Reality Check Program Hosts Free Smoke-Free Movie Events

As part of International Week of Action for Smoke-Free Movies, the Reality Check program serving Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego counties is hosting two free smoke-free movie events. Reality Check is a statewide youth program empowering youth to stand up against the tobacco and e-cigarette industry. The Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY program work to engage local stakeholders, educate community leaders and the public, and mobilize community members and organizations to strengthen tobacco and e-cigarette policies that prevent and reduce tobacco and vape use.  Efforts also focus on reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco and e-cigarette marketing in retail settings, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing smoking imagery in the media.

International Week of Action is held each year around the same time as the Academy Awards to draw attention to the youth that start smoking due to the images of tobacco use in movies.  It’s time for major Hollywood studios to stop putting tobacco use in movies that kids see the most.  The smoke-free movie events will be held on:

  • Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM at the Hollywood Theater, located on 2221 Brewerton Road, Syracuse, NY 13211, featuring Secret Life of Pets 2.
  • Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 9:30 AM at the Oswego Cinema, located at 138 West Second Street, Oswego, NY 13126, featuring the movie Sing.

Doors open at 9:00 AM and the first 100 people in attendance at each event will receive a free popcorn and drink combo. Reality Check youth will be collecting signatures of support before and after the movie, urging the Motion Picture Association to give movies that show tobacco and e-cigarette imagery an “R” rating.  There will also be educational resources, games, and a raffle for a prize pack from the Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check programs.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, exposure to smoking in movies increases the risk that young people will start smoking. Giving movies with tobacco use an R-rating would lead to an 18% reduction in youth smoking and would eliminate 1 million tobacco-related deaths among today’s children and teens. Images of any type of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, have been shown to influence viewers; especially youth. In New York State, nearly 40% of 12th graders use e-cigarettes. Vaping is causing a new generation to be addicted to nicotine, and youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes than their non-vaping peers.

For more information about Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY programs, contact 315.435.3280.

Onondaga County Health Department Releases 2019-2021 Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan

The Onondaga County Health Department is pleased to announce the publication of the 2019-2021 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan provides an overview of demographic and health indicator data for Onondaga County residents, as well as current health challenges, determinants of health, and existing community assets and resources. The document also outlines a collaborative plan for addressing community health priorities. The 2019-2021 priority areas are: 1) Prevent Chronic Diseases and 2) Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental and Substance Use Disorders.

CHA CHIP Document

The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan was developed by the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital. The document was also informed by a robust community engagement process, with feedback obtained from over 3,000 county residents on health related issues.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan helps us understand how social determinants, like poverty, education, housing, and trauma can impact health, and provides an important framework for many sectors in our community to collectively implement strategies focused on health equity and improved outcomes” said Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner. Gupta continued “This effort could not have been possible without the support of local hospitals, numerous community agencies, and the feedback and engagement of community members.”

The 2019-2021 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is available on the Onondaga County Health Department website.

HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention

By Andrea Flood, MPH, Public Health Educator

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month. The CDC and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition promote the protection against cervical cancer through vaccination and regular screening. Each year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. More than 9 of every 10 cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus, otherwise referred to as HPV. HPV is a common virus that is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity.  Most HPV infections resolve on their own within two years. However, sometimes HPV can last longer and can lead to certain types of cancers.

Why is HPV vaccination important?
HPV infections can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and the back of the throat. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in the United States. HPV infection can also cause genital warts. Of the various HPV causing cancers, not all are easy to screen for. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV, do not know they are infected. What’s the good news? The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV and cancer-causing infections and precancers! The vaccine prevents infection from HPV that can lead to cancer and cause genital warts. Cervical cancer can also be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care. Women should start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21.

Who should receive the vaccine?
The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) recommends that both males and females should receive the HPV vaccine. It is routinely recommended that children receive the vaccine when they are preteens at 11-12 years of age. The ACIP recommends catch-up HPV vaccination for all persons through age 26. HPV vaccination can also be beneficial for some adults ages 27 through 45 years of age who have not already been vaccinated. In this age range discuss your risk of HPV with your doctor and decide together if it is beneficial for you.

ACIP HPV Recommendations

Research shows the HPV vaccine is safe and effective
The HPV vaccine has gone through years of extensive safety testing before being approved and licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA licenses vaccines only if they are proven to be safe, effective, and the benefits to vaccination outweigh the risks. Since the vaccine was approved, over 120 million doses of the vaccine have been provided and the data continues to support the vaccine as safe and effective.

