June 02, 2008
Men's Health Week: Get Checked!
June 9-15 is National Men's Health Week. At the age of 50 men are at a greater risk for developing colorectal cancer. The good news is that with annual screening, colorectal cancer can be prevented.
Lower your risk of colorectal cancer by getting screened today. The American Cancer Society recommends both men and women begin testing for colon cancer at age 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.
If you have no health insurance or limited coverage, call the Cancer Services Program Partnership at 435- 3653 to schedule an appointment or to get a free colon cancer kit. 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 call today.
Safety in the Sun
June 1-7 is Sun Safety Week. While enjoying the outdoors, it is important that parents protect their children from the sun. Some ways to protect your babies and children from the sun include:
· Avoid exposing babies under one year old to the sun.
· Keep your baby in the shade of a tree, under an umbrella, or in a stroller with a canopy.
· Keep your children in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
· Dress babies and children in light cotton clothing that covers them up and wide brimmed hats.
· For children over six months old, use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen and remember to cover the backs of the knees, ears, under the eyes, and the neck and scalp. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Note: Pediatricians usually do not recommend using sunscreens on babies under six months of age because the risks of these chemicals on infants are not known.
· Provide sunglasses that protect your child's eyes from UV rays.
Take a Shot and Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Over half of all men and women will be infected with HPV at some time in their lives. There is now a vaccine available for females age 9 –26 to prevent HPV infection. The Onondaga County Health Department is able to provide the vaccine to women who do not have insurance or have insurance that will not cover the shot. Get the shot today! For more information on the HPV vaccine, call the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program Partnership at 435-3653.
"Mooving" to Lower Fat Milk
June is National Dairy Month. Strive for two to three servings of low fat dairy every day. Switch to low fat or fat free milk but get the same nutrients! By "mooving" to lower fat milk you can cut the fat and calories in your diet and be on your way to better heart health. Dairy month is a good time to make sure you're getting the recommended amounts of dairy products in your diet. Try making a smoothie with fruit, fat free milk and low fat yogurt. For more healthy tips, call the Eat Well Play Hard program at 435-3280.
Bicycle Helmets for Sale
Warm weather is here and folks are back out on bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and skateboards. Onondaga County law requires all those under 18 years old to wear a helmet when bicycling, skating, or on a scooter or skateboard. Helmets are available for $6.00 or $10.00 depending on income. Two helmet styles and a variety of colors are available at helmet sale locations throughout Onondaga County. For a location near you, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-3280. Protect your brain—no matter what your age, and wear a helmet!
Protect Your Pets with a Rabies Shot
Rabies shot clinics are held at various locations throughout Onondaga County and are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Please be sure to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier during the rabies clinic and bring past shot records with you. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get vaccinated at three months of age, get a booster shot at one year old and then every three years. Ferrets must get vaccinated every year. Upcoming clinics are listed below or click here for a complete list of Health Department clinics.
· Monday, June 9th, 5:00-7:00 pm: Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee St., Syracuse
· Monday, June 23rd, 5:00-7:00 pm: Cicero Highway Garage, 8236 S. Main St., Cicero
· Monday June 30th, 5:00-7:00 pm: Sunnycrest Ice Rink, Caleb Ave., Syracuse
· Monday, July 7th, 5:00-7:00 pm: Tully Fire Dept., 1 Railroad St., Tully
· Monday, July 14th, 5:00-7:00 pm: Alliance Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr., Syracuse
· Tuesday, July 22, 5:00-7:00 pm: North Syracuse Community Center, 700 S. Bay Rd., N. Syracuse
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