NATIONAL
SUICIDE PRE VE NT IIO IN LIFELINE
"' 1-800·-·273-TALK (8255,) su icidepreventi on lifel i ne.org
Public Health Prevent. Promote. Protect.
A BIANNUAL
NEWSLETTER FROM
THE MORRIS COUNTY
OFFICE OF HEALTH
MANAGEMENT Your Health
MattersSpecial points of
interest:
July is Juvenile Arthritis
Awareness Month
August is National
Breastfeeding Month
September is National
Childhood Obesity
Awareness Month
September is National
Preparedness Month
October is National
Dental Hygiene Month
November is Lung Can-
cer Awareness Month
December 1st is World
Aids Day
Inside this issue:
Suicide 1
Vaping 1-2
Grilling 2
Ticks and Mosquitos 3
Sun Safety 4
Heat and Physical 5
Activity
NJ SugarFreed
Volume I Issue II July 2018
Suicide: Is Life a Priceless Gift?
Suicide is a large and alcohol use;
growing public health Aggression or fa-problem. Suicide is the
tenth leading cause of tigue;
death in the United Changes in mood States, third leading
including depression, cause of death for youth anxiety, or loss of ages 10-14 years, and
second leading cause of interest; and/or
death among people 15- If a person talks 24 and 25-34 years of
about killing them-age. In New Jersey, one especially if the change in selves, feeling hope-person dies by suicide behavior is related to a less, being a burden every 11 hours. painful event, loss, or life to others, or feeling
change. Behaviors can There is no single cause trapped
include: for suicide. It occurs
Suicide does not dis-when stressors and Withdrawing from criminate and effects all health issues converge
activities; to create an experience populations. If you or a
loved one are in a crisis, of hopelessness and des- Isolating from family
there options available pair. Some of the warn-and friends;
ing signs to look out for to help you cope.
are a change in behavior Increased drug and Continued on page 4
Vaping: The New Trend Among Adolescents
Electronic cigarettes have become popular among
youth and young adults. E-cigarettes come in many
forms and are known by different names including “e-
cigs,” “vape pens” “e-hookahs,” and “electronic nico-
tine delivery systems” (ENDS). These products are
battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine
flavorings, and other chemicals in the form of an aero-
sol that users inhale.
Continued on page 2
IN 2016, NEARLY ~ ,S. ~Dt~~l~~SCHOOL STUDENTS CURRENTLY USED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
HALF USED TWO OR MORE ABOUT TOBACCO PRODUCTS
$i I ~
I
1- I
Page 2 Your Health Matters
Grilling May Raise Risk of High Blood Pressure
A new study urges cau-
tion when cooking, after
finding that a regular in-
take of grilled and well-
done meat or fish could
increase the risk of high
blood pressure.
A major risk factor for
hypertension is an un-
healthy diet; however,
this new study suggests
that it is not only the
type of food that we eat that influ-
ences blood pressure but how we
prepare our food can also play a part.
The study found that individuals who
ate grilled, broiled, or roasted beef,
chicken, or fish at least 15 times each
month were 17 percent
more likely to develop high
blood pressure than those
who consumed these
foods fewer than four
times a month.
Although the research can-
not prove cause and effect,
it may be worth revising
our cooking methods for
meat and fish. For more
information , visit
www.sciencedaily.com/.
Vaping continued
What Parents Need to Know About Vaping
1. Vapor is not just water.
The vapor is more than
just water, but is an aero-
sol mist full of toxic
chemicals. Some of the
toxins found in vapes in-
clude propylene, glycol
and other chemicals
known to harm your
health.
2. Most flavored vapes have
nicotine. Nicotine is an
addictive drug found in
cigarettes and is harmful
to the development of
youth.
3. Nicotine free vapes are
not harmless. Diacetyl is a
common chemical found
in the flavoring of vape
pens and can cause a seri-
ous lung disease called
“popcorn lung.”
