November 28 is Family Health History Day: Do You Know Yours?Did you know your family’s health history can shed light on your own health risks? Knowing what diseases and conditions run in your family can help you and your health care provider identify your health risks, look for early warning signs and recommend actions to stay healthy. The holidays are approaching and that means many of us are spending time with family. If you can, take a few minutes to collect health information from your family members. Here are some tips for getting started: - If you have ever been diagnosed with a medical condition like diabetes, cancer or heart disease, let your family members know.
- If you have had genetic testing done, share your results with your family members.
- If you are one of the older members of your family, you may know more about diseases and health conditions in your family, especially in relatives who are no longer living. Be sure to share this information with your younger relatives so that you may all benefit from knowing this family health history information.
- If you were adopted, CDC has tips for learning the health history of your relatives.
Talking about health might not be easy, but having the conversation is important. Don’t forget to share what you learn with your health care provider.
Sincerely,
Elise Lubell, MS, MCHES®
Director of Health Promotion and Lifestyle Management
Jefferson County Public Health
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Did You Get Your Flu Shot?There is still time to protect you and your family against the flu this year. To get the flu shot, visit vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you or call the JCPH Immunization Clinic at 303-239-7078 to make an appointment. Read more about the flu and why it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
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Partners from Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties Work Together to Address SuicideGiven the alarming rate and severity of suicide in our communities, partners came together to host a Suicide Prevention Summit last month to review data around suicide and existing initiatives and to brainstorm ways the community can expand collaboration and response. The summit was hosted by Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) and Jefferson Center, and drew more than 50 individuals from a variety of sectors, including law enforcement, education, hospitals, community coalitions and foundations and more. Read more. |
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Update on Vaping and Lung IllnessThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are continuing to investigate severe lung illness associated with vaping. As of November 13, 2019, there have been 11 confirmed cases and nine hospitalizations due to severe lung illness associated with vaping in Colorado. Three of these cases were in Jefferson County. Stay up-to-date on the latest information here. |
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Free Well Water Testing - While Supplies Last!JCPH is offering water quality testing of private wells, free of charge, throughout the rest of 2019 while supplies last. We recommend you test your drinking water well once per year for signs of contamination. The results gathered from this testing will help JCPH gain a better understanding of current water quality across the county. To learn more, please contact Audra DeVault at [email protected]. |
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DATA ROUNDUP: Vaping Among Youth
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Vaping is on the rise, and Colorado continues to have the highest rates of youth vaping in the country. |
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Public Health PerspectivesJCPH recently launched a new blog, Public Health Perspectives. The blog was created as a place where our community members can learn about a variety of public health topics. Click here to read our latest post. Have an idea for a blog topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know!
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Talk with Your Teen About Vaping & Tobacco UseMany teens don't realize that vaping, like traditional tobacco use, can lead to serious health problems. When teens are addicted to nicotine, it can prime the developing brain for cigarette smoking and other addictive behaviors.
Adults can talk to the teens in their lives about vaping and tobacco by asking honest questions about what teens are experiencing, either through their or their friends' use. The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at twelvetalks.com. |
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Speak Now ColoradoSpeak Now Colorado, a campaign from the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their children early and often about alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications and other drugs. They offer resources and tools to help start the conversation.
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