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Central Virginia Health District (CVHD)
Addressing the public health needs of the present while planning for the future of the CVHD
Planning a day on the water? Don't forget these tips to keep your food you take on the boat safe for National Fishing and Boating Week! #NationalFishingAndBoatingWeek #FoodSafetyFriday
Many parts of Virginia are experiencing air quality issues due to wildfire smoke. The fine particles from smoke can cause many health issues and can worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.![]()
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To keep an eye on the current air quality in your area, check out the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's website at: www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/air/monitoring-assessments/air-quality-forecastAIR QUALITY ALERT:![]()
Northern Virginia region is under Code Purple. 🟣 ![]()
Richmond and Hampton Roads regions are under Code Red. 🔴 ![]()
Roanoke and Winchester regions are under Code Orange. 🟠![]()
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Source: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s website: bit.ly/43jHW8x ![]()
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What do these alerts mean?![]()
🟣 Purple (very unhealthy): Everyone may experience more serious health effects.![]()
🔴 Red (unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience health effects.![]()
🟠 Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.![]()
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What can you do?![]()
☑️ Sign up for health alerts and forecasts from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: bit.ly/43jHW8x ![]()
☑️ Also, follow your local U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency![]()
☑️ Stay indoors as much as possible![]()
☑️ Reduce activity levels![]()
☑️ Minimize the use of gas-powered equipment/vehicles![]()
☑️ Don't burn debris/other items![]()
☑️ Check on older adults/people with health conditions
A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) advisory is in effect for the Blackwater River portion of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties. This means that you should avoid contact with the water in this part of the lake until the algae levels are at a safe level.![]()
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The algal blooms create algal scum and a blue/green discoloration in the water. Do not go in the water if you see water with the algal bloom. Some algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) if you come into contact with it. ![]()
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You can boat in areas with a harmful algal bloom, but you and your pets should avoid swimming, windsurfing, stand-up-paddle-boarding, or other activities where you could possibly end up drinking in water with the algal bloom. If you come into contact with a harmful algal bloom, wash yourself off with clean water and call your doctor if you start to feel sick.![]()
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The advisory is in place until harmful algal bloom levels go down to a safe level. To learn more information about staying safe from algal blooms and to see a map with the exact parts of Smith Mountain Lake under advisory, check out the Status Report at www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/178/2023/06/Final-SML-Status-Report-6.6.23.pdf
June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month!![]()
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease in which your immune system tricks tissues into thinking they are injured. The tissues then inflame, which causes collagen buildup, leading to patches of hard and tough skin. One type of scleroderma, called systemic scleroderma, can even affect your internal organs.![]()
For more information about scleroderma, visit www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma
Don't forget that we are offering Rapid REVIVE! trainings at our county health departments (Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell) once a month! ![]()
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You can stop by for the approximately 20 - 30 minute training on the second Thursday of every month any time from 12:00 - 2:00PM. Our next training will take place on Thursday, June 8.
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