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Mesa County Health

Public Health Emerging Issues Oct. 30

by | Oct 30, 2017 | News

PREVENT CANCER WITH HPV VACCINE

  • HPV vaccination is the best way to prevent many types of cancer.
  • The HPV vaccine series is recommended for kids who are 11 or 12 years old.
    • The vaccination series can be started at age 9.
    • HPV vaccine is recommended for women through age 26 and men through age 21.
  • HPV vaccination rates among Mesa County children continue to increase every year, but we are far from the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80 percent vaccination among teens.
    • In Mesa County, nearly 28 percent of females and nearly 21 percent of males ages 13 – 17 received HPV vaccinations from July through December of 2016.
    • In Colorado, nearly 30 percent of females and 22 percent of males ages 13 – 17 received HPV vaccinations from July through December of 2016.
    • Vaccination coverage among teens in Mesa County is similar to teens in Colorado.
  • The Mesa County Public Health Clinic offers HPV vaccine to residents with or without insurance. Cost isn’t a barrier for those in need of the vaccine series.
  • Call (970) 248-6900 to make an appointment or contact your health care provider.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

  • Candy is a fun and exciting part of Halloween for kids, but too much can lead to trouble – upset stomachs, weight gain or cavities.
    • Help teach healthy habits now, like eating candy in moderation.
      • Look for local candy buy-backs as a great way to motivate your kids.
    • Eat dinner as a family before heading out for trick-or-treating to prevent kids from eating candy on the go without being mindful of their snacking.
  • Keep your costumes safe and practical.
    • Accessories like swords or knives should be short, soft and flexible.
    • Make sure your child can see out of his or her mask and that his or her hearing isn’t impaired by the mask.
    • Use reflective tape on costumes and candy bags.
  • Talk with your kids about safe trick-or-treating.
    • Trick-or-treat with an adult and/or a group of friends.
    • Hold a flashlight while walking, not running, from house-to-house.
    • Use sidewalks and stick to neighborhoods you know.
    • Remind your child to only enter another home if they are with a trusted adult.