Tag: highlight

Child Holiday Safety

Posted on by R. Ellick

The holidays are a time for fun, family, and traditions. With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about safety.  Take these simple steps to make sure kids stay safe while still enjoying every part of the season.  

Decorate Safely 

Keep potentially dangerous holiday decor out of the reach of kids and pets: 

  • Breakable decorations, ornaments, lightbulbs 
  • Tinsel  

Fire Safety  

Candles and fireplaces can make the house feel warm and cozy—but they also bring fire risks. 

  • Make sure smoke alarms are working.  
  • Keep candles out of reach. Never leave them unattended and consider using battery-powered ones instead. 
  • Turn off holiday lights whenever you’re leaving the house.  
  • Keep Christmas trees watered, secured, and away from heat sources.  
  • Make fireplace fires safely. Get your fireplace inspected by a professional. 

 Toy Safety 

Take these steps to protect children from choking and injuries while playing with toys: 

  • Give gifts that are age appropriate.  
  • Read instructions and warning labels before using. 
  • Show kids how to use their toys safely.  
  • Make sure batteries (especially button batteries) are secured with a screw. 

 Food and Drink Safety   

Whether it’s time to cook or time to eat – make sure kids are doing it safely. 

  • When cooking: 
  • Keep kids at a distance when cooking.  
  • Keep hot foods and liquids out of children’s reach. 
  • Cook on the back burners when possible. 
  • Be mindful of choking hazards like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies. 
  • Store alcohol where kids cannot access it.  
  • Take special care during parties and keep an eye on guests’ drinks too.  
  • Clean up promptly after the party so kids don’t find drinks left behind. 

Winter Driving 

Make sure you and your loved one arrive safely during the holidays.  

  • Never drive under the influence. Always have a designated driver. 
  • Always make sure your child rides in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. If you’re not sure whether they are installed correctly, you can find a Safety Seat Check Station near you for free assistance. 
  • In cold weather, children should wear thin layers when harnessed using a safety seat or vehicle seat belt. Children should not wear heavy layers. 
  • Once safely restrained, jackets or blankets can be laid over the harness or seat belt to keep the child warm.  

Firework Safety 

Professional firework displays are the safest way to see fireworks – at a distance. Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Check with your locality to determine any local regulations. 

If you choose to set off your own, use the safety measures below:   

  • Use legal fireworks and sparklers. 
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks. 
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.  
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.  

Indoor Pool and Spa Safety 

Make sure to swim healthy and “pool safely” with these tips if you are traveling for the holidays.  

  • Learn CPR, First Aid, and how to respond to an emergency. 
  • Watch kids closely when they are in or around water, and make sure they are not swimming alone. Avoid being on your phone, and make sure you have a person who can watch kids if you need to take a break.  
  • Before booking a place to stay, make sure their pools or spas follow health codes and have safety equipment and safety personnel available.  
  • Don’t use alcohol or drugs with pool or spa use. 
  • Check drain covers. Never use a pool or spa with loose, broken, or missing drain covers.  

For more information: 

Get Vaccinated — Not the Flu

Posted on by R. Ellick

The best time to get vaccinated against the flu every year is in September and October.  But if you have not yet received your flu vaccine – it’s not too late to get it!   

If flu is circulating, you should get vaccinated. 

Protect Yourself and Others 

Flu vaccination can: 

  • Prevent flu illness 
  • Reduce the severity of flu illness 
  • Protect people at high risk from flu-related complications 

During 2024-2025 in the United States, flu vaccination prevented an estimated: 

  • 9.4 –16 million flu illnesses 
  • 4.4 – 7.1 million flu-associated medical visits 
  • 170,000 – 360,000 flu-associated hospitalizations 
  • 12,000 – 39,000 flu-associated deaths  

Who Should Get Vaccinated 

Everyone aged 6 months and older (with few exceptions) should get an annual flu vaccine.  

