Jeffco Wears Red and a little Orange and Blue

Jefferson County employees are gathering for a picture in recognition of National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5, 2016 in the atrium of the Courts and Administration building.  The day also provides an opportunity to support our superbowl bound Broncos, thus come in orange and blue if you like and we will provide the red.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In fact, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 43 seconds. Each minute, someone in the U.S. dies from a heart disease-related event.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 610,000 people die from heart disease each year in the United States.  Despite the numbers, heart disease is preventable and manageable.

Tackling known risk factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inactive lifestyle  can greatly reduce risks for illness and death from heart disease.

·         For more information on heart disease and prevention, please visit the American Heart Association .

·         Act in Time! Learn the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of symptoms.

·         The health department also has handouts and other educational materials on heart health and reducing your risk factors.

·         Learn more about current healthy eating and active living work occurring within Jefferson County and/or get involved in the Jeffco Community Health Improvement Network: A group of multi-disciplinary coalitions in Jefferson County, Colorado working together to increase physical activity, healthy eating, and psychosocial well-being among low-income families with children ages 0-18. Visit the Network website,  Healthy People Healthy Places Jeffco , for more information about the Network and the six CoINs (Coalitions Integrated into the Network).

Please visit our web site at  jeffco.us/public-health  for more information.

Take Steps Now to Eliminate Radon Gas from Your Home . . . January is National Radon Action Month

Jefferson County Public Health encourages all residents to have their homes tested for radon gas, a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans and 500 Coloradans each year.

Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes all across the country.  In Colorado, all 64 counties are at risk for radon.  Due to the gas’s unpredictable nature, two houses right next to each other may have very different radon levels.  Testing is the only way to know for certain if you and your loved ones are at risk.

January is an excellent time to test your home. Testing requires all windows and doors be closed, but is simple to do. Residents in Jefferson and Gilpin counties can now pick up a free testing kit while supplies last and on a first come, first serve basis at Jefferson County Public Health Environmental Health Services. Visit us at 645 Parfet Street in Lakewood. When new kits are ordered, residents will be able to purchase short-term test kits for $10.00. Long-term test kits are also available at local hardware stores, supermarkets and other retail outlets.

For more information on radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation call 1-800-846-3986 or JCPH Environmental Specialist John Moody at 303-271-5714.

Resources:

• Jefferson County Public Health website – jeffco.us/public-health
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Environmental Protection Agency website - www.epa.gov/radon/nram/

Get Your Heart Into It . . . Wear Red on February 6, 2015

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually. Every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease which is roughly the equivalent of a September 11th- like tragedy repeating itself every 24 hours, 365 days a year. But, heart disease is preventable and manageable.

Jefferson County Public Health recently completed a comprehensive health assessment and cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of death in Jefferson County. It accounted for more than 24 percent of all deaths in 2011. Heart disease and stroke are the most common types of cardiovascular disease. Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Jefferson County, the number of deaths has declined over the past 10 years. Heart disease can often be prevented. Tackling known risk factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inactive lifestyle can greatly reduce risks for illness and death from heart disease.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds everyone that Friday, February 6, 2015 is National Wear Red Day. Wearing something red on February 6, is a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.

JCPH is organizing a photo opportunity at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 12 noon. Please join us and wear your favorite red.

• For more information on heart disease and prevention, please visit the American Heart Association www.americanheart.org
  
• Act in Time! Learn the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of symptoms.
  
• The health department also has handouts and other educational materials on heart health and reducing your risk factors.
  
• Get Involved in Healthy People Healthy Places Jeffco (a community collaboration working on a health improvement plan for Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Public Health is committed to promoting health, preserving the environment and preventing injury and disease for the residents of Jefferson County, Colorado. Please call 303-232-6301 or visit our web site at jeffco.us/public-health for more information.

Early & Regular Breast Cancer Screenings Saves Lives

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 232,340 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women and 2,240 in men in 2013. Routine breast exams are important as early detection of breast cancer saves many thousands of lives each year.

The ACS recommends these general guidelines on what types of tests to have and when to have them:

• Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health;
  
• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year;
  
• Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
   
• Women at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. 

Jefferson County Public Health is committed to increasing awareness and providing early detection services within the county. JCPH offers low cost clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and pelvic exams to all Jefferson County women as part of their routine Women’s Wellness Exam. To schedule an appointment at the Lakewood clinic please call (303) 239-7078.

For more information on breast cancer, the risk factors and prevention steps, please visit the American Cancer Society website.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout the month of October, all Americans are encouraged to take a stand and work together to end domestic violence. Jefferson County Public Health recognizes that members of our community suffer needlessly due to domestic violence. Many JCPH programs provide education and support to families including, Nurse Family Partnership, WIC, Prenatal Plus and Family Planning.

If you or someone you know is being abused, there is help. Please call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Watch the White House’s video entitled, “1 is 2 Many”.

