The Sentinel: Community Health

How to discuss getting vaccinated with family and friends

Focus on the facts. For certain people, the risk of serious respiratory illness remains high. These include adults ages 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant people, people with certain health conditions and those living in rural areas.

Family Features - During the fall and winter months, respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can surge. People who are vaccinated lower their risk of getting seriously ill and needing medical care if they get infected.

About 70% of adults in the United States said they probably or definitely will get a flu shot, and more than 50% said they probably or definitely will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. While many people are ready to get this season's vaccines, others might still have questions.

Photos courtesy USDHHS

"It is normal for people to have questions about vaccines," said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which oversees and reviews vaccine clinical trials. "It's important for everyone to know that all vaccines go through extensive testing before they are approved and that following approval, they are carefully monitored to identify any safety concerns so that they can be addressed quickly. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have taken part in respiratory vaccine trials. The results tell us that these vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe disease caused by flu, COVID-19 and RSV."

Here are some ways to talk about the importance of this season's vaccines with a family member or friend who is unsure about getting vaccinated.

Hear them out. When talking about vaccination, it's important to make others feel heard. There are many reasons why people may have questions and concerns about vaccines or even the health care system in general. Listen to their thinking and try not to judge. They want to know their thoughts and feelings matter.

Focus on the facts. Instead of calling out vaccine myths, focus on vaccine truths. Concentrating on myths can cause them to become the topic of your conversation. Instead, speak about the benefits of vaccines. For instance, you can mention vaccines cut your risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half.

Ask if they need help getting vaccinated. Sometimes, people just need some help to find, schedule and get a vaccination. You can help them find a vaccine location at Vaccines.gov. They may also need help finding child care or figuring out whether they can take time off from work. Offering a ride or accompanying them can also be helpful, especially if the closest vaccination site is far away. If English is not their primary language, offer to help them schedule the appointment and arrange for a medical translator if needed. When it's easier to get vaccinated, people are more likely to take this important step to help protect their health.

Having open, honest and supportive conversations about vaccines with family members and friends can make all the difference. For more information, visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines Help People Risk Less Severe Illness and Do More of What They Enjoy

This season's vaccines are now available. Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone ages 75 and older, or 60 and older with certain health conditions such as such as heart disease, lung disease, obesity or diabetes, should get an RSV vaccine if they have not been vaccinated for RSV before.

For certain people, the risk of serious respiratory illness remains high. These include adults ages 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant people, people with certain health conditions and those living in rural areas. People in some racial and ethnic groups, including people who are Black or Hispanic, are also at higher risk. People who are not up to date on flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can reduce their risk by getting their 2024-25 vaccines as soon as they can.

Now is the time to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19

NAPSI - While there’s no distinct COVID-19 season like there is for the flu, it’s been shown that COVID-19 can peak during the winter months. To help fight respiratory illnesses, it’s recommended you get a flu vaccination, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people six months and older, with rare exception, should get the updated annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. The CDC also recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise noted, to help restore and enhance protection against the currently circulating virus variants.

It’s especially important to protect certain populations. This includes those at increased risk of complications from severe flu or COVID-19 illness, such as adults 65 and older, people with certain immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions, infants, children younger than two and pregnant women.

“Preventive vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses,” said Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Access to preventive vaccinations is critical to keeping communities healthy.”

According to Dr. Chaguturu, it’s helpful to understand the science behind vaccines so people feel informed and safe getting vaccinated.

Myth #1: You should wait until flu season peaks to get vaccinated.

According to the CDC, the timing of flu season is difficult to predict and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. It’s important to get vaccinated before flu season peaks or outbreaks occur in your area since it takes about two weeks for your body to build up protection after getting vaccinated.

Myth #2: You can’t receive other vaccinations with the flu shot.

The CDC says patients can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine and other eligible vaccines. At CVS Pharmacy, patients can schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment.

Myth #3: You don’t need updated vaccinations for the flu.

Getting the flu shot every year is essential because the body’s protection from the vaccine declines over time. Also, flu viruses vary yearly, so receiving the latest vaccine formulation provides optimal protection.

Flu shot appointments (for up to four people in one appointment) can be scheduled at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic by visiting CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app.

