https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/themes/vdh-shared/assets/generated/vdh-logo.png
RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter

08.30.23
Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
Forwarded from a friend? Subscribe here
Cancer Prevention: Good News & Opportunities
Earlier this year, your votes in our newsletter poll named cancer as a top public health concern. That concern is rightfully placed, as cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country, after cardiovascular disease.
While the healthcare system focuses on the treatment and management of cancer, public health helps Virginians focus on prevention through adopting healthy behaviors and avoiding unhealthy environments, and by improving access to cancer screening for early detection.
On these fronts there is good news- the risk of dying from cancer has dropped over 30% in the past three decades thanks to improvements in prevention and early detection, as well as advances in treatment options (American Cancer Society). One of the biggest success stories is the decline in rates of lung cancer, due in part to more prevention (fewer people smoking) and improved screening (cancers being caught in earlier stages).
We encourage all Virginians catch up on medical visits for routine screenings, such as mammograms, pap smears, and colorectal checks that may have been delayed by the pandemic. We also strongly recommend teens complete the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination series to protect against HPV-related cancers.
However, we should not think of health as something we only get at the doctor’s office; instead, it is something that starts in our families and homes... [Read More]

What free or low-cost programs does VDH offer in support of cancer prevention?
Screening tests are used to detect cancer early in people who don't have symptoms. Want to know what cancer screenings are recommended at each stage of life?
Q: Is it true that QuitNowVirginia offers free services, even for nicotine replacement?
A: Yes!
  • Free confidential counseling provided to all Virginia residents ages 13+
  • Available 24/ 7
  • Trained Quit Coaches for all types of tobacco, including dip and vaping products
  • Services by phone, text, chat, and group sessions
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31


Attend one of these local community events on Thursday, August 31 to raise awareness about the hidden impacts of overdoses and learn how to respond to an overdose.
No registration is needed - Walk-ins are welcome:
Roanoke:

Community Remembrance & Resource Event
Taubman Museum of Art
5:30-6:30pm
Alleghany Highlands:

Curbside Naloxone Training
310 Monroe St., Covington
9am-4pm
RCAHD Health Situation Update
FREE Covid at-home test kits!
Our local health departments have a supply of Covid at-home test kits that expire on Sept 30th. To pick up a free test, stop by your local health department! While supplies last.


Local reports of lab-confirmed cases (representing just a small number of total local Covid cases) have been trending up in recent weeks, as have hospitalizations. We are still waiting on CDC information about this year’s Covid vaccine and recommendations for who should get it. Those behind on their Covid doses should talk with their medical providers to decide whether it makes sense to wait for the updated booster expected later in September, or to beef up their protection now in the face of this uptick.
New: Antibiotic Health Survey

A survey is being conducted to hear your personal experiences and beliefs about antibiotics including penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline and azithromycin. Results will be used to improve how antibiotics are prescribed and used in our southwestern Virginia communities.

All information collected from the 5-10 minute online survey will remain anonymous. Those who respond can choose to be entered into a raffle to win one of 10 $20 gift cards.
RCAHD is Ready for Back To School!

On August 18, a Back to School immunization clinic was held at the Roanoke Health Department to help kids have a healthy start to the school year. In addition to free slushies, four volunteer teams from TheraPets of Southwestern Virginia brought their trained therapy pets to help calm those immunization jitters.

At left: Roanoke City student Yefersin P. with therapy pet volunteer Tommie Nichols and therapy dog Benny
Recall Alert
Check your freezers for Quick Frozen Super Sweet Cut Corn and Quick Frozen Mixed Vegetables in bags, due to a potential for contamination with listeria. These products were sold under a generic label at various retailers including Food Lion and Kroger.
Consumers are urged not to consume the product and immediately return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience health impacts from food poisoning:

  • Young children, especially those under age five
  • Pregnant women, particularly Hispanic women
  • Adults over age 65
  • People with weakened immune systems
Rabies Alert: 
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts confirmed a case of rabies found in a skunk on Cook Avenue in Cloverdale in southern Botetourt County on 8.17.23.

To help prevent the spread of rabies, everyone should:

  • AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
  • REPORT unusual-acting animals.
  • 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, or your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies.

We are recruiting for the following positions. Join our team to make a difference in your community!
Happy Labor Day!
RCAHD offices will be closed on
Monday, Sept 4