Tobacco Policies Support Smokers Trying to Quit During the Great American Smokeout

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Smoking kills about 28,000 New York residents every year and 750,000 adults in New York State are living with a smoking-related illness. The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department is joining with community members to celebrate the Great American Smokeout on November 18—a national event that highlights the benefits of quitting smoking and encourages smokers to make a plan to quit.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “Quitting smoking has benefits at any age; even people who have smoked for many years or have smoked heavily will benefit from quitting. Those who quit smoking will have a lower risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quitting smoking is also the best way to protect family members, friends, and other loved ones from the risks associated with breathing secondhand smoke. The Great American Smokeout provides an opportunity for smokers to make a plan to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle.”

Quitting smoking often takes multiple attempts before a smoker successfully quits. A big challenge for those who are attempting to quit is being exposed to secondhand smoke in a variety of settings such as parks, beaches, entertainment venues, and work sites. Research has shown that smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have more tobacco-related cravings and are less likely to successfully quit. Policy change has proven to be an effective tool to reduce tobacco use in the community and provide an environment that supports smokers who are trying to quit.

Tobacco-Free CNY Program Coordinator Karyn Johnson states, “About half of current adult smokers want to quit smoking. Many smokers who are trying to quit feel an increase in the urge to smoke if they are exposed to secondhand smoke.” Johnson continued, “Tobacco-free policies assist with the quitting process by providing tobacco-free spaces and eliminating secondhand smoke exposure. This increases the chances for a smoker to successfully quit smoking.”

The Tobacco-Free CNY program supports Central New York residents who want to live healthy, tobacco-free lives. The program encourages municipalities, employers, and property managers to pursue tobacco-free environments and assists community partners in creating, implementing, and strengthening tobacco policies. The program serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information about Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280. For help with quitting, please call the New York State Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 or visit nysmokefree.com for more information.

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

An additional 240 appointments are now available over four days.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be further expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 – 11 in response to community demand. The clinics for children ages 5 – 11 will be held at the Civic Center on November 12th, 15th, 19th, and 22nd from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM by appointment only. Registration can be found here: https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/pediatric-vaccine-screening-form/

All residents who are eligible and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. Parents who wish to have their 5- to 11-year-old vaccinated can also call their child’s primary care provider or their school district for information about vaccine availability for that age group.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

Registration is required

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5—11 beginning next week. The clinics for children ages 5—11 will be held at the Civic Center on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM for two weeks beginning Monday, November 8th. Appointments are required.

Clinic times have been expanded and additional slots were added to accommodate community demand. Clinic days are 11/8, 11/12, 11/15 and 11/19. Registration is available on the Onondaga County COVID- 19 website at https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/pediatric-vaccine-screening-form/

On November 3, the CDC accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children ages 5–11 be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine authorized for this group is over 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

All residents who are eligible and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. Parents who wish to have their 5- to 11-year-old vaccinated should also call their child’s primary care provider or their school district for information about vaccine availability for that age group.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

The Village of Baldwinsville Expands Smoke-Free Policy

The Village of Baldwinsville has recently passed an expansion of their smoke-free policy to prevent the use of tobacco, vapes and electronic cigarettes, and cannabis within village-owned outdoor spaces. The new policy includes Mercer Park, McHarrie Park, Diane Reeves Little League, Community Park, Papermill Island, Baldwin Canal Square, and their associated facilities. This policy was created with support from the Tobacco-Free CNY program, which assists municipalities, employers, and property managers who wish to pursue tobacco-free environments for residents to live, learn, work, and play.

Smoke-free outdoor spaces benefit residents by allowing a tobacco-free lifestyle, encouraging tobacco-free norms among children and youth, and reducing tobacco-related litter. Rachael Russell, Public Health Educator for the Tobacco-Free CNY program states, “The Village of Baldwinsville has committed to ensuring the health and wellness of their residents. We commend their decision to take the steps towards becoming a smoke-free community and we hope more communities will implement and update their smoke-free policies.”

In the United States, secondhand smoke claims the lives of 41,000 nonsmokers every year. Secondhand smoke exposure is not only harmful in indoor settings, it can also be damaging in outdoor areas. Studies have shown that outdoor levels of secondhand smoke can reach hazardous levels that are comparable to indoor concentrations where smoking is permitted.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “It is a common myth that outdoor secondhand smoke does not pose any health risks. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure. You can be affected by harmful secondhand smoke up to twenty-five feet away from a burning cigarette – that’s as wide as a two-lane road.”

Secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke in adults and leads to numerous health problems in infants and children such as asthma, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Public areas such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, and entertainment venues are common outdoor spaces where residents may be exposed to secondhand smoke. In order to protect residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure, many municipalities throughout New York State are implementing smoke-free policies for their public outdoor areas.

Tobacco-Free CNY is a program of the Onondaga County Health Department. The program serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information on Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Starting November 1

Clinic serves ages 12 and older; offers first, second, third, and booster doses to those eligible.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for the week of November 1 to help meet the needs of those in the community who are now eligible for the newly approved booster shot. On October 21, the CDC announced the approval of booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines for individuals age 18 and older who are eligible.

The Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the week of November 1 will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9-11:30 am and 1-3 pm. The clinic will be offering first, second, third (for immunocompromised individuals), and booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. This clinic serves those ages 12 and up. Register for an appointment today at https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/vaccine-screening-form/. A limited number of walk-in appointments will be available, but appointments are strongly encouraged.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “We know that the vaccine is the best tool we have to fight COVID-19. With the expansion of those eligible for the booster shot, Onondaga County will once again step up to ensure that folks can receive their shot. I continue to encourage every eligible individual to get the vaccine or booster shot.” McMahon continued, “Thank you to our team in the Health Department for their efforts to make this happen.”