Keeping children out of harms way, firearm safety begins at home

Approximately 40% of U.S. households with children have firearms, of which 15% stored at least one firearm loaded and unlocked

StatePoint Media - Firearm violence has become the leading killer of children and young adults under 24, surpassing deaths from vehicle collisions since 2017. And while daily headlines emphasize news of mass shootings, most firearms-related deaths and injuries are preventable and occur in a familiar place -- at home.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not only calling attention to the sobering statistics, but is also offering tools for families, communities and governmental entities to help prevent gun violence. Parents can learn more at HealthyChildren.org.

Gun & Money

Photo: Mike Gunner/Pixabay

Approximately 40% of U.S. households with children have firearms, of which 15% stored at least one firearm loaded and unlocked, the storage method with the highest risk.

“Firearms are pervasive in America, but we do have reason for hope,” said Dr. Lois K. Lee, a pediatric emergency medicine physician who specializes in injury prevention. “Research has revealed effective ways to prevent or reduce the risks of harm, just as our country did to improve motor vehicle safety. This is a public health epidemic that we can do something about, through a combination of regulation, legislation, education and individual steps like securely storing firearms in the home.”

Pediatric practitioners are encouraged to counsel families, offer mental health screenings and promote secure firearm storage as part of routine visits. As with other consumer products, the AAP supports regulating firearms for safety and notes that national requirements could be established for safe storage, training, licensing, insurance coverage and registration.

State extreme risk protection order laws, also known as “red flag laws,” which prohibit individuals at risk of harming themselves or others from purchasing or owning a firearm by a court order, are also becoming more common.

Evidence shows that the risk of injury or death is greatly reduced when firearms are securely stored, unloaded and locked, with the ammunition locked in a separate place that youth can’t access.

Unfortunately, 40% of U.S. households with children have firearms, of which 15% are stored in the least secure way. One study demonstrated that if 20% of parents who currently store their firearms unlocked instead stored their firearms and ammunition locked away separately, there would be an estimated decrease of up to 122 pediatric firearm-related fatalities and 201 injuries annually nationwide.

Because having firearms at home substantially increases the risk of suicide, homicide and unintentional shootings, the AAP also suggests that families consider storing firearms outside the home completely.

Just this week, a 14-year-old suspect took a weapon given to him as a gift from his father to school and open fired, killing four people.

“Even when they’ve been trained not to touch firearms, we know that young children are curious and will often pick up a firearm–and even pull the trigger–if they find it,” Dr. Lee said. “Make sure, wherever your child is going this summer for playdates and vacation–including the homes of relatives–that you ask about how firearms are secured in the home.

“You can frame this as a safety conversation and talk about food allergies and car seats, and then ask about how firearms are stored. But also think about other options if you have concerns–perhaps offer to meet at a park or museum, or invite their child over to your home to play.”

Between 2015 and 2022, there were at least 2,802 unintentional shootings by children age 17 and younger. These resulted in 1,083 deaths and 1,815 nonfatal firearm injuries, nearly all among other kids. And at least 895 preschoolers and toddlers found a firearm and unintentionally shot themselves or someone else during this time.

“Ultimately, we will need a multipronged approach to substantially decrease firearm injuries and deaths among U.S. youth,” Dr. Lee said. “This is a public health epidemic that requires urgent, deliberative action. We must do better–our children deserve it.”

Updated COVID-19 vaccine approved by FDA coming soon

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

Photo provided

Dr. Doug Kasper

PEORIA - The fall virus season is upon us, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration just approved one of the newest tools to protect Americans from severe illness.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available at pharmacies around the country in the coming weeks.

The mRNA vaccine is not a booster, says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He says it’s recommended for a much broader portion of the population.

"The vaccine is now recommended for everybody 6 months and older as a one-time, once-a-year vaccine," Dr. Kasper says. “The vaccine has been updated. For people who are at really high risk, those 65 and older or with respiratory conditions, they may get a second shot. This would be in a six-month interval in the springtime.”

Does the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19?

The quick answer? No, much like you find with the annual influenza vaccine.

"The vaccine seeks to protect severe outcomes associated with COVID-19. It doesn't protect you from getting COVID, it tries to decrease the severity of how sick you would get," Dr. Kasper says.

While there has been an uptick in COVID-19 cases recently, Dr. Kasper says there has not been an increase in COVID hospitalizations. He attributes this to robust natural immunity in the population and adding this COVID-19 vaccine is just another way to protect yourself from severe illness.

