CYCLE in the CITY on May 22!

On Sunday, May 22, the Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play Program and its partners will be hosting a “Cycle in the City” event. This event will raise awareness and support for bikeable communities and will also provide an opportunity for guided bike rides through the City of Syracuse. The event will be held outside the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), located at 500 South Franklin Street in Syracuse and will run from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Activities will include two guided bike rides, a short ride (3 miles) for ages 8 and older and a longer ride (10 miles) for ages 12 and older. Registration for the rides starts at 9:00 AM with both rides departing at 10:00 AM.  Other activities include a bike rodeo where children can learn bike safety skills, a helmet fitting station, and bike helmet give-a-way (while supplies last). All bike riders who participate in this event will receive a free “Share the Road” t-shirt.
 
Riding a bicycle is good for your health and is good for the environment. Those who ride bicycles regularly for either transportation or recreation have reduced rates of disease and increased cardiovascular fitness. Biking is also an activity that is environmentally friendly, utilizing no fuel and creating no air or noise pollution.
The Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play Program supports complete streets. Complete streets are roadways that provide safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for all users, including those traveling by foot, bicycle, or vehicle.  Come show your support at the “Cycle in the City” event by bringing your family for a morning of fun and fitness! For more information contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play Program
at 435-3280.

National Infant Immunization Week

Did you know that making sure your children get their required immunizations (shots) is one of the most important ways for parents to protect their children against serious disease? Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. Therefore, it is essential that children be protected by getting the immunizations that are recommended. National Immunization Week is recognized during the week of April 23 – April 30, 2011. 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 of their shots. While there are some risks from every medication including immunizations, the benefits of immunizations far outweigh the risk associated with vaccines. Parents should contact their health care provider if they have specific questions about vaccine safety.
In honor of this week, the Onondaga County Health Department presented an award to Child Health Care Associates for outstanding vaccination rates among their patients under two years old. This practice was recognized for its commitment in educating parents about the importance of immunizations and for its high vaccination rates.
Immunizations protect both families and communities. Today we can protect more children from vaccine preventable disease than ever before. Children who are not immunized increase both their risk of disease, as well as to others. In the United States, we can vaccinate children against fourteen (14) different diseases before the age of two.
Take time during National Infant Immunization Week to contact your child’s health care provider to be certain your child is up-to-date on immunizations.   For more information about vaccine preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your health care provider or the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-2000.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) offers free colorectal screening for men and women 50 years and older who do not have health insurance. Of the cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S., yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.   Approximately 250 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in Onondaga County.

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. It originates from polyps, which are non-cancerous tissue growths that occur in the colon or rectum. Over time these polyps can develop into cancer. Regular screening tests can detect polyps early on so they can be removed before developing into cancer.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that if everyone age 50 and older had regular colorectal cancer screening tests, at least 60% of deaths from this cancer could be prevented.

Some men and women are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Since colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people age, it usually develops in men and women who are 50 years and older. A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease can also increase a person’s chances of developing colorectal cancer. However, there are often no early symptoms of colorectal cancer making regular screenings extremely important.

In addition, the CSP offers free breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for women 40 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.  Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Basic Information About Colorectal Cancer”, 2010, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm.
2.  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.
3.  American Cancer Society, “Can Colorectal Cancer be Prevented?”, 2010, https://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/OverviewGuide/colorectal-cancer-overview-prevention.
4.  Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Basic Information About Colorectal Cancer”, 2010, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm.
5.  American Cancer Society, “What Causes Colorectal Cancer?”, 2010, https://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/OverviewGuide/colorectal-cancer-overview-what-causes.

Nichols Supermarket and Green Hills Market to Participate in Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign

If you are shopping at Nichols Supermarket in Liverpool or Green Hills Market in Syracuse this month you may notice store employees wearing a pin that reads, “Uninsured? Ask me about free cancer screenings.” Wearing this pin is part of the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) “Ask Me” campaign to encourage customers to ask 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 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. The CSP is working to spread the message about the importance of receiving regular cancer screenings.

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!

Rescue Mission Thrifty Shopper Stores and Nojaim Brothers Supermarkets to Participate in Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign

If you are shopping at any of the Rescue Mission Thrifty Shopper store locations in Onondaga County or the Nojaim Brothers Supermarkets this month you may notice store employees wearing a pin that reads, “Uninsured? Ask me about free cancer screenings.” Wearing this pin is part of the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership (CSP) “Ask Me” campaign to encourage customers to ask 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 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.