All residents ages 12 and up who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.

Weather Favorable for Mosquito Spraying Planned for the Cicero Swamp

The weather forecast is favorable for aerial mosquito spraying planned for this evening in the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas. The spraying will take place after 5:30pm today, Wednesday, October 6. The spraying is due to EEE-positive mosquitoes from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area. An additional pool was found positive this week.

Please see the original announcement at https://healthnews.ongov.net/spraying-of-the-cicero-swamp-10-4-21/ which contains pesticide information and recommended preparations for those who live in the spray area.

 

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Due to the recent finding of EEE virus in mosquitoes in the Cicero Swamp area, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will take place on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 after 5:30 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Wednesday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day and will be announced to the public through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website at www.ongov.net/health/documents/MasterLineKontrol30-30label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315.435.1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
  • Keep your pets indoors if possible.
  • Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
  • Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
  • Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Adult Smoking Rates Decline in Central New York Counties

The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department reports that recently released data shows that smoking rates among adults have decreased in Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. The New York State Department of Health recently announced that the current rate of adult smoking decreased from 17.2% to 12.0% in Onondaga County, 29.0% to 22.0% in Oswego County, and from 21.0% to 18.3% in Cayuga County.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “Reducing tobacco use and eliminating secondhand smoke exposure are ways we can improve health and reduce tobacco-related death and disease.  I applaud the community for reducing tobacco use and celebrate the health benefits that are recognized when a person quits using tobacco.”

Tobacco-Free CNY celebrates this accomplishment of our community. The program has worked with various community partners throughout the Central New York region to implement tobacco-free policies in outdoor areas, reduce secondhand smoke exposure through smoke-free housing policies, encourage employers to adopt tobacco-free policies for their property grounds, and reduce tobacco marketing targeting youth. Tobacco-Free CNY also provides resources to help enforce these policies and spread awareness of the tobacco-free environment.

Rachael Russell, Public Health Educator for the Tobacco-Free CNY program, states “This is wonderful news, and we acknowledge the progress our community has made in reducing smoking rates.” Russell continued, “We also recognize that there is still work to be done. Tobacco continues to be a leading cause of preventable death in New York State, claiming the lives of 28,000 New York State residents every year.”

Tobacco-Free CNY continues to support the community in creating tobacco-free spaces to improve the health and wellness of Central New York. For more information on Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

FREE Mammograms are Available

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among United States women, no matter their race or ethnicity. Many things affect a person’s chance of getting breast cancer, these are called risk factors. Some risk factors cannot be controlled and include being a woman, getting older, having dense breasts, having radiation to the chest area early in life, family history, and genetics. However, the good news is that a physically active lifestyle can help to prevent cancer. It is important to see your health care provider for regular check-ups, eat healthy foods, get exercise, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol use, and do not smoke.

Do not wait to get your mammogram. Routine mammogram screening at age 40 or older is an important step to help find breast cancer early. The current pandemic does not change the fact that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Medical facilities continue to take extra steps to protect the health and safety of staff and patients. With early detection breast cancer is usually easier to treat and has better outcomes.

Most women (about 8 out of 10) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.  However, women who have close blood relatives like a mother or sister who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk themselves.  About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene defects passed on from a parent.  The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is inherited defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

 Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

  • a lump, thickening, or swelling in part of the breast or underarm area
  • new pain in one spot that does not go away
  • nipple discharge other than breastmilk, including blood
  • pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  • dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  • any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast skin
  • itchy, scaly sore, or rash on the nipple.

Free mammograms are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 and 74 who do not have health insurance or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings, along with any necessary follow-up. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having a mammogram may save your life. If you are a woman between the ages of 40 and 74 and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 or visit www.ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.

It’s Flu Season–Get Your Flu Vaccine as Soon as Possible!

Flu vaccine is widely available in Onondaga County

This fall, please remember to get your flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Everyone should be vaccinated yearly because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and circulating flu strains often change from year to year.

Dr. Gupta receives her flu shot, administered by Wegmans Pharmacist Susan Sloane.

The return to in-person work and school and the less restrictive masking mandates compared to last flu season may result in an increase in flu activity during the 2021-2022 flu season.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, explained, “Getting vaccinated against seasonal flu not only decreases your risk of catching the flu, but also decreases the severity of flu illness and lessens the risk of overwhelming hospitals which are coping with ongoing COVID-19 cases.” Gupta continued, “Everyone should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves, their family, and their community.”

Dr. Gupta further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for those at high risk for complications from severe flu such as:

  • All children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years old
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People who are pregnant (and up to 2 weeks postpartum)
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
  • People with a weakened immune system due to disease or medications
  • People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin-or salicylate-containing medications
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups including non-Hispanic Black persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons
  • People who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • Those who live with or care for those who are at high risk for complications including:
Dr. Gupta says #NoFlu4Me!

Dr. Gupta says #NoFlu4Me!

In addition to getting vaccinated, staying home when you are sick, wearing your face mask, staying socially distanced from others, and practicing good hand hygiene and cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu.

Talk to your health care provider today about getting your flu vaccine or find a flu vaccine at a pharmacy near you! If you do not have health insurance and need a flu vaccine, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.2000.

To learn more about the flu, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/.