Film Students Team Up with the Health Department to Promote Safe Sleep for Infants

By Lisa GreenMills, Program Coordinator, Syracuse Healthy Start
and Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator

Finding out you’re pregnant can be life-changing news, and along with all the congratulations and well wishes from family and friends, new parents also get bombarded with plenty of unsolicited advice! It can range from helpful, to mildly amusing, to outright absurd! One thing we all hear though is “get used to not sleeping!” It really is hard to understand the exhaustion you’ll feel as a new parent until you actually experience it firsthand. Those first few weeks and months can be so difficult.

During those initial sleepless nights, friends and family might give you even more advice on getting your baby to sleep. You might hear that babies sleep better snuggled up with their parents, lying on their bellies, or surrounded by cute stuffed animals and blankets. Maybe back when you were a child, you even slept in bed with your parents. Times have changed though, and now that we know better, we can do better to protect our new baby. We now know that sleeping with an infant is very dangerous, and many babies have accidentally suffocated under pillows, blankets, between couch cushions, or their own parents’ bodies.

The fact is, every year right here in Onondaga County, infants are dying in unsafe sleep environments. It’s sad to even think about, but it’s important for every family to understand the risk factors and learn what they can do to help keep their babies safe. That’s why staff at the Onondaga County Health Department’s Healthy Families Division recently partnered with a team of students from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA) urging new parents to practice the ABCs of Safe Sleep, and most of all, to stay strong when it comes to infant sleep! Even though it’s difficult, Safe Sleep is always the best option.

Check out the video the students created and take a minute to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep:

  • Baby should sleep ALONE
  • Put Baby to sleep on their BACK
  • Put Baby to sleep in a CRIB.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D-NrUy6OeY]

Safe Sleep Tips:

  • Place your baby on his or her back every time your baby sleeps (including naps).
  • Use a crib with a firm mattress that fits tight, without any space between the mattress and the side of the crib.
  • Babies should never sleep on soft surfaces (such as adult beds, sofas, armchairs, or pillows). Not even for a nap.
  • Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Place your baby to sleep in the same room as you but not in the same bed, for at least the first 6 months, ideally for the first year.
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads. Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. Wedges and positioners should not be used.
  • Do not overheat the baby or bundle the baby with lots of blankets. Instead, dress the baby in a wearable blanket sleeper at bedtime.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy or after the baby is born. And, do not let anyone else smoke around your baby.
  • Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Offer pacifiers to breastfed infants only after breastfeeding is firmly established.
  • Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • Remember to tell family, friends, and child care providers about infant safe sleep tips so that your baby sleeps safely every time.
  • Make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep when visiting or traveling.

Healthy Families, a program of the Onondaga County Health Department, offers services for infants, children, new moms, and dads. Free and confidential home visits are available at their home or another location that works for them. For more information, call 315.435.2000 or visit www.onhealthyfamilies.com.

Special thanks to the faculty and students of S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications for the production of this video:
Robert Emerson, Adjunct Professor ─Television, Radio, and Film
Students: Jillian Mitchell, Christopher Sechler, Marisa Torelli-Pedevska, Emily Campbell, and Cameron Hill

Community Urged to Take Precautions During Severe Cold

Due to the Wind Chill Warning issued for Onondaga County from 10:00 pm this evening to 7:00 am Sunday, Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta recommends that Onondaga County residents take precautions against the hazards of severe cold weather to prevent cold related injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Gupta stated, “With the extreme cold in the forecast, people, especially the elderly and young children, need to take measures to protect themselves from hypothermia and frostbite.” Dr. Gupta also explained that it is important to make sure your home is safely heated and reminds residents to check on other family members and neighbors during extremely cold weather. Homeless individuals are encouraged to seek shelter if possible. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

Hypothermia – or lowered body temperature, can occur after prolonged exposure to cold environment. As per the NYS Department of Health, the following are signs, symptoms, and management of hypothermia:

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia:

  • Shivering
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Slurred speech
  • Glassy stare
  • Slow, irregular pulse
  • Numbness
  • Decreased level of consciousness

Management of Hypothermia:

  • Remove all wet/cold clothing
  • Place individual in dry blankets/clothing
  • If conscious, provide warm beverage
  • If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or others, immediately seek medical help

Frostbite – is an injury to exposed body parts such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It can permanently damage body parts if not promptly treated.

Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite:

  • Any discoloration of the skin such as flushed, white, yellow, or blue
  • depending on the length of exposure
  • Waxy appearance of skin
  • Lack of feeling or numbness

Management of Frostbite:

  • Handle the frostbitten area gently
  • Do not rub the area
  • Expose the affected area to a source of warmth
  • Seek medical attention

General Safety Tips during Cold Weather:

  • Stay indoors, if possible
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly
  • Do not ignore shivering – it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

  • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
  • A wind and water-resistant coat
  • A scarf to cover their face and mouth, hat, and gloves or mittens
  • Insulated waterproof boots

It is also important to stay safe when heating your home, especially during a power outage. Take precautions to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide any time a fossil fuel such as natural gas, oil, or coal is burned. Make sure that both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas and is hard to detect. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and can lead to death. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. Get medical help right away.

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by taking the following precautions:
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector which is battery powered or has a battery back-up and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Have gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Be sure that the flues and chimneys are in good working condition.
  • Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible.
  • Read and follow all the instructions that come with any fuel-burning device.
  • Do not idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open.
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
  • Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  • Do not use any gas-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blower, chain saws, small engines, or generators) in enclosed spaces.

For more information on how to reduce your risks from carbon monoxide contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. For more information about hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold weather conditions, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html.

Take Precautions During Cold Weather

Due to the Wind Chill Advisory issued for Onondaga County through Thursday afternoon and cold weather expected to last through next week, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, recommends that Onondaga County residents take precautions against the hazards of severe cold weather to prevent cold related injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Gupta stated, “With these low temperatures, people, especially the elderly and young children, are at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.” Dr. Gupta also explained that it is important to make sure your home is safely heated and reminds residents to check on other family members and neighbors during extremely cold weather. Homeless individuals are encouraged to seek shelter if possible.

Hypothermia – or lowered body temperature, can occur after prolonged exposure to cold environment. As per the NYS Department of Health, the following are signs, symptoms, and management of hypothermia:

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Shivering
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Slurred speech
  • Glassy stare
  • Slow, irregular pulse
  • Numbness
  • Decreased level of consciousness

Management:

  • Remove all wet/cold clothing
  • Place individual in dry blankets/clothing
  • If conscious, provide warm beverage
  • Seek/provide medical attention if further treatment is required
  • If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or others, immediately seek medical help

Frostbite – is an injury to exposed body parts such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It can permanently damage body parts if not promptly treated.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Any discoloration of the skin such as flushed, white, yellow, or blue
  • depending on the length of exposure
  • Waxy appearance of skin
  • Lack of feeling or numbness

Management:

  • Handle the frostbitten area gently
  • Do not rub the area
  • Expose the affected area to a source of warmth
  • Seek medical attention

General Safety Tips during Cold Weather:

  • Stay indoors, if possible
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly
  • Do not ignore shivering – it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

  • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
  • A wind and water-resistant coat
  • A scarf to cover their face and mouth, hat, and gloves or mittens
  • Insulated waterproof boots

It is also important to stay safe when heating your home, especially during a power outage. Take precautions to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide any time a fossil fuel such as natural gas, oil, or coal is burned. Make sure that both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas and is hard to detect. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and can lead to death. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. Get medical help right away.

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by taking the following precautions:
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector which is battery powered or has a battery back-up and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Have gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Be sure that the flues and chimneys are in good working condition.
  • Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible.
  • Read and follow all the instructions that come with any fuel-burning device.
  • Do not idle the car in a garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open.
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
  • Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  • Do not use any gas-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blower, chain saws, small engines, or generators) in enclosed spaces.

For more information on how to reduce your risks from carbon monoxide contact the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. For more information about hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold weather conditions, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html.

