Farmington Valley Health District Corner

February 2015
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Radon

Elevated levels of radon pose a

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