March 01, 2008
Prevent Colon Cancer: Get Screened Today!
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer affects men and women. Lower your risk for colorectal cancer by getting screened today. The American Cancer Society recommends that both men and women begin testing for colon cancer at the age of 50. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider about which colon cancer test is right for you. Testing may include a yearly home stool kit, a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
For people that are medically uninsured or underinsured call the Cancer Services Program Partnership at 435- 3653 to get your free kit today. The kit provided is easy, has no dietary restrictions and can be completed in the privacy of your own home. If you complete the kit within 30 days, you will receive a free $5.00 grocery store gift card. Remember, early detection saves lives, so get screened.
School Breakfast Week
The Onondaga County Health Department is reminding you that March 3-7th is National School Breakfast Week. Did you know that children who eat a nutritious breakfast can help decrease their risk of obesity? The breakfasts served, as part of the school breakfast program are required to meet nutrition guidelines. A school breakfast includes:
· Milk
· Fruit or vegetable or 100% juice
· Whole grains/breads and/or a meat/meat alternate
All children can participate in the school breakfast program when offered at school. Eating breakfast at school is a great way to start the day and help get your brain and your body working at its best. In addition, research has shown that children who eat breakfast at school:
· Achieve higher scores on standardized tests
· Make fewer trips to the nurse and principal's offices
· Get better grades overall.
Start your day out healthy, enjoy your school breakfast program today! For more healthy tips, call the Eat Well Play Hard program at 435-3280.
Drowsy Driving
March 3-9 is National Sleep Awareness Week. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsy driving is classified as either falling asleep while driving or driving on "auto pilot", which is when you drive and don't remember how you got to your destination. Falling asleep or not paying full attention while driving even for a few seconds can result in a crash causing serious injury or death to you or someone else. Some ways to prevent drowsy driving include:
· taking short breaks on long trips
· avoiding heavy meals
· getting lots of sleep
· stopping at a safe area to take a short nap—20 to 40 minutes is ideal
Stay awake and stay alert for driving safely. For more information on drowsy driving or other traffic safety issues, call the Onondaga County Traffic Safety Program at 435-3280.
WIC-Many Working Families Qualify!
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of five, you may qualify for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program. WIC can help answer your nutrition questions and provide free, healthy foods including milk, cheese, eggs, juice, cereal, peanut butter, dried beans/peas, carrots, tuna fish and iron fortified infant formula. To apply for WIC, please call 435-3304. It's easy to apply and many working families qualify!
Get a Free and Confidential STD Check-Up Today
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are major health problem in the United States. Approximately 19 million new infections occur each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24. The Onondaga County Health Department STD Clinic offers free and confidential exams, testing, information and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. HIV counseling and testing is also available as part of the visit.
· Services are free and confidential
· No appointment necessary
· All ages welcome
· Parental permission not required
Some STDs have no symptoms, so get an STD check-up today. For more information about STDs and the Onondaga County Health Department's STD clinic, please call 435-3240.
Cervical Cancer Screenings- Make your appointment today!
Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide? The good news is that most cervical cancers can be prevented, by avoiding risk factors and by having Pap tests. The major cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is spread through sexual contact, so having unprotected sex, especially at a young age, increases a woman's chances of developing cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women begin regular Pap tests three years after they start having sex, but no later than age 21. The test should be done every year, along with a pelvic exam. The Partnership for Healthy living offers no cost/low cost Pap tests and pelvic exams at locations throughout Onondaga County. Click here for a complete list of Health Department clinics and call 435-3653 to make your appointment today! Remember that early detection saves lives.
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