Rabies Shot Clinics in May

The Onondaga County Health Department, in cooperation with local community partners, will be offering rabies shot clinics at the following locations in May:

• Thursday, May 1st from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Clay Highway Garage located at 483 Route 31, Clay

• Monday, May 12th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Village of Manlius Recreation Center located at 6 Stickley Drive, Manlius

• Tuesday, May 20th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
S.P.C.A. located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Mattydale

Please remember to keep your pets on a leash (or in a carrier) at the rabies clinic and keep them close to you.  Also please bring your pet’s past shot records.

New York State Public Health law requires that all puppies and kittens get their first rabies shot at three months of age.  They also need to get a booster shot at one year old and then again every three years.  Ferrets must get a shot every year.

All shots are free for Onondaga County residents.  A voluntary donation per family is appreciated.  For more information, call the Onondaga County Health Department’s Animal Disease Control at 435-3165.

Free Radon Test Kits Available

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in rock and soil.  It enters a home through cracks and openings in the foundation.  Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer.  There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you in the presence of radon.  It typically takes years of exposure before any noticeable problems surface.

Onondaga County has been designated by the New York State Department of Health as a “high risk radon county” based on average basement readings.  Testing for radon is the only way to know if you have radon in your home. The Onondaga County Health Department is offering a limited number of free radon test kits. If you are interested in a radon kit, call the Onondaga County Health Department Bureau of Environmental Health at 435-1649.

Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings for the Uninsured

Have you been screened for colorectal cancer?  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults aged 50-75 years is not getting tested as recommended.  Celebrate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March by scheduling your colorectal cancer screening test today.  The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for average risk men and women aged 50-75 using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.

Individuals at increased risk should talk to their doctor about when and how often they should be screened.  A person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer is increased by certain factors such as having a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or having had polyps or colorectal cancer in the past.

If you are waiting to be screened because you are currently without health insurance, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) can help.  Men and women aged 50 to 64 who do not have health insurance may qualify for free colorectal cancer screening!  Call 435-3653 today to see if you qualify or visit the CSP website at /health/cancerscreening.html to register online.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer of men and women in the United States.  Colorectal cancer is one of the only cancers that can be prevented through the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. There are often no symptoms during the early stages of colorectal cancer, making routine colorectal screening extremely important. If symptoms do appear, they may include rectal bleeding, black tarry stools, a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, and unexplained weight loss.

Testing and early detection saves lives.  Call the Cancer Services Program today at 435-3653 to see if you qualify for your free colorectal screening!

“Love Yourself” With A Valentine’s Day Screening

The very successful “Love Yourself” campaign is back for February 2014!  Will you be waiting for hearts and roses on Valentine’s Day? This February love yourself by getting your mammogram! If you do not have health insurance, free breast exams and mammograms are available for eligible women between the ages of 40 and 64 through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP). Call 435-3653 today to begin registration or register online by visiting the CSP website at /health/cancerscreening.html!

“Love Yourself” is in its 5th year of educating women about the importance of regular screenings and early detection for breast cancer.  The “Love Yourself” campaign is a partnership between the Onondaga County Health Department, local physicians, Komen for the Cure, and the American Cancer Society to encourage routine screening for breast cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer sometime during her life is about 1 in 8. However, when breast cancer is detected early and confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 93%. Through “Love Yourself”, the CSP is reminding you that having a routine mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early.

Free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings are available year round for people who are uninsured. Free Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer are available to women ages 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance and free colorectal cancer screening is available to men and women ages 50 to 64 who do not have health insurance. Your health is important to us and to the many community agencies and partners who collaborate with the CSP. Don’t wait, begin your registration for free cancer screenings today!

Immunization Clinic Closed 10-31-13

On Thursday, October 31st, the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic, located at 301 Slocum Avenue in Syracuse will be closed due to construction that affects the parking lot and entrance to the building. The Health Department is avoiding creating an unsafe situation for both clinic clients and staff.   Please note, this weekly clinic will only be closed on October 31st and normal operations will resume on Thursday, November 7th.  For more information on the immunization clinic, please call the Onondaga County Health Department at  435-2000.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Octboer 20 – October 26, 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant health problems. This estimate uses the new lower blood lead level standard set by the CDC in 2012. In Onondaga County, more than 9% of children tested in 2012 had high blood lead levels.  Major sources of lead exposure in children residing in Onondaga County include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings.  The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is entirely preventable.