FDA’s “What to Know” sheet

The 2024-2025 formula has been updated to protect against the Omicron variant KP.2.

Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated, authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
Individuals 5 years through 11 years of age regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines; if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least two months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, approved Comirnaty (manufactured by Pfizer BioNTech) or the updated, approved Spikevax (manufactured by Moderna); if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least two months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional doses are authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years of age as described in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine fact sheets.

Commercial retailers are the way to go

As the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna become available, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) will publish a pharmacy lookup website at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/vaccines.gov to help people find the nearest vaccine locations.

Dr. Kasper says the best bet at getting a vaccine appointment for COVID-19 or influenza, is through pharmacies at local commercial retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS or Walmart.

Free COVID-19 home tests are coming back

“The U.S. government will make the at-home COVID testing available for free again this year. You can request up to four home tests that will be delivered to your address for free,” Dr. Kasper says. That gives people another option for testing if they think they're developing signs of COVID even after receiving a vaccine, which can be another way to avoid wait lines at urgent cares, ERs or primary care clinics, and to keep themselves isolated until symptoms have resolved.”

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that COVIDTests.gov will be the website to order from once the website is active.

Status of the Novavax vaccine

A third manufacturer, Novavax, makes a protein-based vaccine similar to influenza vaccines. While it hasn’t been approved by the FDA, Dr. Kasper suspects it will be soon.

"It likely will be approved, and Novavax has been a prior manufacturer of COVID-19 vaccines. That is a third option that will be coming that isn't mRNA based for people to consider if they had an adverse reaction with Pfizer or Moderna in the past,” Dr. Kasper says.

Can I get the COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time?

"There's no issue with timing on getting the COVID and influenza vaccines. The RSV vaccine is recommended to be given separate," Dr. Kasper says. “Most of that has to do with the fact they weren't studied together, there's not an adverse issue with it. For the population, COVID and influenza are recommended across almost all age groups. RSV is for our older population, so we recommend spacing that out by a week or two.”

For all vaccine questions, Dr. Kasper recommends speaking with your primary care team to review your options.

Great Value bottled Apple Juice recalled

SNS - Walmart is recalling Great Value apple juice eight-ounce bottles sold in six-packs and labeled as 100% Juice in 27 states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

The FDA issued an official notice to the public on Aug. 20 following a voluntary recall by Refresco Beverages US, the bottlers of the juice. More than 9,500 cases of Great Value apple juice may have been contaminated due excessive levels of arsenic.

FDA guidelines require inorganic arsenic levels in apple juice to not exceed 10 ppb (parts per billion). The recalled Great Value apple juice levels exceed the approved limit by 3.2 ppb.

Five common symptoms of arsenic poisoning are:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are early signs of arsenic poisoning.
Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), the appearance of small "corns" or warts on the palms, soles, and torso, and areas of skin thickening, particularly on the hands and feet.
Neurological Effects: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, particularly in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy), along with confusion and headaches.
Cardiovascular Problems: Symptoms may include an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even shock in severe cases.
Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing, cough, and throat irritation, particularly if arsenic has been inhaled.

Chronic arsenic poisoning can also lead to more severe complications, including cancer, liver disease, and kidney failure.

The UPC is 0-78742-29655-5, and the best-if-used-by date is DEC2824 CT89-6. If you have the recalled product at home, do not consume it. Return it immediately to the nearest Walmart retail location for a refund. If you consumed the recalled product and are concerned or have questions, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

Moving in: How to build connections in your new community

SNS - Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of knowing how to build community connections. Establishing these connections is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and developing a supportive network in your new environment.

When you feel connected to your community, you’re more likely to feel at home and less isolated. Building relationships with neighbors, joining local groups, and participating in community events can significantly enhance your experience in a new city. These connections provide emotional support, practical help, and opportunities to engage in social activities, all contributing to your overall well-being and happiness.

Once you’ve settled in, attending local events is a fantastic way to build connections in your new city.

Whether it’s finding a friendly face to share a cup of coffee with or someone to rely on in times of need, the benefits of fostering community connections are immense. Here are practical steps to help you quickly and effectively build these essential ties in your new city.

