Virginia Taking Steps to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes

This month, Virginia is observing Maternal Health Awareness Month by setting aside the month to bring attention to the need to improve the health of babies and their mothers. While Virginia has made progress, cases of adverse maternal and birth outcomes are high, and are rising for Black women.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, Black women were three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than White women. Poor health outcomes are caused by several factors such as lack of care coordination, limited access to health care, nutrition, and challenges with managing chronic diseases.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recently unveiled a Maternal and Child Health data dashboard. The dashboard displays metrics on preterm births, birth weight, infant mortality, prenatal care, and maternal smoking, and is sortable by year, health district, locality, and race/ethnicity.  The dashboard will help VDH monitor the health of communities which will result in the agency and its partners creating or enhancing programs and initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Last month, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order to reestablish the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures. The effort involves partnerships with agencies, organizations, and individuals focused on maternal and child health. The Task Force will bring these partners together to review data collection processes and provide recommendations that will help to improve our ability to track state performance and identify areas for intervention, with the goal to address those differences in maternal outcomes.

Seeking Sun Safety Suggestions? VDH Has the Answers.

The extreme heat that we are experiencing this summer is only one of the reasons to take steps to protect you and your family. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) is another. UV rays can cause skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer. You can protect yourself from the harmful rays with a few simple steps.

• use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher
• reapply every two hours, especially after swimming
• when possible, wear lightweight protective clothing
• lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, brimmed hats
• limit your time in the sun
• avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• wear sunglasses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. Changes may present as a new growth, such as a mole or sore that doesn’t heal. If you see those types of changes, contact your primary care provider.

For more information about cancer in Virginia, visit Virginia Department of Health Cancer Programs.

Headed to the Beach, River, or Lake this Summer?
Follow theses tips to keep you and your loved ones safe 

As the temperatures rise, many people head to the water to cool off. Make sure you take some safety precautions to ensure the water fun continues through the summer. 

First, make sure you know how to swim! Drowning is a leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among children 5-14. While children are at highest risk, anyone can drown. In fact, in Virginia, a resident dies from drowning every four days! 

Always swim with a buddy and make sure you know the signs of drowning. Close supervision of children in the water is critical. Remember, children do not always struggle in the water. They can drown without making a sound. 

Headed to the beach or the lake?  Natural bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, reservoirs, bays and the ocean, can pose additional risks like tides, currents, drop offs, limited visibility, and animals. Make sure you know the waters you swim in and never swim alone! Wear a life jacket and remember these tips to stay safe: 

• Visiting a creek or pond you don’t know? Don’t dive or jump! Hidden rocks and snags can injure you.  
• Dead animals near water are a sign of possible harmful algal blooms (HABs). Don’t swim where you see them!  
• Be especially careful when swimming with children. Murky water and unexpected drop-offs can increase the risk of drowning. 
• Watch out for riptides and strong currents at the beach, especially after stormy weather.  
• Don’t swim in rivers with strong currents and near dams. You could get pinned under the water. Choose calm areas to swim. 
• If the water level is up, don’t swim! Rainwater can cause sewer overflows and wash animal waste into the water. Stay out of the water for a few days after a heavy rain. 
• Swimming is not advised for people or pets, if the water: 
  • Is discolored. 
  • Is murky. 
  • Has an odor. 
  • Has a film on the surface. 

“When in doubt – get out” – if the water conditions change, or you’re getting tired, or something isn’t right, get out of the water. 

Additionally, exposure to any natural body of water represents a possible health risk, particularly swallowing untreated water or swimming with open wounds. Children under the age of five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness. 

Consider the following steps to prevent getting sick from natural bodies of water:

Before visiting:

• Check online before visiting. Check to see if the area is currently monitored, is under an advisory, or has been closed for health or safety reasons. See the following for possible advisories:
  • www.SwimHealthyVA.com for Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and coastal beach advisories.
  • The Swim Guide for Citizen Monitoring Group results.
• Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Germs can come from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.  

While visiting:

• Avoid going in the water: 
  • if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea or if you have cuts or open wounds.
  • near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
  • if there is a green film on the surface. Keep pets out as well. This film may mean that an algal bloom and some algal toxins are present. These toxins can make people and pets sick.
  • near the vicinity of livestock.
• Never swallow untreated water. Natural bodies of water might contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
• Keep sand away from your mouth and children’s mouths. Sand contains germs that can cause illness if swallowed.
• Do not poop in the water.
  • Take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers in bathrooms or diaper-changing areas.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food. This tip is particularly important if you have been playing in or touching sand. 

After visiting:

• Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.  
• Immediately wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and clean running water.  

