|
Health Matters
A quarterly publication of the
Farmington Valley Heath District
Winter 2024 |
|
|---|
|
|
Serving the towns of:
Avon
Barkhamsted
Canton
Colebrook
East Granby
Farmington
Granby
Hartland
New Hartford
Simsbury
|
|
|---|
|
Connect with us on Social Media |
|
|---|
|
95 River Road
Canton, CT 06019
860-352-2333
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
Flu, COVID, and RSV are all circulating in our community. What can you do to protect yourself and those around you? |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
What is the flu?
Seasonal flu is a respiratory virus that can range in symptoms from mild to severe. It can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and death in compromised individuals both young and old.
Why is getting the flu shot so important?
Each year there are millions of cases of flu illness, millions of flu-related medical appointments, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of flu-related deaths. The best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. Even when flu vaccination does not prevent illness entirely, it has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in vaccinated people.
Who should get a flu shot?
The flu shot is safe and recommended for everyone 6 months and older to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Those at highest risk of developing complications of flu illness, including people 65 years and older; adults with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease; and children under 2 years of age, should strongly consider getting a flu shot. Healthcare workers are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine when working with vulnerable populations. By protecting yourself, you are also protecting those around you. Those 65 and older are recommended to receive a “high dose” or “senior dose” flu vaccine that contains additional material to boost the immune response in older individuals.
When should I get a flu shot?
Adults and children should get vaccinated for flu yearly. It is optimal to receive the shot during the fall from September to November. Although the seasonal flu can circulate throughout the year, in the U.S., it usually peaks between December and March. There are special considerations for vaccination timing for young children (6 months to 8 years) that require two doses of flu vaccine, and pregnant persons when a provider may recommend an earlier dose.
|
|
|---|
|
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. However, COVID-19 may
|
|
|
|
|
attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States since 2020.
Who should get an updated COVID-19 Vaccine?
CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccines are formulated to more closely target current circulating variants.
Where do I find an updated Covid Vaccine?
Visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a provider site near you.
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV. In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but the timing and severity of RSV season can vary from place to place and year to year.
When should older adults get an RSV vaccine?
Adults 60 years and older should talk with their health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them. If you’re 60 or older, your health care provider might recommend RSV vaccination for you, especially if you have a weakened immune system from illness (e.g., leukemia or HIV infection) or from medications (e.g., treatment for cancer or organ transplant), if you have chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, or if you live in a nursing home. If any of those apply to you, you might be at higher risk of severe RSV disease and an RSV vaccine could help prevent serious illness.
|
|
|---|
|
From the Health Director: A Look Back at 2023
|
|
|---|
|
Recovery. Refocus. Recharge.
These are the words that best describe this past year as the FVHD team, like our communities, transitioned to a “new” normal following the waning of the pandemic. This historic event provided much to reflect upon, sacrifices and losses we all wish to leave in the rearview mirror but also experiences and lessons we have learned from. As I write this message, I am filled with gratitude for the FVHD team. Throughout the pandemic they were steadfast in their commitment, working long hours and weekends, taking on new challenges and supporting members of the community during the darkest of days.
Recovery has meant taking time to celebrate the many accomplishments of the past two and a half years. Weekly surveillance reports, regular updates to town leadership and partners, vaccination clinics, contact tracing, volunteer coordination, investigating clusters and more. While these successes brought a sense of pride and accomplishment, they did not come without cost as our physical and mental health suffered. While working to address poor mental health was a priority prior to the pandemic, we are seeing how isolation, uncertainty and fear brought on by the pandemic have exacerbated poor mental health in our communities. As a public health agency, our focus will be on how best to create environments that support good mental health while simultaneously breaking down the stigma that often inhibits early treatment.
Refocusing allows us to reapply our skills, knowledge and passion to the broader work of public health. FVHD completed a community health assessment that is providing the blueprint for our disease prevention and health promotion work. We have begun to engage community partners as we develop a community health improvement plan to address the health issues that present the most significant impacts on our communities. Poor mental health, substance use, overweight and obesity are among those priorities. By engaging subject matter experts and community members we will lay out strategies with a goal of reversing these negative public health trends over time.