Ease Your Move In and Engage with the Community

Navigating the challenges of relocating to a new city involves more than just unpacking boxes. It's also about settling into a new life. One of the first hurdles many face is the logistical and emotional strain of the move itself. Companies like A2B Moving and Storage DC specializes in helping individuals and families transition smoothly to their new homes. With a comprehensive range of services, including packing, transportation, and storage solutions, they alleviate much of the stress associated with moving. By handling the physical aspects of the move, expert movers free you up to focus more on integrating into your new community and less on the details of the move itself. Hiring a professional mover ensures that your belongings are safely and efficiently relocated, allowing you to build those new community connections with peace of mind.

Build Community Connections: Join Local Groups and Organizations

After you unpack and settle into your new home, joining local groups and organizations can be a great way to build community connections. You can join various groups depending on your interests and hobbies. Hobby clubs, such as book clubs, gardening groups, or cooking classes, offer a chance to meet people with similar passions. Sports teams and fitness classes, like soccer leagues, running clubs, or yoga sessions, provide opportunities to stay active while socializing. Volunteer organizations are another excellent option, allowing you to contribute to the community while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Finding and joining these groups can be straightforward, with a few practical tips. Start by checking community bulletin boards at local libraries, coffee shops, and community centers for flyers and announcements. Online platforms like Meetup, Facebook, and local community websites are valuable resources for discovering local groups. Attend local events and ask residents about groups they are part of. Don’t hesitate to contact organizations or group leaders to express your interest. You'll quickly become a part of the community by actively seeking out and participating in these groups.

Attend Community Events

Once you’ve settled in, attending local events is a fantastic way to build connections in your new city. These events, such as festivals, markets, and town meetings, are crucial in fostering a sense of community. They provide opportunities to meet new people, learn about local culture, and discover community resources. Whether you’re interested in art fairs, music festivals, or local farmers' markets, there’s always something happening that can help you feel more integrated into your new surroundings. Town meetings are especially valuable as they offer insights into local issues and allow you to voice your opinions and participate in decision-making.

Booth at Crystal Lake Art Fair in August

Shoppers try on jewelry at the Red Ember Forge booth at the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair on August 3. There are always events in a community that can help newcomers meet new people and start networking with residents with similar interests. Art fairs and community festivals are great places to make new friends.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Finding information about upcoming events can be simple with a few strategies:

Community Bulletin Boards: Check bulletin boards at local libraries, coffee shops, and community centers.
Local Newspapers: Browse the events section in local newspapers or online editions.
Social Media: Follow local community groups, pages, and event listings on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
City Websites: Visit the official city or town website for a calendar of events and activities.
Word of Mouth: Talk to neighbors and new acquaintances about events they recommend.

Regularly attending these events, you stay informed and find countless opportunities to meet people who might share your interests, such as gardening tips or home renovation ideas, enhancing your sense of belonging in the community.

Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms

Social media and online platforms play a significant role in helping newcomers connect with community members in a new city. These tools make finding local groups, events, and activities that match your interests easier. Platforms like Facebook have numerous community groups where residents share news, recommendations, and social gatherings. Joining these groups can provide insights into local culture and events, helping you feel more at home.

Flamenco dancer teaches workshop

Dancers learn the art of Flamenco during a workshop at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana in March 2023. Finding groups that match your social interest is relatively easy, thanks largely to groups posting activities on social media.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Nextdoor is another valuable platform specifically designed for neighborhood connections. It allows you to communicate with nearby residents, share resources, and stay updated on local happenings. Meetup is ideal for finding social groups and activities based on your hobbies and interests, whether a book club, hiking group, or a professional network.

Engage with Neighbors

Building relationships with your neighbors can greatly enhance your sense of belonging after moving to a new city. Engaging with the people who live around you not only creates a friendly atmosphere but also establishes a support network. Here are some effective strategies and activities to help you connect with your neighbors.

Initiating Conversations

Starting a conversation with neighbors can be as simple as a friendly greeting. Introduce yourself when you see them outside or during casual encounters in common areas. Ask about local recommendations, such as good restaurants or parks, to show interest in their opinions. Sharing small favors, like offering help with carrying groceries or lending a tool, can break the ice and open up further dialogue. Hosting a casual get-together at your home, like a coffee morning or a barbecue, provides a relaxed setting for more in-depth conversations.