To learn more about creating healthy relationships in your life or to find more resources for getting out of a relationship that is unhealthy, watch this special episode of Sex Ed With Mel. . . In 30 Minutes or Less.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1st is the kick off date for Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American women. (Skin cancer is the first.) In 2009, over 211,000 women were diagnosed with the disease. By getting the necessary exams, you can increase your chances of finding out early on, if you have breast cancer. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. JCPH offers breast examinations during regular visits to the Family Planning Clinic and refers clients out for mammograms as needed. For information on mammograms, or to schedule one, please visit the Women’s Wellness Connection.

Preventing Teen Pregnancy

We can all celebrate recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that teen birth rates in the U.S. are down and have been declining for the past 20 years. Good news indeed, but hold the applause, the CDC also points out that the teen birth rate in the U.S. remains nine times higher than in other developed countries. Furthermore, while the number of pregnancies may have declined, the number of teens who are having a second child, or third, before they are 20-years-old is on the rise. This is called a repeat birth. The data show that one out of five teen moms have repeat births. According to the CDC, every day in the U.S., 183 "repeat" teen births occur with the majority of these (86 percent) being second births and 13 percent being a third child. Teen pregnancy and repeat births among adolescents are an important public health issue because they are closely linked to a number of negative social and health outcomes including, poverty and income, child well-being, responsible parenthood, health issues, education, child welfare, and others. Preventing unplanned pregnancies is considered a Colorado and Jefferson County winnable battle. 

Jefferson County Public Health’s Family Planning Program has been reaching out to teens and their parents with reproductive health education and services since the 1970’s. Different birth control methods, the importance of spacing pregnancies, how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and abstinence education are all topics that one of the JCPH family planning nurses can help with. Parents and teens are encouraged to call our clinic at 303-232-6301 with any questions about our family planning services or to make an appointment. As the month of May is Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month, JCPH would like to remind all of its residents that the best way to prevent teen pregnancy is through education. For more information, please visit our website or call 303-232-6301. Also, check out our “Teen Health Matters” educational display in several county libraries and the Courts and Administration Building.

Brain Injury Awareness

A brain injury can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. The numbers are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the U.S. 
• Almost half a million (473,947) emergency department visits for TBI are made annually by children aged 0 to 14 years. 
• Adults aged 75 years and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death. 

These numbers can be dramatically reduced by paying special attention to injury prevention. Jefferson County Public Health urges everyone to learn more about preventing falls, motor vehicle safety and wearing appropriate protective gear when participating in sports and other activities.

The JCPH Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs (HCP) assists families with children with TBI and other conditions. Call 303-239-7006 or visit JCPH Health Care Program for Special Needs for more information.

Taking care of your brain also means feeding it properly. Healthy foods help create healthy minds. Wild salmon, blueberries, black beans, walnuts, carrots and oats are all healthy foods that are also good for your brain. View the JCPH Superfoods handout.

Cervical Cancer is Highly Preventable

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical Cancer is highly preventable due to the HPV Vaccine and screening tests. However, every year in the United States, about 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 4,000 die from this disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex and skin to skin contact and can cause cervical cancer. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. To learn more about the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer, click here for an informational video.

Jefferson County Public Health offers both cervical cancer screenings and the HPV vaccine through its Family Planning program. Call to make an appointment with Jefferson County Public Health at 303-232-6301. For more information, please visit, Jeffco.us/health.

Meet My Grandma, She is a Survivor This October, Make Breast Cancer Prevention a Priority

We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds us that the best prevention against Breast Cancer is early detection.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women.  JCPH offers breast cancer screenings to women who qualify. 

If you have not made this life saving appointment  and need a little inspiration, meet Alexia.  

“My Grandma, Antoinette Paniagua, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 12 years ago.  She then went to nursing school so she could work in the field of Breast Health and Breast Cancer.  She even got certified as a Breast Patient Navigator.  She works at Jefferson County Public Health as a Nurse Case Manager and Patient Navigator in the Breast Program.

My Grandma is a survivor and because of that she is passionate about helping people get mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies when they are needed.  She tells me "Early detection is the best protection."

If you are uninsured or under-insured, you can call her to see how you can get some help getting a Mammogram. 

Grandma says "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but, we need to fight EVERYDAY to find a cure so that my generation won't have to worry about Breast Cancer."  We work hard as a family to raise funds and awareness like participating in the Komen Denver Race for the Cure. I am so proud of my Grandma.”

To contact Antoinette and find out how to get your breast cancer screening, please call 303 239-7044. You can also get more information by visiting JCPH online.

-end-

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. Take some time this month to learn more about breast cancer, breast health and the latest research developments. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness and provide greater access to services.   

Jefferson County Public Health offers breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who qualify. Call 303-239-7078 or visit the JCPH cancer screening web page.  

More Information  on Breast Cancer & Getting Screened

•           Komen for the Cure

•           American Cancer Society

•           Women's Wellness Connection - Provides free breast & cervical cancer screening services to eligible women in Colorado.  Call 1-866-951-WELL for more information.