Category: VDH

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is starting the new year by making people aware of birth defects. January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot. They may affect how the body looks, works, or both. While “birth defect” is a medical term, it doesn’t mean that an individual is “defective.” It refers to health conditions that develop in a baby before birth.

According to the CDC birth defects are common, affecting 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year.   While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are some steps you can take. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talking with your healthcare provider is an important step. Regular visits with your provider before and during pregnancy are important! Try to keep all prenatal care appointments and be sure to talk with your provider about:

1. Medical conditions (such as diabetes, obesity) that may affect pregnancy.
2. Whether anyone in your family has a birth defect.
3. Medicines you take, and before starting or stopping any medicine.

VDH provides education on birth defect prevention and tracks the number of birth defects diagnosed in the Commonwealth through the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES). VDH also houses several programs that can assist in the early detection of certain birth defects through newborn screening:

·       Newborn Blood Spot Screening Program

·       Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Program

·       Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Parents and families can visit the resources page for more information on getting the support needed to support those affected by a birth defect.

·       Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia

·       Care Connection for Children

·       Child Development Services

·       Virginia RareAction Network

 

National Pharmacist Day is observed this year on January 12. Pharmacists in the United States and around the world have a long history of invaluable contributions.

In the past, pharmacists have provided drugs to doctors for medication for their patients. Now, however, pharmacists are viewed as one of the most trustworthy professionals in America, and an integral part of a person’s healthcare team. They have many important roles.

• They advise providers on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of prescriptions.
• They answer patients’ questions about the drugs prescribed to them.
• They administer a variety of immunizations to the public.
• They monitor a patient’s health and healing progress.

Want some interesting facts about pharmacists? These are just a few interesting historical tidbits about pharmacists and the pharmaceutical profession.

• Ever wonder why British mystery writer Agatha Christie knew so much about poisons for her murder mysteries? She was a pharmacy dispenser in World War I.
• Do you love Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, or Ginger Ale? Then thank a pharmacist — a pharmacist was the inventor of each.
• Before he got into national politics, Vice President Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978) earned his pharmacy license and worked in his father’s drugstore in Minnesota.
• William Proctor (1817-1874) is considered the Father of Pharmacy. He dedicated his professional career to the science of pharmacology and wrote the first textbook on the science of pharmacy.
• National Pharmacist’s Day was first celebrated in 2005 to show appreciation to pharmacists despite being around for centuries.

Pharmacists play a key role in the American healthcare system and are among the most trusted of healthcare professions. That trust has been earned over more than two centuries.

When you next go to your corner pharmacy for a prescription refill, a flu shot or to find something to relieve the pain of that wasp sting, remember to thank your local pharmacist for the role they play in your everyday healthcare.

The new year is here! We at VDH want to help you embark on the new year by offering some helpful tips to get healthy and stay healthy.

🧼 Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent disease. Always remember to wash with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

🍅 Make healthier food choices. Fill your plate with colorful foods, like fruits and vegetables, and eat a balanced diet.

💪 Get some exercise. Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, is good for most people. Of course, check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about starting an exercise program.

💧 Drink more water. It’s important to keep hydrated. Dehydration can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, and even kidney stones. Daily water intake is mostly from water and other beverages, but water-rich foods can also add to fluid intake.

💤 Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-8 hours of restful sleep a night, but your sleep needs will change depending on your age. Make rest a priority. Your body and brain will thank you!

🚫 Look for ways to quit using tobacco and other forms of nicotine. Quit Now Virginia has resources to help.

 

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

The Virginia State Anatomical Program (VSAP) provides the opportunity to give the ultimate gift, which is donating your body to medical science. The primary mission of VSAP is to educate health professions by providing human donors for the teaching of anatomy, surgery and medical research to the Commonwealth’s medical schools, universities and research facilities. Established in 1919, VSAP is the only program in Virginia authorized to receive donations of human bodies for scientific study. VSAP does not receive state funding, nor does it pay for donated bodies.

Whole-Body Donation

Your gift will improve the lives of Virginians by:

1. Furthering medical education and scientific research.
2. Learning from disease processes and their effects on the human body.
3. Contributing to new surgical treatments.
4. Improving surgical outcomes.
5. Providing your family with an option to alleviate burial and cremation costs.

Candidates for Donation

1. Donors for VSAP must have legal next of kin or an authorized agent to finalize donation.
2. Donors must be free from contagious diseases.
3. All potential donors are assessed and handled on a case-by-case basis.
4. Unfortunately, not all potential donors are accepted. Some medical conditions or circumstances of death may cause a potential donor to be unsuitable for anatomical examination.

The need for anatomical donors is great and the number of healthcare educational programs in Virginia is increasing.

For information on the Virginia State Anatomical Program and how the process works, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/vsap. 

“Abundant gratitude for this gift which was so dear to you and your family. I am humbled to learn from your worldly vessel. Your selflessness and vulnerability carry your legacy beyond your time. I will treasure this experience so that your impact on the world will persist.”

Excerpt from, “A Patient and Professor,”

written by a University of Virginia Medical School student.

