It’s National CACFP Week! (March 10-16, 2024)

The USDA’s Child and Adult Food Care Program, (CACFP), provides nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults living in a variety of settings. Children who live at home, who are in preschool, who attend childcare centers, who participate in after-school programs and who live in shelters, benefit from the program. CACFP also provides healthy food to homebound adults and those living in adult care facilities. 

Founded in 1968, as a special pilot program known as the Special Food Service Program for Children, CACFP now serves nearly 5 million adults and children across the nation every day. Centers and sponsoring organizations receive cash reimbursement for serving meals and snacks to participants whose incomes are below 185% of the poverty level.

CACFP Week is observed in March, which is a National Nutrition Month®, an annual observance to promote nutritious food choices and encourage people to develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year, CACFP Week will be observed March 10-16, 2024. This year’s theme is “Eating the Rainbow.”

In 1968, Congress amended the National School Lunch Act to reach children in childcare programs. Throughout the CACFP’s more than 50-year history, the program has continued to update its nutrition standards in conjunction with the USDA meal patterns and dietary guidelines.

In celebration of the impact CACFP operators make in their communities, the nutrition programs at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), with the support of community partners, are hosting a week full of virtual events specifically for program operators. These events, along with a social media campaign are intended to promote and recognize the integral role the CACFP plays in supporting the health and wellbeing of all Virginians. 

VDH and VDOE, along with their community partners will be posting to social media using #VACACFP, @CACFPVirginia and @VDOESNP. Follow VACACFP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

To find more information about CACFP Week activities, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/child-and-adult-care-food-program/cacfp-week-coming-soon/.

For a list of participating CACFP organizations committed to providing nutritious meals or for more information, please visit Child and Adult Care Food Program.

World Birth Defects Day 2024

For some parents, the birth of a baby takes on a different emotion because their child is born with a birth defect. A birth defect is a health condition that happens before birth, and it can cause death or change how a baby lives and functions. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), birth defects are common. In the United States approximately 120,000 pregnancies end with a child having a birth defect.

Sunday, March 3 has been set aside as World Birth Defects Day #WorldBDDay. The Virginia Department of Health wants to remind readers that the Virginia Congenital Reporting and Education System, also known as VaCARES surveys and reviews birth defects in children under the age of two. Hospitals are required to report cases of birth defects to the surveillance system in hopes that the work will lead to changes. The goals of the birth defects surveillance program are as follows:

  • Collect data to evaluate possible causes of birth defects.
  • Improve the diagnosis and treatment of birth defects.
  • Establish a mechanism for informing families of children with birth defects and their physicians about available health resources.

 

For more information on birth defects, resources for parents and the surveillance program visit the Virginia Department of Health.

Rare Disease Day 2024

As an organization committed to public health, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recognizes the significance of Rare Disease Day. This day is observed on the last day of February every year. Rare Disease Day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases. It also highlights the importance of research, advocacy, and support for those living with these conditions.

Rare diseases collectively affect millions of individuals worldwide. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are over 7,000 identified rare diseases. New ones are still being discovered. While each disease may only affect a small number of people, the total impact is immense. Millions of individuals are living with these conditions across the globe.

One of the biggest challenges associated with rare diseases is limited understanding and awareness. Because of their rarity, many rare diseases are overlooked or misdiagnosed. This can lead to delays in appropriate treatment and care. Plus, the small patient populations make it difficult to research and develop effective therapies.

Our goal is to ensure that all Virginians have access to the support and services they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, regardless of medical condition. On Rare Disease Day, we stand in solidarity with those affected by rare diseases. Patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers all work tirelessly for the same goal. This is a day to celebrate the resilience and strength of individuals living with rare diseases. Learn more at the NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/

February is American Heart Month

As we settle into 2024, it’s a good time to consider new habits for a healthier year. February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and its partners encourage you to think about making a few simple changes to your daily routine so that can help you reduce the risk of heart disease.

  • Choose healthy meals and snacks.  Include a lot of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try some heart healthy recipes and check out the MyPlate resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • Make physical activity a regular part of your day.  Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, running, bicycling a week. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s physical activity page.
  • Take steps to quit smoking by contacting Quit Now Virginia, which offers free telephone or web-based counseling services and also offers Text2Quit support, self-help materials and referrals to local resources. 1-800- QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website.
  • Check your blood pressure.  Read more about ways to prevent and manage blood pressure. Here are some helpful tips for talking with a doctor to manage and check your blood pressure.

