August 2023

Greetings from the Wellesley Health Department! In this issue...

September is right around the corner and that means...back to school! In this month's newsletter, check out some tips for back to school safety.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Getting vaccinated against communicable diseases is one of the best ways to protect yourself against illness. And, with school quickly approaching, it’s time to check immunizations records to see if your kids are up to date. See below for details.

As always, please reach out to us with questions or suggestions for how we can better serve you by emailing us at health@wellesleyma.gov. We love to hear from you!

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Is your family up to date on vaccines?

Now is a great time to check! This link provides an easy to read comprehensive list of suggested vaccines by age.

The CDC also has a lot of great info for families.

Meningitis vaccine info for teens and college students.

Routine vaccinations are a great tool to keep kids healthy, in school, and ready to learn!

Walk and Bike to School Safely

Many kids walk or bike to school. Help keep your kid safe by following some basic tips and guidelines.

Prepare your child to walk to school.

Guide to walking safety.

Info for parents and guardians on walking to school safely from Mass.gov.

For more info, visit our website: https://www.wellesleyma.gov/197/Mosquitoes-Ticks

Join the Medical Reserve Corps ! Be prepared to help Wellesley residents in an emergency.

The Wellesley Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of concerned residents with medical and non-medical skills who assist the town's health department and other responders in a local public health emergency, as well as at scheduled events.

Wellesley MRC is also part of a regional coalition of health departments in eight communities: Norfolk County - 8 (NC-8), website: norfolkcounty8.org NC-8 supports each other and cross trains its MRC volunteers should the need arise to have a larger response to an event. NC-8 also offers trainings and exercises to its MRC volunteers.

LEARN MORE!

Water Safety

It's still summer, so that means lots of time in and around water.

A leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, drowning is often swift and silent. Drowning can happen in an instant and doesn’t look like what we see on TV. Visit our website for tips to keep you and your family safe around water this Summer. https://www.wellesleyma.gov/2064/Water-Safety

Sun Safety

As we head into the warmer weather, our exposure to UV (Ultraviolet) rays increases. Since UV rays are the main cause of skin cancers, reducing exposure is key to preventing skin cancer year-round, but in summer becomes even more important. Limiting sun exposure to the morning and afternoon hours, using sunscreen every day (even cloudy days) with at least an SPF30, and keeping your skin covered when outside are the main ways to avoid harsh UV rays. Read more here about how to protect yourself.

988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE IS NOW AVAILABLE

988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers. You can call or text 988 anytime, anywhere you or a loved one is in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts. Trained call takers, who are not licensed clinicians, are available to provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers. You do not need to be suicidal to call 988. Click here to learn wat you can expect when you call or text 988, and for more information and resources.

Stay Up to Date With The Health Department!

Contact us: health@wellesleyma.gov, or call 781-235-0135

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellesleyhealth

Twitter: @wellesleyhealth

Website: https://wellesleyma.gov/193/Health

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