The flu vaccine is particularly important for people at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes: 

  • People 65 years and older 
  • People with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) 
  • Pregnant women  
  • Children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years 

2024–25 Flu Season 

During the last flu season, flu infections nationwide resulted in at least: 

  • 43 million symptomatic illnesses 
  • 19 million medical visits 
  • 560,000 hospitalizations 
  • 38,000 deaths 

There were also 280 reported pediatric deaths. Except for the 2009–10 H1N1 pandemic, this was the highest number of pediatric deaths since they became nationally notifiable in 2004. Of the 280 pediatric deaths: 

  • 50% occurred in children and adolescents with underlying conditions 
  • 44% occurred among previously healthy children 

Among the deaths in children aged 6 months and older with known vaccination status, nearly 90% were not fully vaccinated against flu.  

Spread the Word – Not the Flu 

Encourage your loved ones and community to get a flu vaccine. The more people get vaccinated – the more people will be protected.  

World AIDS Day: December 1

Posted on by R. Ellick

Worlds AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 each year since 1988.  Every year, communities stand together, united with the red ribbon.  We remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.   

What’s happening in Virginia? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, patients were less likely to seek routine screening and testing, and as a result Virginia reported fewer new cases during that time. The total number of HIV cases annually in Virginia have returned to pre-pandemic levels.  Certain communities continue to be impacted by HIV more than others.  Youth, ages 15-19, saw a 41% increase in new HIV cases from 2023 to 2024.  Black and Hispanic/Latino persons have seen a 27% increase in new cases each year since 2022.   

There are over 28,000 people living with HIV in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and over half are 50 or older.  While Black, non-Hispanic people make up 19% of the population in the Commonwealth, 56% of people with HIV identify as Black, non-Hispanic in Virginia. 

Find more detailed HIV statistics on the data and reports page and the HIV data dashboard. 

Scientific Progress 

Major advances in science have been made since HIV/AIDS was first discovered.  HIV testing is fast, reliable, and available at any local health department or healthcare provider.  Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV.  Not everyone has symptoms during the onset of the infection.  Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can make it easier to get or transmit HIV. 

Find HIV and STD testing near you on the VDH testing page.  Learn more about HIV prevention on the HIV prevention page. 

HIV Treatment  

Advances in HIV treatment help people with HIV live long and healthy lives.   

It is proven that when a person with HIV has reached and sustains an undetectable viral load, they will not transmit HIV to their partner sexually.  An undetectable viral load means that the number of copies of the virus in the body cannot be detected by certain tests.  This is often referred to as Undetectable=Untransmittable, or “U=U.”   

Getting into medical care and starting treatment immediately is important.  The sooner a person with HIV starts HIV treatment, the better their health outcomes will be. 

Have Questions or Need Help? 

If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available.  Financial assistance with the cost of medications or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs.  These programs can also help you find support groups or other social services in your area.  Learn more on our website, or call the Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148.

Pass the Potatoes – Not the Germs

Posted on by R. Ellick

Serve up your Thanksgiving meal without the risk of food poisoning.  

Prevent the Spread of Germs 

Wash Your Hands 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after food preparation and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. 

Prevent Cross-Contamination  

  • Keep raw turkey and its juices separate from foods that won’t be cooked while shopping in the store, when storing in the refrigerator at home, and while preparing meals. 
  • Use one cutting board for raw turkey and a separate cutting board for food that won’t be cooked such as raw fruits and vegetables.  
  • Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that held raw turkey. 
  • Wash all cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing raw turkey. 

 

Prepare Your Turkey Properly 

Take the proper amount of time to thaw your turkey. 

  • Refrigerator method (recommended): 24 hours for every four to five pounds. 
  • Cold-water bath method: 30 minutes per pound. 
  • Microwave method: follow instructions in the owner’s manual. 
  • Never thaw turkey by leaving it on the counter at room temperature. 

Do not wash your turkey.  

  • Washing can actually increase the risk you will spread germs to other foods you’re preparing.   

Cook your turkey to the correct temperature.  

  • Turkey is done cooking when a minimum internal temperature of 165°F is reached. 
  • Thickest part of the breast. 
  • Innermost part of the thigh. 
  • Innermost part of the wing.  
  • If stuffed, make sure the innermost part of the stuffing also reaches 165°F. 

 

Be Smart About Leftovers 

Use the Two-Hour Rule 

  • Refrigerate leftovers  within two hours of cooking or coming out of the refrigerator. 
  • Discard any foods that sat out for more than two hours at room temperature. 
  • After two hours, perishable food enters the Danger Zone (between 40°F to 140°F) where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe. 