To raise awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is joining our state and federal partners to promote National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 20-26th, 2013.  This year’s theme, “Lead Free Kids for a Healthy Future” reinforces the importance of testing your home for lead, testing your child for lead, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia Morrow explained, “The most important thing we can do to prevent childhood lead exposure is to treat the source of the problem, which is often in the home.”  Morrow emphasized that there are many ways families can reduce a child’s exposure to lead and encourages following these simple steps to protect your family:

  • Get your home tested for lead.   If you rent your home, call the Onondaga County Health Department to learn about getting a free lead home inspection.
  • Get a lead home inspection before buying an older home (pre-1978).  Home repair grants are available to remove lead from homes for residents of both the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
  • Get your child tested.  Have your child tested at age 1 and again at 2.  Even if your children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
  • Get the facts!  The OCHD Lead Program can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning by calling 435-3271, visiting www.ongov.net/health, or finding us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ongovhealth.

WIC Clinic Access: West Onondaga Street Construction

A portion of West Onondaga Street is currently closed to traffic due to road construction. Road construction is expected to be completed by Saturday, October 26th.

Cynthia B. Morrow, Commissioner of Health, is urging WIC participants at the Onondaga County Health Department WIC Clinic located at 375 West Onondaga Street to please keep their WIC appointments. Despite the road closure, this WIC Clinic is fully operational. WIC participants may gain access to this WIC clinic site by speaking with the construction staff stationed at the intersection of West Onondaga and East Adams Streets. This is the only point of access to 375 West Onondaga Street while the road is closed.

For more information please call the Onondaga County Health Department WIC clinic at 435-3304.

More West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Onondaga County. The West Nile virus finding was in a mosquito pool collected from the Taft Road trap located in the town of Cicero.  In addition, there were three positive EEE mosquito pools:  one from the Route 298 trap, another from the Island Road trap, and a third from the Taft Road trap, each located in the town of Cicero.  Overall mosquito counts continue to be low.

Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home until we have a hard frost.”

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children. Put it on your hands and apply it to your child.  Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

The following are ways of helping to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:

• Throw away outdoor plastic containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold
water
• Remove all tires from your property
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
• Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
• Change water in bird baths at least every four days
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
• Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
• Drain water from pool covers
• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649.  For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html; this website is updated weekly.

More West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding additional evidence of both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Onondaga County. The West Nile virus finding was in a mosquito pool collected from the Island Road trap located in the town of Cicero.  In addition, there were two positive EEE mosquito pools, one from the Route 298 trap and the other from the Taft Road trap, each located in the town of Cicero.     Overall mosquito counts continue to be low.

Morrow reminded residents, “It is important that the public continue to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to keep your yard free from standing water to reduce the mosquito population near your home until we have a hard frost.”

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Personal protection is advised during outdoor activities. Personal protection measures include wearing shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Applying a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. Do not put the repellent directly onto children. Put it on your hands and apply it to your child.  Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.
The following are ways of helping to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:

• Throw away outdoor plastic containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold
water
• Remove all tires from your property
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
• Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
• Change water in bird baths at least every four days
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
• Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
• Drain water from pool covers
• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

For more information about personal protection measures contact the Onondaga County
Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-1649.  For more information about mosquito borne disease visit www.ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html; this website is updated weekly.

 

The Onondaga County Health Department Announces A Public Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic

The flu vaccine is available in more locations than ever before, with many convenient options for Onondaga County residents with health insurance.   For these reasons, this year the Onondaga County Health Department, in cooperation with the Spanish Action League,  will be holding one public flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic, with a special emphasis on offering vaccines for uninsured individuals.  This clinic is scheduled on Friday, October 25th from 1:30 pm -4:30 pm, at the Spanish Action League (LaLiga), located at 700 Oswego Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.  Residents who would like more information on this flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic are encouraged to call the Health Department’s flu hotline at 435-5752.

This clinic is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary.  The fee for the flu vaccine is based on a sliding fee scale, family income, and family size.  The cost for a flu vaccine will range from
$0 – $30.  Pneumonia shots will be $65.  Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care will be accepted as well. Nobody  will be turned away due to their inability to pay.

Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, explained, “Getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over six (6) months old get a flu vaccine.” Morrow further emphasized that the flu vaccine is especially important for children and adults with high risk conditions such as asthma.

The Onondaga County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic will provide flu vaccines for anyone six (6) months of age and older.  Furthermore, FluMist„µ (a vaccine that is sprayed inside the nose) will also be available for those who prefer an alternative to the traditional flu shot.  FluMist„µ is only recommended and offered to healthy children and adults ages 2-49 years old.

The CDC continues to reinforce that an annual flu vaccine 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:

„X Pregnant women
„X Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two years old
„X People 50 years of age and older
„X People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
„X People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
„X People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
o Health care workers
o Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
o 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 the age of nine who have never had a flu vaccine series before will need two doses of vaccine (either the shot or FluMist®).  The second vaccine should be given one month after the first shot or FluMist®.  If your child is under age nine (9) and only received one dose of vaccine last year, they should receive one dose this year.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your health as well as your family, friends, and others.  Get your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others!  For more information, call the Health Department’s flu hotline at 435-5752.