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Dear Neighbors,
This week is National Public Health Week. This is a great opportunity to thank our state and local public health leaders who work tirelessly every day to keep our families and communities health, safe, and strong.
Whether it is assuring clean water, inspecting restaurants, combatting chronic disease, preventing gun violence, providing newborn screening, improving suicide prevention, providing immunizations, educating the public, or preparing for emergencies, our public health leaders are the people behind the scenes making it happen.
A special thanks to our state’s Commissioner of Public Health, Manisha Juthani, a fellow Fairfielder, Fairfield Health Director Sands Cleary, and Bridgeport Health Director Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez and their staff teams.
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As I have been doing each week, I want to highlight some public health issues that deserve our attention.
Last week, I was honored to be recognized by the CT Oral Health Initiative (COHI) as a legislative champion. |
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The Public Health Committee, in partnership with the CT Department of Public Health, has proposed a bill that would codify in state law the current federally recommended water fluoridation standards.
Water fluoridation is one of the most successful public health interventions of the 20th century. You may know that Utah has banned fluoridation in public water supplies and other states are being encouraged to follow their lead.
Here in Connecticut, we are standing alongside the CT State Dental Association, COHI, the Connecticut Water Works Association, the DMD Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry of Connecticut, the CT-American Academy of Pediatrics Chapter, and dentists from around the state supporting this measure, which is no change to our current practice. |
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Below are some tips from the CDC website on maintaining good oral care:
Good oral health = good overall health
To maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth:
- Don't use tobacco products. If you smoke, quit. The more you smoke or come into contact with smoke, the higher your risk of developing cancer.
- Drink less alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of head and neck cancer. If you drink, do so in moderation to lower your risk.
- Get vaccinated. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can infect the mouth and throat and cause cancer. Ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated against HPV to possibly prevent throat cancer.
- Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, you may need to get your teeth cleaned multiple times a year, which may help lower your blood sugar level. Managing your diabetes will also lower your risk of other oral health complications, including gum disease.
- Prevent dry mouth. If your medication makes your mouth feel dry, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If this doesn't help, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, don't smoke or use tobacco products, and don't drink alcohol.
- Act on any new symptoms. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.
Daily Care
- Avoid food and drinks with added sugar as much as possible. They contribute to oral diseases and other chronic diseases.
- Drink fluoridated tap water and brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth well twice a day and floss between your teeth to remove dental plaque.
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or high-risk activities.
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In Connecticut, COHI offers information about how to access dental care for yourself or your family:
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| World Parkinson's Disease Awareness Day |
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This week, I joined patients, providers, caregivers, colleagues, advocates, and leaders from the the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association to share information about Parkinson's Disease and announce April 11 as World Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month.
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| We heard powerful stories from those impacted by Parkinson's Disease, and raised awareness on the state's public health efforts and relevant legislation including House Bill 7233, which would create a state Parkinson's disease research account supporting research, with an initial funding value of $500,000 in 2026 if approved. |
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Shop & Stroll Into Spring
Downtown Fairfield
May 1
Read more here |
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2025 Spring Fling
Penfield Pavilion (323 Fairfield Beach Rd., Fairfield)
April 24, 5:30-7:30pm
Read more here |
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Coffee and Connection by Women in Business
596 John St., Bridgeport
April 23, 9-11am
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As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.
Take care,
Cristin McCarthy Vahey
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