October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month

As a new parent, one of the most important decisions you will make is where your baby will sleep.

Problem:

Every year, there are thousands of sleep-related deaths among babies.

  • 22% of mothers report NOT placing their baby on his or her back to sleep.
  • 39% of mothers report using soft bedding when placing babies to sleep.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/safesleep/index.html

 What Can Be Done

The following practices can help lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

Do:

  • Do place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night, alone, and in a crib.
  • Do make sure the baby’s crib has a firm mattress that fits snugly with no space between the mattress and the side of the crib, and a tight-fitting sheet.
  • Do use a wearable blanket or other type of sleeper to keep your baby warm.
  • Do make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep when visiting and traveling.

Do Not:

  • Do not put your baby to sleep on an adult bed, sofa, waterbed, air-mattress, or another soft surface – even for a nap.
  • Do not place pillows, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed toys in the baby’s crib.
  • Do not let your baby get too warm.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Businesses

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Businesses

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that there is potential COVID-19 exposure at the following local businesses. Members of the public who visited the following locations during the timeframes listed may have been exposed:

Two patrons at Nibsy’s Pub, 201 Ulster Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
Friday, October 2, 3pm-5:30pm

A patron at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard, 2708 State Route 80, La Fayette, NY 13084
Sunday, October 4, 11am-2:30pm
The individual rode a tractor-pulled wagon into the orchard, and although wearing masks, riders were seated close together which raises the risk of exposure.

An employee at Lowe’s Home Improvement, 131 Simon Dr, Syracuse, NY 13224
Saturday, October 3, 1pm-10pm
Monday, October 5, 1pm-10pm
Tuesday, October 6, 1pm-10pm
Thursday, October 8, 1pm-2pm

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19, including testing, changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Steve’s Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee of Steve’s Restaurant located at 401 Milton Avenue, Syracuse NY 13204 has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were at Steve’s Restaurant on Monday, October 5th between the hours of 8am and 1pm and Tuesday, October 6th between the hours of 6pm and 11pm may have been exposed.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Infant Deaths in Central New York Can Be Prevented

As the Onondaga County Health Department continues its efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, it is important to remember other issues that are affecting our health. October is SIDS Awareness Month, and while Onondaga County has seen an overall decrease in the rate of infant deaths since the 1990s, this decrease has slowed over time.

Local Impact
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta released local data today regarding infant deaths that have resulted from unsafe sleeping situations. Gupta explained, “Tragically, sleep-related infant deaths are still a reality in our community, as evidenced by the data compiled by the Onondaga County Health Department. Over the last five years (2015-2019) we have had, on average, 6 unsafe sleep deaths per year. The African American community is disproportionately impacted, where babies are twice as likely to die of unsafe sleep as non-Hispanic white babies.”

“Since 2015, we have lost 29 babies in Onondaga County due to an unsafe sleep environment”, stated Christine Larkin, Coordinator of the Onondaga County Child Fatality Review Team. “The majority of infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping situations are babies who were sleeping in an adult bed or sleeping with an adult or child. In other situations, the babies were in their own crib, but soft bedding, blankets, or pillows caused suffocation. Car seats, strollers, and couches also put babies at risk.”

Safe Sleep for Baby 

  • The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib near where a parent sleeps (whether babies are breastfed or bottle-fed)—room sharing, not bed sharing.
  • Use a safety-approved crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress covered only by a sheet. There should be nothing else in the crib. 
  • Do not put blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or bumper pads in the crib.
  • Babies should never sleep on a waterbed.
  • Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
  • Babies should be put on their stomachs to play while supervised.

Learn More 

For more information about safe sleep for babies, call Healthy Families at 315.435.2000.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that 5 patrons at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on Lords Hill Road in LaFayette have tested positive for COVID-19. The 5 individuals, who were at the orchard on Saturday, October 3 from 2:15 to 4:45 pm, were wearing masks at all times except when seated indoors to eat. The individuals rode a tractor-pulled wagon into the orchard, and although wearing masks, riders were seated close together which raises the risk of exposure.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Nail Salon in Destiny USA

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that two employees of BV Nails located in Destiny USA in Syracuse have tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were at BV Nails on Tuesday, September 29 between the hours of 10am and 7pm may have been exposed.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Cicero Nail Salon

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that four employees of Healthy Nails and Spa, located at 7999 Brewerton Road in Cicero, have tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were at Healthy Nails and Spa on September 26, 28, 29, and 30 between the hours of 10am and 7pm may have been exposed.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

County Executive Ryan McMahon Recognizes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A press release from County Executive Ryan McMahon:

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among United States women, no matter your 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. Monitoring your breast health prior to the age of 40 is also critically important.

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. Do not wait to get your mammogram because of COVID-19. Medical facilities are taking 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 breast milk, 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 64 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 64 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. Take care of yourself this October and schedule your mammogram today!

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Party, Local Restaurant/Bar

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that a guest at a party and two patrons at a local restaurant/bar have tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were at the following locations during the timeframes listed may have been exposed.

Party at a private residence, Boston Street in Syracuse
Saturday, September 19, 5:30pm to 11:00pm
The gathering was open to the public so OCHD is unable to identify all who attended.

Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 7240 Oswego Road in Liverpool
Thursday, September 24, 4:30pm to 10:00pm

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily, stay up to date by visiting these websites:
• Onondaga County:  covid19.ongov.net
• New York State Department of Health: coronavirus.health.ny.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Don’t forget your flu vaccine this year!

This fall, please remember to get your flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (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.

It is especially important to receive a flu vaccine this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza season usually starts in early fall, while the COVID-19 virus is still circulating. 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.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, explained, “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:

  • Children 6 months through 59 months of age
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
  • People who have a weakened immune system due to any cause
  • Children and adolescents (aged 6 months through 18 years) who are receiving aspirin-or salicylate-containing medications
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • American Indians / Alaska Natives
  • Persons who are extremely obese (BMI ≥ 40)
  • Those who live with or care for those who are at high risk for complications including:

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/.