If there is one thing that stands out most from our pandemic response it is the partnerships that were established and strengthened during some of the most challenging times. These partnerships recharge us as we contemplate the incredible things we can do together to improve the health of our communities. As we advance our community health improvement plan we are working with many of these community partners who share our vision for healthy communities.
|
|
Keeping Kids Safe from Lead - New Regulations!
|
|
|---|
|
Most cases of lead poisoning in children occur when a child is exposed to dust, paint chips, soil, water or other items (e.g. toys, jewelry, cookware, spices) with toxic levels of lead. Lead poisoning can lead to developmental issues such as decreased attention span, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and more. There is no cure once the damage is done, but lead poisoning is preventable!
No lead level is safe. To minimize harms caused by lead, the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) is tightening its lead regulations. Below is a summary of changes going into effect as of January 1, 2024:
- Children in CT must be tested annually from 9 to 35 months old, all children between the ages of 36 and 72 months must be tested if not previously tested.
- Laboratory venous or capillary blood lead results of 3.5 ug/dL or greater, in a child less than 6 years of age, are reported to the local health department. The doctor’s office & local health department will provide a required follow up venous testing date and literature.
- Beginning January 2024, a single venous blood lead result of 5 to 10 ug/dL, in a child less than 6 years of age, requires an on-site inspection & epidemiological investigation by the local health department. REMEDIATION IS REQUIRED
- Beginning January 2024, a single venous blood lead test result of 10 ug/dL or greater, in a child less than 6 years of age, requires on-site inspection & epidemiological investigation by the local health department. ABATEMENT IS REQUIRED & A NOTICE OF VIOLATION ORDER MUST BE ISSUED
- When the local health department receives a report showing elevated levels of lead (paint chip, XRF testing or soil) in a dwelling where a child less than 6 years of age is in residence ABATEMENT IS REQUIRED & A NOTICE OF VIOLATION ORDER MUST BE ISSUED
Prevention is the best solution!
Want to learn more about keeping your family safe from lead? Check out the DPH Lead Poisoning Prevention portal for information tailored to parents, landlords, homeowners, and more.
|
|
|---|
|
Steps to Safety: Preventing Falls One Step At a Time
|
|
|---|
|
Fall prevention and promoting healthy aging among older adults are central focuses of the Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD). Our organization has been actively addressing healthy aging and injury prevention through various initiatives such as conducting fall risk |
|
|
|
|
assessments, Fall Prevention and Healthy Aging presentations, and implementing the evidence-based program, A Matter of Balance. According to our 2022 Community Health Assessment, FVHD (26.1%) has a higher percentage of the population who have fallen in the past year than Connecticut (23.1%). Additionally, 33.8% of deaths from accidents in FVHD residents were the result of a fall, compared to only 22.7% in Connecticut. This data further reinforces FVHD's commitment to fall prevention programming in our communities.
Recently, FVHD brought together a coalition of Simsbury agencies, including social and senior services, fire, police, EMS, and the visiting nurse association (VNA), to address the high prevalence of falls and fall-related morbidity and mortality in this town. The coalition, Steps to Safety, aims to promote the safety and well-being of our aging population in their homes for as long as possible. When residents receive help from EMS for a fall, they receive a leave-behind card with information about the services offered by each member. These wrap-around services include home safety assessments for fall hazards, A Matter of Balance classes, access to the town medical equipment loaner closet, and more. Residents can also self-refer to the Steps to Safety program. Therefore, Steps to Safety aims to prevent residents from having an initial fall and for other residents to prevent repeat falls. The program aims to keep seniors where they want to be - home! FVHD is now expanding this program in Granby, East Granby, and East Hartland.
|
|
|---|
|
Urging All Residents - Test Your Home for Radon
|
|
|---|
|
According to the EPA Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Also, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are at risk of high radon exposure.
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks in homes. You can’t see it or smell it, but an elevated air radon level in your home may be affecting the health of your family. Sometimes radon enters your home through well water, so it may be important to test your private well water too.
January is National Radon Action Month. The aim of National Radon Action Month is to increase the public’s awareness of radon and promote radon testing and mitigation. Testing is recommended in the winter months.