Participating in recreational sports groups is a great way to have fun and meet new people.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Neighborhood Activities

Participating in neighborhood activities is a great way to foster connections. Block parties are an excellent opportunity to meet multiple neighbors in a festive environment. You can suggest organizing one or join if there's already a plan. Local gatherings, such as community clean-ups or holiday celebrations, also unite neighbors. Joining or forming a neighborhood watch group can build camaraderie and contribute to the safety of your area.

Participate in Local Initiatives

Getting involved in community projects and initiatives can significantly impact your sense of connection in a new city. These activities allow you to contribute positively to your surroundings and help build stronger ties with residents. For example, participating in local beautification projects, such as park clean-ups or tree planting, can bring you together with neighbors who share a common goal.

Volunteering at community centers or local schools provides opportunities to meet people and make meaningful contributions. Joining neighborhood safety initiatives, like a watch group, promotes a safer environment and fosters trust among residents. These efforts can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper sense of community. Much like creating cozy spaces in your home, participating in local initiatives helps you feel more settled and integrated, making your new city feel like home.

The Importance of Building Community Connections

Knowing how to build community connections in a new city is essential for creating a sense of belonging and developing a supportive network. Engaging with neighbors, joining local groups, attending community events, utilizing social media, and participating in local initiatives can significantly enhance your experience and make your new city feel like home. These connections provide emotional support, practical help, and opportunities for social interaction, contributing to your overall well-being and happiness. Don’t hesitate to take the first step – introduce yourself to a neighbor, attend a local event, or join a community project.

Gardening benefits more than your taste buds, it's good exercise, too

Photo: Zen Chung/Pexels

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

PONTIAC - Clare Spires never thought she’d be a frequent gardener.

But now, the exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare delights in overseeing a community garden at OSF in Pontiac, Illinois. And she’s letting anyone who will listen know that the benefits of gardening go beyond nutritious food.

“It’s really going to help with flexibility, endurance and balance,” Spires says. “There’s a lot of up and down, being on your knees and bending over. If you’re somebody who struggles in those areas, this is going to be a good spot to start.”

Think of it as doing a lot of squats in an hour as you plant seeds and pull weeds. Your flexibility can also be challenged (for the good) if you need to get to an “odd spot” to reach that plant. All this adds up to a decreased risk for things like heart disease and high blood pressure.

The mental benefits of gardening match the physical benefits. It’s motivation to get up in the morning. You’re soaking up the sun, interacting with others and have a sense of accomplishment.

Like any other exercise, there are safety tips to keep in mind when gardening.

Beat the heat by wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, dressing appropriately (lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing) and taking breaks.
Know how to use your tools and have a plan if you’re injured. Have a first aid kit and phone nearby. Try to garden with a friend. Or if not, let someone know your plans.
Exercise through gardening can be fun, but don’t push through pain, overexert yourself or stay in one position for too long.

“Know your limits. What works for you and what doesn’t,” Spires says. “You can use the rate of perceived exertion [a scale that allows you to measure how much effort an activity takes]. A one level may not be too hard, or you may be totally maxed out at a 10. Try to stay in that four to six range. For example, this is an appropriate weight for me to carry.”

Bend at your knees, not your back. Use your legs to support yourself as you move up and down. And don’t twist your body into unnatural positions. Remember, you won’t reap a full crop in one day. Take your time and enjoy things.

Read more about how to keep your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website. OSF also has recipes that can make use of your harvested fruits and vegetables.

Chemical contaminates found in Illinois rivers threaten food chain

SNS - Scientists tested nine fish species from four northern Illinois rivers for contamination with per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic chemicals found in numerous industrial and commercial products and known to be harmful to human health. They found fish contaminated with PFAS in every one of their 15 test sites. Elevated levels of PFOS, one type of PFAS compound, were found in nearly all fish tested.

Study found that there were high levels of PFASs contamination levels in channel catfish found in Illinois waterways.

G.C./Pixabay

The qualities that make PFAS desirable for industrial uses — their durability and stability under stresses such as high heat or exposure to water, for example — also make these chemicals particularly problematic in the environment and hazardous to human and animal health, said Joseph Irudayaraj, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who led the new study.

The findings are reported in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Short-chain PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used as alternatives to long-chain PFASs. Long-chain PFASs become gradually regulated under REACH (EC No. 1907/2006) and other international regulations, due to having persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties and/or being toxic for reproduction. The increasingly used short-chain PFASs are assumed to have a lower bioaccumulation potential.

