In recognition of Pride Month events ramping up Bay Area wide through next week, including at College of Marin, the Marin Public Health seeks to ensure residents of all orientations and identities can have a healthy sexual life.
Pre-exposure medication (PrEP) is a proven strategy to prevent HIV transmission. Anyone interested in learning more or receiving HIV PrEP can visit the Marin Public Health PrEP webpage.
In other public health news, the County warned that smoke from the Point Fire in Sonoma County impacted Marin County air quality this week. An increasing body of evidence is linking prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke to serious health outcomes. Simple measures to protect ourselves are outlined in the updated Marin County wildfire smoke safety webpage and described by Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis in this video from last year’s wildfire season. In addition, you can sign up for the new air quality notification service from the Bay Area Air District.
On the COVID front, since June 1 the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in Marin County wastewater has more than doubled, to a four-month high. COVID-19 hospitalizations have followed a similar pattern and continue to rise. Factors contributing to transmission include increased gatherings and travel, the emergence of more contagious variants, and waning immunity from our last vaccines. The most important measure for protection is an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
And lastly, Marin County has significantly higher rates of skin cancer than most other California communities. We also have an average of 256 sunny days per year, 50 more than the national average, and a population that remains active outdoors across the age spectrum. Direct sunlight carries radiation that can cause cancer. For people of all ages, protecting our skin with sunscreen, clothing and hats helps prevent cancer and photoaging. Residents should be engaging their healthcare providers in regular skin checks, Learn more at CDC’s Sun Safety Facts.
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