Testing for Blue-Green Algae at Skaneateles Lake Ending

The Health Department reported today that testing for blue-green algae in Skaneateles Lake is now complete.  Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained, “There have been three consecutive rounds of testing done which have indicated non-detectable levels of toxin at all points where sampling occurred. Based on these results, the fact that there have been no reports of visible blooms on the lake, and in consultation with the NYSDOH, we have concluded that sampling of Skaneateles Lake water can be safely stopped.”

Following the report of algal blooms in Skaneateles Lake in mid-September, the Onondaga County Health Department has been working collaboratively with both the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the City of Syracuse Water Department, to collect samples to determine whether the levels of algal toxin could impact the municipalities that use Skaneateles Lake as a public drinking water supply.

As cooler temperatures have arrived, the blue-green algal bloom has naturally dissipated.  Sampling has consistently shown non-detectable levels of toxin for drinking water reaching customers of the public system, including the City of Syracuse, the Town of Dewitt, the Village of Skaneateles, the Town of Skaneateles, the Town of Elbridge, the Village of Elbridge and the Village of Jordan. Those residents who use private surface water intakes are advised to never drink untreated surface water. Even if an in-home treatment system is present, bottled water should be used during a bloom. Please refer to the fact sheet: Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms: Understanding the Risks of Piping Surface Water into Your Home, posted on our website.

For information about blue- green algae, sample results, or using surface water as a drinking water source, please visit our website at: /health/bluegreenalgae.html

2016-2018 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan

The Onondaga County Health Department is pleased to announce the publication of the enhanced 2016-2018 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan provides a complete overview of demographic and health indicator data for Onondaga County residents while also identifying 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 2016-2018 priority areas are:

  1. Preventing Chronic Disease and
  2. Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Substance Abuse.

This collaborative document was developed by the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital.  Input was also received from numerous community partners and with the engagement of County residents through community surveys and focus groups.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan establishes public health priorities and provides a road map for collaboratively addressing identified challenges” said Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner.  Dr. Gupta continued, “This effort would not have been possible without the support of local hospitals, numerous community agencies, and the feedback and engagement of community members.”

The revised 2016-2018 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is available on the Onondaga County Health Department website at: /health/documents/OnondagaCountyCHA-CHIP.pdf

Tuberculosis Case Reported in the Syracuse City School District

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reported today that a case of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was reported in an individual affiliated with the Public Service Leadership Academy (PSLA) at Fowler High School. Dr. Gupta explained, “While TB is less common than it once was, it still remains a public health concern. Anyone can contract the disease after exposure to an active TB case. It is treatable and curable by specific antibiotics treatment.”

Tuberculosis is caused by bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. TB is spread when an infected person coughs, speaks, laughs, sings or sneezes into the air and the germs are inhaled by others. Symptoms include: persistent cough, feelings of weakness or lethargy, weight loss, low-grade fever, and/or night sweats. Active TB can take several months after infection to develop.

Those who may have been exposed to this individual should be evaluated for their symptoms and should be tested for any evidence of TB.
The Onondaga County Health Department is working collaboratively with the Syracuse City School District to identify and screen those who may have been exposed. The Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public.

For more information about tuberculosis visit www.cdc.gov/tb

 

Flu Vaccines Now Available

Get your annual flu vaccine! The Onondaga County Health Department is now offering the flu vaccine at the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic. This clinic is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary.  Vaccines are free for Onondaga County residents, while supplies last. The Onondaga County Immunization Clinic will provide flu vaccines for anyone six (6) months of age and older. The clinic is held weekly on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, in Room 30.

According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine every year is particularly important for persons at high risk for complications from the flu, or for those who have contact with people at high risk. Those include the following:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two years old
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

– Health care workers
– Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
– Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Children under 9 years of age who have never had a flu vaccine before will need two doses of vaccine.   The second vaccine should be given one month after the first vaccine. If your child is under the age of nine, but has had two flu vaccines in the past, even if they were not in the same flu season, only one dose is needed.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as your family, friends, and others.  In addition, good hand hygiene and practicing cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu. Residents who would like more information on Onondaga County Immunization Clinic are encouraged to visit www.ongov.net/health or call 315-435-2000.

