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RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter

04.05.23
Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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We asked, and you answered!
Over 1300 votes were cast in the most recent RCAHD newsletter poll

In the last issue, readers of this newsletter were asked to vote on the topic that they consider to be the most serious non-Covid public health issue now. While topics such as chronic disease and cancer received many votes, the issue that rose to the top of the list for most readers was mental health. In fact, the votes for mental health combined with the votes for substance use accounted for over 40% of the 1349 votes that were cast.
Mental health problems are among the most common health conditions in the U.S., with one in five adults experiencing mental illness each year. Poor mental health can lead to financial, emotional, and physical strain that can create and exacerbate physical illnesses. According to a 2019 study in the medical journal, The Lancet, mental illness can reduce life expectancy by 20 years.

Stress has a direct impact on mental health. April is National Stress Awareness month, a time to reflect on the negative impact of stress.

How do public health efforts support mental health?
What steps can be taken to minimize and reduce the negative impacts of stress?
Happy National Public Health Week!
April 3-9 is National Public Health Week, a chance to recognize the role of public health in improving the wellbeing of all people. In Virginia, our mission is to become the healthiest state in the nation by using data-driven approaches to promote healthy lifestyle choices; prevent illness, including communicable diseases; and protect our communities by preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and other threats to health.
Hats off to our RCAHD staff, volunteers, and public health community partners for their tireless efforts to prevent disease and injury and promote wellness for our residents.
Viruses or bacteria or allergies - What's got you sick?

Is it painful to swallow? Is your throat scratchy? The cause of your sore throat will determine how it should be treated. Sore throats caused by allergies or viruses do not need antibiotics. CDC Sore Throat webpage
RCAHD Health Situation Update
Rabies Alerts:
Since February, RCAHD has confirmed rabies in three skunks in the areas of:
  • Mountain Pass Road, Troutville
  • Autumn Lane, Troutville
  • Niblick Road, Salem
Now is a good time to remember to protect your pets. Virginia law requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats that are older than four months. In addition, citizens should not feed, approach, or touch wild animals, and should report any abnormal behavior involving wild animals.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek immediate medical attention.
  • In 2022, of the 107 animals RCAHD tested for rabies, 14 were positive for rabies, including 10 skunks and four foxes.
  • In 2021, of the 109 animals tested, 12 were positive, including six raccoons as well as two bats, skunks, and foxes.
  • We have already identified rabies in three skunks in 2023.  
  
  • AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
  • REPORT an animal that is acting strangely.
  • VACCINATE all of your dogs, cats and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.
  • CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, and your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed.

Want to keep up with rabies alerts and other health information between newsletters?
Join Our Team!
We are currently hiring several contract positions with an outreach focus to educate the public and promote well-being. Positions are open until filled:

  • Up to $20/hour
  • Up to $26/hour
  • Up to $25/hour
  • Up to $28/hour
 

  • Nutritionist Sr. - #07747 - Roanoke City