The CDC has awarded VDH two multi-million-dollar grants to address heart disease in the Commonwealth, named the CDC National Cardiovascular Health Program and the Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program. The two grants will establish the Virginia Cardiovascular Health Program, implemented and managed by the Office of Family Health – Division of Prevention and Health Promotion. The Virginia Cardiovascular Health Program unites state and local partners to implement and evaluate CDC evidence-based strategies to improve blood pressure control, reduce disparities in cardiovascular disease, and connect communities at high risk for heart disease and stroke to clinical and social services. For more information, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/heart-disease/

Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records Announces Top Baby Names of 2023, Other Interesting Virginia Birth Data

What to name the newest member of the family? It can be a nerve-wracking decision for new parents. Something out of scripture? A favorite singer or film star? A sports player or a Disney character? Virginia parents are choosing diverse names for their newborns. Today, the Office of Vital Records in the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) unveils its lists of Top 15 baby names for children born in the commonwealth in 2023, perhaps providing some inspiration for stressed-out parents-to-be.

Topping the list of the most popular names for boys in 2023 was Liam, while Charlotte was the most popular for girls, as it was in 2022. In 2022, there were 95,583 babies born; while the numbers for 2023 are still being counted, the Office of Vital Records estimates there were a similar number of births last year.

“It’s always fun to see what the most popular baby names will be in Virginia,” said Seth Austin, state registrar and director of VDH’s Office of Vital Records. “The inspiration for a name can come from so many different places, and no matter the inspiration, these new babies’ names will be central to their identity as they grow up and do great things in the world.”

Following Liam in popularity among Virginia parents in 2023 were Noah, James, Oliver, William, Lucas, Henry, Theodore, Benjamin, Levi, Elijah, Luke, John, Michael, Gabriel. Charlotte was followed by Emma, Olivia, Sophia, Amelia, Evelyn, Ava, Isabella, Elizabeth, Mia, Eleanor, Harper, Sofia, Luna, Abigail for girls in Virginia in 2023. And for your consideration, may we suggest “Virginia” as a suggestion as a little girl’s name if you’re expecting in 2024?

Office of Vital Records data also indicate the most popular 2023 baby names for the largest ethnic groups in the state: Asian, Black, Hispanic and White.

  • Among Asian babies born in 2023, Noah and Olivia were the most popular names. Lucas, Muhammad, Ethan and Alexander fill out the Top Five list for boys; Ava, Sophia, Sophie and Charlotte complete the Top Five list for girls.
  • For Black babies born in Virginia in 2023, Noah and Ava remained the most popular names from 2022. Amir, Josiah, Elijah and Legend round out the Top Five for boys, while Naomi, Nova, Serenity and Autumn fill out the Top Five for girls.
  • Liam and Mia remain the top names for Hispanic boys and girls born in Virginia in 2023, as they were in 2022. Lucas, Muhammad, Ethan and Alexander fill out the Top Five list for Hispanic boys’ names, while Ava, Sophia, Sophie and Charlotte complete the Top Five list for girls’ names.
  • James and Charlotte were the top names for White babies born in 2023, followed by William, Oliver, Henry and Liam for boys and Olivia, Emma, Amelia and Sophia for girls.

Half a century ago in 1973, VDH data shows that Michael and Jennifer were the most popular names for baby boys and girls born that year, retaining their top spots from 1972. James, Christopher, John, Robert, David, William, Brian, Jason, Kevin, Charles, Matthew, Richard, Thomas and Mark complete the Top 15 for boys’ names in 1973. Among girls in 1973, the rest of the Top 15 include Angela, Kimberly, Melissa, Amy, Michelle, Stephanie, Lisa, Heather, Mary, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Tammy, Crystal and Karen. Information about popular names in each of the 50 states going back to 1960 is available from the Social Security Administration by using its Popular Names by Decade tool.

Office of Vital Records data also reveals other interesting information about 2023 births.

  • The most births occurred in August with 8,426 babies delivered, but July 7 saw the greatest number of babies born on a single day – 332.
  • Fridays are the busiest day of the week in Virginia delivery rooms: 14,231 babies were born on a Friday in 2023; Sundays, on the other hand, are the slowest days of the week, with only 8,768 born on a Sunday in 2023.
  • There were 2,620 sets of twins born in Virginia in 2023, while there were 76 sets of triplets born in the state.
  • And on New Year’s Day 2023, 178 new Virginians came into the world.

The Office of Vital Records is Virginians’ one-stop shop for any number of personal records requests including birth and death certificates, and marriage and divorce records. The Office’s headquarters is located in Richmond at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite #101, Richmond, VA 23230; it is open to the public Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The vital records call center — (804) 662-6200 — is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public may also apply for a vital record, pay for it, and receive updates on the request’s fulfillment online using this tracking tool.

