First Evidence of West Nile Virus in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that the New York State Health Department laboratory has reported finding evidence of West Nile virus in Onondaga County. The finding was in a mosquito pool collected at the Midler Avenue trap in the City of Syracuse on July 20, 2011 and sent to the New York State laboratory for testing. This is the first finding of West Nile virus in Onondaga County this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Onondaga County this year.

Onondaga County started its adult mosquito surveillance program in June. Morrow explained, “This finding is a reminder that it is essential that the public take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Please also keep your yard free from standing water because this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes to multiply.”

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 tin cans, 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; this website is updated weekly.

Practice Bicycle Safety Tips While Riding

Date of Release: July 22, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Kathy Mogle, MS

Program Coordinator

435-3280

Practice Bicycle Safety Tips While Riding

With summer and warm weather here, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH encourages Onondaga County residents to take safety measures while riding a bicycle. “Bicycle riding provides a great opportunity for increased physical activity and is an ideal way of commuting but it is important that safety steps are taken every time you ride a bicycle”. Morrow reminds children, teens, and adults to practice the following bicycle safety tips:

It is a law in Onondaga County that youth between the ages of 1 -18 must wear a helmet while on a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or in line skates. Wear a properly fitted helmet and wear it every ride. Wear a helmet that meets the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
Wear neon and fluorescent colors. Wear special clothing made from reflective materials.
Install bicycle reflectors on both the front and back of your bicycle. If a carrier is added, make sure the rear reflector is visible. Use bells, horns, or your voice to alert pedestrians and bicyclists that you are approaching or passing.
Always ride with the traffic and obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings. Act like a driver of a vehicle.
Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, as appropriate.
Check for traffic by looking left-right-left before entering a street. Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
Control your speed by using your breaks.
Always ride with the flow of the traffic, on the right side of the road, and as far to the right of the road as practicable and safe.
Never wear headphones or ear buds as they hinder your ability to hear traffic.
Be aware of the traffic around you and ride defensively.

For more information about bicycle safety, www.nhtsa.gov or Safekids.org

“Love Yourself” With A Summer Screening

Date of Release: July 13, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Emily Young

Public Health Educator

435-3280

“Love Yourself” With A Summer Screening

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) is running a special summer screening opportunity for uninsured women age 40 and older to receive a free breast exam and mammogram. A phone bank call-in will be hosted by NBC Channel 3 on Thursday, July 14 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Uninsured women age 40 and older can call in to sign up for their free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. This special summer screening event will run from July 11 through August 5. Those unable to call during the phone bank may call 435-3653 to schedule their appointment. Screenings will be held at the following providers: St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, St. Joseph’s Imaging, and CNY Diagnostic Imaging.

“Love Yourself”, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, American Cancer Society and the

Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP), is a campaign to educate women about the importance of regular screenings and early detection for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Regular cancer screenings are important for early detection and successful treatment.

In the U.S., one in three women and one in two men are likely to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and each year approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. develop cervical cancer. Colorectal cancer also requires routine screening as there are approximately 250 cases diagnosed in Onondaga County each year.

Love yourself this summer and make it a point to get your regular cancer screenings for yourself and remind your family members also.

Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Available

Date of Release: July5, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Emily Young

Public Health Educator

435-3280

Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Available

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to remind uninsured men over the age of 50 that free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits are available by calling 435-3653. Colorectal cancer occurs most often in individuals ages 50 and older, therefore everyone aged 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) routine screenings are an important step in lowering a man’s risk of developing colorectal cancer in his lifetime.

Early detection has proven to save lives. As many as 60% of the deaths from colorectal cancer would be prevented if everyone age 50 and older was routinely screened. The CDC also reports that routine screening for colorectal cancer is important because the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2007, there were 72,755 men diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S. Furthermore, CDC also reports that factors such as

age,
personal history of colorectal polyps, or
family history of colorectal polyps

increase a man’s chances of developing colorectal cancer. Men who have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps may need to begin screening for colorectal cancer before the age of 50.

Studies show that the uninsured are less likely to seek preventative medical care than the insured. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to encourage uninsured men of

Onondaga County to put their health first and call 435-3653 to see if they qualify for a free at-home colorectal

cancer screening kit. Call today!

National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2011

Date of Release: June 20, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Jeanette Shanley, REACH CNY

315-424-0009

National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2011

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Cynthia B. Morrow encourages all Onondaga County residents to learn their HIV status. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of five people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their HIV status. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.

On Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Heart of New York (HONY) Community Health Educators of REACH CNY are sponsoring “National HIV Testing Day” at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center located at 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. There will be free HIV Rapid Testing from 9:00 am -3:00 pm in room 80 (located in the basement) as well as an Information Center in the Banner Room (lower level) with a variety of health information.

Did you know?:

World wide:

· Over 1.8 million people have died of AIDS

· Over 33.3 million people are living with HIV/AIDS

· The United Nations estimates that by 2012 there will be 25 million AIDS orphans

United States:

· 1.2 million people are currently living with HIV in the US, with approximately 40,000 new infections each year

· 75% of new infections in women are heterosexually transmitted

· 50% of all new infections in the US are people 25 years of age or younger

Onondaga County:

· According to the most recently available data (cases reported and confirmed through December 2008) there were 1,273 total AIDS cases in Onondaga County

· According to the most recently available data (cases reported and confirmed through December 2008) there were 944 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Onondaga County

· Of the cases reported and confirmed in 2008, there were 47 newly diagnosed HIV cases in Onondaga County

· A collaborative “One Decision” social media campaign has been implemented to increase awareness and education surrounding HIV prevention and testing in Onondaga County. The collaborative includes the New York State Department of Health, Onondaga County Health Department, AIDS Community Resources, Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility-FACES Program, SUNY Upstate Designated AIDS Center and The Center for Community Alternatives.

One Decision, Your Choice, Your Life, Your Call…What will be your Deciding Moment?

Lead Testing In Onondaga County Neighborhoods

Date of Release: June 2, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Ann Barnett, Public Health Educator

435-3271

Lead Testing In Onondaga County Neighborhoods

The Onondaga County Health Department’s Lead Poisoning Control Program offers a variety of services for Onondaga County residents including: lead testing for children, free home lead inspections for those who qualify, and information about grants to remove lead from your house. During June and July, the

Lead Poisoning Control Program is pleased to announce that lead testing will be offered in area neighborhoods!

The Lead Poisoning Control Program will be conducting lead testing for children under age seven in several neighborhood locations. These programs will offer free lead testing (however, those with medical insurance should bring their insurance cards). All children being tested must be accompanied by a parent. A testing certificate will be provided for those who receive a lead test and Leo the Lion will be greeting children with a free gift! The Lead staff will also be available to provide information about: lead poisoning prevention, local home repair grants, free lead safe work practice training, and information about the federal renovation, repairing, and/or painting rule.

Stop by one of the following neighborhood lead testing sites. No appointment is necessary:

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Baldwinsville Public Library

33 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee Street, Camillus

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Lafayette Public Library, 2577 Route 11 North, Lafayette

Thursday, July 28, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Liverpool Public Library , 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool

Wednesday, June 8, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse

100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse

Friday, June 10, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Boys and Girls Club, 212 Van Buren Street, Syracuse

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Onondaga Nation Health Center, Route 11A, Nedrow

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall

3649 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Baldwinsville Public Library

33 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee Street, Camillus

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Lafayette Public Library, 2577 Route 11 North, Lafayette

Thursday, July 28, 2011 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Liverpool Public Library , 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool

Get Moving CNY!

Date of Release: June 1, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Kathy Mogle, MS

Program Coordinator

435-3280

Get Moving CNY!

Onondaga County Joanne M. Mahoney is pleased to announce that the Onondaga County Health Department is partnering again with Onondaga County Parks, Syracuse City Parks, Wegmans, and the YMCA to offer a FREE physical activity program, called “Get Moving CNY!”. With this program, exercise for thirty to sixty minutes each day for thirty consecutive days during the summer and win prizes. You can start the program anytime from June 1 to September 1 and you can do any exercise that you like, wherever and whenever you like! Track your fitness goal by downloading your “Get Moving CNY!” log sheet at: www.onondagacountyparks.com/getmoving.

After completing your calendar, drop it off at Onondaga Lake Park,

106 Lake Drive in Liverpool and you will receive a “Get Moving CNY!”

t-shirt, a Wegmans $3.00 produce coupon, and a one month membership to the YMCA (Downtown, Fayetteville, or Liverpool locations). If you cannot bring your calendar to Onondaga Lake Park, mail it to 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool, New York 13088 or fax it to: (315) 453-6764. If you are unable to pick up your prizes, arrangements will be made to have your prizes mailed to you.

