News and Current Issues

 

 

A confirmed human case of Easter Equine Encephalitus has been found in Ulster County that has resulted in a fatality. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with EEE virus (EEEV). EEEV can also infect a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The spread of EEEV to mammals (including humans and horses) occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes that feed on both birds and mammals.

 

Image of eastern equine encephalitis virus transmission cycle. A Culiseta melanura mosquito and group of birds are shown on opposite sides of a circle with arrows connecting them to represent how eastern equine encephalitis virus cycles between mosquitoes and birds. Another arrow points from the birds to another mosquito and then to the figures of a horse and person. People and horses can become infected when a bridge vector, a mosquito species that feeds on many kinds of mammals and birds, then bites people or horses. People and horses are considered dead-end hosts because, unlike birds, they can't pass the virus on to other biting mosquitoes.

 

For more information, prevention guidance, and the latest updates visit the New York State Department of Health's dedicated EEE webpage

 

 

 

 

      Can You Get Your Flu Shot & COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time ...

 

Updated COVID Vaccines are now widely available throughout Ulster County. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy for an appointment or possible walk-in. This year's updated Flu vaccination is also available and can be gotten at the same time.

 

 

 

 

Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death in Ulster County - and the Nation: Ulster County Health Department has put together a team of health and wellness professionals, and community partners, to create a plan to reduce the heart disease fatality rate in out community. You can help by talking this short and anonymous survey that will help guide our efforts - Thank You!

 

 

Your Heart Speaks to You; are You Listening? The Early Signs of Heart Failure

 

Do You Know the Common Heart Attack Warning Signs?

 

 

STROKE CAN COME ON AT ANY TIME AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND GET HELP FAST - EVERY SECOND COUNTS!

 

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH AT ANY AGE - CNN

 

 

 

Walking 2,200 Steps or More Per Day Reduces the Chances of Early Death 

 

AMERICANS AGREE THAT MORE FAIR AND EFFECTIVE GUN SAFETY PROTECTIONS ARE NEEDED

Gun related violence in the U.S. is a public health crisis. In 2023, there were 18,874 firearm deaths (exluding suicide), 656 mass shooting events, and over 6 thousand children shot. Gun violence is also now the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. Despite all of the disagreements and misinformation surrounding gun violence and policy, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions conducted an extensive survey in 2023 that includes gun owners and non gun owners alike and Americans from both major political parties. In the survey, an overwhelming majority of Americans agreed that more fair and effective gun safety protections are needed to keep our communities and loved ones safe. Check out the survey results here and listen to this special edition of Healthy Ulster Radio for an informative discussion with a senior staff member of the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

The Way International | We're Better Together

 

 

HELP PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY BY SAFELY DISPOSING OF YOUR UNUSED MEDICATIONS, AT NO CHARGE, AT A PHARMACY NEAR YOU.

TO LOCATE A PHARMACY THAT HAS A COLLECTION BOX OR PROGRAM SEARCH HERE(link is external)

  

 

 

 

 

Click here for a list of tobacco retailers in Ulster County who sold tobacco products to minors, in 2023, in violation of the NYS Adolescent Tobacco Use Protection Act (ATUPA)

 

Tobacco Companies Spent 2 1/2 Million Dollars a Day Marketing Their Products to Kids in Order to Recruit New Smokers. Get the Facts... 

 

 

 

 

Photo man refusing cigarettes offered by his female colleague

NOW is the perfect time to quit smoking or vaping. Free help and coaching is available at NYS Smokers’ Quitline. Trained Quit Coaches will work with you to find ways to manage stress or anxiety without smoking or vaping. Talk with a Quit Coach by calling 1-866-697-8487 or by texting to (716) 309-4688     

 

 

 

  

 

