Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County officials recommend that residents do not flush unused medicines down the toilet—unless directed by the label. This advice applies to both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Instead residents are advised to throw unwanted medicines in the trash. This action will help to keep them out of rivers and streams. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dontflush for additional steps for disposing of drugs to prevent their misuse or accidental ingestion.
Trace amounts of common drugs have been found in the region’s water supply, according to recent media reports. These amounts are in the parts per trillion. For comparison, one part per trillion is equal to one second in 32,000 years.
There is no proof that small amounts of medicines in the water can cause immediate harm to humans. However, it isn’t known whether low levels of medicines can cause long-term health effects. Scientists are just beginning to study this issue, and there are currently no state or federal standards for medicines in the water.
Fairfax County’s wastewater treatment plant uses advanced technologies that screen out some of these medicines. Tap water is also treated with advanced processes.
Last year, county officials asked the state to more closely study the issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also investigating.
For more information about the recommendation not to flush medicines, call the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711. To learn how Fairfax Water treats drinking water, visit www.fairfaxwater.org or call 703-698-5600, TTY 711.
Stroke kills about 157,000 Americans a year. It strikes a person every 45 seconds, killing one every three minutes. Many people are aware of the dangers of high blood pressure, or may be able to recognize the signs of a heart attack. But most think a stroke can’t happen to them. Learn the causes and symptoms so you can reduce your risk and take quick action in the event of a stroke.
If a neurologist can get to a stroke victim within three hours, it is possible to totally reverse the effects of a stroke. The trick is having a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medically cared for within three hours.
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. You don't have to be a medical professional to recognize potential signs of a stroke, all of which involve the sudden onset of something unusual and troubling:
Any of these symptoms should immediately raise concern over the possibility of a stroke, but how can you be confident that it is probably a stroke and not some other condition? If you observe one or more of these conditions and think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:
Want to prevent a stroke? Some treatable risk factors for stroke (and other serious illnesses) include:
High blood pressure. To lower your blood pressure, maintain proper weight, exercise regularly and reduce your salt intake. Medications are also available. Ask your doctor about the best strategy for you.
Smoking. Cigarette smoking leads to the buildup of substances in the main neck artery supplying blood to the brain. Blockage of this artery is the leading cause of stroke in Americans. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of stroke, as well as lung disease, heart disease and cancer.
Heart disease. Coronary artery disease, valve defects and irregular heartbeat could result in blood clots that may break loose and block vessels leading to the brain. Talk to your doctor about whether medications or aspirin therapy might work for you.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIAs are small strokes that last for a short time. They should never be ignored and can be treated with medication or surgery. No one is immune to stroke. Be sure to know the warning signs and action to take, and talk to your health care provider about reducing your risk.