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.
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