🕵️ Have you spotted any of these risk factors? Certain health conditions, behaviors and genetic factors can increase your risk of liver cancer, including: 🔎 Chronic hepatitis B or C 🔎 Cirrhosis (advanced scarring of the liver) or MASLD (a type of liver disease caused by excess fat buildup on the liver) 🔎 Alcohol use 🔎 Smoking 🔎 Certain genetic conditions Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop liver cancer. But knowing your risk can help you and your health care provider decide what steps may be right for you, including whether liver cancer screening is appropriate. Learn more: ow.ly/EqZj50ZT4Ha

One simple step can help make sleep safer for your baby. 💙 Always place babies on their backs for naps and nighttime sleep. This helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths. This #SIDSAwarenessMonth, learn more about creating a safe sleep space for your baby—and help spread the word with other parents, grandparents and caregivers: ow.ly/fY5x50ZUyy7 #SafeToSleep #SIDSAwarenessMonth #InfantSafety

🎤 What’s your 20-second handwashing anthem? 🧼🎶 Washing your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds is one simple way to help stop the spread of germs. So, what song gets you through the scrub? 🎵 A favorite chorus 🎵 “Happy Birthday” 🎵 Your favorite throwback 🎵 A song you make up on the spot 😂 Tell us your handwashing anthem in the comments, and don't forget to scrub those hands! 🫧

Your to-do list is already long. But there’s one thing worth making time for: your breast health. 🎀 This #BreastCancerAwarenessDay, take a moment to: ☑️ Know your breast cancer risk ☑️ Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and screening needs ☑️ Know when and where to get recommended screenings ☑️ Encourage the people you love to prioritize their breast health, too Staying informed and keeping up with recommended screenings can help you take an active role in your health. 💗 Make your breast health a priority today—and encourage someone you love to do the same. #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastHealth #GetScreened #FightCancer #CTDPH

Happening today! 📣 Are you an RN or LPN/VN, or do you employ nurses? Join the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) today for a webinar on the Nurse Licensure Compact and multistate licenses. Learn more about: • How the multistate license works • Common misunderstandings • The 60-day residency rule • How nurses and employers can reduce potential risk 📅 Today, October 13 🕒 2–3 p.m. CT / 3–4 p.m. ET Learn more and register: ow.ly/9rQS50ZWrbq

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Today, we recognize those living with metastatic breast cancer, along with the families, friends, and caregivers who support them. We honor their experiences and recognize the importance of continued research, care, and support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Learn more about breast cancer and available resources: ow.ly/13Ia50ZWraU

If your normal routine includes medications, medical equipment, regular health care or accessibility supports, your preparedness plan should account for those things, too. Keep important information handy, including your doctors’ names and contact information, your pharmacy, medications and other health needs. Think about what you would need if your usual routine were interrupted, and make a plan before you need it. Be prepared, not panicked. Find more preparedness tips in the Connecticut DPH Preparedness Guide (p. 14-15): ow.ly/oZ9150ZWoTq

🌿 Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities across the country. Connecticut is home to several Tribal Nations whose contributions continue to shape our state. At CT DPH, we recognize the importance of working alongside these communities to advance health equity and improve health outcomes for all. Take time today to learn more about Connecticut’s Tribal Nations, their histories, and the important roles they continue to play in our communities. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #HealthEquity #Connecticut

🧠 Mental health IS health. On World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on something that deserves attention every day: our mental well-being. Mental health is an essential part of overall health—and it can affect how we think, feel, function, and even how we manage physical health conditions. Whether it’s talking to a healthcare provider, checking in with a loved one, or simply making time to care for yourself, taking care of your mental health is healthcare, too. 💙 This World Mental Health Day, let’s make mental health part of the conversation and part of the care, together. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #WholePersonHealth #CTDPH

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🎀 More than 310,700 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. But there's encouraging news: In Connecticut, approximately 73% of breast cancers diagnosed in women from 2019–2023 were found before the cancer had spread beyond the breast. Only 5% were diagnosed after the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. 🎀 KNOW your risk and the signs of breast cancer. 💬 TALK with your healthcare provider about screening. 📅 ACT by following recommended screening and talking with your provider about any changes you notice. This month, we’re sharing information to help Connecticut residents understand their breast health and find screening resources. Learn more about breast cancer screening and Connecticut resources: ow.ly/V6wi50ZVUII

The 60-day residency rule: Do you know how it works? The Nurse Licensure Compact allows eligible nurses to practice across participating states with a multistate license, but there are important rules to understand. Join the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) on October 13 for a webinar designed for RNs, LPN/VNs, and employers. The session will cover the multistate license, common misunderstandings, the 60-day residency rule, and ways to reduce potential risk. 📅 October 13, 2026 🕒2–3 p.m. CT / 3–4 p.m. ET Learn more and register: ow.ly/iJEj50ZNSiz

