Author: tracygramajo

Radon Awareness Week is January 26-30

The Norfolk Health District encourages community members to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. The Virginia Department of Health has a limited supply of short-term, do-it-yourself radon test kits that can be shipped directly to Virginia residents. Test kits are free with $4 shipping fee. They can be ordered at www.vdhradon.org.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of Uranium which is found in certain types of soil and bedrock. It is not visible, and it has no smell. Radon can only be detected by testing.

Radon Awareness Week is January 26-30. January is one of the best times to test your home. Radon levels are highest during the winter when windows and doors are kept closed.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) estimates that as many as 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States may be associated with exposure to radon. Radon is considered second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer.

There is no safe level of radon. Reducing radon inside your home will always help reduce your risk of lung cancer.

Additional steps that you can take to help lower radon levels in your home include.

• Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other similar materials.
• Cover the earth floor in crawl spaces with a high-density plastic sheet. A vent pipe and fan can be used to blow the radon from under the sheet and vent it outdoors.
• Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air.
• Test radon levels again after you’ve made any of these changes to ensure these actions reduced the radon levels.

Testing your home is the only way to know for sure if an indoor radon problem exists. For more details about radon testing and mitigation, contact your Local Heath District at [contact info] or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/

Two Ways You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is highly preventable, yet thousands of women die from it each year in the United States. The Norfolk Health District encourages you to take two simple steps to prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination and screenings help save lives.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types that cause 90% of all cervical cancer. It also protects against five other cancers. The HPV vaccine works best before exposure to the virus and is recommended for routine vaccination at ages 11 or 12 years of age.

Vaccination can also start as early as nine years old. People aged 26 years and younger who are not fully vaccinated can still get the vaccine. Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated and should talk to a healthcare provider. Please talk to a healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine and its cancer prevention benefits.

Cervical Cancer Screening

The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV test detects high risk types of human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for abnormal cervical cells.

When to get screened depends on a woman’s age:

• For 21- to 29-years-olds, a Pap test only is recommended every three years.
• For 30- to 65-year-olds you have three testing options that range from three to five years. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right option for you:
  • An HPV test only, every five years.
  • Co-testing with an HPV test and a Pap test, every five years.
  • A Pap test only, every three years.
• For women over 65, please contact your healthcare provider to determine what testing schedule is best for you.

The Norfolk Health District offers HPV vaccination. Contact the clinic for an appointment.

The FDA has also approved two self-swab tests for use in a doctor’s office, as well as an at home test called the Teal Wand. These tests may make screenings more accessible, especially for women in rural and marginalized areas. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if a self-swab test is a good option for you.

If cost is an issue, VDH can help.

• Every Woman’s Life provides free breast and cervical screening tests to low-income, uninsured Virginians.
• Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) provides the HPV vaccine at no cost for eligible pre-teen or teen children. Use the provider finder to find a VVFC provider or call 800-568-1929 or 804-864-8055.

Taking these preventative steps now isn’t just smart, it could save your life. Contact the Norfolk Health District at 757-683-2735 for more information about cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine or cervical cancer screenings.

Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday

As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, the VDH reminds you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.

Tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:

• Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people. Bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel.
• Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
• Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
• Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
• Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.

VDH wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season.

Ring in the New Year and focus on becoming healthier. VDH Norfolk wants to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions by offering simple, sustainable habits for a year of health and wellness.

Here are some tips to help you be healthier in 2026:

• Get Active: Try to move more and sit less. Take the stairs when you can. Find fun ways to be active, like walking or doing yoga. Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise each week.
• Eat Well: Eat more foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Drink lots of water. Eliminate sugar and junk food/limit alcoholic drinks.
• Manage Stress: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Try mindfulness or meditation. Spend time with friends and family, manage your stress, and maybe write in a journal.
• Schedule Screenings: Visit your doctor and dentist for regular checkups and screenings. Drink enough water and wash your hands often to stay healthy.
• Quit Smoking: Now is a good time to quit bad habits. Smoking and vaping can hurt your body, so it’s best to stop. Quit Now Virginia is a free service that helps people quit smoking, using tobacco, or vaping.

Keep working on your goals to build healthy habits this year. If things don’t always go as planned, be kind to yourself and keep trying. Do things that make you happy and take care of yourself.

Let’s make health a shared goal!

Reminder: Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Snow, ice and freezing conditions can lead to unexpected injuries and accidents. These conditions can increase the risk of hazardous travel, power outages, and health impacts, especially for older adults, children, and people with chronic health problems.

By preparing ahead of time you can avoid emergencies, protect your health and keep your loved ones safe. Follow these tips to be better prepared for the cold weather season.

• Have an emergency kit with supplies such flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, and water.
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
• Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.
• Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.

Preparation before dangerous winter weather arrives is critical. The best time to prepare for severe winter weather is now, before temperatures drop significantly and staying safe and warm becomes a challenge. Take these precautions to lower your risk of illness.

• Wear cold appropriate clothing like gloves, hats, scarves and snow boots.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.
• Remove any wet clothing immediately.
• Limit your time outdoors.

If you plan to travel, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides travel advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access weather information by dialing 511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or via the website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Virginia’s Fuel Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households with heating costs during the winter months, is accepting applications through November 14.

Fuel assistance provides support for:

• Home heating costs
• Furnace re-starts
• Delivery charges
• Installation charges
• Connection or re-connection fees

Find out if you qualify and apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov or call (855) 635-4370.

Paper applications are available in English and Spanish at Norfolk Department of Human Services (741 Monticello Ave.)

More program info and downloadable applications at Norfolk.gov/energyassistance

Join the Hampton Roads Chapter of Project Nana for the ‘Tee Up to End Women’s Cancers’ Golf Tournament! Swing for a cause as we raise awareness for gynecologic cancers.

Mammogram Screenings in Your Community