The public may also access Office of Vital Records services through their local health district offices and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Use this Health Department locator tool to find your local health department office; please call ahead to ensure your local office offers the services you need to access. Use this DMV office locator tool to find a DMV office near you; DMV offices are open for walk-ins and appointments.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) – first observed in 1999.  This day recognizes how HIV unequally affects Black people.

Black communities have made great strides in reducing HIV.  Yet, factors such as racism and discrimination may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV services.  Mistrust in the medical system may also be a factor.

NBHAAD is a chance to increase:

  • HIV education;
  • Testing;
  • Community involvement; and
  • Treatment among Black communities.

This year’s NBHAAD theme is Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.

We engage to talk about ways to better involve Black communities in HIV/AIDS efforts.  This can include:

  • Outreach programs;
  • Community partnerships; and
  • Working with local community members to promote HIV programs;
    • This can help promote HIV programming and talking about HIV/AIDS.

We educate by focusing on improving HIV/AIDS education among Black youth and adults.  This could cover the latest HIV information such as:

Lastly, we can empower by highlighting stories and strategies that have successfully empowered Black people living with HIV/AIDS.  Empowerment can be through advocacy, policy change, access to care, and support systems.

Read more about NBHAAD or find resources to share online from VDH or CDC.

Furthermore, if you or a loved one has questions about HIV or wants to be linked to local resources, we can help.  Call the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline today at (800) 533-4148.  You can also reach the hotline at hiv-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov.

World Cancer Day

February 4 is World Cancer Day. Why is this important? More than 10 million people die from cancer each year, and that number is expected to grow. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide.

We know more about cancer than ever before! Learn more about ways you could reduce your chance of developing cancer. At least 1/3 of cancers are preventable.

Not every risk factor is changeable, but there are lots of ways to reduce your risk.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk 

  • Choose a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight all help reduce your risk. 
  • Reduce how much you drink. Alcohol is linked with cancers of the mouth, bowel, and breast, among others. 
  • Quit smoking and using other forms of tobacco. Use of tobacco has been found to cause 15 different types of cancers! 
  • Avoid ultraviolet radiation, such as the sun and tanning beds. Take care if you must be outdoors. Stay in the shade, cover your skin, wear sunscreen, and do self-examinations.  
  • Get regular checkups and cancer screenings. Virginia’s Every Woman’s Life program offers free breast and cervical screenings. 
  • Talk to your doctor about HBV and HPV vaccines, which can help reduce the chance of liver, cervical, and other cancers. 
  • Lower your exposure to radon. Test your home for radon with an inexpensive test from the VDH. 

Join us on World Cancer Day and take a step toward reducing your risk for cancer. Every step reduces your risk.

Healthy Weight Week

If you’re concerned about some of those extra pounds added on during the holidays, you’re not alone. Being overweight can lead to chronic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. But the good news is that you can take control. Consider adding a few changes to your routine to take off those extra pounds. Not only will you feel better, but maintaining a healthy weight will result in you operating at your best.

  • Know your weight range
  • Stay active
  • Get enough sleep
  • Lose excess weight gradually
  • Make a healthy eating plan
  • Drink more water

If you need more help and some tips on how to get started, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, consider talking to your health care provider for added support.

Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month

January is Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month. We would like to remind you that while winter sports are fun, they can be dangerous, so taking the proper precautions can help you avoid injuries, like a TBI!

How does a TBI occur?  

A TBI can occur when an external force impacts the brain. This can happen if you fall or are hit in the head with a hard object. In addition to winter sports, other aspects of winter weather, like icy walkways, can also increase risk of falls leading to TBIs.

What are the signs of a TBI?  

  • Headache 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Confusion 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue  
  • Trouble with speech 
  • Blurry vision

How can I prevent a TBI?  

  • Wear protective gear, especially a helmet, when participating in winter sports.
  • Move carefully over slippery surfaces.
  • Be aware of changes in the weather that may affect roads and slopes.

If you suspect you or someone else has a TBI, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting fast treatment can reduce the chances of more serious complications.

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposures in Northern Virginia

January 13, 2024

VIRGINIA HEALTH OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL MEASLES EXPOSURES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through Northern Virginia when returning from international travel. Out of an abundance of caution, VDH is informing people who were at various locations, including Dulles International Airport on January 3, 2024, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 4, 2024, that they may have been exposed. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights. more>>