Closed for the Holiday

Fulton County Public Health will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of the holiday. We wish you a safe and happy New Year.

Asthma Triggers and Treatments

Be aware of asthma triggers in your environment and learn how to reduce them health.ny.gov/publications/4955/

Keep It Moving Challenge

The 2026 Keep It Moving Challenge from the APHA is kicking off January 1st! Sign up today by scanning the QR code or by going to hekahealth.com/apha26.

The Health Risks of Vaping

Vaping puts health at risk. Nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and especially harmful for youth. Let’s work together in Fulton County to prevent vaping and support healthier choices. https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping

Tips for Family Tension Around Alzheimer's

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can bring many challenges, not just for the individual, but for the entire family. The Alzheimer’s Association offers helpful tips to manage stress, strengthen communication, and support one another through each stage of the journey.

If your family is navigating Alzheimer’s, remember you are not alone. For 24/7 assistance, the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is available anytime at 800-272-3900.
Follow the link to learn more: alz.org/.../resources/resolving-family-conflicts.

Kimball Street Warming Center

The Kimball Street Warming Center is open for the winter season.
Located at 1 Kimball St., Amsterdam, the center is open daily from November 15, 2025 through April 15, 2026, with doors opening at 5:00 PM.
Services are available on a first come, first served basis for single adults. For more information, call 518-842-4202 ext. 3114.

Car Seat Program at Fulton County Public Health

Do you need a new car seat for your child? Are you pregnant and need a car seat for your newborn?
Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a Free Car Seat Program for Fulton County Residents. Qualifying individuals can receive a free infant seat, convertible seat, and/or booster seat.
Call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720 for more information and to make an appointment.

Autism Awareness Visor Card Program

The New York State Police have developed the Autism Awareness Visor Card program in effort to assist in communication and reduce confusion and fear during police interactions. Each patrol vehicle will be equipped with a card to use as needed. Copies are also available to the public to be downloaded and printed here: https://troopers.ny.gov/.../autism-card-v2.pdf.

The Importance of Prevention

Knowing how to prevent and control the spread of STIs/HIV and unplanned pregnancies will help_ you talk openly with your sexual partner(s) and be in control of your sexual health. Click the link below to learn more about your prevention options.

campaigns.health.ny.gov/SexualHealth/PreventionAndControl

Lights on for Life

Drunk and impaired driving can be deadly. Raise awareness about impaired driving this season and join the Lights on for Life campaign. 

Scan QR code or click here to sign the pledge: https://docs.google.com/forms.

Rides for Recovery

🚗 Need a ride to support your recovery?
The Rides for Recovery program can help you get to recovery events, meetings, treatment, pharmacy visits, court appointments, and more — wherever you need to go as you grow in your recovery journey.
📅 Call or text at least 48 hours in advance during business hours:
📞 518-705-4626
This service is provided by the Rob Constantine Recovery and Community Outreach Center youreinrecovery.com

Merry Christmas from Fulton County Public Health

Fulton County Public Health wishes you a safe and Merry Christmas. The office will be closed on Thursday, December 25, in observance of the holiday.

Negative Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure can cause lifelong health problems. If you, or anyone else, have been exposed to lead talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Click the link below for a video on the health related dangers of lead and how to prevent them. youtu.be/nPD3G0Xaurg

Recall on Ground Cinnamon Products

The FDA is continuing to analyze cinnamon and review sample results received from state partners who have been continuously sampling ground cinnamon at retail for elevated levels of lead. This public health alert will be updated as necessary if the FDA finds that additional products contain elevated levels of lead and that exposure to these products may be unsafe.
• The FDA is advising consumers to stop using and dispose of the ground cinnamon products listed in the table.
• Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve ground cinnamon products listed in the table and should discard them.
• These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products.
• If there’s suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, talk to your healthcare provider. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure.
• Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.
fda.gov/.../more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead

Recall on CreateOn Crayola Pip-Cubes

Due to the potential hazards this product presents to children if ingested, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled CreateOn Crayola Pip-Cubes. If swallowed, these magnetic pieces can pose serious injuries to your child. Please click the link provided to view the warning and recall. cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/CreateOn-Recalls-Pip-Cubes-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Magnet-Ingestion-Hazard

Dog Bite Prevention

You can’t predict from a dog’s size or breed whether it will bite. Any dog, even a pet, will bite if it mistakes your behavior for a threat. Learn how a dog’s body language may show that it is stressed or frightened and may bite: avma.org/.../dog-bite-prevention

