November 18, 2022

RSV Hospitalizations on the Rise Hospitalizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are on the rise in the Metro-area. RSV causes illness in people of all ages, but infants, young children, and older adults are at greater risk of severe illness from RSV. Currently, 95% of hospitalizations are among children, and hospital reports indicate that the increase in RSV cases is putting a significant strain on the pediatric hospital system. Learn more about RSV and take steps to protect your family and hospital capacity.

Vaccines Prevention Data Testing Treatment

Have a Healthy Holiday! Having a Thanksgiving gathering? There are a few ways you can make it as healthy as can be to avoid the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. 🧼 Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol. 🤧 Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper arm sleeve, throw away the tissue after you use it, and wash your hands. 🧪 Consider taking a COVID-19 test before traveling or before celebrating with high-risk family and friends. 🤒 As much as we want to see family and friends, stay home when you are sick. A mild illness for you could turn into a serious infection for a young child or older adult.

Holiday Stress? Although the holidays are a wonderful time, sometimes they can be stressful and triggering. Be kind to yourself! Put your own mental and physical well-being first. Recognize what your triggers are to help you prepare for stressful situations. To find additional support to navigate mental health this holiday season, visit Broomfield.org/MHResources.

Y4Y Presentation at APHA Broomfield Youth for Youth (Y4Y) presented at the American Public Health Association conference in Boston on their Photovoice project "Youth Voice as a Catalyst for Community Change." Y4Y received a letter of congratulations on their Heart of Broomfield Award for their project from Congressman Neguse! Great job, Y4Y!

Missed the Take Back Event? Thank you to everyone who came to the Oct. 29 prescription drug Take Back Event. In just 4 hours, Broomfielders brought in 188 pounds of prescription drugs! Events like these help prevent accidental poisoning, drug misuse, and overdose. If you missed the event but have prescription drugs you would like to safely dispose of, you can find a drop off location here!

Lung Cancer Awareness Month Broomfield City Council has declared November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Broomfield, as lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Colorado. Lung cancer is largely preventable and there are steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their loved ones:   Do not start using tobacco, avoid secondhand smoke, or quit smoking. Test your home for radon and install a radon mitigation system. Depending on your risk, get screened for lung cancer for early detection and treatment. Learn more about quitting tobacco, radon testing and mitigation information, and lung screenings.

Thanksgiving Food Safety Make sure your Thanksgiving feast is both delicious and safe! Learn how to store, prepare, and serve food safely to prevent foodborne illness from gobbling up your fun. Always remember to: Clean Separate Cook Chill Learn more about Thanksgiving food safety.

2023 License Renewals Broomfield Public Health and Environment has sent out license renewal information for both retail food establishments and septic system contractors. If your business received a renewal notification, it is important to complete the steps outlined in the letter by Dec. 31, 2022 to ensure that your business has a valid license to operate in 2023.

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