Start a conversation with
your child about e-cigarettes
today. Find the right moment
to talk to your teen. Ask for
support if you are not sure
where to begin.
For more information visit:
https://e-
ciga-
rettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
knowtherisks.html
Did You Know?
The brain is still grow-
ing and developing until
about the age of 25.
Each time a new skill is
learned, stronger syn-
apses are built between
brain cells. Adolescents
get more addicted easi-
ly than adults because
addiction is a form of
learning.
4. E-cigarettes do not look
like regular cigarettes.
They can look like bright
metallic pens. Vape pens
can also explode and
cause severe skin burns.
5. E-cigarette use can be
linked to alcohol use and
other substance use such
as marijuana.
Volume I Issue II
Deer ticks : Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis
Dog ticks : Rocky Mt. sponed fever
Lone Star ticks: Ehrlichiosis
Fig. 1 Most common human- and pet-biting ticks encountered & disease association
Page 3
Illnesses from Mosquito, Tick and Flea Bites Increasing in the U.S.
Mosquito and Tick Fun
Facts
Only deer ticks can
transmit Lyme disease.
The easiest and safest
way to remove a tick is
with a pointy tweezer.
If you have been bitten
by a mosquito, it was a
female. Females need
blood before they can
lay their eggs.
The average mosquito
lifespan is two months.
Illnesses from mosquito, tick and
flea bites have tripled in the U.S.
Nine new germs spread by mosqui-
toes and ticks were discovered or
introduced into the U.S. between
2004 and 2016.
“Zika, West Nile, Lyme, and
chikungunya—a growing list of dis-
eases caused by the bite of an in-
fected mosquito, tick, or flea—have
confronted the U.S. in recent years,
making a lot of people sick. And we
don’t know what will threaten
Americans next,” said CDC Direc-
tor Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “Our Nation’s first lines of defense are
state and local health departments
and vector control organizations,
and we must continue to enhance
our investment in their ability to
fight against these diseases.”
Widespread and difficult to control
diseases from mosquito, tick and
flea bites are major causes of sick-
ness. The increase in diseases
caused by the bite of an infected
mosquito, tick, or flea in the U.S. is
likely due to many factors. Mosqui-
toes, ticks, and the germs they
spread are increasing in number and
moving into new areas. As a result,
more people are at risk for infec-
tion. Overseas travel and com-
merce are more common than ever
before. A traveler can be infected
with a mosquito-borne disease, like
Zika, in one country, and then un-
knowingly transport it home. Final-
ly, new germs spread by mosquito
and tick bites have been discov-
ered and the list of nationally
notifiable diseases has grown.
What can everyone do to
protect themselves from
mosquito, tick, and flea
bites?
Use an Environmental Pro-
tection Agency-registered
insect repellent.
Wear long-sleeved shirts
and long pants.
Treat items, such as boots,
pants, socks, and tents,
with permethrin or use
permethrin-treated clothing
and gear.
Take steps to control ticks
and fleas on pets.
Find and remove ticks daily
from family and pets. Visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/
removing_a_tick.html
Take steps to control mos-
quitoes, ticks, and fleas in-
side and outside your
home. Visit: https://
www.cdc.gov/zika/
prevention/prevent-
mosquito-bites.html
Source: Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, May
2018
PROTECT
Use a Layered Approach for Sun Protection.
Slllscreen works best when used with shade or clothes. c11d ii must be re-applied every 2 hoUfs and after sW11l1m1 , sweat ng. or toweling off.
Wear a hat. sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield skil.
Use broad spec rum sunscreen wrth at leas SPF 15 to protec exposed skin.
Seek shade. espeaally cimng m day hours
( '
Find out why this can save a life at
www.BeThe1To.com If you're struggling, call the Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Page 4 Your Health Matters
Stay Safe in the Sun
With summer starting this month, it is important to protect you and your family from the sun. Ultraviolet
(UV) rays are the number one cause of skin cancer. Too much exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, eye
damage, and premature wrinkles. Protect you and your loved ones and enjoy being outdoors. For more in-
formation visit, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.
