DPH: Newborn screening for rare potentially fatal genetic disorder began January 1 2020 The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) on Friday is reporting that the state public health laboratory in Rocky Hill has begun to conduct newborn screening tests for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that can result in loss of nerve and muscle control, and can be fatal. The newborn screening began January 1, 2020 to comply with a new state law passed in 2019 requiring DPH to conduct newborn screening for the condition. It is estimated that SMA afflicts 1 in 11,000 Connecticut residents. People with SMA have a change in a specific gene that prevents it from making enough of the protein that nerve cells need to survive. The disorder was recently added to the Federal Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children’s Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). More Jan 13, 2020 - 5:47:50 AM
Dr. John M. Murphy, president and CEO of Nuvance Health, has been named the inaugural Business Person of the Year by Westfair Business Publications for advocating on behalf of the healthcare industry and patient care on the local, state, and national level. More Jan 8, 2020 - 5:40:18 AM
Norwalk Health Department to Offer Free Radon Kits during National Radon Action Month January is National Radon Action Month, and your state and local health departments urge you to learn more about radon—a leading cause of lung cancer—and test for radon in your home. The Norwalk Health Department will distribute free radon testing kits in the Health Department lobby (137 East Avenue) from 11 am - 1 pm on January 7 and 8, while supplies last. The kits were provided as part of the Radon Partnership from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) Lead, Radon and Healthy Homes Program. More Jan 6, 2020 - 5:38:18 AM
Connecticut DPH reporting a total of 46 cases of vaping-associated lung injury Lung Injuries (EVALI) by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Connecticut DPH will now only be reporting cases that result in hospitalization. In addition, all future vaping related lung injury updates will be provided through a new information page on the DPH website that will be updated weekly: More Dec 19, 2019 - 12:57:01 AM
Gov. Lamont announces historic partnership between state and hospitals Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) on Thursday announced completion of a historic settlement agreement that will result in a withdrawal of all pending legal claims that various hospitals filed against the state challenging the first hospital user fee, including the lawsuits filed in 2016, and all of the rate appeals brought by hospitals challenging Medicaid payments. The agreement represents a new chapter in the relationship between the State of Connecticut and its hospitals, institutions that serve a critical role in their communities. More Dec 6, 2019 - 6:59:36 AM
CT DPH reports first influenza deaths of 2019-2020 season The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) on Thursday is reporting the first influenza deaths of the 2019-2020 season, and is reminding residents to get vaccinated to protect their health against the flu. As the holiday season approaches and social activities increase, now is the time to protect yourself, family, and loved ones. Vaccination remains the most effective protection as the flu season can be long, running from October to May, peaking between December and March. “I advise all Connecticut residents to take the proactive step to protect their health during flu season by getting a flu shot,” said DPH Commissioner Renee D. Coleman-Mitchell. “Flu vaccines are safe and effective, and can either help prevent you from becoming infected by this serious virus, or help lessen your symptoms if you do get sick. Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or local health department about the easiest way to get a flu shot.” More Nov 15, 2019 - 3:01:47 AM
The Western Connecticut State University Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) will present Integrative Physician Dr. Aly Cohen for a discussion about “Are Environmental Exposures a Danger to Your Mental Health?” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Ives Concert Hall in White Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. More Nov 7, 2019 - 2:03:16 PM
OrthoConnecticut is pleased to welcome Orthopedic Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon, Aaron N. Insel, M.D., to the practice. Dr. Insel will work in both the Danbury and Southbury office locations. More Nov 6, 2019 - 9:36:56 PM
DPH Now Reporting Total of 38 Cases of Vaping-Related Lung Injury in CT The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today is reporting four more Connecticut residents who were ill with lung injuries possibly related to using e-cigarettes or vaping, bringing the total to 38 cases that have been reported to DPH. One patient remains in the hospital. The 38 cases involve residents from seven Connecticut counties: Fairfield (17), New Haven (9), Hartford (4), New London (3), Tolland (3), Litchfield (1), and Windham (1). The age breakdown of the patients is as follows: Under 18 years of age (5), 18 to 24 years of age (11), 25 to 34 years of age (9), 35 years of age and older (13). According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of October 31, 2019 there have been a total of 1,888 cases of vaping-related lung injury had been reported from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory. The CDC also reported 37 deaths had been confirmed in 24 states. More Nov 1, 2019 - 1:43:16 PM
DPH confirms fourth case of measles in CT for 2019 The Connecticut Department of Public Health on Friday confirmed a fourth case of measles in Connecticut for 2019 in a school aged child from Fairfield County. The public health investigation of this case has determined that the child was not infectious while at school. Information received by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) indicates that the child contracted measles in early October. The latest case of measles is not related to three previously confirmed cases in Connecticut reported in January and April.