Mumps Vaccine Booster Offered to Syracuse University Students

The Onondaga County Health Department is working with Syracuse University (SU) and the New York State Department of Health in planning clinics to offer a booster dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) shot to SU student-athletes and undergraduate students. The clinics will begin operating on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 on the SU campus.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, explains that the mumps outbreak is still spreading, mainly on the SU campus. The students most affected are undergraduate students on sports teams, their roommates, friends, and close contacts. At this point there are 27 confirmed cases and 45 probable cases that involve members of the SU campus community. There are also two probable cases in the community; one with a known link to SU, and one with no known link to SU.

The booster doses may help bring the outbreak to an earlier end, but the main effort to control the spread of mumps is to provide continuous education to students on the following prevention measures:
Be sure that you are fully vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases including mumps

  • If you have a fever and swollen salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides or in other salivary glands, seek medical care immediately and stay out of work, school, and social activities for five days
  • Avoid risky behaviors such as kissing and sharing drinks and eating utensils
  • Wash hands frequently, cover your cough, and stay home if you are sick
  • If you are a close contact of a person diagnosed with mumps, watch yourself for symptoms for 25 days

Other symptoms of mumps include headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, testicular or abdominal pain. For more information about the mumps outbreak at SU, please visit their website at health.syr.edu/health-tips/mumps-vaccinations.html or call SU Health Services at 315-443-9005.

For information about mumps and for the latest county-wide case counts, please visit the Health Department website at www.ongov.net/health/mumps.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 shot. Everyone should be vaccinated yearly because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and circulating flu strains often change from year to year.

Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, explained, “Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu.” Dr. Gupta further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults at high risk for complications from the flu or for those who have contact with people at high risk.  People at high risk include:

  • Children 6 months through 59 months of age
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • Pregnant women
  • 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
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • American Indians / Alaska Natives
  • Persons who are extremely obese (BMI ≥ 40)
  • People 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

Many types of vaccine are available this year, including vaccines for people with egg allergies, and vaccines especially for senior citizens. The flu nasal spray vaccine is not offered in the United States this year.

Children under the age of nine who have never had a flu vaccine before will need two doses of vaccine.   The second vaccine should be given one month after the first vaccine. If your child is under the age of nine, but has had two flu vaccines in the past, even if they were not in the same flu season, only one dose is needed.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as the health of your family, friends, and others. In addition, good hand hygiene and practicing cough etiquette throughout the season will reduce your chance of getting the flu. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist to ask about getting a flu vaccine today! If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-2000.

Update Report on Mumps Cases in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reported that a total of 13 cases of mumps have now been diagnosed in Onondaga County since the last week of August. All of these cases are Syracuse University students. The students were diagnosed in a timely manner and have been isolated to prevent any further spread of the disease. Dr. Gupta explained, “It is important to remember that mumps is a vaccine preventable disease and because of high vaccination rates, mumps is no longer very common in the United States.” She further explained that although all of the cases have involved students that were fully vaccinated against mumps, sporadic cases can still occur among vaccinated individuals and outbreaks have occurred on college campuses across New York State and the US. It is important to note that the best way to protect against mumps is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (MMR shot), said Gupta.

OCHD continues to monitor suspect cases. The public should be aware of the signs and symptoms, especially if they have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with mumps.

Mumps is a serious contagious viral disease passed through saliva and respiratory secretions of an ill individual. There are currently a number of suspect cases in the community and people need to know what symptoms to look for. Symptoms include: fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or along the jawline on one or both sides. Severe symptoms can include meningitis and swelling of the testis. An ill person can transmit the disease for two days before the onset of swollen salivary glands and 5 days afterwards. There is no specific treatment.

To prevent the spread of mumps:

  • Check with your doctor to be sure that your vaccinations are up to date. The mumps vaccine is given as part of the MMR shot.
  • If you have been in contact with a person diagnosed with mumps, watch for symptoms for 25 days.
  • If you have swollen salivary glands under your ears on one or both sides, seek medical care immediately and stay out of work and/or school for five days. Inform the     student health service of your illness.
  • Avoid sharing drinks, cover your cough, and stay home if you are sick.

The Onondaga County Health Department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health and Syracuse University and will continue monitoring the situation and informing the public. For more information about mumps visit www.cdc.gov/mumps.