East Asian Tick, New to New Jersey
While these ticks like a warmer climate, they seemed to have survived the NJ winter. Rutgers
University scientists are studying this newcomer but report that standard insecticides seem to
work well against this tick and the ticks found in NJ tested negative for carrying diseases.
Suicide: Is Life a Priceless Gift? (continued from Page 1)
Some options include:
Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline toll-free number at
1-800-273-8255
NJ Hopeline at 1– 855-654-6735
Find a therapist or support group
Make a safety plan
Build a support network to help you cope during diffi-
cult times
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t : h t t p s : / /
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
medical reserve corps
Page 5Volume I Issue II
Don’t Let the Summer Heat Keep You From Moving
Don’t let the heat keep you from exercising during the
summer months. Longer days
and ample sunshine provide
more opportunities for the
whole family to get outside and
get active. Follow these sum-
mer workout tips: Timing is key. Avoid exer-
cising in the early after-
noon. It is usually hottest
between noon and 3p.m. Listen to your body. Take frequent breaks in the shade and drink Stay hydrated. Drink water water before you are thirsty.
before, during, and after Buddy up. If you can, work out with a partner for safety and have physical activity.
Dress for success. Wear fun.
lightweight, light-colored,
loose-fitting clothes. For more information visit, American Heart Association
NJ Sugarfreed Campaign
NJ Sugarfreed is on a mission to decrease the consumption of
sugary drinks in New Jersey. Sugary drinks are proven to in-
crease the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Over a
quarter of New Jersey residents are obese and an additional
36% are overweight. Drinking just one or more sugary drinks
per day increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by
26%. Choose water, it is the best thing you can put in your
body. For more information visit, www.njsugarfreed.org
Medical Reserve Corps
The Morris County Medical Reserve Corps is a well-prepared and
trained workforce of volunteers to help public health protect the
community in the event of a public health emergency.
To learn more about the MRC, or to fill out a volunteer application,
visit www.njmrc.nj.gov.
2-1-1
A BIANNUAL
NEWSLETTER FROM
THE MORRIS COUNTY
OFFICE OF HEALTH
MANAGEMENT
Important Numbers
GENERAL
NJ211
North Jersey Red Cross
(973) 538-2160 Poison Information 1-800-222-1222
Mental Health Hotline 1-877-294-4357
MORRIS COUNTY Health Management 973-631-5484 Emergency Management
973-829-8600 Sheriff’s Office 973-285-6600
Prosecutor’s Office 973-285-6200
NEW JERSEY Communicable Disease Service 1-609-826-5964
State Police 1-609-882-2000
Address
Morris County Office of Health
Management
PO Box 900
634 West Hanover Avenue
Morristown NJ 07961
The mission of the Morris County Office of Health Management is to promote
public health, to prevent the spread of disease, and to protect the environment,
through awareness, compliance, education, training, and emergency response.
Contributing Writers:
Carlos Perez, Jr., Ph.D.
Health Officer
Arlene Stoller, M.P.H., C.H.E.S.
Health Educator
Shanice Johnson, B.S., C.H.E.S.
Health Education Field Representative
Your Health Matters is not copyrighted. Any or all parts may be reproduced without permission.
However, an acknowledgment of the source would be appreciated. The following resources were used
as references in this addition: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Asso-
ciation, National Institute on Drug Abuse, North Jersey Health Collaborative, Federal Emergency Man-
agement Agency (FEMA), Colon Cancer Alliance, American Association of Poison Control Centers
(AAPCC), National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, New Jersey Department of Human Ser-
vices, Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, Prevention is Key, and Morris County Human Re-
sources, Reference to any site on the internet is provided as a service to readers and does not consti-
tute or imply endorsement of the information on the web site by the Morris County Office of Health
Management. The Morris County Office of Health Management is not responsible for the content of
the pages found at these sites.
www.morrishealth.org
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