News and Current Issues

 

ATTENTION ULSTER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND PARENTS)!

 

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN FILLING OUT AN ANONYMOUS SURVEY REGARDING SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN OUR COMMUNITY. THE SURVEY DOES NOT ASK FOR NAMES AND THE DATA GATHERED WILL HELP US DIRECT PREVENTION FUNDING AND RESOURCES TO SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT ULSTER COUNTY.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO FILL OUT THIS RELATIVELY SHORT SURVEY. THE LINK IS HERE  -  AND BELOW IS THE QR CODE SO THAT YOU CAN GET QUICK ACCESS ON YOUR PHONE:

 

 

THANK YOU!

 

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

 

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH AT ANY AGE - CNN

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, where one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. In total, heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 5 people. February is American Heart Month, so it’s worth the reminder that taking care of your heart can help extend your life span and improve the quality of your life.

 

 

Post Holiday Blues? Here Are a Few Things to Feel Better About - 177 Ways the World Got Better in 2023

 

IMPORTANT EMERGENCY INFORMATION!

What to Do When There's a Flash Flood Warning - NY Times

How to Escape Your Car in a Flood - NY Times 

How to Safely Use a Generator - CNN

How to Survive if Trapped in a Blizard - CNN

 

The American Heart Association urges people to be aware of and reduce risks when shoveling snow during  and after winter storms. Hydrate, pace yourself, take frequent breaks and don't take on more than you can handle. Also, have someone check on you while your out there shoveling or check in with them periodically, and always carry your mobile device for emergencies.

 

 

 

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’ QuitlineTrained 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     

 

 

 

  

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

 

 

 

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)

 

Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

 

 

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