⚡ Your everyday charging habits can be a superpower! For Fire Prevention Week, we’re highlighting the importance of safe charging when using devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. From phones and tablets to e-bikes and scooters, a few simple habits can help reduce the risk of fires at home and in our communities. 🔋 Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer 🔌 Charge on a hard, flat surface—not under a pillow or on a bed 👀 Don’t charge damaged batteries or devices 🏠 Unplug devices once they’re fully charged when possible Charge smart. Stay safe. Make safe charging your superpower. 🦸‍♀️⚡ #FirePreventionWeek #ChargeIntoFireSafety #FireSafety #LithiumIonSafety

🎒 An emergency kit isn't one-size-fits-all. Start with the basics, then think about what you and the people (and pets!) in your household would actually need in an emergency. The Connecticut DPH Preparedness Guide has tips to help you build a kit that works for you. And yes, you should probably check the batteries while you're at it. 🔦 Use our mobile emergency kit builder to get started: ow.ly/s9PJ50ZRp2Z Check out the guide and build your kit (p. 8-12): ow.ly/gChC50ZRp2V

What does viral hepatitis have to do with liver cancer? More than you may think. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause long-term damage to the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer. In Connecticut, liver cancer ranks #6 in cancer deaths and #9 in new cancer cases, with an estimated 500 new cases and 340 deaths in 2026. The good news: there are ways to prevent, find and treat viral hepatitis and to identify people who may be at higher risk for liver cancer. This Liver Cancer Awareness Month, learn about your risk and talk with your health care provider about the right steps for you. Learn more: ow.ly/sPBC50ZUgOC CT clinics that test for hepatitis: ow.ly/741q50ZUgOE

🎨🎬 Calling Connecticut’s young creatives! Want to use your creativity to spread the word about radon and lung cancer prevention? There are two contests to choose from! 🖍️ Kids Poster Contest: Create a poster that shows what you know about radon and why it matters. 🎬 Teen Video Contest: Create a 30-second video about radon and lung cancer prevention. Live action, animation, stop motion or your own creative style. Open to teens ages 14–18. 📅 Entries for both contests are due November 5, 2026. Get creative, share your message and help raise awareness about radon! 👉 Learn more about how to enter: ow.ly/qBBf50ZUvJA

💙 No insurance? You may still be able to get your flu vaccine. This year, the flu vaccine is available for uninsured and underinsured adults in Connecticut through participating Connecticut Vaccines for Adults (CVFA) providers. If you don’t have health insurance—or your insurance doesn’t cover the flu vaccine—you may be eligible. 📍 Find a flu clinic near you: ow.ly/pfVv50ZU6xV 📍 Find a CVFA provider near you: ow.ly/1je450ZU6xS Call ahead to confirm vaccine availability and eligibility. Getting a flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting sick and lower your risk of serious flu complications, including hospitalization. Protect yourself and the people around you this flu season. 💙 #FluSeason #ProtectWhoMattersMost #CTDPH

Protect Who Matters Most — that means you, too! A flu vaccine can help protect you and the people who matter most in your life. Looking for a flu clinic near you? We’ve put together a list of local flu vaccination clinics, including information about who is eligible to receive a vaccine at each clinic, to help you find a convenient option that works for you. 📍 Find a flu clinic near you: ow.ly/jOxq50ZU6w7 📍 Find other vaccines at a provider or pharmacy near you: ow.ly/jxfW50ZU6w6 Protect yourself and protect your community 💙 #FluVaccine #FluSeason #ProtectWhoMattersMost #HealthyCommunity

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in Connecticut and across the country. 💙 From September 15 through October 15, we recognize the people, traditions and experiences that continue to enrich our communities — including the many Hispanic and Latino public health professionals, healthcare workers, community partners and residents working to make Connecticut a healthier place for everyone. At CT DPH, we’re proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the diverse communities that make our state stronger. #HispanicHeritageMonth #Connecticut #PublicHealth

Every interaction should be a healthy one... even with animals! 🐶🐱🦆 This #WorldAnimalDay, remember to: • Wash your hands after handling animals or their supplies. • Respect an animal's space and body language. • Keep pets up to date on routine veterinary care. Healthy habits protect both people and the animals we love. #ProtectWildlife #LoveAnimals #CTDPH

You probably have a plan for dinner tonight. Maybe even a backup plan if your first choice doesn't work out. But what about your emergency plan? Take a few minutes to talk through where you would go, how you would communicate, who may need extra help and what you would do with your pets. It might not be the most exciting conversation, but you’ll be glad you had it before you needed it. Our Connecticut DPH Preparedness Guide can help you get started. Check out the guide for more information on how to make a plan (p. 4-7): ow.ly/3h4850ZRwTZ