Here's What You Can Do to Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe During Extreme Heat Events

 

A List of Cooling Centers in UC that are now open (updated on 06.20.24) Please call directly to verify days and hours of operation BEFORE visiting:

 

2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St, Kingston NY 12401

OPEN Tuesday 6/18 through Friday 6/21 from 9AM - 6PM

The center can be contacted directly at (845) 481-4029

 

The Trudy Farber Building, 50 Center Street in Ellenville, NY 12428

Open Tuesday 6/18, 11a-6p and Wednesday 6/19-6/21, 9am-6pm

This center is a PET Friendly Cooling Center – YOU CAN NOT DROP YOUR PET AND LEAVE, MUST REMAIN AT THE CENTER

 

Elting Memorial Library, 93 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561, hours have changed to 10am- 7pm  845-255-5030

 

Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32 Rosendale, NY 12472

Tuesday June18, Wednesday June 19 & Thursday June 20 from 11am to 7 pm. 845-658-3159 ext 2

 

Highland Public Library, 14 Elting Place Highland NY 12528, Contact number 845-691-2275, Days/Hours of Operation Mon 10-5 Tues 12-7 Wed 10-7 Thurs 12-7 Fri 10-5 Sat 10-1 (July and August) closed June 19th and July 4th, no pets.

 

New Paltz Church of the Nazarene, 170 State Route 32N New Paltz, 845-633-8127, June 19 and June 20- 12p-5p both days

 

 

 

 

What should I do before a heat wave?

• Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

• Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.

• Find out where to cool down - ask local officials about cooling centers in your area. If there are none, identify air-conditioned buildings where you can go (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends' homes).

• Choose someone that you can call for help or who can check on you.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about medications that might make you sensitive to the sun or heat.

 

Overheated?

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is unable to cool itself. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Here are the symptoms and first-aid responses.

Illness	Symptoms	What to Do
Heat stroke (sun stroke) THIS IS AN EMERGENCY - ACT FAST!	Hot, dry, red skin Rapid pulse High body temperature ≥ 105° Loss of alertness Confusion Unconsciousness or coma Rapid and shallow breathing	Call 911 immediately. Cool the person quickly. Bring to a cool place and use a cool bath or sponges, fans and AC. OR Wrap ice packs in cloth and place on neck, wrists, ankles and armpits. OR Remove clothing and wrap the person in cool, wet sheets.
Heat exhaustion	Heavy sweating Fainting Vomiting Cold, pale, clammy skin Dizziness Headache Nausea Weakness	Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke so if symptoms worsen or don't improve get medical help. Move the person to a cool place. Loosen clothes and apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, face and arms. Have the person sip water slowly. Provide half a glass of water every 15 minutes up to about 1 quart. Stop giving water if vomiting occurs.
Heat cramps	Muscle cramps in the abdominal area or extremities Heavy sweating Mild nausea	Move the person to a cool place. Apply firm pressure to the cramping muscle. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold it for 20 seconds followed by gentle massage. Have the person drink some cool water.
Heat rash	Skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters	Move the person to a cool place. Keep the affected area dry. Have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

What can I do during a heat wave?

• Use air conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building.

• If you don't have air conditioning in your home, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down.

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.

• Take regular breaks from physical activity.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.

• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.

• Never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.

• Check on your neighbors, family and friends, especially those who are elderly or have special needs.

Who is most at risk from the heat?

• Older adults

• Young children

• People who are overweight/obese

• People who do not perspire normally

• People with some chronic medical conditions such as history of dehydration, heart problems and respiratory or lung problems

• People who work outdoors or in hot settings

• People who take certain medications that cause sensitivity to the sun or interfere with the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Some medicines that affect the body's cooling system include antihistamines, antidepressants, over-the-counter sleeping pills, anti-diarrhea pills, beta blockers, anti-Parkinson's drugs and psychiatric drugs. Do not stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Conserve water and power during heat waves

• Set your thermostat no lower than 78° F.

• Only use air conditioning in rooms that you are occupying.

• Turn off lights and non-essential appliances when they are not in use.

• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full and during hours of low energy demand (between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.).

• Only water your lawn in the early morning or evening hours.

• Store drinking water in the refrigerator (so that you do not have to let the tap run while waiting for it to cool).

• Defrost food in the refrigerator overnight (instead of running water to thaw it).

• Take short showers.

• Only fill the tub halfway when bathing.

• Turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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... 

 

 

 

 

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     

 

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

 

 

 

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