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Staying Sun Safe During UV Protection Month
July is UV Protection month. The main types of UV rays that can affect your skin include UVA rays and UVB rays. UVB rays have more energy and are a more potent cause of at least some skin cancers, but both UVA and UVB rays can damage skin and cause skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays. Sunscreen helps protect your skin by filtering UV rays, but it doesn’t block them completely. Apply sunscreen generously, making sure to cover all parts of your body that aren’t covered by clothing, including your face, ears, neck, arms, the tops of your feet, and your scalp and hairline. Protect your lips by using lip balm with sunscreen.
UV Protection goes even further than just using sunscreen. While sunscreen is the first line of defense when it comes to UVA and UVB protection, the proper clothes and eyewear can make a massive difference for your long-term health. It’s not possible to avoid sunlight completely, but there are ways to help ensure you’re not getting too much sun when you are outdoors:
- Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Apply a generous amount to all exposed skin 15 minutes before heading outside
- Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming
- Wear clothing items with Ultraviolet Protective Factor (UPF) rating of 50+
- If UPF clothing isn’t available, wear tightly woven, darker fabrics that fit loosely
- Sunglasses must specify 100% UVA and UVB protection (labeled as UV 400)
- Wraparound frames provide extra defense by blocking the sides of your eyes from UV light
- Be sun smart
- Peak hours are between 10am and 4pm
- Shade, provided by trees and umbrellas can be helpful during peak hours
- Remember that water, snow, and sand amplify and reflect UV rays, making sun protection important on the beach or in the mountains
It’s also important to avoid tanning beds, booths, sunlamps, and other artificial sources of UV radiation, and to use protective clothing, UV shields, and filters when exposed to UV in the workplace.
TOPIC RESOURCES
Eye Protection and UV Exposure
HVHD Service Spotlights
Water Conservation In a Drought
Governor Ned Lamont announced last week that three Connecticut counties – Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven – have entered Stage 2 drought conditions under Connecticut’s Drought Preparedness and Response Plan. All of Connecticut is experiencing abnormally dry conditions that could strain water supplies, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
Governor Lamont has requested residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce non-essential water consumption to curtail the possibility of water shortages during the peak summer season.
Implementing water conservation methods can be helpful. You and your family can significantly reduce your daily water demand by:
- Cutting back on outdoor water use by reducing or eliminating lawn irrigation and washing of vehicles, etc.
- Finding and fixing any leaks in your home’s plumbing system (i.e. toilets, fixtures, plumbing, appliances, etc.)
- Limiting time used to bathe and shower.
- Using dishwashers and clothes washers only when there is a full load.
- Turning off the water while washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc.
- Timing water use to spread it out over the entire day. This may allow time for the water level in the well to recover between uses.
- Considering installation of low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient water using appliances.
Stay Updated During an Emergency
Summer weather can bring extreme heat, powerful thunderstorms, flash flooding, and occasional tropical systems. High temperatures and severe weather can lead to power outages, travel disruptions, and other emergencies. Staying informed and prepared can help keep you and your family safe throughout the season. Use the guide above to sign up for local weather and emergency alerts so you can receive timely updates when severe weather is expected in your community.
Stay Informed, Not Alarmed
DPH Hantavirus Updates: On June 21, all U.S. citizens potentially exposed to hantavirus aboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship finished their 42-day monitoring period. No cases of hantavirus disease occurred in the United States as a result of this outbreak. Click here to learn more.
CDC Ebola Updates: To date, no Ebola cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the United States. The likelihood of Ebola spreading to the United States is considered very low.
