Most Americans are consuming too many added sugars in their diet. Sugar-sweetened beverages including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit drinks are a main source of added sugars. A regular, 12-ounce can of soda can contain a full 10 teaspoons of sugar. Because of the added sugar, soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is honoring its 2024 Public Health Heroes, who play a vital role in creating a healthier and more resilient community for all. They will be recognized during the Board of Public Health meeting on Thursday, April 25, at 9 a.m., in the Red Rock Conference Room of the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107.

National Immunization Week (NIIW), April 22-26, focuses on protecting children under 2 from vaccine preventable diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) waives immunization administration fees this week for children under age 3 who are underinsured and Vaccine For Children (VFC) eligible. Free giveaways will be available for each child (up to age 3) getting immunized, and families can enter a free raffle to win prizes including a stroller and baby monitor.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a confirmed case of measles has been reported in a visitor to Clark County. The person traveled from out of state, and the potential exposure occurred between Monday, April 1, and Saturday, April 6. The Health District does not have information about the person’s immunization status or current condition.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week is April 14-20, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to the importance of sexual health and spotlighting the Talk, Test, and Treat campaign. This campaign emphasizes that all STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. SNHD encourages individuals and health care providers to talk, test, and treat to protect their health, the health of their partners, and that of their patients.

April is National Minority Health Month, and this year’s theme is “Be the Source for Better Health,” with the focus on improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. In connection with this observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to a pair of programs that support minority health while striving to decrease health inequities.

With spring fully underway, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on April 2, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are scheduled for six dates in April, May and June at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District is taking steps to alert approximately 300 clients who completed transactions on the Environmental Health Invoice Payment form on its website from March 4-14, 2024, that their information might have been compromised. Payments made before or after this time are not believed to be compromised. Other areas of the website were not impacted.

The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting the 2024 State of Public Health and Legislative Advocacy Day to highlight public health issues impacting the community. The event will feature policy makers, community partners and staff members working on programs and initiatives related to congenital syphilis and substance use and harm reduction in Clark County.

The Southern Nevada Health District is calling attention to the global impact of tuberculosis as it commemorates World TB Day on Sunday, March 24. Across the globe, 1.6 million people died of TB and another 10.6 million became ill with the disease in 2021. While global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 74 million lives, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have reversed years of progress.

New data released by the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps show Clark County ranks 9th among Nevada counties assessed for health outcomes. The rankings are released each year using data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). The 2024 Health Rankings and Roadmaps report is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is commemorating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Sunday, March 10, a day to support women and girls who are living with HIV while encouraging others to be tested for HIV. Locally, an observance of the day, in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health Consortium, is scheduled for Monday, March 11, from 1 - 4:30 p.m. at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. During “It’s Tea Time,” attendees can access information and resources about women and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In addition, there will be discussions about the following topics:

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to the seriousness of diabetes while urging people to get tested for the disease and learn about free, self-management programs. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. People with diabetes also face a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19.

In December, the Southern Nevada Health District announced it was conducting a multi-site tuberculosis investigation in coordination with the Clark County School District. The investigation involves a person who had undiagnosed active TB disease and was at multiple school district campuses. Based on the Health District’s investigation, the patient had minimal close contact with people at most of the campuses where they were present. However, students and staff at Ruthe Deskin Elementary School were identified as having potential TB exposure. Notifications were conducted for all individuals identified as close contacts of the patient and screening and testing clinics were held.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging heightened public awareness of the health dangers related to the mixture of stimulants with highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, resulting in a growing number of fatal overdoses in Clark County and throughout the U.S.

In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will join with community partners on February 7 to provide additional health services to the community. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights efforts to reduce HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections and address HIV stigma in Black/African American communities.

February is American Heart Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and community partners are offering free programs and classes that aim to help people reduce their risk factors for heart disease.

As 2024 gets underway, it’s common for people to make resolutions to improve their lives in one way or another. Against that backdrop, however, is the reality that many people may face challenges and obstacles that can test their resolve just weeks into the new year. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has resources to help people overcome those obstacles.