So, get moving and move thirty to sixty minutes every day for a healthier you. For more information call 453-6712, fax, or visit the website: www.onondagacountyparks.com/getmoving

Free Breast Exams, Pap Tests, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Date of Release: May 16, 2011 For Further Information Please Call:

Emily Young

Public Health Educator

435-3280

Free Breast Exams, Pap Tests, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests at

P.E.A.C.E., Inc. County East Family Resource Center

Uninsured women age 40 and older will have the opportunity to receive free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests at P.E.A.C.E., Inc. County East Family Resource Center located at 215 West Manlius Street East Syracuse. For uninsured women age 50 and older, a free at-home colorectal cancer screening kit will also be offered. The next screening day at this location is Wednesday, May 25. Women who receive their screenings at P.E.A.C.E., Inc. County East Family Resource Center will also receive a gift card for gas or groceries. Please call 435-3653 today to make your appointment!

The likelihood of women and men in the U.S. developing some form of cancer in their lifetime is astounding. In the U.S., one in three women and one in two men are likely to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Regular cancer screenings are important for early detection and successful treatment. Make it a point to obtain regular cancer screenings for yourself and remind your family members to do the same.

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening services to qualified women and men at private health care provider offices and at CSP program sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Celebrate Women’s Health Week With A Free Cancer Screening!

The week of May 8 – 14 is Women’s Health Week. National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. This is a week for women to focus on taking care of their health and making it a top priority in their life. The theme for 2011 is “It’s your time.” Women often serve as the caregivers of their families and put the needs of others before their own. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to remind uninsured women over the age of 40 that free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests are available by calling 435-3653. For uninsured women over the age of 50, an at-home colorectal cancer screening kit is also available. Routine screenings are an important step in lowering a woman’s risk of developing breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer in her lifetime and early detection has proven to save lives. As a community, it is our responsibility to support women and help them take steps towards a healthier life.

Women’s Health Week is an optimal time to remember that breast and cervical cancers require routine screenings as women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and each year approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. develop cervical cancer. Factors such as age and family history can increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer occurs most often in women age 30 and older. ƒz Colorectal cancer also requires routine screening as there are approximately 250 cases diagnosed in Onondaga County each year. Factors such as age and a personal or family history of colorectal polyps can increase a woman’s chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Studies show that the uninsured are less likely to seek preventative medical care than the insured. During Women’s Health Week, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership would like to encourage uninsured women of Onondaga County to put their health first and call 435-3653 to schedule their free breast exam, mammogram, Pap test, and colorectal cancer screening. Call today!

1. American Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer Overview”, 2010, https://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-key-statistics.
2. Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Cervical Cancer”, 2010, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm.
3. Center for Disease Control (CDC). “Breast Cancer”. 2011, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm.
4. Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Cervical Cancer”, 2010, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm.
5. New York State Department of Health, New York State Cancer Registry, Cancer Incidence and Mortality by County and Gender, 2003-2007, Onondaga County, https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/registry/pdf/volume1.pdf.
6. Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Basic Information About Colorectal Cancer”, 2010, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm.

Local Diners Ban Together on Mother’s Day to Promote Free Cancer Screenings

This Mother’s Day weekend, seven local diners will be joining together to promote free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for uninsured women in Onondaga County. Baldwinsville Diner in Baldwinsville, Dee’s Diner in Mattydale, Market Diner in Syracuse, New York Style Diner in Syracuse, Ruston’s Diner in Jamesville, Solvay Diner in Syracuse, and Thee Diner in Cicero have joined together with the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program to help promote the availability of free screenings for the uninsured for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer through this program. This effort celebrates mom in a new way, a way that says we want her to stay healthy for early detection is a key to successful treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.

Diner employees will be wearing a pin that reads, “Uninsured? Ask me about free cancer screenings.” Customers who inquire about the pin will be given information on how to contact the program for free breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program applauds our local diners for participating in this program and offering a way to get the word out about the availability of free screenings for the uninsured and the importance of early detection.

The likelihood of women and men in the U.S. developing some form of cancer in their lifetime is astounding. In the U.S., one in three women and one in two men are likely to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Regular cancer screenings are important for early detection and successful treatment. Make it a point to obtain regular cancer screenings for yourself and to remind your family members to do the same.

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) offers free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for women 40 years and older who do not have health insurance. The CSP also offers free colorectal screening for men and women 50 years and older who do not have health insurance. These services are available at private health care provider offices and at CSP program sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Please call 435-3653 today to make your appointment!

1. American Cancer Society, “Cancer Statistics 2010”, 2010, https://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/acspc-026316.ppt#396,1,Cancer Statistics 2010.