serious health risk and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. 365 Days of Healthy Living Tips However, homeowners can take action to reduce their risktesting on our Facebook site. is easy and there are costVisit us for easy tips to effective ways to reduce elevated radon levels in homes. Take action improve your health! today and inspire your family and friends to do the same!
Check out our
Remember to visit our Web
Page for the latest public health information and FVHD programs and services
www.fvhd.org
Farmington Valley Health District
Serving the towns of:
Avon
Barkhamsted
Canton
Colebrook
East Granby
Farmington
Granby
Hartlend
New Hartford
Simsbury
95 River Rd Canton ,CT 06019 860 352 2333
For additional information please
visit the following link: http:// www.radon.com/radon/ radon_facts.html
Fall Prevention
Every year, thousands of older individuals fall in their homes. Many of
them become seriously injured, and are forced to become hospital- Vitamin D Deficiency ized. These falls are often due to If you shy away from the outdoors dangers throughout the home, and the sun during these long dangers that can be avoided. winter months, then you may be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. What is radon? - Radon is an invisTake these simple steps to reduce Vitamin D is essential to strong ible, odorless, and tasteless radiothe risk of falling in your home or bones because it helps the body active gas. Radon is formed from the home of a loved one! use calcium. It is produced by the radioactive decay and can occur body when your skin is exposed to naturally in bedrock. It occurs natLook at the floor in each room- Is the sun, but it is also found in a urally in CT. there a clear pathway between few foods such as fish, egg yolks, your furniture? Are there papers, and dairy. Where is radon found? - Radon books, newspapers, etc., lying What are the causes? gas is most commonly found in around? Do you have to maneuver Little exposure to the sun soil and water. The gas seeps into around wires or cords? Darker skin homes through cracks and other Look at the stairs and steps in and Obesity openings in the foundation. Air outside your home- Are there Age pressure inside your home is comloose objects on the stairs? Are Certain medications monly lower than the pressure in some of the steps broken or miss- What can I do to prevent a Vitathe soil around the foundation. ing? Do you have a light over the min D deficiency? This pressure difference draws stairway? Is there a light switch at Go outside! About 10-15 radon gas into the home, especialthe top and bottom of the stairs? minutes outside with exposure to ly during the colder months of the sun at least two times a week year when the heat is on and eveLook at the kitchen and eating should be enough. rything is closed up tightly. Radon area- Are the things you use most Eat different foods Salmon, cod, gas can also be released from wacommonly located in the top tuna, egg yolk, fortified milk, and ter. shelves? Is your stool wobbly? fortified cheese can all increase What can I do? - Test your home! the amount of vitamin D you are Free Radon Testing Kits are availaCheck all your bathrooms- Is the consuming. ble for pick up at the Farmington tub or shower floor wet and slipValley Health District . The best pery? Do you have grab bars inside time to test is during the winter the shower for support when you when homes are closed and air get in and out? circulation is reduced. If elevated Other things you can do to prevent levels of radon are found, radon falls are: mitigation contractors can be em Practice exercises that imployed to identify best strategies prove balance and make your for reducing radon. legs stronger These strategies might include Wear shoes both inside and simple steps like sealing foundaoutside the house tion cracks. More involved remedi Improve the lighting in your ation may involve of sub-slab venhome tilation systems. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year
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