A Moment with Marley

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about sun safety in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of this type of cancer, steps you can take to prevent it, and early detection. As the weather continues to get warmer, more Meriden residents will be heading outdoors to enjoy our city's many parks, such as Hubbard Park, City Park, Giuffrida Park and more, or spending more time on the linear trail in South Meriden. Many will be spending time cleaning up flower beds and gardens either at home or at one of Meriden's community gardens, all which equals to more time under the sun.  Skin cancer can occur when skin cells grow abnormally, usually because of damage from ultraviolet, or UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The three most common types are Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, And melanoma, which is the most dangerous because it can spread quickly if not caught early. The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable and treatable.  Preventing skin cancer does not have to be complicated. As your local health department here are some actions you can take to be sun-safe when outdoors. * Wear sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy outside. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, especially if swimming or sweating. Our Department distributes free sunscreen packets at events over the summer. Keep an eye out for our table at community events in Meriden such as the Farmers Market or National Night Out! * Seek shade when possible during peak hours when UV rays are strongest, which is typically between 10:00am and 4:00pm. * Wear protective clothing. Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves can make a big difference. Early detection saves lives. It is important to check your skin monthly for: 1. Anything NEW such as a mole or blemish especially if they appear after the age of 21. 2. Spots that are CHANGING in color, shape, size or texture, or  3. Spots that look UNUSUAL in outline or continuously itch, hurt, crust or bleed for more than three weeks.  If you see something new, changing or unusual, it is recommended to get checked out by a dermatologist. When caught early, many forms of skin cancer are highly treatable. Melanoma, for example, has a very high survival rate when detected before it spreads. That is why awareness matters so much. A five-minute skin check today could prevent a much bigger health crisis later. For more information, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org.  [http://www.skincancer.org.]

Food Allergy Awareness Week

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about food allergies.  May 10 through 16 is Food Allergy Awareness Week, which focuses on educating the public about the dangers of food allergies and how to keep those with allergies healthy and safe.   A food allergy happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts to it. Even tiny amounts of an allergen can trigger symptoms. Some common food allergens include: * Peanuts * Tree nuts * Milk * Eggs * Wheat * Soy * Fish * Shellfish, and * Sesame Symptoms can be mild, like hives or itching, or severe such as anaphylaxis, which affects breathing and blood pressure and requires immediate medical attention. For people with food allergies, everyday activities can involve careful planning. If you’ve ever heard someone ask, “Does this contain peanuts?” or watched a parent carefully read every ingredient label in the grocery store, you’ve seen just a small part of what daily life with food allergies can look like.   In Meriden's schools, the Public Health Nurse, and Administrators are trained on how to administer an Epi Pen auto injector. If a student with a known allergy goes on a field trip, their teacher will also become trained on how to administer an Epi Pen auto injector.  Each student has an action plan based on their specific allergies and what to do if the student has a reaction.  Per Connecticut Public Act 23-115, since 2014 select Meriden food service establishments are required to post the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s food allergen poster which includes information on: The most common allergy-causing foods * The actions a server should take when a customer notifies the server of a food allergy * The ways in which kitchen staff and servers can prevent cross contact of foods, and * The need to contact 911 if a customer has an allergic reaction while at the food establishment. You can view this poster in multiple languages on the Environmental Health webpage at www.meridenhealth.com [http://www.meridenhealth.com]. We recommend that all Meriden residents raise their awareness of common food allergies, how to identify potential allergens on food packaging and menus, learn the signs of anaphylaxis, and learn how to use an Epi Pen auto injector and nasal spray. Questions? Visit the Food Allergy and Research Education website at www.foodallergy.org [http://www.foodallergy.org].

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Observed every year during the first full week of May, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of youth mental health to reduce stigma and provide resources for parents and caregivers. As your local health and human services department, we want to raise awareness about this important topic and share tips on how to navigate mental health challenges among youth.  As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors you notice and how to ensure your child gets the help they need. Here are some actions you can take to support your child’s mental health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): * First, listen. When a child talks about their day at school or something that may have happened it is important to create a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and understood. * Second, normalize conversations about emotions. It is okay for kids to feel sad, angry, or confused. Teaching them that feelings are not “good” or “bad” but rather just part of being human helps build emotional resilience. * Third, watch for signs. Changes in behavior, sleep, appetite, or mood can signal that something deeper is going on. Early support can prevent bigger challenges down the road. * And finally, remind children that they are not alone. Whether its parents, teachers, counselors, or trusted adults, support systems are essential. If you are concerned about your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should: * Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you. * Ask your child's doctor if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist in child behavioral problems. * Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing. * Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans. Our Department does provide mental health services for children, however help is available. If you are looking for mental health providers or additional resources in Meriden please call Infoline 211. This week is not just about awareness; it is about action. It is about checking in, speaking up, and making mental health a priority for every child, every day. Because when we support children’s mental health, we are not just helping them get through today, we are helping them build a stronger, healthier future.

Chronic Health Conditions in Children

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we’re talking about something that affects millions of families but isn’t always openly discussed: chronic health conditions in children. A chronic illness is a condition that lasts for a long time, often months or years, and sometimes a lifetime. Unlike a cold or flu, these conditions require ongoing care and management. Some common examples include: * Asthma * Allergies * Type 1 Diabetes or, * Epilepsy Each of these conditions looks different, but they all share one thing in common, they impact a child’s daily life beyond just physical health. For a child with a chronic illness, even simple routines can take extra planning. Think about: * Monitoring symptoms or blood sugar levels * Taking medications regularly * Avoiding triggers, like allergens or stress and, * Frequent doctor visits Children with a chronic health condition should have an individualized health care plan that is shared with their school, daycare provider, or before/after school programs. This is in addition to orders for medications or inhalers that would need to be administered by the school nurse or administrator in other childcare settings.   Here in Meriden, our Public Health Nurses work in our 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and Venture Academy to support students with chronic health conditions every day. They do this by: * Providing direct care, such as medication administration. * Providing case management through assessing, planning, implementing, and monitoring individual health plans and emergency care plans for students. This is especially important for when students go on field trips. And, * Advocating for students and their families to help them get the resources and support they need. Having at least one registered nurse at every school ensures all students, especially those with chronic health conditions, have access to care to keep students healthy, in school and ready to learn. To learn more about School Health visit www.meridenhealth.com [http://www.meridenhealth.com].

National Infant Immunization Week

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about National Infant Immunization Week! Observed every year at the end of April, National Infant Immunization Week highlights the critical role vaccines play in protecting children age 2 years and younger from serious and possibly life-threatening diseases. In the first year of life the immune system is still developing, which can make children age 2 and under more susceptible to diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. Thanks to routine immunizations, many of these illnesses are now rare in the U.S., but they haven’t disappeared. Sticking to the immunization schedule helps ensure your child is protected before they’re exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Delaying or skipping shots leaves babies at risk. Our staff understands that it is completely natural for parents to have questions about vaccines, such as safety or timing of getting the vaccines. As a parent, if you have concerns we encourage you to speak with your child’s healthcare provider, or, you can call your local health department. Vaccinating your child doesn’t just protect them, it helps protect others too. When enough people are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of disease, keeping vulnerable individuals like newborns or those with weakened immune systems safe. Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street is open Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. We are part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program and are able to offer no cost vaccines to children under the age of 18 regardless of their health insurance status. We have also developed a webpage on childhood vaccinations that answer some frequently asked questions about childhood vaccinations. Visit www.meridenhealth.com.  [http://www.meridenhealth.com.] If you have questions about childhood vaccines or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234.