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/

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.

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.

National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month. But what is radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It’s naturally occurring, and you can’t see, smell, or taste it. It’s created when uranium in the soil, rocks, or water breaks down. 

Want to know more? Here are some facts about radon.  

  • Radon can cause cancer. It is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the first leading cause in people who have never smoked.
  • Radon seeps into homes through exposed dirt. This often happens in the lower levels of homes, such as the basement or other rooms in direct contact with the ground.
  • Radon exposure from drinking well water is low, but it can increase the amount of radon in the air.
  • Radon levels will be higher in the winter and lower in the summer. It’s best to test your home during fair weather.  

Do you want to know if you’re at risk? Are you interested in testing your home for radon? You can order an inexpensive test kit from the Virginia Department of Health. You can also view the EPA’s Radon Risk Map for Virginia.  

Would you like even more information? Visit VDH’s frequently asked question page.

How To Set a Good Goal for the New Year

New Year’s Goals and Resolutions  

The new year is upon us, and many of us will make New Year’s Resolutions. Unfortunately, many people have lost sight of those resolutions by the second Friday in January! This year, instead of making grand resolutions, try setting a few good goals.  

How to set good goals

  • Start small. Setting small, sustainable goals is better than setting lofty goals that are out of reach. You can always build on small goals as you reach them.  
  • Track your progress. Take photos of your journey, track your wins in a journal, or log successes on your calendar. Seeing that progress will help encourage you to continue when your motivation starts to wane.  
  • Tell others and seek support. Share your goals with friends and family, or look for groups on social media of other people who are working on the same or similar goals. Having someone to cheer you on makes hard work a little easier. 
  • Celebrate your successes. Success doesn’t only happen when you meet the end goal. Celebrate each milestone and win along the way as well. If you think of your bigger goal like a football field, you may be aiming for the endzone, but don’t forget that every time you cross a yard line, you’ve accomplished something!  

Great, let’s set some goals! But, now what? What goals should you set? VDH has some suggestions for you!  

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year from all of us at VDH.  

Safe Driving This Holiday Season

Holidays mean travel for many people. Keep yourself and your fellow travelers safe by following these tips while traveling during the holiday season.

  • Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road when you’re driving and use voice-activated and hands-free services if you must use navigation, make a call, or send a text. An even better alternative would be to ask a passenger to do it for you!
  • Use safety tools. For adults and older children, this means to wear your seatbelt. For younger children, this means to be secured in a car seat or booster with harnesses properly fastened. Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, these safety tools can save lives.
  • Plan ahead. Plot your route ahead of time and check the weather conditions. Check for road closures and other traffic delays, especially if you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area. Watch weather conditions, don’t drive if the roads are unsafe, and carry an emergency kit.
  • Don’t drive when you’re impaired. Ask a friend or family member for a ride or use a ride-share service.  

Following these tips will help make sure you get to your holiday destination and back home safely. It’ll keep other drivers on the road safer too.

Happy Holidays from VDH!