Oneida Shores Beach Closed for Swimming

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will be closed to swimming due to high levels of bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be monitoring the lake water daily until bacteria levels reach acceptable standards.

Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea. While only some types of bacteria will cause gastrointestinal illness, the presence of E. coli bacteria is an indicator of increased general bacterial action in the water. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider.

Annual Elimination of Water Chestnuts in the Seneca River

The Onondaga County Health Department will begin to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River in the Baldwinsville and Three Rivers areas on: Monday, July 23; Thursday, July 26; and Friday, July 27. Rain dates are Tuesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 25. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom. Water chestnuts spread quickly and their seeds can remain dormant for several years making elimination of water chestnuts a multi-year effort. Due to its thick formation, water chestnuts hinder navigation, crowd native plants, and reduce fish habitat.

The primary herbicide that will be used for this purpose is Clearcast (active ingredient: imazamox). Rodeo (active ingredient:  glyphosate) will also be used. Clearcast and Rodeo are considered safe for the control of vegetation in and around natural bodies of water and non-cropland sites. However, Clearcast and Rodeo are harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled and can cause moderate eye irritation. As a precautionary measure, we are asking the public to avoid the areas while they are being treated. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas. Detailed descriptions and maps of the treatment areas are available at: www.ongov.net/health/waterchestnuts.html.

For more information about the pesticides that will be used, please visit:

Extreme Heat Precautions

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Indu Gupta, is advising that individuals take precaution this weekend due to extreme heat. This weekend and into Monday, the heat index – which is how hot it really feels – is expected to reach 100 degrees or more, with temperatures peaking on Sunday. A high heat index, besides making people uncomfortable, also significantly worsens the air quality which can impact people with lung diseases like asthma.  Air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children and seniors, as well as those suffering from heart or lung diseases. Dr. Gupta states that “These effects can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or outdoor exercise.”

  • To stay healthy during hot weather it is important for everyone to follow these safety tips:
  • Drink water regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay in an air conditioned indoor location. If your home is not air conditioned, visit public places such as senior centers, libraries, and malls. A listing is available at:

www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/countycenters

  • Keep curtains and window shades closed.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself.
  • Dress in loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Protect face and head from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Avoid too much sun and use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • NEVER leave children, disabled individuals or pets in cars

The Health Department reminds individuals to take steps to prevent heat-related illness. For more information on how to Avoid, Spot and Treat Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion visit https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/infographics/ast-heat.htm. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat-related symptoms, contact your health care provider or 911 immediately.

For more information about heat-related illness prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-3280 or visit www.ongov.net/health/heat.html or https://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

Preventing Rabies Exposure from Wild Animals

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, reminds Onondaga County residents to take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from rabies. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Fortunately, human rabies is rare in the United States. Although there is no treatment for rabies, it is PREVENTABLE.

“It is very important to never touch a wild animal”, emphasized Dr. Gupta. If you find wildlife on your property, do not touch it, even if it looks friendly. If it is sick or injured, you may contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Take the following precautions to prevent rabies:

Prevent Rabies in Your Pet and Yourself

  • Make sure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date for all your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets).  New York State Public Health Laws requires that all puppies and kittens get their initial shot at three months of age, the first booster shot within 1 year after the initial shot, and then a booster shot every three years.  Ferrets must get a shot every year.
  • Maintain control of your pets. Keep cats and ferrets indoors and keep dogs under direct supervision.
  • Make sure to wear gloves before tending to your dog after a fight with a wild animal. Don’t forget to consult a veterinarian for further care.
  • Call your town or local municipality for assistance or guidance on how to remove stray or wild animals from your neighborhood.
  • Never try to approach nor pet a wild or unfamiliar animal, including stray cats
  • Do not bring a wild animal, such as a fox, raccoon, woodchuck, or skunk, etc. into your home or treat them as a pet.

Teach Children to Stay Safe Around Animals

  • Supervise children while interacting with animals.
  • Respect a dog’s space. Never approach a dog, especially one that is tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.  Be cautious around strange dogs. Don’t pet a dog—even your own—without letting it see and sniff you first.

Protect your Family from Bats
About 5 percent of bats may carry rabies, so take steps to keep bats out of your house:

  • Bat-proof your home. Look for holes in places like the garage, attic, and basement and plug them with steel wool. Repair window screen holes with wire mesh and caulk any openings or cracks.
  • Trap any bat found in your home—do not let it escape outdoors. Before trapping the bat, protect yourself with gloves and a hat. Collect the bat in a container with a secure lid. For complete instructions and a video on how to trap a bat visit: www.ongov.net/health/ADP.html.
  • Once the bat is caught, call the Animal Disease Control Program at (315) 435-3165 to bring the bat in for testing at our location at 4170 Route 31, Clay, NY 13041.
  • If you cannot trap the bat, call a local trapper for assistance.