“We are monitoring and investigating this case very closely, including working with our local health departments and medical providers to follow up with any individuals that may have been exposed to measles,” said Connecticut DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell. “Science tells us that the single best thing anyone can do to protect themselves from this highly contagious virus is to get vaccinated. Overall, Connecticut has high vaccination rates, so we are at low risk for a widespread measles outbreak. This latest confirmed case, coupled with declining statewide immunization numbers for measles, is exactly why Governor Lamont and I are recommending repeal of non-medical exemptions for vaccination.”More Oct 28, 2019 - 5:43:56 AM
Connecticut schools with more than 30 kindergarten students. The data, which are available on the DPH website, reveal that there are now 134 Connecticut schools where the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for kindergarten students falls below the federally recommended guideline of 95%. Significantly, these immunization rate data show a 31.1% increase in the number of schools that fell below the 95% kindergarten MMR vaccination rate guideline. There are a total of 47 schools that were below the 95% threshold in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. More Oct 21, 2019 - 2:30:41 PM
Norwalk Health Department Announces its 2019 Community Flu Clinics Fight the flu this Fall, and get your flu shot from the Norwalk Health Department! The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get a flu shot. The Health Department’s trusted professionals are here to help with our 2019 flu clinics and walk-in hours. More Oct 15, 2019 - 10:01:28 AM
Norwalk Health Department's tips to avoid mosquitoes Mosquitoes are front of mind right now, especially with recent news reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in other parts of the state. The Norwalk Health Department is aware of the recent EEE-positive mosquito found in Stamford. Recent mosquitos trapped and tested in Norwalk on September 18 and 19 did not test positive for EEE. The Health Department remains in communication with City and State officials to monitor the situation. More Oct 4, 2019 - 3:15:22 AM
Lamont advises residents to take proper precautions against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Governor Ned Lamont is advising people in Connecticut to take proper precautions to protect themselves against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) as state public health officials announced that the second person to be diagnosed with the virus this year in Connecticut has passed away. The patient, an adult resident from Old Lyme, was hospitalized with encephalitis in mid-September and is the second human fatality from the virus in Connecticut since 2013. More Sep 30, 2019 - 12:59:32 AM
Access Health CT to Host 9 "Healthy Chat" Events -- One in Every CT County Access Health CT (AHCT) last week announced a series of upcoming community-based educational sessions, known as “Healthy Chats.” The purpose of these events is to help Connecticut residents become familiar with the Open Enrollment Period that starts on Nov. 1, 2019: and understanding costs and the financial help that is available, choosing an insurance plan, and how and where to enroll. More Sep 30, 2019 - 12:37:24 AM
DPH announces second human case of EEE this year and death of the first person diagnosed with the illness this year Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell on Friday announced a second Connecticut resident has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) infection. The patient is an adult resident of Old Lyme who became ill during the second week of September with encephalitis and remains hospitalized. Laboratory tests, which were completed today at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory in Ft. Collins, Colorado, confirmed the presence of antibodies to the virus that causes EEE. More Sep 22, 2019 - 12:56:50 AM
Norwalk Community Health Center in top 10% of health centers nationwide The US Department of Health and Social Services has recognized Norwalk Community Health Center, Inc. (NCHC) among the top 10% of health centers nationally for clinical quality. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), NCHC, a nonprofit 501(c)3 healthcare provider, is one of only 150 Health Centers out of more than 1,400 nationwide to achieve this gold standard milestone. More Sep 17, 2019 - 5:28:15 AM
8th Annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo 2019 coming this September to Stamford Experience an extraordinary, life-changing two-day event at the 8th Annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo 2019 presented by WABC-TV with special thanks to Stamford Health, Exclusive Healthcare Partner at its NEW location – the Harbor Point Boardwalk in Stamford, CT. Expo 2019 will feature over 150 exhibitors in addition to Stamford Health, group yoga, dance and fitness classes featuring top fitness instructors from throughout the area, 11 different zones showcasing pet wellness, healthy restaurants, food and beverages, activewear, organic craft beer, wine, and spirits, live music, and a kids zone featuring interactive and educational activities. Admission and parking are FREE. More Sep 2, 2019 - 3:22:34 AM
New Cancer Clinical Trials Open at Danbury and Norwalk Hospitals Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital received approval to join NRG Oncology as primary clinical research sites. This means that patients at Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital now have expanded access to the latest breast cancer, radiation oncology, and gynecologic cancer clinical trials that are only available to NRG Oncology members. More Aug 30, 2019 - 2:26:18 AM
Norwalk Health Department Offers School Physicals Back-to-school season is fast approaching, and the first day of school will be here before we know it. If your child needs a physical exam for school this year, the Norwalk Health Department can help. More Aug 7, 2019 - 10:50:02 AM
Nurse Patty Ferguson wasn’t surprised when she started losing her hair due to chemotherapy treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. But she was shocked when all of her co-workers at Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Avon shaved their heads in solidarity with their beloved friend. More Jul 30, 2019 - 3:19:37 AM
DPH is investigating cases of Legionnaires' disease at Rocky Hill Nursing Facility The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) together with the management of Apple Rehab in Rocky Hill is coordinating a response to two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial respiratory infection caused by exposure to the Legionella bacteria. Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed among residents of Apple Rehab, and one patient died recently. The DPH was notified on July 17, 2019 of a resident of the facility with Legionnaires’ disease. More Jul 29, 2019 - 3:07:19 AM
Starling Physicians: New Scalp Cooling Treatment Stops Hair Loss Cold “Am I going to lose my hair?” is often the first question breast cancer patients ask when they initially find out they need chemotherapy. Now Starling Physicians, a recognized leader in cancer care across Connecticut, is offering women a groundbreaking scalp cooling treatment that reduces or eliminates hair loss. Starling is one of the only oncology practices in the area to provide access to the most trusted FDA-approved technology to help patients manage one of the most traumatic side effects associated with cancer treatment.More Jun 12, 2019 - 5:46:43 AM