For people with boats, it is extremely important to use the proper methods to dispose human waste. Always discharge boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station. Here is a list of Pump-out locations around Virginia. Check out these FAQs for more information! 

For recommendations on healthy practices during water activities, see www.swimhealthyva.com and CDC’s How to Safely Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers website.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is kicking of its 9^th annual Tracking Awareness Week today as a way to highlight the National Environmental Tracking Program’s mission to “provide information from a nationwide network of integrated health and environmental data that drives actions to improve community health.”

The CDC will be hosting a free webinar Monday through Friday at 2pm EDT and each day will highlight different features of the national website, including demos for the data tools to empower you to be a DATA EXPLORER!

In addition, the Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will soon be launching the Virginia Environmental Health Tracking Program website! Information about asthma, air quality, COPD, and climate will be included, with more topics to come in the near future.

Be looking for an announcement in the coming weeks and get ready to…

• have the tools to find out about environmental health issues relevant to you and your family
• have the knowledge to make positive improvements in the community where you live
• have health data and environmental data all in one place

We’re excited to provide Virginia with a comprehensive, easy-to-use resource that will empower you to make informed decisions for your family, as well as your community!

To join the free webinar each, day, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-tracking/php/about/tracking-awareness-week.html#:~:text=CDC’s%20Environmental%20Public%20Health%20Tracking,work%20of%20the%20Tracking%20Program

Written by Nyny Nguyen, VDH Intern

It is that time of year where we celebrate that red, white, and blue with loved ones, friends, and outdoor cookouts! As we prepare for some fireworks, barbecue grilling, and picnics please remember these important food safety reminders so you can have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.  

1. Wash Your Hands with soap before, during, and after preparing foods, including raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
2. Preheat and Clean Your Grill as this eliminates any remnants from previous sessions. Scrub thoroughly to ensure a clean cooking surface. Also ensure work surfaces and utensils are clean before and after cooking.
3. Defrost Thoroughly and Safely. Thaw your poultry, beef, fish, pork, and other meats safely in the refrigerator.
4. Avoid Cross Contamination. Clean or switch your cooking utensils after touching raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
5. Ensure Food is Fully Cooked to kill harmful germs. Use a food thermometer to make sure your food is cooked to the right internal temperature.
   • 145°F – Whole cuts of beef, pork, or lamb (let rest 3 minutes before serving)
   • 145°F – Fish (whole or fillet)
   • 160°F – Hamburgers, sausage, and other ground beef, pork, or lamb
   • 165°F – Chicken, turkey, and other poultry
6. Keep Food in Safe Temperatures. Perishable food items should not be left outside for more than two hours. If it is above 90oF, chill food within one hour. Keep your food in coolers or containers with a cold source, such as ice or frozen gel packs.
7. Store Leftovers Properly. Use airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth. If it is above 90oF, chill food within one hour. Leftovers can usually last up to 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 – 4 months in the freezer.

By following these few key recommendations and taking necessary precautions, we can all contribute to a safe and enjoyable holiday.

As we enter the warm summer months, there are many exciting events that bring us outdoors to enjoy great food, fun and sun! That’s why it’s important to remember these safety tips when enjoying all the festivities that the summer has to offer.

Extreme Heat and Heat-Related Illness

When outside, remember that extreme heat can be deadly, so you need to be aware of the risks of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

Stay hydrated and seek cool temperature environments until the heat subsides. An important precaution that people should take is to schedule or reschedule activities and outdoor work until the coolest parts of the day. In the summer, sunlight exposure and heat are greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

On hot days, prevent illness by keeping cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in a cool public place such as a library, movie theater, or store. Signs of heat-related illness include high body temperature, fast pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache, passing out and hot, red, dry or damp skin.

Here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself against heat-related illnesses: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/extreme-heat-and-heat-related-illnesses/

Food Safety

When preparing meals for gatherings, grilling outside or visiting local Farmer’s Markets, here are some important food safety tips to follow.

• Don’t let uninvited guests ruin your party. Whether it’s a pool party, BBQ, or graduation celebration, don’t let foodborne illness tag along. Thaw and marinate food in a refrigerator. Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Store cooked food in a hot holding area (like an insulated container).
• Picnic preparation – Make sure when filling your basket that you keep the food cold with ice packs. And don’t let food sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperatures are higher than 90 degrees. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-food-safely-while-eating-outdoors.
• Who doesn’t love a Farmer’s Market? Fresh produce, friendly people, and delicious baked goods. While you browse, make sure to follow these food safety tips from the Department of Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2021/10/29/farmers-market-food-safety-tips.
• Don’t cross-contaminate! Wash fresh produce before cutting. Use clean utensils & wash/sanitize in between use. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid meat juices dripping on other food. Wash your hands before, during, and after handling food.
• Time to get the grill going – Prevent fires and foodborne illness by following these tips for grill safety and meal prepping:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/summer-injury-and-illness-prevention/food-safety/.