Horse Tested Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH announced today that a horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Health Department received confirmation of these results from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Wadsworth Laboratory late yesterday. The horse, stabled on Oswego Road (Route 48) in the Town of Lysander, became seriously ill and needed to be euthanized on September 10th. Morrow stated that “Fortunately EEE was not identified in any of the mosquito pools collected last week and explained that this is the first horse in Onondaga County diagnosed with EEE since 2004”.
Dr. Morrow also reinforced, “It is imperative that Onondaga County residents continue to practice personal protection measures to reduce the transmission of mosquito borne disease” and recommended the following tips:
Personal Protection
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.
§         Avoiding outside activity during prime mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk)
§         Applying a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535 is recommended to prevent mosquito bites (follow manufacturers instructions on proper use).
 Preventive measures:
§         Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, or similar outdoor items that collect water
§         Remove tires from your property
§         Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
§         Clean clogged rain gutters
§         Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
§         Change water in bird baths 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 Eastern Equine Encephalitis and mosquito borne illness contact call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-1649 or visit www.ongov.net/health and click on mosquito update.

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis Mosquito Pools in Cicero

Additional Eastern Equine Encephalitis Mosquito Pools in Cicero
and Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes Delayed
Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH announced today that five additional pools of Culiseta melanura mosquitoes, primarily a bird biting species, collected on August 31, 2010 tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). These pools were from three traps located in the Town of Cicero. Two pools were from the Island Road trap, two from the Rt. 298 trap, and one pool was from the Taft Road trap.  Results were received from the New York State Health Department late this morning.  The finding of additional EEE in mosquitoes was not unexpected and additional positive pools may be found.
Due to lower temperatures forecasted for this evening during the planned spray period, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas scheduled for this evening has been postponed. Spraying is now scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 11 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. weather permitting.
Dr. Morrow explained, “It is imperative that residents use the following personal protection and prevention measures especially because we know that EEE is in our environment”:
Personal Protection
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.
§         Avoiding outside activity during prime mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk)
§         Applying a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535 is recommended to prevent mosquito bites (follow manufacturers instructions on proper use).
 Preventive measures:
§         Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, or similar outdoor items that collect water
§         Remove tires from your property
§         Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
§         Clean clogged rain gutters
§         Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
§         Change water in bird baths 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
Stay tuned to your local media about aerial spraying updates. For more information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis and mosquito borne illness contact call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-1649 or visit www.ongov.net/health and click on mosquito update.

Update on Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes in Cicero

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Cynthia B. Morrow announced today that due to the inclement weather, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas scheduled for this evening has been postponed and is now scheduled to take place on Friday, September 10 or Saturday September 11 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. depending on weather conditions.
Stay tuned to your local media about aerial spraying updates. For more information call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-1649 or visit www.ongov.net/health and click on mosquito update.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found in Onondaga County

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH announced today that a horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Health Department received confirmation of these results from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Wadsworth Laboratory late yesterday. The horse, stabled on Oswego Road (Route 48) in the Town of Lysander, became seriously ill and needed to be euthanized on September 10th. Morrow stated that “Fortunately EEE was not identified in any of the mosquito pools collected last week and explained that this is the first horse in Onondaga County diagnosed with EEE since 2004”.
Dr. Morrow also reinforced, “It is imperative that Onondaga County residents continue to practice personal protection measures to reduce the transmission of mosquito borne disease” and recommended the following tips:

Personal Protection
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.
§         Avoiding outside activity during prime mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk)
§         Applying a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535 is recommended to prevent mosquito bites (follow manufacturers instructions on proper use).
Preventive Measures:
§         Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, or similar outdoor items that collect water
§         Remove tires from your property
§         Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
§         Clean clogged rain gutters
§         Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
§         Change water in bird baths 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 Eastern Equine Encephalitis and mosquito borne illness contact call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-1649 or visit www.ongov.net/health and click on mosquito update.

Onondaga County Resident Diagnosed with EEE

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH was notified by the New York State Department of Health  that an Onondaga County adult resident has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Dr. Morrow explained that EEE is a rare but dangerous viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Initial symptoms, which usually start 4-10 days after the bite, can include fever, headache, and vomiting. Illness can then progress to altered mental status, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.   The greatest risk for infection with this virus is for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. In this case, the individual involved has spent significant time in an area previously known to have EEE activity.
Dr. Morrow strongly urges residents to use the following personal protection and prevention measures:
Personal Protection
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.
·         Avoiding outside activity during prime mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk)
·         Applying a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535 is recommended to prevent mosquito bites (follow manufacturers instructions on proper use).
 Preventive measures:
·         Throw away outdoor tin cans, plastic containers, or similar outdoor items that collect water
·         Remove tires from your property
·         Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
·         Clean clogged rain gutters
·         Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
·         Change water in bird baths 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