RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter  05.17.23

Health updates for residents of the Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) Forwarded from a friend? Subscribe here

Unwanted Visitors: Keeping Insects Away

As the weather continues to improve in Southwestern Virginia, we encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves from insect-borne diseases. In 2022, we received reports of 14 insect-borne diseases (excluding cases of Lyme disease) in our RCAHD localities. These included cases of neuro-invasive West Nile virus caused by mosquitoes, as well as tick-borne diseases ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These illnesses are a serious public health concern because they can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization and in extreme cases, death. The most important strategies to protect yourself are those that prevent you from being bitten in the first place. The best protection to enjoy the outdoors is to use an insect repellant against both ticks and mosquitoes, such as those with a concentration of 20-50% DEET. Follow the product label directions to safely use it on your skin and on your clothes. Natural substances such as eucalyptus or lemon oil have repellant qualities, but may not be as effective as DEET.

Which insects in our area are found to carry diseases? What tips should I follow to remove an insect after it bites? Does VDH offer any services for tick identification? Read more about preventing insect-borne diseases in the latest RCAHD Community Column

Every Heartbeat Counts...

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Blood pressure is the amount of pressure your blood puts on your arteries as it flows through your body. High blood pressure (also called “hypertension”) is the top cause of stroke, and also puts you at risk for heart disease, kidney disease, disability and even death. Your blood pressure is considered high when you have consistent systolic readings of 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. You may not have symptoms from high blood pressure until it has caused serious health problems. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults are unaware that they have high blood pressure and are not receiving treatment to control it. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Pay attention to possible warning signs such as: tiredness, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, fluid retention, headaches, and chest pain- some women report their bra feels too tight. All chest pain should be checked by a healthcare professional. Learn more about how to prevent high blood pressure. (National Institutes of Health)

Progress and Promise in Hypertension Research In this video, two leading researchers discuss the importance of the developments in hypertension prevention, treatment, and continued research. 2min. (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)

RCAHD Health Situation Update More dashboards at vdh.gov

News You Can Use: The End of the Federal Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

On May 11, the Covid-19 Declaration of Emergency ended at the national and state levels. With the end of the declaration, a new chapter in the fight against the disease begins. Covid is not over, but recent trends showing sustained low rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts and across the country are a welcome relief. The CDC continues to advise to stay up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations, use at-home tests after exposures or when having symptoms, stay home when sick, and wear a high-quality mask when Covid-19 levels are high. We will remain vigilant and inform the public if indicators and trends change, so residents can take steps to protect themselves. Now that the emergency declaration has ended: Vaccines will continue to remain free for everyone for the time being. As long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines lasts, Covid-19 vaccines will remain free. Bring your insurance card in case your provider charges an administration fee when you receive a dose. Coverage for Covid-19 testing and treatment will vary by insurance type. For people with Medicaid coverage, Covid-19 testing and treatment will remain covered at no cost through September 2024. For those without insurance, Covid-19 testing and treatment will no longer be covered, and the cost will be determined by individual providers. However, free tests and treatment may be available at local free clinics or community health centers. Visit the CDC for more information about the end of the federal emergency declaration. Spring Bivalent Clinics Older adults (ages 65+) or people who are immunocompromised can now receive an additional bivalent dose to help keep their protection against the virus strong.

If you are eligible for a spring booster, find a dose at: Pharmacies Your local RCAHD health department office. Call to make an appointment at an office near you or register below: Roanoke City Health Department - register online for Monday, May 22, 10-1pm Botetourt Health Department - register online for June 1, 8-10:30am Covington/ Alleghany Health Department - register online for May 24, 9-4pm

Are you the parent or caregiver of a teen? Your feedback could be worth $$!

We are hosting virtual and in-person Caregiver Listening Sessions to better understand the needs of teens. Participants will receive a $25 store gift card for giving us their feedback. In-person listening sessions will also include dinner. We want to hear from you on topics such as: - Sexual health of young adults - Accessibility of resources - Having conversations with friends, family and medical providers Visit the RCAHD Listening Sessions page to learn more and sign up!

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