HEALTHY HIGHLIGHTS

January is Radon Awareness Month - Testing Kits Available

The Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), is recognizing January as Radon Action Month in Somerset County.
 
Radon is a serious health risk. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in general.  For smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased dramatically if they also are exposed to excess radon. According to the Somerset County Cancer Coalition, lung and bronchus cancers are the number-one cause of cancer-related fatalities in Somerset County.

Radon does not cause any immediate symptoms, such as asthma or respiratory problems. The risk of developing lung cancer is the only known health effect.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in rock formations, and occurs in higher concentrations in certain areas of the state, including Somerset County.

NJDEP data indicates that numerous municipalities within the county have a high percentage of homes which exceed the radon action level of 4 picocuries per liter.  According to County health department data, one out of every three homes in Somerset County tested during 2008 and 2009 exceeded the action level.

“To reduce the risk of exposure to radon gas, we encourage residents to have their homes tested,” said Stephanie Carey, Montgomery Township Health Officer.  “Often, homes on the same block will have different test results. So even if your neighbor’s home is not affected by radon gas, your home could still be above an acceptable range.”

Starting January 3rd, Montgomery residents may purchase a reduced cost radon kit for $10.00 at the Montgomery Township Health Department located at 2261 Route 206, Belle Mead, NJ. The kit may be paid for by check (made out to Montgomery Township) or by cash (exact change only). Health Department hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Animals Available for Adoption

There are often a number of displaced pets looking for new loving homes at the Montgomery Animal Shelter. If you can help a homeless animal, contact Animal Control Officer Chris Krygier at 908-359-8211 ext. 247.

New Shared Services Arrangements with Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough

Animal Control

Effective January 1, 2011, Animal Control Services for Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough will be provided by Montgomery Township.  Residents in need of Animal Control or animal sheltering can call 908-359-4308 for service.

In an emergency—vicious dogs, animal cruelty, or potentially rabid animals—contact your local police, who will dispatch the Animal Control Officer.

Services available to residents include:

• Capture of stray animals
• Capture of suspected rabid animals
• Shelter care for lost and homeless animals
• Pet adoptions
• Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics for pets.
• Investigation of neglect and cruelty to animals
• Investigation of dangerous dog incidents
• Investigation of complaints

Public Health Services

Early in 2011, Public Health Services for Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough will be transitioned to Montgomery Township. This Shared Service is expected to improve cost-effectiveness of essential service delivery in all three communities.

Montgomery Health Department is an award-winning Local Health Department committed to protecting our residents’ health. The Department has been recognized by the National Association of City and County Health Officials, the New Jersey Health Officers Association, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for its work with community partners and its leadership in H1N1 response.

“Montgomery Health Department is committed to providing high value service to the community,” said Stephanie Carey, Health Officer. “Our strategy is to follow evidence-based best practices to provide essential Public Health services throughout our area. We will work with key community stakeholders to make sure our program addresses the highest priority health needs of the community. We will host a series of ‘listening sessions’ this winter so that residents and business owners can give input and get their questions answered.”

Public Health Services to be provided under the agreement include:

• Public Health complaint investigations
• Sanitary inspection of retail food establishments, child care, and public swimming pools
• Rabies control
• Flu vaccination clinics
• Access to well baby clinics, immunizations, cancer and disease screenings, adolescent health, and chronic disease screenings
• Communicable disease investigation
• Health education programming
• Immunization audits
• Emergency preparedness and response

Residents will be able to access services by calling 908-359-8211, extension 227.   More information on services is available throughout the Health Department’s section of this website, www.twp,montgomery.nj.us. See below and links menu on left.

New Jersey Register Ready

Montgomery Township Health Department and Montgomery Township Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to sign up for the “New Jersey Register Ready” Registry. This registry is a safety net for residents who may find it difficult to evacuate during an emergency.  Residents with special needs or caregivers on their behalf can sign up at registerready.nj.gov.

The New Jersey Special Needs Registry is free, voluntary, and strictly confidential. It is designed to help people who may have difficulty during an evacuation because of physical or cognitive limitations, language barriers or lack of transportation.
Registering will help first responders, such as police, fire and rescue squad personnel, make the best use of limited time and resources to help people with no other options for evacuation during an emergency.   Residents without internet access can apply by printing out and mailing in to our Health Dept. this self-mailer form (CLICK HERE).  Please mail to:

Montgomery Township Health Dept.
2261 Rt. 206
Belle Mead, NJ 08502
Attn: Register Ready

Click on following title to read the Montgomery Health Dept. Privacy Practices Policy. For confidential help with registration, call 908-359-8211, extension 245.

What You Need to Know About Bed Bugs

FLYER

Bed bugs were once a common public health pest problem worldwide that declined in incidence through the mid 1900's. Recently bed bugs have undergone a dramatic resurgence and there are worldwide reports of increasing numbers of infestations. Bed
bugs are great travelers; they are readily transported via luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture.  They hide in seams of bedding, and other cracks and crevices in the home.

• Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood, usually at night when people are sleeping.
• Bed bug bites are typically painless and rarely awaken a sleeping person. They can
  produce itchy red bumps or welts on the skin.

Although bed bugs are a nuisance to people, they do not spread disease. Shimmery shed skins, eggshells and bloodstains on linens are signs of an infestation. The most effective management of bed bugs is a combination approach that includes cleaning, disinfecting and removal of contaminated materials AND the use of a pest control professional.  For more information about how to control bedbugs, click here.

Are Your Children Covered by Health Insurance?
If not, follow this link to info on NJ Family Care Program, in English & in Spanish: 2010 Family Care Health Insurance Flyer