The Six Pillars of Wellness - Mark Devine - Founder, Unbeatable Minds

  1. Reduce Your Stress (breath awareness, mindfullness practices, yoga, regular exercise, etc.)
  2. Enhance Your Fitness and Movement (this can be formal exercise or just a regular enjoyable walk. The important thing is to move your body on a regular and consistent basis)
  3. Better Nutrition (reduce fat, sugar, empty carbohydrates. Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts and low-fat proteins - and substitute water for sugar sweetened beverages)
  4. Sleep and Recovery (most Americans do not get sufficient sleep, which is essential to maintain good physical and mental health. 7+ hours for adults and at least 9 for kids is ideal)
  5. Time in Nature and Silence (time spent in nature is proven to be benefical and it's free. Turn off the screens and other noise and distractions - and get out there)
  6. Enhanced Social Associations (research demonstrates that more time spent with family, friends and others is one of the most important factors for optimal physical and mental health - and longevity)

 

 

 Know the Risks of Radon and How You Can Protect Your Family

 

design your dream home

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. It can get into any type of building--homes, offices, and schools--but you and your family are likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. Among nonsmokers, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, lung cancer due to radon exposure claims about 21,000 US lives annually. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon-related lung cancer. To learn more, including prevention measures, click here..

Environmental Protection Agency's Citizen's Guide to Radon

 

 

Prescription Opioid Based Pain Relievers Can be Addictive and Dangerous!

 

 

 

HELP PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FRIENDS FROM DANGEROUS AND ADDICTIVE DRUGS:

FREE NALOXONE AND DRUG TEST STRIPS, DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR, ARE AVAILABLE NOW FROM NYS OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS (OASAS). ORDER HERE....

 

The Danger of Prescription Drugs and Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Them

 

  

HELP PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY BY SAFELY DISPOSING OF YOUR UNUSED MEDICATIONS!

The 2 companies that have been selected to implement the NYS Drug Take Back Act have been signing up locations in Ulster County where residents can safely dispose of unused medications, at no charge. Please help do your part to help keep dangerous drugs off of our streets and out of our groundwater, waterways and ecosystems. Check these 2 sites to find a location near you - and new locations are being added every day:

Inmar Drug Take Back Locator for Ulster County

Med Project Drug Take Back Locator for Ulster County

Local police departments and Sheriff stations throughout Ulster County also have unused medication collection boxes available to the public. The full list of locations is here

 

 

 

 

Are You Eating as Healthy as You Think? What 2000 Calories Looks Like

Is Your Sedentary Lifestyle Harming You? THE ANSWER IS "YES"

 

The sedentary lifestyle is easy to fall victim to.

Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle—sitting for long periods of time on a daily basis—leads to obesity, cancer, and risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Just sitting in front of your TV for more than 4 hours a day increases your mortality risk by any cause by nearly 50 percent! And it’s not just channel surfing. Any extended sitting, such as behind a desk or driving all day—can be harmful to your health. And spending a few hours at the gym each week doesn’t seem to significantly offset the risk of a sedentary lifestyle.

So, what to do? Sit less, move more—all day long. If you’re reading this, stand up! If you’re listening to music, stand up and move! The muscular effort you use will help burn calories and trigger the important breakdown of fats and sugars in the body. Every time you stand or actively move, you kick those fat-burning processes into gear. When you sit, they stall!

Here are some simple ways to combat your sedentary lifestyle and help you stand up for a longer, healthier life:

– Set your smart phone alarm, computer or clock to ring on the hour to remind you to stand up, refill your cup of water, and take a short walk.

– Do this quick yoga routine several times a day.

– Stand up and do some leg raises.

– Take all phone calls on your feet.

– Schedule a “walking date” or learn to take meetings walking.  

– Park your car further away and walk to your destination!

– Always take the stairs, instead of the elevator. Even one floor will do your body good.

 

THE HEALTH RISKS OF CONSUMING TOO MUCH SUGAR

 

 

 Image result for FREE IMAGES CHILD EATING CANDY

HOW TO STOP SUGAR FROM SNEAKING INTO YOUR CHILD'S DIET