Where can I get an HPV vaccine in Onondaga County?
Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy. Speak with your primary care provider to see if they offer the HPV vaccine. Call Onondaga County Immunization Clinic for availability. To learn more contact Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-2000.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/index.html


Protect Yourself From Secondhand Smoke This Winter

As winter sets in and the temperature continues to drop, more people may decide to stay inside to smoke. This decision can be very dangerous, especially to those who live in apartments and multi-unit housing. Even if someone decides to smoke inside just during the winter months, there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure.

Neighbors living in apartments share up to 65% of their air and smoke can travel through shared ventilation, heating systems, cracks in walls, openings around plumbing, under doors and through poor insulation. Secondhand smoke exposure may cause non-smoking adults to develop cancer and heart disease and children to have poor lung growth and develop serious lung illnesses1. E-cigarettes/vapes are also dangerous to use indoors. E-cigarette/vape users breathe out an aerosol, not a harmless water vapor. The aerosol contains nicotine, heavy metals like lead, and cancer-causing chemicals2.

If your apartment building doesn’t have a smoke-free policy, you and/or your family could be exposed to secondhand smoke. In addition to protecting all residents and visitors from secondhand smoke exposure, smoke-free policies can also reduce the risk of fires. If you are experiencing secondhand smoke drifting into your apartment, document the situation and talk to your landlord about how the smoke is affecting you and/or your family. If you are interested in learning more about smoke-free apartments, please call Tobacco-Free CNY at (315) 435-3280.

1https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/going-smokefree-matters/multi-unit/index.html

2https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html

FREE Tests to Detect Cervical Cancer Are Available

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. In the United States, approximately 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. It is important to remember that most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. Usually, HPV will go away on its own, but when it doesn’t, cervical cancer can develop over time. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from the nine most common types of HPV. The vaccine is recommended for males and females at age 11 or 12, but can be given between 9 to 26 years of age. Adults between the ages of 27 to 45 who are not adequately vaccinated may benefit from the HPV vaccine. Check with your provider to determine if you should receive the vaccine. If you do not have insurance that covers the vaccine, please call 315-435-2000 for more information on the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic.

There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for women between the ages of 21 to 65. Women aged 21-29 should be screened regularly with Pap tests every three years. Women aged 30 and older may be screened with both Pap and HPV testing every five years. Routine screenings are an important step to help find cervical cancer early. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm

Free Pap and HPV tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers to completing their screenings along with any necessary follow-up testing. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free screening test.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having cervical cancer screening tests is important. You should start regular Pap tests at age 21 and continue this practice through age 65 with guidance of your doctor. Remember, if you are a woman between the ages of 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests. Take care of yourself and schedule your test today!

Join the Great American Smokeout to Quit Smoking and Support Tobacco-Free Outdoor Air Policies

Each year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages individuals to join the Great American Smokeout (GASO). GASO is a day for individuals to make a pledge and a plan to quit smoking and for family members and friends to support their loved ones in their quitting journey. If you or a loved one smokes, the Onondaga County Health Department’s Tobacco-Free CNY encourages you to take the pledge and join the GASO on November 21, 2019.

Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Smoking can lead to cancer, heart disease, stroke and serious lung diseases. About 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. is caused by smoking. Smoking also affects non-smoking adults and children. Secondhand smoke exposure can cause non-smoking adults to develop cancer and heart disease and children to have poor lung growth and develop serious lung illnesses. Over 41,000 non-smoking adults and infants die each year from secondhand smoke exposure1.

Quitting smoking doesn’t happen in one day, but it starts with one day. If you plan to quit, remember:

  • Create your quit plan and write down your goals
  • Establish a strong support system with friends and family who will help you quit
  • Take one day at a time and celebrate small successes
  • Quitting success is higher with a combination of FDA approved medication and counseling

Tobacco-Free CNY works to reduce the power and presence of the tobacco industry in Central New York communities through policy change and youth empowerment. This year, Tobacco-Free CNY is celebrating GASO by bringing awareness to tobacco-free outdoor air policies. For the first time in recorded history, the Onondaga County adult smoking rate has dropped to 17.2%. This is largely due to the passage of tobacco-related New York State laws, specifically the Tobacco 21 policy.

Over 500 cities and town in New York State have created their own tobacco-free outdoor air policies. Local government, hospitals, businesses, colleges and landlords have followed this lead by creating their own tobacco-free outdoor air policies. In addition to helping individuals quit using tobacco, tobacco-free outdoor air policies eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce tobacco litter, decrease the risk of building fires caused by lit tobacco products, and exclude the presence of tobacco in everyday life. The goal is for Central New York residents to live healthy, safe and tobacco-free lives.

