Hostetler, a St. Louis school administrator. Originally, the program had a singular focus of preventing teen pregnancy. While that remains an important part of its purpose, TOP has since grown to offer a comprehensive way to support healthy, positive youth development. Reaching over 15,000 young people across 17 states, this program has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in nurturing the next generation.

 

Building Strong Foundations

TOP isn’t just another after-school activity. It’s a nine-month journey that equips teens aged 12-17 with the skills and support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The program focuses on:

  • Self-Awareness and Coping Skills: Helping teens handle peer pressure and make informed decisions.
  • Responsibility and Accountability: Encouraging teens to take ownership of their choices.
  • Healthy Behaviors: Exploring values, setting goals, and developing essential life skills and healthy relationships.
  • Safe Spaces: Providing a supportive environment for open discussions on challenging issues.

A cornerstone of TOP is its emphasis on learning through community service. By engaging in meaningful volunteer work, teens not only contribute to their communities but also develop a strong sense of social responsibility, cultivate empathy and compassion, gain valuable practical skills and experience, and boost their self-esteem and sense of purpose.

 

A Holistic Approach to Teen Well-Being

TOP’s curriculum-based learning covers critical topics, including reproductive health and sexuality, decision-making and problem-solving, communication and relationship skills, goal setting and life skills, and personal health and wellness.

Through facilitated group discussions, teens share their experiences, learn from each other, and build supportive relationships.

 

Making a Lasting Impact

Research has shown that TOP is associated with significantly reduced rates of teen pregnancy, decreased involvement in risky behaviors, improved academic performance, and enhanced social and emotional well-being.

By addressing the social determinants of health and providing skills that last a lifetime, TOP empowers teens to make positive choices and thrive.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Teen Outreach Program, please reach out to the Uncas Health District. Together, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential.

Uncas Health District in Your Community: Cancer Detection and Prevention

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During National Public Health Week, we’re highlighting some of the important work Uncas Health District does in our community. One of our key services is providing free, potentially life-saving screenings for individuals who might have trouble accessing these crucial medical services.

Cancer is a serious health concern, and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Early detection is key in the fight against this serious illness, and we’re proud to partner with the state to make these screenings available.

 

The Power of Early Detection

Cancer can develop slowly, which is why regular medical check-ups are important for identifying their symptoms. Primary care physicians routinely order screenings for their patients in order to identify potential signs of cancer and track changes in the body over time.

If cancer is detected too late, there is a greater chance that it will have metastasized, or spread to other parts of the body. When this occurs, there is a much greater risk of serious illness or death.

Early screening allows cancer to be treated before it can progress. This not only means that the survival rate is improved, but also that it can be addressed with less invasive methods that improve one’s quality of life during treatment and recovery.

Unfortunately, people may not think that these screenings are accessible to them. This is most likely to occur when someone is uninsured or underinsured, or when they have a lower income and do not believe they can afford medical services.

 

Making Screenings More Accessible

Uncas Health District is a proud participant in the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program offers free screening, diagnostic, and treatment referral services to medically underserved women. 

By setting up an appointment with the Uncas Health District, qualifying women can receive clinical breast exams, Pap smears, and mammograms at no cost. The services are available to qualifying women, including those living at or below 250% of poverty level or those who lack the necessary insurance to cover these screenings. Learn more about eligibility criteria here, and contact the Uncas Health District to schedule a screening.

The Uncas Health District also participates in the Connecticut Colorectal Cancer Control Program. This program aims to reduce disparities in colorectal cancer by providing free diagnostic services to identify signs that someone might have this cancer. The program is open to qualifying individuals 45 and older, including those with positive results from other colorectal cancer screenings.

 

Screening for Heart Disease

In our work with the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the Uncas Health District also helps identify potential heart disease risk factors. Women in this program can enroll in WISEWOMAN, which provides heart disease screenings for participants between the ages of 35 and 64.

A mammogram not only allows for the detection of potentially cancerous tissue in the breast, but also the presence of breast arterial calcification during mammograms. While this is typically not related to breast cancer, it can be a sign of cardiovascular disease. When breast arterial calcification is detected, it allows for early intervention against heart disease.

 

Take Control of Your Health

Don’t wait. Early detection can save lives. 

If you qualify for any of these programs, please reach out to the Uncas Health District today. Your health is our priority.