Vaccinate Your Pets
Onondaga County Health Department offers rabies shot clinics at many locations throughout Onondaga County. Upcoming clinics include:
Thursday, June 21, 5:00 to 7:00 pm SPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Mattydale
Thursday, July 19, 4:00 to 6:00 pm Onondaga Nation Fire Department, Route 11A, Nedrow
Thursday, August 2, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Village of Minoa DPW, 100 Kalin Dr, Minoa
All shots are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Additional rabies shot clinics will be offered throughout the year. For a complete clinic schedule call (315) 435-3280 or visit:  www.ongov.net/health/documents/RabiesClinicSchedule.pdf.

If You are Bitten by a Wild or Unfamiliar Animal
If you or a family member are bitten, or exposed to the saliva of a wild or unfamiliar animal, first wash any wounds with soap and water and seek medical treatment if necessary. Next, call the Animal Disease Control Program at (315) 435-3165 for guidance regarding concern for rabies. More information on how to address animal bites and other frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found at: www.ongov.net/health/documents/RabiesFAQ.pdf .

For more information about rabies prevention call (315) 435-3165 or visit:
www.ongov.net/health/ADP.html
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/
www.cdc.gov/rabies/

Extreme Heat Precautions

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Indu Gupta, is advising that individuals take precautions when the temperatures and humidity are high. A heat advisory is in effect for our area from 10am – 8pm today, with the heat index – which is how hot it really feels – expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees. The high heat index, besides making people uncomfortable, also significantly worsens the air quality. Dr. Gupta explained, “During these extreme heat conditions, residents should take steps to stay cool. Seniors, small children, overweight individuals, those with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medications, are at an increased risk for heat-related illness.” Also, air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children and seniors, as well as those suffering from heart or lung diseases. The effects can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or outdoor exercise.

During this hot weather it is important for everyone to follow these safety tips:

  • Drink water regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay in an air conditioned indoor location. If your home is not air conditioned, visit public places such as senior centers, libraries, and malls. A listing is available at: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/countycenters
  • Keep draperies and window shades closed.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself.
  • Dress in loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Avoid too much sun and use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • NEVER leave children, disabled individuals or pets in cars.

 

The Health Department reminds individuals to take steps to prevent heat-related illness. Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness: headache, nausea, muscle cramping, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, a person may develop hot dry skin (no sweating), confusion, or unconsciousness which may indicate heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can result in death if not treated promptly. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat-related symptoms, contact your health care provider or 911 immediately.

For more information about heat-related illness prevention tips call the Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-3280 or visit www.ongov.net/health/heat.html or https://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.

Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Ticks and Mosquitoes

The Onondaga County Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents that “Now that warmer weather has finally arrived, it is important to consistently use personal protection measures to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick bites that may transmit West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), or Lyme disease.”

The Health Department reminds residents to take personal protection measures during outdoor activities:

  • Wear shoes and light color socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck in your shirt and tuck pants legs into boots or socks.  Check your body for ticks after being outdoors.
  • Consider using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing.  Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin (apply to your own hands and then put it on the child). Repellent should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old. With any insect repellent, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and reapplication.

Dr. Gupta explains “Mosquitoes can also carry the viruses that spread diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV)”.  The Health Department will begin the annual mosquito surveillance and control program in late May.  This program collects and tests mosquitoes for viruses including WNV and EEEV.  The program also uses larvicides (an insecticide) to control mosquito breeding in standing bodies of water. Mosquito proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens. Clean clogged rain gutters, turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use, change water in bird baths every four days, properly maintain swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs, drain water from pool covers, and use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

Dr. Gupta further stresses the importance of checking your body immediately after any outdoor activity for an attached tick.  An infected tick must be attached to the skin for 36 hours to transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.  Keep ticks away by mowing your lawn often and removing brush.  Playground toys, decks and patios should be kept away from wooden areas.  In addition, do not feed deer on your property.  If you see a tick, follow the steps below to remove it:

  • Take tweezers to the tick’s head or mouth, where it enters the skin.
  • Pull the tick firmly up, in a steady motion, away from the skin.
  • Clean the bite with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Keep a record of the date, time, and where you were bitten.
  • For more information about tick removal visit: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

Call your health care provider if a tick has been attached to your skin for more than 36 hours, or if you had a recent tick bite and develop any symptoms (“bull’s-eye” rash, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes).

For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses or Lyme disease, contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315-435-1649 or visit:

OCHD:
/health/mosquitoborne.html
/health/lyme.html

NYS:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme

CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
https://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme

National Infant Immunization Week

Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases.  Therefore, it is essential that children be protected by getting all of the recommended immunizations (shots) to protect against serious diseases.  National Infant Immunization Week is recognized during the week of April 21 – April 28, 2018.

