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Thinking About Vitamin Supplements? Why You Should Discuss Them With Your Doctor

Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining good health, but that doesn’t mean taking vitamin supplements is always a good idea. Before you reach for that bottle of multivitamins, you’ll want to understand the role of vitamins in your health, when vitamin supplements might be necessary, and why talking to your doctor first is so important.

 

The Role of Vitamins in Your Health

Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies need in small amounts to function properly. They play critical roles in various bodily processes, including energy production, immune system function, cell growth and repair, bone health, and nerve function.

A balanced diet rich in whole foods is the best way to get the vitamins you need. Vitamin-rich foods include:

  • Fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and berries
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans
  • Dairy products or fortified alternatives
  • Nuts and seeds

 

What Vitamin Supplements Are Used For

Vitamin supplements can be helpful in specific situations, such as diagnosed vitamin deficiencies. For example, some gastrointestinal disorders or surgical procedures can limit the absorption of vitamins, and supplements can help address this issue. Vitamin absorption also tends to decline with age, and a supplement can ensure that you’re receiving an adequate amount.

Vitamin supplements can address increased nutritional needs in some circumstances, such as during pregnancy. They can also compensate for dietary restrictions that may limit your vitamin intake.

 

Why Vitamin Supplements Aren’t a Catch-All Health Solution

In many circumstances, a simple change in habits can be preferable to vitamin supplements. These might include starting a more vitamin-rich diet, stopping behaviors like excessive alcohol intake or smoking that can limit alcohol absorption, or even spending more time outdoors to improve Vitamin D intake via sunlight.

Vitamin supplements can also have other downsides, including:

  • The potential for overdose: Taking high doses of certain vitamins can be harmful, particularly fat soluble vitamins that are stored in the body and can cause toxicity. 
  • Harmful interactions with medications: Some vitamins can interact with prescription medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects.
  • Creating a false sense of security: Relying on a vitamin supplement can cause you to neglect healthy eating habits, which are essential for overall well-being.
  • Adding an unnecessary expense: Taking a vitamin supplement when you don’t need it means you’re wasting money on products that provide no benefit.
  • Varying quality: The supplement industry is not as strictly regulated as the pharmaceutical industry, so some products may be lacking in quality. 

 

Why a Doctor is Helpful in Determining if You Need a Vitamin Supplement

A doctor can conduct a blood test and assess your medical history, lifestyle, and diet to determine whether a vitamin supplement is right for you. This information allows them to make personalized recommendations — including the appropriate type and dosage of supplements — and to monitor your health to adjust these recommendations as needed.

Your doctor will be aware of any potential interactions between supplements and medications to avoid detrimental interactions. They can also determine whether vitamin deficiencies are a symptom of a larger health problem.

While vitamins are essential for health, taking supplements without consulting your doctor can be risky. Prioritize a healthy diet, and talk to your health care provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

 

Read more from the Uncas Health District

Save a Life — Learn How to Use Nalaxone

On April 9th, 2025, local health departments across Connecticut will be recognizing the second annual Save a Life Day. This initiative educates people on how they can recognize an opioid overdose emergency and respond to it by administering Naloxone. 

Naloxone acts quickly to reverse the effects of someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. With these overdoses becoming a serious public health crisis, the medication is now carried by first responders and becoming more widely available to individuals and businesses as well.

Here’s how Naloxone can save a life during an opioid overdose, and how you can learn more about using it.

 

Recognizing an opioid overdose

Acting quickly is crucial to reversing the effects of the overdose. Common signs of someone experiencing an opioid overdose include:

  • Slow or shallow breathing, or breathing that has stopped
  • Tiny pupils
  • Unresponsiveness to voice or touch
  • Pale, clammy, or bluish skin
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Slowed heartbeat

 

Using Naloxone in an emergency

Although it is available in an injectable form, Naloxone is typically given as a nasal spray. The medication acts as an opioid antagonist, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and quickly blocking their effects. However, it is important to note that this only works for overdoses of opioids (like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers) and not for overdoses of other substances.

To use Naloxone, simply follow the instructions on the spray. Once administered, you should call 911 immediately, since the effects of the medication can wear off and it is essential to get additional help. If a person does not respond after two to three minutes, a second dose can be administered.

 

Where to get Naloxone training

Pharmacists who have been approved to dispense Naloxone can educate anyone who receives this medication on its use. A list of these approved pharmacies is available at the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.  

Naloxone training can also be available through primary care providers or substance use treatment programs.

 

Who should have Naloxone available?

Naloxone is available to anyone who wants to be prepared for a potential opioid overdose emergency. This might include friends or family members of opioid users, or businesses and organizations in areas with significant opioid overdose rates.

If a loved one is using opioids, help is available. Visit the Uncas Health Department’s Harm Reduction program and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for more information.

How Checking Your Vaccination Status Helps Prevent the Spread of Measles

With measles cases rising across the United States, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently encouraged all Connecticut residents to verify their vaccination status. By doing so, people can ensure that their protection against measles is adequate and take steps to update their vaccination if needed.

