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(link is external) that will help guide our efforts - Thank You!

Your Heart Speaks to You; are You Listening? The Early Signs(link is external) of Heart Failure

Do You Know the Common Heart Attack Warning Signs?

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH(link is external) AT ANY AGE - CNN

West Nile Virus (WNV) & Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Understanding West Nile Virus (WNV) & Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are mosquito-borne viruses that can cause severe illness in humans and animals. Both viruses are primarily transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, with most infected individuals showing no symptoms, but some can develop severe or even fatal complications.

Symptoms:

West Nile Virus (WNV): Most people (80%) infected with WNV do not show symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 people may develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe symptoms, affecting the central nervous system, can also occur but are less common.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): EEE is less common but far more severe. Symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The disease can progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma. EEE has a higher fatality rate compared to WNV, with about 30% of infected individuals not surviving, and many survivors experiencing long-term neurological damage.

Transmission:

West Nile Virus (WNV): Primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which can carry the virus.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): Similar to WNV, EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. However, EEE is more likely to affect horses and humans in regions with specific mosquito species capable of spreading the virus.

Learn more about West Nile Virus(link is external)

Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis(link is external)

Prevention: The Three "M"s

Minimize Exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Mosquito Repellent: Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or other effective ingredients. Always follow the product label instructions.
Manage Environment: Eliminate standing water in your surroundings, such as in buckets, flowerpots, or tires, as these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Protection Against West Nile Virus (WNV) & Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Who Should Take Precautions?: Everyone, especially during mosquito season and in areas known for WNV or EEE outbreaks.

How to Protect Yourself?: Wear long sleeves and pants, use mosquito repellents, and ensure your living spaces are secure against mosquitoes. Regularly check and remove stagnant water sources.

Safety and Precautions: If bitten and you experience symptoms of West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, especially severe headaches, confusion, or other neurological symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

More on Protection Against West Nile Virus(link is external)

More on Protection Against Eastern Equine Encephalitis(link is external)

COVID-19

Here, we provide up-to-date information, resources, and guidance related to COVID-19.

Tested Positive for COVID-19

If you or a loved one has tested positive for COVID-19, it's crucial to follow the recommended guidelines to protect yourself and others.

Isolation: Stay away from others until 24 hours have passed when BOTH your symptoms are getting better and you are fever-free without medication
Symptoms Monitoring: Keep track of any symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen.
Inform Close Contacts: Let people you've been in close contact with know about your positive test result.
Take Additional Precautions: Follow CDC Guidance(link is external)

More on What to Do If You Test Positive(link is external)

Additional Resources

For more information please use the additional information provided below:

For the latest number of COVID-19 cases in New York State, broken down by county, refer to the NYSDOH's "COVID-19 Positive Tests Over Time, By Region and County"(link is external) page.

Additional Resource Documents

NYS Health Advisory For Respiratory Prevention(link is external)

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..(link is external)

Environmental Protection Agency's Citizen's Guide to Radon

The 6 Pillars of Wellness - Mark Devine/Unbeatable Mind(link is external)

1. Reduce Stress and Mindful Breathing Practice

2. Fitness and Movement (walking, exercise, yoga, martial arts, dance, others that you enjoy and that work for you)

3. Good Nutrition (low saturated fat and sugar intake, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy low-fat proteins, and substitute water for sugar sweetened beverages)

4. Sleep and Recovery (make time for downtime and get sufficient sleep every night. It's essential)

5. Time in Nature and Silence (turn off the devises and get outside. Spending time in nature greatly enhances physical, emotional and spiritual well-being)

6.Social Connections (Make time for your family, friends and to make new aquaintances. Human beings are "hard wired" to be social animals. Research shows that social connectivity is absolutely essential to good health, wellness and longevity)

How to(link is external) Read a Food Label - NY Times (11.04.21)

How to(link is external) Consume Less Sugar - NY Times (11.04.21)

How to Get a Better Night's(link is external) Sleep(link is external) - NY Times (09.07.21)

The Benefits(link is external) of Moderate Exercise - NY Times (09.07.21)

Healthy Minds: Your Path to Well-Being(link is external), Powered by Science

How Walking Can Build Up the Brain...read here(link is external) - NY Times 07.14.21

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(link is external) 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.

Frequent Handwashing, especially before eating, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viruses and other communicable diseases. Here's how to do it right:

Cyber-Bullying is not only harmful, but it's also against the law in Ulster County.

The NYS Dignity for All Students Act(link is external) also helps ensure that all students can feel safe in every classroom

Stop Bullying on the Spot (link is external)

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.

Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.

Cyberbullying is something most families hope they never have to deal with. But if your kids are texting, sharing photos, and posting comments, it’s important to talk to them about how to deal with online harassment. Learn 5 ways to stop cyberbullies.

5 Ways to Deal With Haters(link is external) and Trolls

4 Ways to Help Teens Avoid Digital Harassment(link is external)

Digital harassment happens when teens use texts, instant messages, emails, and social media posts to keep tabs on or threaten someone else. It usually involves two people in a close relationship. Here are four ways to help teens avoid digital harassment.

The department maintains a listing of preventative services and resources available locally, statewide & nationally.