Test kits can also be purchased from the American Lung Association of New England by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA or at your local hardware store.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L be mitigated. EPA also recommends homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk by lowering levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
|
|
|---|
|
Abby Johnson:
I am currently working towards my M.S. in Health Communication at Boston University Metropolitan College. My areas of interest within public health are health promotion and health equity. AT FVHD, I've been working with the community health team to develop the CHIP, specifically the mental health portion. This includes attending CHIP meetings, identifying gaps/needs of the community, and researching evidence-based/promising practices to be included in the plan. My favorite part of this fellowship has been getting to experience different aspects of the field of public health from all members of the FVHD team!
|
|
|
Jamie Dudyak:
I'm in the process of getting my Masters in Public Health at UConn after having gotten my Masters in Social Work as part of the dual degree program offered by the university. I love policy, legislation, and working with all sorts of different people towards the goal of better health and health equity! I'm also interested in mental health, maternal and child health, and policy change in the healthcare system. I've been helping the team with the community health implementation plan and I helped write testimony for a recent public hearing. It has been amazing getting to know everyone and their career trajectory that led them to FVHD!
|
|
|---|
|
Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays
|
|
|---|
|
Every year, as the holiday season approaches, people experience a mix of emotions, including excitement and anxiety. While some find it a time of connection and nostalgia, others may feel intense loneliness or stress. Setting healthy boundaries with yourself and your extended family can help ease the challenges and ensure clear expectations for everyone. |
|
|---|
|
Try some of these simple steps to try to reduce the holiday stress:
1: Prioritize your own self care
Take a little time to think about the things you need to do to ensure that you are feeling rested, calm, and supported. This is the time of year we often feel pulled in many directions, and trying to be everything to everyone can leave us feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and resentful. Make sure you eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water, ensure you are getting enough sleep and exercise.
Trying to maintain a schedule will help you feel like you can maintain some control over events and remember to schedule in some self-care time!
2: Set clear boundaries with friends and family
Setting boundaries can feel difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. A boundary is really just an opportunity to clearly articulate what you can and can’t do.
Take some time to plan out the holiday season on a calendar so that you can see at a glance when you have time to catch up with friends and when you need a self-care day or time to prepare for visitors.
Think about the tasks you need to complete over the holidays and clearly communicate how others can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask people to schedule in time to help you set up, clean or pack away after an event. This can offer others an opportunity to feel valued and supportive.
Remember to be clear, kind, and inclusive in your boundaries – and to respect other's boundaries as well!
3: Set some financial boundaries
The holidays can feel like a financial juggling act. So many needs and not enough to go around. If you feel financial pressure and anxiety this year, don’t let it ruin the holidays! Decide what you can afford and set some simple boundaries:
- Host a potluck holiday celebration and ask everyone to bring a dish or beverage.
- Suggest a ‘secret Santa’ style gift exchange so each person only needs to buy one gift.
- Set a dollar value per person and clearly articulate this to your family. That way, no one feels embarrassed.
- Opt for gift free events where you meet friends for dinner or an activity and that is the ‘gift’ you give each other.
Remember: Setting boundaries is an opportunity for you to clearly communicate your needs to others. Give it a try! You might just find it easier than you first thought.
Additional Resources:
Finding the ‘perfect’ gift can be stressful. Do this instead (apa.org)
How to Set Boundaries With Family | Psychology Today
9 Ways to Set Boundaries with Difficult Family Members - Cope Better
CredibleMind | Boundaries for Wellbeing
CredibleMind | Setting Boundaries With Family
|
|
|---|
|
Boundaries: Where You End, and I Begin
Anne Katherine
Boundaries empower us to communicate to others how we want to be treated. This seems so easy to do, but most of us struggle with knowing how to define our own boundaries and then how to enforce them.
Anne Katherine is a well-known therapist who uses decades of experience to illustrate the importance of identifying your own personal boundaries as well as how to communicate them to others around you. Readers will learn to identify both their physical and emotional boundaries as well as how to reinforce their boundaries when others are violating them.
Boundaries are vital to building healthy relationships as well as to protect our wellbeing. Some consequences of not having clearly defined boundaries may include hurt feelings, anger, animosity, or relationship breakdown.
This book is a quick and easy read with many valuable lessons and practical advice for re-examining our own understanding of boundaries.
Text block at your service. Replace this text with yours. |
|
|
The Circles All Around Us
Written by Brad Montague
Illustrated by Kristi Montague
Ages 4-8 years
A wonderful book about the development of the ‘circles’ that surround us in life, from the smallest circle that includes just ourselves, to ones that incorporate our families, friends, communities, and beyond. The older we get, the more circles we develop. Each circle brings us something new and special and offers us an opportunity to show kindness, compassion, and empathy.
Use this discussion guide to explore the concepts of the circles we belong to with your child:
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
The health department strives to prevent disease outbreaks and conditions that give rise to poor health, promote health programs and policies that support good health, and protect members of our community from health threats. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|