As of March 20th, 2025, there were 378 confirmed cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions in the United States. These cases have led to one confirmed death and one death under investigation, and have overwhelmingly affected people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

No cases have emerged in Connecticut, and the state’s strong vaccination rate is a good step toward herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95 percent of a community has been vaccinated against a disease, helping to stop its spread and protecting those in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.

Here’s how you can check your vaccination status and see if you may need to take action to help strengthen the health of the community.

 

How a Vaccination Status Check Works

To check your vaccination status, you need to look up your medical records to confirm that you received a measles vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides an immunization portal to safely and securely check your vaccine status or that of your child. This system began collecting records for children in 1998 and adults in 2022.

You can also check with your doctor’s office to see if they have immunization records on file. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can potentially find this information from childhood records, school health departments, or past employers.

Since it can sometimes be challenging to find these records, a doctor can also order a blood test to determine your immunity to measles. The measles titer test measures the level of measles antibodies in your blood to determine if you have sufficient protection. 

 

When You Might Need to Update Your Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine was first licensed in the United States in 1963. Since 1971, it has been available as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide protection against additional diseases.

Your protection against measles is significantly dependent on your age:

  • People born before 1957: These individuals are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease during this time.
  • People born between 1958 to 1962: These individuals were born shortly before the measles vaccine became available. This creates some uncertainty over whether they contracted measles or received a measles vaccine, so it is recommended that they confirm their immunity.
  • People born between 1963 and 1967: Some people born during this period received a killed or inactivated measles vaccine, which was later found to be less effective against the disease. These individuals should receive at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
  • People born between 1968 and 1989: During this period, those who got the MMR vaccine received one dose. Beginning in 1989, a two-dose regimen was recommended after research showed that some people did not develop full immunity from a single dose. If you were born during this time, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you need to receive a second dose.
  • People born after 1989: People vaccinated during this period fall within the current recommendation of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection.

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is recommended that you get one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

 

Who Can (and Cannot) Get the Measles Vaccine

All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is also recommended for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally or to areas within the United States where there is an active measles transmission.

The vaccine can also be administered to adults who are unvaccinated or who show evidence of inadequate immunity. People who may be at higher risk of contracting measles, such as health care workers or international travelers, should ensure that they have been vaccinated and have strong immunity.

Your doctor may recommend that you not get the MMR vaccine if there is a concern that it might cause health complications. The vaccine is typically not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine
  • Individuals who have weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer, HIV, or high doses of corticosteroids)
  • People with active tuberculosis

Protecting our community from measles requires collective effort. By checking your vaccination status and ensuring you are fully immunized, you can help prevent the spread of this preventable disease.

For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Drug Overdose Deaths Decrease in Connecticut (But Challenges Remain)

The use of nalaxone can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses

Drug overdose deaths in the United States declined between 2022 and 2023, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While this is a positive trend, the CDC cautioned that drug overdoses remain a persistent public health issue and are ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

Nationally, the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. fell 4 percent, from 32.6 deaths per 100,000 people to 31.3. The decrease was driven by 20 states where the drug overdose death rate fell significantly, including Connecticut. This rate was largely unchanged in 25 states and went up in six states.

Although Connecticut’s drug overdose death rate remained above the national average at 35.2 per 100,000 people, this marked a 12.6 percent decrease from 2022. The fatal overdose rate in Connecticut fell for opioid-related overdoses and synthetic opioids other than methadone but rose slightly for cocaine and psychostimulants with the potential for abuse.

To see the CDC’s complete findings, click here.

Uncas Health District’s services include efforts to reduce harm from drug overdose, including a syringe exchange program, increasing access to naloxone to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, and connecting people with drug treatment services. More information is available here.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family From the Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can have serious health effects.

The measles virus has been in the news lately, with a major outbreak in West Texas and isolated cases emerging elsewhere in the United States. While people may consider measles to be a common and non-threatening childhood illness, the truth is that this virus is highly contagious and can be lethal — as shown by the tragic death of an unvaccinated child in the Texas outbreak, the first measles fatality in the United States in a decade.

The Uncas Health District wants to ensure that our community is informed about the measles virus and prepared to respond to it. Here’s what you need to know: 

 

Measles Symptoms

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Initial symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and can include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
  • A rash of flat, red spots starts on the face at the hairline and spreads down to the neck, trunk, and extremities.

Measles can sometimes lead to severe complications, including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis (brain swelling)
  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea
  • In rare cases, death

Who is Most at Risk?

Anyone who is not immune to measles can contract the virus, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include: 

  • Unvaccinated individuals who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
  • Young children, particularly those under 12 months old, who have not received their first dose of MMR vaccine
  • Pregnant women who can develop complications, including premature birth or miscarriage, when contracting measles
  • People with weakened immune systems like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those taking immunosuppressant medications
  • People traveling to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks

The Importance of Vaccination

Developing immunity to measles is the strongest measure of protection against the virus. People can develop immunity to measles by developing antibodies after contracting the virus or when these antibodies are passed on to them during pregnancy. However, the safest and most effective way to protect against measles is the MMR vaccine.