For support with quitting, and to see if you qualify for free medications, call the New York State Quitline at

1-866-697-8487 or visit www.nysmokefree.com. If you are interested in a tobacco-free outdoor air policy where you work, where your children play or where you live, please contact Tobacco-Free CNY at 315-435-3280.

1https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm

Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A Virus in a Local Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) has confirmed a new case of hepatitis A virus infection in a local restaurant worker. OCHD was notified on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 that a food handler who works at Camillus Hills Golf Course, also known as the Camillus Country Club (5690 Bennetts Corners Rd, Camillus, NY 13031) was diagnosed with the hepatitis A virus and immediately initiated an investigation.

Anyone who consumed food or drinks from Camillus Hills Golf Course/Camillus Country Club during the timeframe of October 13 to 24, 2019 was potentially exposed to the hepatitis A virus. Those who have been fully vaccinated against hepatitis A are protected.

OCHD is advising anyone who consumed food or drinks at the Camillus Hills Golf Course/Camillus Country Club during the timeframe of October 18 to 24, 2019 to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible, and to call OCHD at 315-435-5752 beginning Thursday, October 31 at 8:30 am.

Those who consumed food or drinks at the Camillus Hills Golf Course/Camillus Country Club during the timeframe of October 13 to 17 may have been exposed but will not benefit from hepatitis A vaccine to prevent infection from this exposure and are encouraged to monitor themselves and their families for symptoms for 50 days after the exposure. Symptoms may include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, or jaundice. If you have any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and be sure to tell them that you may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

OCHD continues to encourage hepatitis A vaccination for the general public to protect against contracting the illness from any source of exposure.  Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart. Speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

The owner and staff at the restaurant are complying with all recommendations from the state and local health department. There is no risk to eating at the Camillus Hills Golf Course/Camillus Country Club at this time.

For more information:

The Onondaga County Health Department Wants You to Know About PrEP

Did you know that October 20 – October 26, 2019 is PrEP Aware Week? PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is the use of daily medicine that can reduce your chance of getting HIV. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout the body. The Onondaga County Health Department is raising awareness about PrEP, which is considered safe and effective for people of all genders and is more than 90% effective in preventing HIV infection if taken every day. It can also protect from HIV for those wishing to get pregnant with an HIV+ partner.

Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, explained who may want to consider PrEP. “PrEP is for those who within the last six months:

  • Had sex without condoms with a person whose HIV status you didn’t know
  • Had a sexually transmitted infection (an “STI”), such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or herpes
  • Had sex while drunk or high
  • Had sex for something you needed (such as housing, money, drugs)
  • Shared needles or injection supplies”

Dr. Gupta further emphasized that people should also consider PrEP if, in the last six months, someone had a sexual partner who:

  • Refused to use condoms
  • Made you have sex when you did not want to
  • Had sex with anyone besides you
  • Has ever been in jail or prison
  • Injected drugs with a needle
  • Has HIV
  • Is a man who has sex with other men

PrEP is covered by Medicaid and many health insurance plans. For more information about PrEP visit www.ongov.net/health/prep.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department, The STD Center at 315.435.3236.

For more information visit:
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/prep/prep_index.htm
www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html

Don’t Forget Your Flu Vaccine!

This fall, 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.

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:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons who are ≤ 5 years of age and adults ≥ 50 years of age
    • Household contacts and caregivers of persons with a medical condition that put them at high risk for complications

In addition to getting vaccinated, staying home when you are sick, good hand hygiene, and practicing cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist to ask about getting flu vaccine today!

If you do not have health insurance and are looking for 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/.

Boil Water Order LIFTED for Town of DeWitt

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for the residents served by the Town of DeWitt Water Department. The Boil Water Order was issued on Friday, October 4 when test results from routine sampling confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria.

The Town of DeWitt Water Department spent the weekend flushing the system and increasing the chlorine levels in the water. Two consecutive follow up tests have confirmed no presence of coliform. Although tap water is now safe to drink, residents are advised to flush their water by running all of their taps on full for at least five minutes before drinking any water.

It is important to note that the Town of DeWitt is one of the few municipalities in Onondaga County that maintains and monitors their own public water systems independent of the Onondaga County Water Authority.

For more information visit www.ongov.net/health/env/boilwater.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.