“PFAS contain multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry,” Irudayaraj said, who is also a professor in the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and an affiliate of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the U. of I. “Because of this, they are also very hard to break down. They persist for a long time because they are very, very stable.”

Considering such permanent exposure, it is very difficult to estimate long-term adverse effects in organisms. Enriched in edible parts of plants, the accumulation in food chains is unknown.

There are nearly 15,000 PFAS chemicals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These are classified either as short-chain PFAS, which have less than six carbon-fluorine bonds, and long-chain PFAS, with six or more of these bonds, Irudayaraj said.

Long-chain PFAS were widely used before awareness grew about the hazards of these chemicals. More recently, many industries switched to using short-chain PFAS.

“It was thought that the short-chain PFAS were less toxic, and that they could more easily degrade,” he said. “But surprisingly, that was not the case.”

Now, both types of PFAS are found in groundwater, soil and human tissues.

Short-chain PFASs have a high mobility in soil and water, and final degradation products are extremely persistent. This results in a fast distribution to water resources, and consequently, also to a contamination of drinking water resources. Once emitted, short-chain PFASs remain in the environment. A lack of appropriate water treatment technologies results in everlasting background concentrations in the environment, and thus, organisms are permanently and poorly reversibly exposed. Considering such permanent exposure, it is very difficult to estimate long-term adverse effects in organisms. Enriched in edible parts of plants, the accumulation in food chains is unknown.

“About 99% of people living in the U.S. have PFAS in their system,” Irudayaraj said.

Studies on animals have shown that short-chain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are almost completely absorbed when ingested or inhaled but not much through the skin. Both short- and long-chain PFAS don't break down easily in the body due to their strong chemical bonds. Even if these chemicals start off in different forms, they eventually turn into acids through several steps, which can be more toxic than the original chemicals. One such toxic substance, perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid (FHEA), has been found in various tissues from deceased people, according to research published by The Danish Environmental Protection Agency in 2015.

The time it takes for these acids to leave the blood varies depending on the specific chemical, the species, and even the sex of the animal. In general, sulfonates (a type of PFAS) take longer to be eliminated than carboxylates (another type), and longer chains take longer to leave the body than shorter ones. In animals, the time is often shorter for females due to differences in how their bodies process these chemicals. The time these substances stay in the blood can range from a few hours to days in rodents, a bit longer in monkeys, and much longer in humans, sometimes lasting years. However, shorter-chain PFAS tend to leave the body faster, except for PFHxS (a six-carbon chain PFAS), which has a longer half-life in humans than some other PFAS like PFOA and PFOS.

Despite a voluntary phasing out of some PFAS in industry in the U.S. and efforts to reduce PFAS pollution, these chemicals are still found in drinking water, household products, food packaging and agricultural products, he said.

Fish from the Rock River had the highest concentrations of PFAS in their tissues.

The manufacturers of chemical products using PFAS argue that the newer short-chain PFAS is safer than the widely known long-chain contaminants. Despite this assertion, the Auburn study's significant findings challenge these statements. The research indicates that short-chain chemicals are frequently present in drinking water systems and could potentially endanger human and environmental well-being. Additionally, current removal methods are relatively less efficient when it comes to eliminating short-chain PFAS in comparison to long-chain PFAS.

The Auburn study analyzed over 200 individual studies on PFAS finding that the short-chain contaminants may be just as harmful as the long-chain versions, if not more. The short-chain PFAS have been linked to hormonal and reproductive system harm.

The researchers in the U of I study focused on fish in northern Illinois rivers because they are close to urban and industrial areas. Industrial emissions and urban rainwater runoff may further contaminate local waterways with PFAS. Sport fishing is also popular across the state, including in areas inside and near Chicago. More than 666,000 fishing licenses were issued across the state of Illinois in 2020.

The researchers narrowed their research down to the fish in the Pecatonica River, Rock River, Sugar River and Yellow Creek from 2021-22. The team collected dozens of samples from nine species of fish, including bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye. The fish represented different levels of the food chain, from those that feed only on plants, like bluegill, to those eating other fish, such as channel catfish and northern pike.