This two-dose vaccine contains a weakened version of a live measles virus, which allows the body to develop antibodies against the virus without the risk of more severe effects. The vaccine provides 97 percent protection against measles, and symptoms are milder in the rare case of vaccinated individuals contracting the virus.

High vaccination rates also have the beneficial effect of creating “herd immunity,” preventing the spread of measles through communities. This offers protection to infants and others who are more at risk from measles.

It is strongly advised that everyone who is able to receive the MMR vaccine do so. Contacting your health care provider can ensure that you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations. 

What to Do if You Contract Measles

If you or someone in your family develops measles symptoms, take the following steps.

  • Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room to avoid spreading the virus.
  • Stay home. Isolate yourself to prevent infecting others.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
  • Notify your local health department. This will help local health authorities to track measles cases and take necessary public health measures.

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

What you already know about smoking:
It’s bad for you • It’s expensive • It harms others • It seems too hard to quit 

What you may not know about quitting:
The most important thing to know is that YOU CAN DO IT. 

  • It’s easier to quit when you have a good support system 
  • Lifestyle changes and medications can make quitting easier 
  • There are strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy up to 12 weeks if not covered by insurance 

Learn how to stay smoke-free for good. Let’s do this together. 

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm starting August 2nd for 8 weeks via Zoom 

Register by calling Certified FFS Facilitator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist Janine Vose at the Northeast District Department of Health at (860) 774-7350 x.124 or email at jvose@nddh.org. 

This Freedom From Smoking program is a partnership of NDDH and the Uncas Health District 

and supported by a Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

Download Flyer Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

What you already know about smoking:
It’s bad for you • It’s expensive • It harms others • It seems too hard to quit 

What you may not know about quitting:
The most important thing to know is that YOU CAN DO IT. 

  • It’s easier to quit when you have a good support system 
  • Lifestyle changes and medications can make quitting easier 
  • There are strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy up to 12 weeks if not covered by insurance 

Learn how to stay smoke-free for good. Let’s do this together. 

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm starting August 2nd for 8 weeks via Zoom 

Register by calling Certified FFS Facilitator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist Janine Vose at the Northeast District Department of Health at (860) 774-7350 x.124 or email at jvose@nddh.org. 

This Freedom From Smoking program is a partnership of NDDH and the Uncas Health District 

and supported by a Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

Download Flyer Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

What you already know about smoking:
It’s bad for you • It’s expensive • It harms others • It seems too hard to quit 

What you may not know about quitting:
The most important thing to know is that YOU CAN DO IT. 

  • It’s easier to quit when you have a good support system 
  • Lifestyle changes and medications can make quitting easier 
  • There are strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy up to 12 weeks if not covered by insurance 

Learn how to stay smoke-free for good. Let’s do this together. 

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm starting August 2nd for 8 weeks via Zoom 

Register by calling Certified FFS Facilitator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist Janine Vose at the Northeast District Department of Health at (860) 774-7350 x.124 or email at jvose@nddh.org. 

This Freedom From Smoking program is a partnership of NDDH and the Uncas Health District 

and supported by a Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

Download Flyer Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

What you already know about smoking:
It’s bad for you • It’s expensive • It harms others • It seems too hard to quit 

What you may not know about quitting:
The most important thing to know is that YOU CAN DO IT. 

  • It’s easier to quit when you have a good support system 
  • Lifestyle changes and medications can make quitting easier 
  • There are strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy up to 12 weeks if not covered by insurance 

Learn how to stay smoke-free for good. Let’s do this together. 

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm starting August 2nd for 8 weeks via Zoom 

Register by calling Certified FFS Facilitator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist Janine Vose at the Northeast District Department of Health at (860) 774-7350 x.124 or email at jvose@nddh.org. 

This Freedom From Smoking program is a partnership of NDDH and the Uncas Health District 

and supported by a Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

Download Flyer Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program

What you already know about smoking:
It’s bad for you • It’s expensive • It harms others • It seems too hard to quit 

What you may not know about quitting:
The most important thing to know is that YOU CAN DO IT. 

  • It’s easier to quit when you have a good support system 
  • Lifestyle changes and medications can make quitting easier 
  • There are strategies for managing stress and avoiding weight gain 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy up to 12 weeks if not covered by insurance 

Learn how to stay smoke-free for good. Let’s do this together. 

Virtual Freedom From Smoking® Group Quit Program
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm starting August 2nd for 8 weeks via Zoom 

Register by calling Certified FFS Facilitator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist Janine Vose at the Northeast District Department of Health at (860) 774-7350 x.124 or email at jvose@nddh.org. 

This Freedom From Smoking program is a partnership of NDDH and the Uncas Health District 

and supported by a Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

Download Flyer Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!