Immunizations protect the individual as well as families and communities. Children who are not immunized increase their risk of disease, as well as the risk to others.  In the United States, we can protect children against fourteen (14) different diseases before the age of two.

This health observance helps to remind and encourage all parents to consult with their health care provider to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their shots.  Health care professionals remain parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children.  While there may be some minor side effects from immunizations, all licensed vaccines are rigorously monitored for efficiency and safety.

Take time during National Infant Immunization Week to be certain your child is up-to-date on their immunizations. For more information about vaccine preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your health care provider, the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-2000, or visit the CDC Immunization website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.

Shake, Shake, Shake?

By Roseanne Jones, MS, RDN, CDN

As a Registered Dietitian, I do like to “shake things up” while I am working but the past couple of months, I did a lot less shakin’!
Let me explain.

Recently, I have been working with Chef Bill Collins, a Culinary Specialist at Syracuse University, to gather chefs and cooks in our community for salt-reduction training. Chef Bill Collins FALK Health Department Flavor and Savor Training SCSD Nutrition and Food Service Staff 2018Reducing salt in our diet is important because it may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Too much sodium (salt) increases the risk of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Chef Collins demonstrated how to decrease salt in the foods we eat in four really easy ways:

  • buy foods that are low in sodium (salt)
  • dilute the sodium by increasing the volume by adding ingredients to prepared foods such as chopped vegetables, plain yogurt, fresh fruit, tofu… the list goes on!
  • add “flavor bursts”  to your food with herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, and onions
  • decrease the portion sizes of your food (instead of a 12-inch tortilla use an 8-inch tortilla).

Salt is hiding in foods. It’s true!

Chef Bill Collins FALK Health Department Flavor and Savor Training SCSD Nutrition and Food Service Staff 2018
It’s true that most of the salt we consume comes from the foods we buy pre-made from the grocery store and from restaurants…..not the salt shaker.  The problem with buying prepared foods is that you can’t take the salt out of the existing food.   So, it is a good idea to cook from scratch when you can because you can control the salt.  When that isn’t possible, buy items that are fresh and lower in sodium!

I have the answer for you!

Read your food labels so that you really know what is in the product, look for  “low-sodium “ products, cook at home more often, cook from scratch (because you can limit the salt), and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Learn more by checking out the training!

Check out the video below of the training with Chef Collins!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxDFpu2iyo]

FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Are Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. All men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer but it occurs most often in adults over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. The best prevention for colorectal cancer is to undergo colorectal cancer screening tests.

Early detection saves lives.
Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important.

Adults between the ages of 50 and 75 should be tested.
Some screening tests can be used to find polyps while others look for specific signs of colorectal cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit which looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test which allows your doctor to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available.
The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for men and women between 50 and 64 years old who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers. 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.

Remember, if you are between 50 and 64 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). 2017. Colorectal Cancer Screening. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/pdf/b

Flu is Widespread in Onondaga County

The number of local flu cases has been rising significantly in the past several weeks. From October 2017 through the week ending January 7, 2018, 657 cases of flu have been reported to the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD). Emergency rooms of local area hospitals are reporting more cases of flu or influenza like illnesses (ILI) along with a high number of flu-associated hospitalizations.

Flu is a viral respiratory infection that causes fever, aches, and coughing. It spreads from one person to another by cough droplets or by direct contact with someone who has the flu. Most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for an even longer time.

The current prevalent circulating virus is flu A (H3N2), a strain which is included in this year’s vaccine. In the past, A(H3N2)-predominant flu seasons have been associated with more severe illness, especially in persons aged 65 years and older and young children. In addition, in previous seasons influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) has been lower against A(H3N2) than against influenza A(H1N1) or influenza B viruses.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta strongly urges county residents to take steps to protect themselves and others against the flu:

  • Practice precautions to stop the spread of flu infection: If you are sick, stay home until you are free of fever for at least one day. Practice social distancing, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have the flu, especially if you are at high risk to develop severe complications such as very young or old ages, chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or if you are obese or pregnant. Do not go to the Emergency Department or Prompt Care unless your symptoms are severe or you are told by your physician to go there.
  • Prevent flu by getting vaccinated: Anyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot. Getting the flu shot is one of the most important ways to protect against influenza. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.

Please contact your healthcare provider if you have not received a flu shot. Onondaga County Health Department also provides free flu shots for uninsured and underinsured Onondaga County residents every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in room 30 of the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. Call 315-435-2000 for more information.
For weekly flu data updates, visit our website: www.ongov.net/health/fluandpneumonia.html