Back in the lab, the scientists analyzed fish tissues for 17 PFAS chemicals. They found PFAS-contaminated fish in every river they tested and in every one of their 15 sampling sites. Fish from the Rock River had the highest concentrations of PFAS in their tissues. Contamination levels were highest in channel catfish, at the top of the food chain, and lowest in the plant eaters.

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Photo: Samuel Lee/Pixabay

by Sentinel News Service

CHAMPAIGN - Every August, communities across the United States come together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to promoting the benefits and importance of breastfeeding. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness, provide education, and encourage support for breastfeeding mothers and their families.

In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced its third annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon their past success the drive will take place during the entire month of August.

Sarah Chai/PEXELS

The donated supplies will be given to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. This program offers support to expectant and postpartum parents, helping them learn about breastfeeding and overcome any obstacles they may encounter in achieving their individual breastfeeding goals.

The WIC program's mission is to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious food to improve diets, offers education on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and connects participants to healthcare services.

National Breastfeeding Month was established in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) to align with World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during the first week of August. The initiative was created to bring greater attention to breastfeeding as a key component of public health and to advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers. The month-long celebration serves as a platform to highlight the critical role that breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and their babies. For infants, breast milk is a complete source of nutrition that contains antibodies, enzymes, and hormones crucial for their development. It helps protect against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and promotes a healthy weight. For mothers, breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers, aid in postpartum recovery, and strengthen the bond with their baby. Additionally, breastfeeding has economic benefits, reducing the need for formula and healthcare costs associated with treating illnesses.

Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their infant's health.

Items needed include nursing pads, pillows, and covers; breast milk storage bags; electric and manual breast pumps; and breast pump accessories. All items must be received new and sealed in their original packaging.

Photo: Brytny.com/Unsplash

National Breastfeeding Month is a vital initiative that brings attention to the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. By participating in this celebration, individuals and organizations can help create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and promotes the well-being of future generations.

A curated Amazon wish list is available for virtual donations. Donated items will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. Donations from this list can be made year-round.

Products can also be donated in person at CUPHD, August 1-31, at the WIC intake window inside the CUPHD main lobby.

Ways to donate:

Online: Amazon wish list
The wish list will remain open year-round, 24/7.

In-person:

CUPHD Champaign WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
Orchard Downs clinic (2040 South Orchard Street, Unit 2040-A, Urbana): Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

Urbana Farmers Market WIC booth
Saturday, August 24, 7:00 a.m.—noon
Come celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!

Biden administration sets higher staffing mandates for nursing homes

Here is the problem most nursing homes don’t meet them.

by Jordan Rau
KFF Health News

The Biden administration finalized nursing home staffing rules Monday that will require thousands of them to hire more nurses and aides — while giving them years to do so.

The new rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are the most substantial changes to federal oversight of the nation’s roughly 15,000 nursing homes in more than three decades. But they are less stringent than what patient advocates said was needed to provide high-quality care.

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

Spurred by disproportionate deaths from covid-19 in long-term care facilities, the rules aim to address perennially sparse staffing that can be a root cause of missed diagnoses, severe bedsores, and frequent falls.

“For residents, this will mean more staff, which means fewer ER visits potentially, more independence,” Vice President Kamala Harris said while meeting with nursing home workers in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “For families, it’s going to mean peace of mind in terms of your loved one being taken care of.”

When the regulations are fully enacted, 4 in 5 homes will need to augment their payrolls, CMS estimated. But the new standards are likely to require slight if any improvements for many of the 1.2 million residents in facilities that are already quite close to or meet the minimum levels.

“Historically, this is a big deal, and we’re glad we have now established a floor,” Blanca Castro, California’s long-term care ombudsman, said in an interview. “From here we can go upward, recognizing there will be a lot of complaints about where we are going to get more people to fill these positions.”

The rules primarily address staffing levels for three types of nursing home workers. Registered nurses, or RNs, are the most skilled and responsible for guiding overall care and setting treatment plans. Licensed practical nurses, sometimes called licensed vocational nurses, work under the direction of RNs and perform routine medical care such as taking vital signs. Certified nursing assistants are supposed to be the most plentiful and help residents with daily activities like going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and eating.

