June is National Safety Month! This month, the focus is on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. There is a different sfety topic for each week in June. Topics for 2019 are Hazard Recognition, Slips, Trips and Falls, Fatigue, and Impairment.

June is Men's Health Month. The purpose of this month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. During Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood.

At the Jefferson County Department of Health we are concerned about threats to the health of young people in our community. The decisions they make today can affect their health for a lifetime. Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death. This includes regular cigarettes, but also other forms of tobacco, including vaping products or e-cigarettes that contain nicotine and other harmful ingredients.

Over the last several years we have seen a decrease in the number of teenagers who smoke regular cigarettes. Unfortunately, we have recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of teenagers who use e-cigarettes or vaping products. Many vaping liquids contain chemicals that can damage the lungs or cause cancer. Most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine use before the age of 25 can damage parts of the brain linked to concentration, learning, and mood. Teens who use electronic cigarettes are four times more likely to smoke regular cigarettes. They may also be more likely to become addicted to cocaine and other harmful drugs. Watch Dr. Wilson's video on e-cigarettes and vaping here.