August 2023

(UPDATED) 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. And, be sure to visit our new Back to School webpage for important health information for students of all ages.

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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Have a student heading off to college?

A new adventure can both be exciting and stressful for students and caregivers. Visit the new Back to School section on our website for tips to deal with empty nest syndrome, ideas to help your student prepare to live on their own, mental health resources and more!

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.

Join Sustainable Wellesley's Green Schools Idle Free Pledge today!

For more info about mosquito prevention, 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 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.

Statewide Community Health Survey- Responses Needed

The Community Health Equity Survey (CHES) aims to help communities address barriers to health. Developed in collaboration with residents and community partners across the state, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) will use survey results to improve programs, make decisions about funding and resources, and support policies to improve health inequities. MDPH will also share the results of the survey with partners across Massachusetts to support the important work they are doing to improve health in their communities. If you choose to participate, your answers are anonymous and cannot be connected back to you.

Taking the survey is easy. Just click here or visit our website www.mass.gov/chei to get started.

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.

Health Department Calendar

Flu Clinic-Save the Dates! 10/12 and 11/21. Times TBD. Visit this link for full details and to stay updated.
Keep Well Clinics. The Health Department offers weekly Keep Well sessions for residents. Get your blood pressure checked and have your health questions answered.
- Visit this link for the schedule for July-September 2023.

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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