During National Influenza Vaccination Week, we remind Virginians that it is not too late to get your yearly flu vaccine. If you are 6 months and older this is the best way to protect yourself against getting sick from the flu.

You can find a vaccine from a healthcare provider, pharmacy, or your local health department.

Some people are more likely to become very sick from flu.  This includes:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5 years and especially children younger than 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with certain chronic conditions

Being vaccinated from flu can help your body defend itself from flu viruses. The flu vaccine protects you by reducing your chances of getting sick and also making you feel less sick if you do happen to catch one of the circulating viruses.

Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are best for you and your family.

You can also protect yourself from flu and other respiratory diseases if you avoid people who are sick, cover coughs, wash your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. This Giving Tuesday, choose to spend your time where you will have the most impact in the lives of others—volunteer with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (VA MRC)!

The VA MRC is a statewide network of volunteers that support ongoing public health initiatives. They help during disasters and emergencies throughout Virginia.

Virginia MRC volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and span a wide range of ages. No medical knowledge or experience is required to become a volunteer. Participating in this program is a great way to:

• explore a career in public health,
• gain hands-on experience,
• obtain service hours,
• build your resume, or
• simply help make a difference in your community.

As a member of the Virginia MRC, you’ll receive free lifesaving training and learn about public health and emergency preparedness. You’ll attend exciting community events and, best of all, make new friends.

A few of the ways the Virginia MRC volunteers have supported public health and served their communities are:

• Supporting community vaccination events for seasonal flu, COVID, and back-to-school vaccines.
• Responding to emergencies, such as Hurricane Helene, by staffing emergency shelters, providing Tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines at mobile vaccination clinics, and conducting wellness checks for vulnerable individuals.
• Addressing the opioid addiction crisis by teaching naloxone dispensing classes and staffing Drug Take Back events.
• Teaching CPR, AED, and bleeding control skills to community members.
• Staffing first aid tents at local marathons, 10K races, and other community events.
• Providing administrative assistance to their local health departments.
• Staffing call centers to answer inbound calls, or to make outbound calls as needed.

The opportunities are endless! Some of the newest opportunities include our Behavioral Health Response Team, Radiological Health Response Team, or the MRC Amateur Radio Team.

Don’t hesitate to make an impact. Start your volunteer application today! Need more information? Learn more about the VA MRC or review our FAQs.

World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1. The annual event serves as:

• A time to honor those lives that have been lost to HIV/AIDS.
• A reminder of the struggles that people living with HIV still face against stigma.
• A commitment to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

The first World AIDS Day happened in 1988. The purpose was to raise awareness around HIV and AIDS and to honor the lives that were being affected by the epidemic. There has been amazing progress in addressing HIV and AIDS. This is thanks to scientific advancements in the medical field. These advances have allowed increased access to HIV treatment and prevention. We now also have a better understanding of the virus.

VDH is committed to working toward ending HIV. VDH has dedicated staff at local health departments. VDH also partners with community organizations across Virginia. HIV testing is offered at many convenient locations throughout Virginia. If you cannot find a location nearby, you may be eligible to receive an HIV self-test kit.

For persons living with HIV, VDH implements the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B and the Virginia Medication Access Program. These programs help those that need financial help with HIV care and insurance costs. Essential support services are also offered to ensure the best possible health outcomes.

Visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention to learn more about HIV prevention and treatment programs and information in Virginia. Join us in the fight against HIV this World AIDS Day.

As the days turn colder, make sure your home, your family and your vehicles are ready for the potential dangers that winter weather brings.

Start your winter preparations by securing your house. Winter is when most home fires happen, and heating is the second leading cause of home fires.  Check out this Home Fire Safety Guide for tips on ways to keep your home safe.

Here are other ways to keep your home warm and safe this winter:

• Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and make sure the batteries are working.
• Never leave lit candles or other flames unattended.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected every year.
• Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to absorb heat from the sun. Close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
• To save on heating bills, close the doors and shut the vents of rooms you are not using. Keep the basement door closed.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Insulate walls and attics.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

Additionally, make sure your family is safe by dressing warmly and limit exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite. Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia. Always remember to bring your pets indoors as temperatures drop.  Take extra precautions if you work in the cold.

Don’t forget to make sure you and your family are up to date on your respiratory vaccines as we spend more time indoors.

If a winter storm heads your way, make sure you understand the warning and advisories. Winter storms, including blizzards, can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. Make sure you have an emergency plan, listen to weather forecasts regularly, limit your time outside, and have an emergency supply kit on hand. If power lines are down, call your local utility and emergency services. Have extra blankets and warm winter coats on hand to stay warm during power outages. If using a portable space heater, make sure it has an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements and is placed at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never using generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.

Additionally, make sure your car is travel ready for the winter.

• Check the forecast and road conditions before you leave.
• Check antifreeze level and have radiator system serviced.
• Replace worn tires and check tire air pressure.
• Keep an emergency kit for your car.

This winter remember to stay warm and stay safe!