 Handle Leftovers in the Properly 

  • Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator or freezer. 
  • Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than large containers. 
  • Leftovers can be safely eaten when stored in the refrigerator for up to four days (or, in other words, until the Monday after Thanksgiving).  
  • Leftovers stored in the freezer will be of the best quality when consumed within two to six months. 
  • When reheating leftovers in the microwave oven, cover and rotate the food to make sure food is reheated evenly.  
  • Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of food is 165°F.  

 

More Resources for a Safe Thanksgiving 

National Rural Health Day

Posted on by R. Ellick

National Rural Health Day  honors the dedication and resilience of rural health professionals, organizations, and communities across the country.   

About Rural America 

In the United States, rural areas make up 86% of the country’s land – with almost 20% of the country’s population living there. In Virginia, these numbers are similar: 88% of the state is rural, with 26% of Virginians live in these communities. 

Rural areas face a disproportionate rate of health challenges compared to urban areas, including: 

  • Shortage of qualified health care providers and limited access to specialized care 
  • Higher rates of poverty and food insecurity 
  • Higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity 

 

Virginia State Office of Rural Health 

Virginia’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) works to tackle the root causes of rural health disparities, improve access to quality healthcare and advance health equity in underserved areas. 

They do this by: 

  • Delivering technical support 
  • Providing updates on healthcare regulations 
  • Sharing essential resources 
  • Collaborating with community organizations and healthcare providers  

An example of SORH’s work is the supporting the launch of a Food as Medicine pilot. Its goal is to improve population health through food-based interventions. It also works to remove barriers to accessing healthy foods.   

These pilots connect hospital patients with fresh foods and produce at farmers markets. Patients receive: 

  • A produce prescription 
  • Grocery vouchers 
  • Culinary medicine education demonstrations. 

These pilots are currently at Lee County Community Hospital and Dickenson Community Hospital.  The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program provides funds for the program. 

Learn more about Virginia’s State Office of Rural Health.  

Antibiotic Awareness Week

Posted on by R. Ellick

What are antibiotics? 

Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or stopping them from reproducing. 

What conditions do antibiotics treat? 

Antibiotics only treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as: 

  • Strep throat 
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) 
  • Whooping cough 
  • Dental infections 
  • Some ear and sinus infections 

 

Antibiotics do not work against infections caused by viruses. Antibiotics will not work on viral illnesses such as: 

  • Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow or green 
  • Most sore throats (except strep throat) 
  • Flu 
  • Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis) 

 

What is antibiotic resistance? 

Antibiotic resistance happens when antibiotics are no longer effective against certain bacteria. This means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.  

Why is antimicrobial resistance a concern? 

  • Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.  
  • Resistant infections often require lengthy hospital stays, follow-up visits, and costly and toxic alternative treatments 
  • CDC reports that more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year and results in more than 35,000 deaths. 
  • Resistant germs can make other germs resistant 

 

What causes antibiotic resistance? 

Any time antibiotics are used they can contribute to the development of drug resistance.  Misuse of antibiotics are the main cause of resistance. Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person takes: 

  • The wrong antibiotic 
  • The wrong dose of an antibiotic 
  • An antibiotic for the wrong length of time 
  • An antibiotic when they don’t need to (like a viral infection) 

 

How can you prevent antibiotic resistance? 

  • Take steps to prevent getting sick in the first place 
  • Wash hands 
  • Stay up to date on vaccines 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes 
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick 
  • Only take antibiotics when instructed by a healthcare provider 
  • Take your antibiotics as prescribed  
  • Don’t skip doses and always finish them – even if you feel better 
  • Don’t take antibiotics when you don’t need them 
  • Trust your healthcare provider when they say you don’t need antibiotics for an illness 
  • Never take antibiotics for a viral infection 

 

Where can you learn more about antibiotics? 

Breathe Easy: Take Steps for Healthy Lungs

Posted on by R. Ellick

November is Lung cancer and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Awareness Months. Lung cancer and COPD are serious diseases that affect the lungs.  

  • Lung cancer is a type of a cancer that starts in the lungs. 
  • COPD prevents airflow to the lungs, causing breathing problems. 

