News You Can Use📰

Bird Flu & Backyard Chickens🐥

Bird flu has been a hot topic over the last few months. As of now, we know that a commercial flock and backyard flock have been affected on the eastern side of the state. Most of us know not to touch sick, injured, or dead bird we see outside- but what about those of us who have chickens in our backyards?

Backyard flocks could be a concern for small scale owners of chickens. Chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkey, are some of the birds people might own as pets, but pet owners need to be aware that their birds could be at risk for becoming infected with bird flu. 

There are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family from potential infection from your backyard birds, including: Washing your hands well with soap and water after interacting with your birds (including collecting eggs), wearing shoes dedicated to the bird area and removing them when you're done, not eating or drinking near your bird's living area, and monitoring the health of your birds. If you notice any signs of illness in your birds, contact your veterinarian for more information.

Read more about Backyard Flocks and Bird Flu on the VDH website, and the CDC website.

What is Herd Immunity?💉

With the recent outbreak of Measles in Texas, you might have heard about something called "Herd Immunity" or "Community Immunity" when it comes to vaccinating against a certain disease.

Herd Immunity occurs when a large percent of a community or population is immune to a disease. When this happens, a disease won't be able to spread through a community, and those people who cannot get vaccinated (like young babies) will be better protected from infection.

To achieve Herd Immunity with Measles, at least 94% of the population needs to be immune to the virus. In Virginia, about 95% of our kindergarten aged children are vaccinated against Measles, which helps keep kids healthy, and prevents the spread of the disease within our schools and daycare facilities. 

There are pockets of people in the country with lower vaccination rates, and these pockets are more susceptible to community spread without the protection of Herd Immunity. Some at risk populations include babies under 1 year old (who are too young to receive the Measles vaccine), and immunocompromised people (such as the elderly, people with HIV, or people with cancer). Some of these groups truly depend on Herd Immunity to protect them, and rely on others getting vaccinated.

If you're interested in learning more about vaccines and how they work, check out the CDC's website, or reach out to your doctor. 

Augusta Health Health Needs Assessment📄

Augusta Health is conducting a survey to help assess needs within our community as they relate to accessing healthcare. Your answers will help inform future healthcare from Augusta Health. Visit their website to take the survey!

Free Suicide Alertness Training🫂

Valley Community Services Board is hosting a FREE training on how to recognize and engage persons who might be having thoughts of suicide, and on how to connect them with community resources trained in suicide intervention. 

The training will take place at the Embrace Center in Waynesboro, VA, on May 29th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Click here to register.

Have you heard of Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction programs are focused on minimizing negative public health outcomes that could result from risky behaviors such as substance use. CSHD offers a variety of resources relating to harm reduction including:

• Free Naloxone and Naloxone training - Naloxone is the only way to effectively reverse an opioid related overdose. It is safe and easy to use in an emergency situation. All CSHD health department locations can distribute free Naloxone to those interested in receiving it.
• Free Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) - the Bath County, Staunton-Augusta, and Lexington-Rockbridge health departments are now offering free FTS to the public. Fentanyl Test Strips aide someone who might be using substances to see if their substance contains fentanyl or not. Using these test strips only takes a few minutes, and just a few simple steps.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's has a free, confidential, 24/7 and 365 days a year operational hotline for those struggling with substance use. Call 1-800-622-HELP (4357) for more information.

To receive these free services, please call the health department location closest to you to ensure they have the qualified staff on site, and they will direct you on next steps to take. Please see the links below to make a request for Naloxone training, and to view dates and locations trainings are being offered in the area.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month🎗️

In 2024, Yale Medicine published an article stating that colon cancer rates were increasing in younger populations, like 40, 30, and even 20 year-olds.

An article from The Ohio State University explains this could be due to a multitude of reasons, including a more sedentary lifestyle, increased alcohol consumption, and people eating more processed foods that have less fiber, less nutrients, and promote inflammation in the body.

Physicians are recommending anyone, even people as young as college students, to keep track of their health, and to go in for an appointment if you notice any sudden changes in your bowel movements, abdominal pain, or bleeding that doesn't go away. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors, and any family history of colon issues you might have, and they will let you know what age you might want to begin screening at.

Screening for cancer, even ahead of time, can save lives by identifying early cancers or early warning signs. Click below to learn more about rising rates of colon cancer and what you can do to maintain your health.