Swim Safety

Whether you are swimming in pools, water parks or recreational waters like rivers, lakes and coastal waters, it’s important to remember these swim safety tips to stay safe while having fun in the water. Learn more swim safety tips: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/safe-swimming/.

• Understanding the Risks: Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Even if someone looks like they’re okay, they might be in trouble. It’s important to know what to look for and how to help.
• Adult Supervision: When children are near water, supervision and safety is critical to prevent drowning. Children do not always struggle in the water. They can drown without making a sound.
• Swimming Lessons and Skills: High quality swimming lessons will include potentially life-saving skills such as self-rescue, swimming in clothes and life jackets, and falling into the water. While swimming lessons can contribute to water safety, they do not erase the risks of swimming. Conditions such as water temperature, air temperature, weather, water depth, water movement and situational and individual factors can affect an individual’s swimming ability.
• Safety Gear: Wearing a life jacket is like having a superhero cape in the water! It keeps everyone safe, even the not-so-great swimmers. Remember that floaties are not safety devices and can often provide a false sense of safety to guardians and swimmers. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. 
• Water Barriers: It’s important to have barriers and safety controls around water to keep everyone safe. Putting up fences and alarms around pools is like building a castle to protect from danger.
• Emergency Preparedness and CPR: Learning CPR and what to do in an emergency is like having a superpower to save lives. Let’s make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
• Community and Water Education: We can all be water safety superheroes by helping others stay safe. The more we know, the safer we’ll be! Remember to never swim alone, stay away from deep or unknown water and spread the word.

Fourth of July Safety

If you plan to watch the Fourth of July fireworks, it’s important to wear ear protection while participating in noisy activities like watching summer fireworks, which can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Learn more: https://blogs.cdc.gov/yourhealthyourenvironment/2022/06/13/national-fireworks-safety-month/

Everyday sounds typically do not damage your hearing. However, many people participate in activities that produce harmful sound levels. Such activities, when repeated over time, will cause hearing loss.

Avoiding noisy situations is the best prevention. But if you can’t avoid the noise, use adequate hearing protection such as earplugs and earmuffs. You can protect your hearing and still do the things you enjoy.

At Public Events

• Move or stay far away from the loudest sound-producing source—like fireworks—especially if attending with children.
• Limit the time of exposure to loud sounds.
• Pay attention to signs and information flyers warning of possible loud noise or recommending the use of hearing protection.
• Bring hearing protection devices with you. Make it a family affair! Keep them in your car, pockets, purse, backpack, or another place that is easy to access.

Firework Safety Tips

• Each year, countless Virginians are injured or worse due to fireworks. The only safe way to view fireworks is by attending public displays and leaving the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.
• It’s important to note that many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Check with your locality to determine any local regulations. Learn more: https://www.vafire.com/blog/2023/06/22/guide-to-fireworks-in-the-commonwealth/

Did you know that today, June 27th, is National HIV Testing Day? It’s a day when we focus on the importance of getting tested for HIV, a virus that affects people all around the world. Let’s rediscover why this day is so important.

Why HIV Testing Matters:

• Getting tested helps you know your HIV status.
• Knowing your status early can help you get the right treatment and stay healthy.
• It also helps you protect others by reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
• Testing is a key part of preventing HIV and staying safe.

What HIV/AIDS Means:

• HIV is a virus that can make you sick and weaken your immune system.
• AIDS is a condition that can happen if HIV is not treated.
  • AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection that occurs when a body’s immune system is badly damaged.
• With the right care and treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

What We Can All Do:

• Talk to your doctor or visit a clinic to get tested.
  • The VDH Pharmacy Testing Program is available to provide FREE HIV and hep C testing at select pharmacies across Virginia. 
  • On June 27th, participating Walgreens stores across the nation are offering FREE HIV, syphilis and hep C testing.
• Encourage friends and family to get tested.
• Learn about safe sex practices and ways to prevent HIV.
• Support and show kindness to people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Visit the VDH HIV & STDs Disease Prevention webpage to learn more!

This National HIV Testing Day, let’s come together to raise awareness and take action. By getting tested and spreading the word, we can make a difference in our communities and help stop the spread of HIV. Your health matters, so let’s take care of ourselves and each other!