Keep Your Lungs Healthy 

Lower Your Risk for Lung Cancer, COPD, and Other Lung Diseases. 

  • Don’t Smoke. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and COPD in the U.S.   
  • Quit tobacco and nicotine use. For free help, call 1-800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), visit QuitNowVirginia.org, or text READY to 34191. 
  • Avoid secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. 
  • Limit time in places with bad air quality. 

Other steps to help prevent lung cancer: 

  • Reduce radon in your home, if needed. Get your home tested for radon and take steps to reduce the radon level if it’s high. 
  • Follow health and safety guidelines to avoid carcinogens (things that can cause cancer) at work. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider 

If you have any of these symptoms: 

  • Frequent coughing or wheezing 
  • Shortness of breath doing everyday activities 
  • Trouble taking deep breaths. 
  • Excess phlegm or mucus 
  • Chest pain coughing up blood  
  • Feeling very tired all the time 
  • Weight loss with no know cause 

Get screened for lung cancer yearly if: 

  • Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and 
  • Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years and 
  • Are between 50 and 80 years old 

Learn More 

Child Safety and Protection Month   

Posted on by R. Ellick

November is Child Safety and Protection Month. In 2023, Virginian children and youth aged 0-24 years accounted for 3,907 hospitalizations and 794 deaths due to injuries. 

During this month, VDH reminds parents, teachers and caregivers things they can do to ensure children and youth grow up in safe and secure environments. 

 

Create a Safe Environment 

 

Be Safe on the Road 

 

Take Care of Yourself So You Can Support Positive and Safe Childhood Experiences 

 

More Information and Resources 

Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on by R. Ellick

In Virginia, more than 10% of its adult population is living with diabetes. Additionally, an estimated 56,000 adults are diagnosed with diabetes each year in Virginia. Whether you have diabetes or not, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to make sure you can take the best care of yourself to stay healthy. 

About Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic disease where sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream are above normal. Insulin is what helps your body use glucose for energy and regulate your blood sugar levels.  

When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t: 

  • Make enough insulin (Type 1) 
  • Properly use insulin (Type 2)  

Over time, excess blood sugar in your bloodstream can cause serious health problems. This can include heart disease, stroke, amputations, blindness, kidney disease and dementia. 

To prevent these health problems you can: 

  • Eat healthy food 
  • Be active 
  • Test your blood sugar 
  • Take medications as prescribed 

Learn more about taking care of yourself when you have diabetes. 

About Prediabetes 

In Virginia, more than 1 in 3 adults have Prediabetes.  

Prediabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.  Prediabetes can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness, amputations and dementia. 

If you have prediabetes, you can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by: 

  • Losing a small amount of weight if you’re overweight 
  • Getting regular physical activity 

Learn more about prediabetes and see if you’re at risk. 

Learn More About Diabetes 

Be Stroke Smart

Posted on by R. Ellick

Every Minute Counts 

World Stroke Day is every year on October 29. This year’s theme is Every Minute Counts – to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and what to do if someone is having a stroke.  

The faster people can recognize the signs of and call for help – the sooner someone can get the treatment and care they need. This can increase the chance of survival and a near or full recovery. 

Signs and Symptoms and When to Seek Help 

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. 
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. 
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. 
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, 

If you think someone might be having a stroke Act F.A.S.T. Don’t delay and do the following test: 

F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? 

A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? 

S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange? 

T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away. 

Learn more about what to do if someone might be having a stroke 

VDH Stroke Smart Partner Program 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Stroke Smart Partner Program recognizes organizations that help make their communities Stroke Smart.  

Any organization—large or small—is invited to share how you’re raising stroke awareness. This can include trainings, education, social media, or community outreach.  

Recognized partners receive a framed Stroke Smart Virginia certificate and thank you letter from VDH. They’ll also receive Stroke Smart Virginia wallet cards, magnets and posters. 

Together, we can educate 9 million Virginians to recognize the signs of stroke—Spot a Stroke. Stop a Stroke. Save a Life. 

Organizations can apply for recognition on the Stroke Smart Virginia Partner Recognition Webpage. 

Learn More About Stroke