Public Health Updates:
Infant Botulism Outbreak
Outbreak Information
| A multistate outbreak of infant botulism has been identified in the United States. As of June 13, 2026, this outbreak includes 3 infants with confirmed or suspected infant botulism from 3 states (California, Pennsylvania, and Washington). All 3 infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG® (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous medication). No deaths have been reported. The CDC National Botulism Surveillance System records approximately 150–180 infant botulism cases each year. Data shared by the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), have demonstrated a concerning association between consumption of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula and botulism. Among 86 U.S. infants who received BabyBIG® treatment for infant botulism this year, 44 (51%) had any powdered infant formula exposure. Notably, 3 (7%) consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. This information shows that Nara Organics brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak, given Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) data that Nara Organics represents an estimated <1% of all infant formula sales in the United States. Investigations are ongoing but, at this time, have not identified any other infant formula brands or shared exposures that pose a risk to infants. CDC and FDA recommend that parents and caregivers immediately stop using all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics recalled all infant formula products. FDA does not anticipate any formula shortages as a result of this outbreak. Immediate Actions When Suspecting Infant Botulism: -Do not wait for laboratory confirmation to initiate case management. Early recognition and treatment are critical. -Immediately call the Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program (IBTPP) at 510-231-7600 for evaluation and treatment guidance. Consultation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. -If clinical consultation supports infant botulism, begin treatment with BabyBIG® without delay. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. -Infant botulism is a notifiable disease. Ensure all suspected cases are reported immediately to your state or local health department. Guidance for Caregivers: -Do not use any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. -Unopened cans of Nara Organics infant formula should be thrown away or returned. -Leftover cans of Nara Organics brand powdered infant formula should be labelled “DO NOT USE” and kept stored in a safe place away from other feeding items for at least a month. -If your infant develops signs and symptoms of infant botulism, your state health department may want to collect the formula for testing. -If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away. –Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. -Seek immediate health care if the infant consumed Nara Organics infant formula and has any of these symptoms: Poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression Symptoms of infant botulism can take several weeks to start. Parents of children who consumed Nara Organics infant formula should watch their infant for symptoms for a month after the infant last consumed the product. Why This Matters and Next Steps: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infant botulism promptly Please report suspect cases immediately to your state and local health department. For clinical questions about suspected infant botulism cases and release of BabyBIG® please contact the Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program (IBTPP) at 510-231-7600. For public health and investigation inquiries, please contact the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 (after hours) or your state or local health department. Resources Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula, Jun 2026 – CDC FDA Outbreak Investigation: Infant Botulism-Infant Formula, Jun 2026 – U.S. Food and Drug Administration Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program |
Environmental Health Spotlight:
Firework Safety
- Buy only legal consumer fireworks from reputable retailers. Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks, and always follow the instructions on the label.
- Keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers.Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals—and can cause serious burns in seconds.
- Keep water nearby. Have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready in case of fire or to safely soak used fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light one firework at a time, then move away quickly. Never lean over a firework while lighting the fuse.
- Never aim, throw or point fireworks at people, animals or buildings. Never hold, wear or attach fireworks to your body or clothing. Use fireworks only as directed by the manufacturer.
- Don’t relight a “dud.” Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it thoroughly in water before disposing of it.
- The safest way to celebrate: Leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy public fireworks displays in your community.
HVHD Director of Healthy Monthly Discussion with Robinhood Radio
HVHD Events: July 2026
Healthy Chat: UV Protection
| Healthy Chats at the Hotchkiss Library Sharon Monday, July 6th from 10am – 11am Healthy Chats at the New Milford Senior Center Wednesday, July 8th from 9:30am – 10:30am Healthy Chats at the Southbury Senior Center Thursday, July 9th from 10:30am –11:30am Healthy Chats at the Woodbury Senior Center Friday, July 17th from 10am – 11am Healthy Chats at the Oxford Senior Center Thursday, July 16th from 11am – 12pm |
| Learn more |
HVHD Events: MONTH YEAR
Recipe Highlight: Peach Mango Italian Ice with Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
No special ice cream machine is needed for this no-sugar-added frozen treat. Flavored no-calorie sweeteners and naturally sweet tropical fruits make it easy to enjoy this heart-healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Servings 8 Serving Size 1/4 cup Italian ice and 1/4 cup frozen yogurt
Italian Ice Ingredients
- 1 cup diced fresh or frozen (no-sugar-added) mango
- 1 cup diced fresh or frozen (no-sugar-added) peaches
- ½ teaspoon stevia sweetener (Organic or Natural) or 1 packet stevia sweetener (Organic or Natural)
- 2 squeezes peach mango-flavored stevia water enhancer
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Frozen Yogurt Ingredients
- 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 2 small bananas (10 ounces), sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon stevia sweetener (Organic or Natural) or 2 packets stevia sweetener (Organic or Natural)
- 5 drops vanilla crème-flavored stevia sweetener
Topping Ingredients
- 1 medium peach, peeled and sliced into 8 slices
- 1 medium mango, peeled and sliced into 8 slices
- 8 fresh mint sprigs
Directions
- In a food processor, process the Italian ice ingredients for 30 to 40 seconds, or until smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Freeze, covered with plastic wrap, for 2 hours. Using a fork, scrape all the ice to create an icy-granular texture. Recover with plastic wrap. Re-freeze for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Rinse the food processor.
- In the food processor, process the frozen yogurt ingredients for 30 to 40 seconds, or until smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Freeze, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 2 hours.
- To serve, scoop ¼ cup of the frozen yogurt into 8 small bowls. (If the yogurt is frozen for 4 hours or more, it may be too hard to scoop. If it is, let the yogurt sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping into bowls.)
- Using a fork, scrape the Italian ice to create an icy-granular texture. (If the Italian ice is frozen for more than 2½ hours, it may be too hard to scrape. If it is, let the ice sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before scraping with a fork.) Scoop ¼ cup of the Italian ice on top of each scoop of yogurt.
- Garnish each bowl with a peach slice, mango slice, and mint sprig.
Children younger than 2 years old should not consume foods or beverages with low and no-calorie sweeteners. Children ages 5 and younger should not consume drinks with added sugar or low and no-calorie sweeteners. The healthiest drinks for kids are water and milk.
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