While the industry has increased wages by 27% since February 2020, homes say they are still struggling to compete against better-paying work for nurses at hospitals and at retail shops and restaurants for aides. On average, nursing home RNs earn $40 an hour, licensed practical nurses make $31 an hour, and nursing assistants are paid $19 an hour, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

CMS estimated the rules will ultimately cost $6 billion annually, but the plan omits any more payments from Medicare or Medicaid, the public insurers that cover most residents’ stays — meaning additional wages would have to come out of owners’ pockets or existing facility budgets.

The American Health Care Association, which represents the nursing home industry, called the regulation “an unreasonable standard” that “creates an impossible task for providers” amid a persistent worker shortage nationwide.

“This unfunded mandate doesn’t magically solve the nursing crisis,” the association’s CEO, Mark Parkinson, said in a statement. Parkinson said the industry will keep pressing Congress to overturn the regulation.

Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, a New York City-based advocacy nonprofit, said “it is hard to call this a win for nursing home residents and families” given that the minimum levels were below what studies have found to be ideal.

The plan was welcomed by labor unions that represent nurses — and whom President Joe Biden is counting on for support in his reelection campaign. Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry called it a “long-overdue sea change.” This political bond was underscored by the administration’s decision to have Harris announce the rule with SEIU members in Wisconsin, a swing state.

Photo: PEXELS/Anna Shvets

The new rules supplant the vague federal mandate that has been in place since the 1980s requiring nursing homes to have “sufficient” staffing to meet residents’ needs. In practice, inspectors rarely categorized inadequate staffing as a serious infraction resulting in possible penalties, federal records show.

Starting in two years, most homes must provide an average of at least 3.48 hours of daily care per resident. About 6 in 10 nursing homes are already operating at that level, a KFF analysis found.

The rules give homes breathing room before they must comply with more specific requirements. Within three years, most nursing homes will need to provide daily RN care of at least 0.55 hours per resident and 2.45 hours from aides.

CMS also mandated that within two years an RN must be on duty at all times in case of a patient crisis on weekends or overnight. Currently, CMS requires at least eight consecutive hours of RN presence each day and a licensed nurse of any level on duty around the clock. An inspector general report found that nearly a thousand nursing homes didn’t meet those basic requirements.

Nursing homes in rural areas will have longer to staff up. Within three years, they must meet the overall staffing numbers and the round-the-clock RN requirement. CMS’ rule said rural homes have four years to achieve the RN and nurse aide thresholds, although there was some confusion within CMS, as its press materials said rural homes would have five years.

Under the new rules, the average nursing home, which has around 100 residents, would need to have at least two RNs working each day, and at least 10 or 11 nurse aides, the administration said. Homes could meet the overall requirements through two more workers, who could be RNs, vocational nurses, or aides.

Homes can get a hardship exemption from the minimums if they are in regions with low populations of nurses or aides and demonstrate good-faith efforts to recruit.

Democrats praised the rules, though some said the administration did not go nearly far enough. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, said the changes were “modest improvements” but that “much more is needed to ensure sufficient care and resident safety.” A Republican senator from Nebraska, Deb Fischer, said the rule would “devastate nursing homes across the country and worsen the staffing shortages we are already facing.”

Advocates for nursing home residents have been pressing CMS for years to adopt a higher standard than what it ultimately settled on. A CMS-commissioned study in 2001 found that the quality of care improved with increases of staff up to a level of 4.1 hours per resident per day — nearly a fifth higher than what CMS will require. The consultants CMS hired in preparing its new rules did not incorporate the earlier findings in their evaluation of options.

CMS said the levels it endorsed were more financially feasible for homes, but that assertion didn’t quiet the ongoing battle about how many people are willing to work in homes at current wages and how financially strained homes owners actually are.

“If states do not increase Medicaid payments to nursing homes, facilities are going to close,” said John Bowblis, an economics professor and research fellow with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University. “There aren’t enough workers and there are shortages everywhere. When you have a 3% to 4% unemployment rate, where are you going to get people to work in nursing homes?”

Researchers, however, have been skeptical that all nursing homes are as broke as the industry claims or as their books show. A study published in March by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that 63% of profits were secretly siphoned to owners through inflated rents and other fees paid to other companies owned by the nursing homes’ investors.

Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus at the nursing school of the University of California-San Francisco, said: “In their unchecked quest for profits, the nursing home industry has created its own problems by not paying adequate wages and benefits and setting heavy nursing workloads that cause neglect and harm to residents and create an unsatisfactory and stressful work environment.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.