Alliance for Positive Health

For almost 40 years, the Alliance for Positive Health (formerly the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York) has been a leader in fighting the epidemic of HIV/AIDS serving 15 counties in northeastern New York. As a leader in testing and care coordination services for those living with HIV, their responsibility is to extend that expertise to those impacted by sexually transmitted diseases, opioid addiction, and associated health and mental heatlh challenges. SERVING 15 COUNTIES OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK - ALBANY, CLINTON, COLUMBIA, ESSEX, FRANKLIN, FULTON, GREENE, HAMILTON, MONTGOMERY, RENSSELAER, SARATOGA, SCHENECTADY, SCHOHARIE, WARREN, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. allianceforpositivehealth.org

Recall on TooyBing Montessori Stacking Toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission would like to warn the public that TooyBing Montessori Stacking Toys have been recalled due to potential choking hazards and to stop using immediately. Please click the link provided to view the warning and recall. cpsc.gov/Warnings/2026/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-TooyBing-Montessori-Stacking-Toys-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Choking-Violates-Small-Parts-Ban

Bites from Stray Animals

Animal bites and scratches can happen anytime anywhere, often by strays or animals you don’t know.
Ensure your protection from the fatal rabies virus, by following these simple steps:
1. If it’s a domestic animal bite: get the owners name and phone number.
2. If the owner is not around or the animals a stray make a note of:
  a. what the animal looks like (a good description),
  b. the color or number of the house’s around you,
  c. the street name and direction the animal came from and ran away to.
3. Wash the wound(s) with soap and water.
4. Seek medical attention immediately, at a local urgent care or hospital ER.
5. Report the animal bite or scratch to:
Fulton County Public Health, 518-736-5720.

Vaccines During Pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Vaccines protect both mom and baby. Talk to your health care provider about recommended vaccines.

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-pregnancy/

Kringle Kottage Sensory Santa Appointments

Lake George is offering an opportunity for Sensory Friendly Santa appointments, through December 23rd. Located at Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center, 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845, these appointments are reserved for guests with sensory sensitivities or special needs. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and require reservations be made at kringlekottage.org. There are also public visiting hours, you can check the website for more information: LakeGeorge.com

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses

Protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses this holiday season. Get this year’s flu and COVID vaccines, and the RSV vaccine if you are eligible. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are right for you.

WIC and Health Nutrition for Your Toddler

WIC helps fuel your busy toddler’s adventures with fruit, veggies, beans, eggs, and other healthy foods. Across New York, kids under five are eating well and staying healthy with WIC. Visit health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic and chat with Wanda to see if WIC can help.

RSV Protection

RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. As a parent or care giver it’s important you know the symptoms and seek medical attention quickly.

RSV symptoms in infants and young children may include:
  • Runny nose
  • Irritability
  • Eating or drinking less
  • Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds)

There are 2 ways to protect your infant from RSV. Most infants only need one, not both.
  1. RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, between 32-36 weeks pregnant and usually given seasonally from September – January.
  2. RSV antibody recommended for infants younger than 8 months old and usually given seasonally from October – March.

For more information visit:
  • cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children
  • healthychildren.org/.../RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold
  • Youtube: RSV Prevention Breakthrough: Protect Your Baby with Nirsevimab

NYS Early Intervention Program Information Session

Join the New York State Early Intervention Program for a virtual overview session to learn about programs offered for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. 

Information sessions will be held on the following dates from 7:00-8:00pm:
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• Thursday, April 16, 2026
• Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Scan the code or use the link to sign up: https://www.eifamilies.com/early-intervention-program-overview-sigh-up

Healthy Media Habits

📱 Is your child’s screen time crowding out other activities?

Make space for play, reading, rest, and family time by setting screen-free zones and turning off autoplay.

Healthy media habits start early!

Learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics: aap.org/.../media-and-children

Respiratory Virus Vaccine Chart

Vaccines are the best protection against respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Ask your provider where you can get yours today!

Free Car Seat Checks

Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a Free Car Seat Program for Fulton County Residents. Do you need help installing a car seat? Do you need assistance purchasing a car seat? Qualifying individuals can receive a free infant seat, convertible seat, and/or booster seat.

Free Car Seat Check Clinics are being held every Wednesday from 10am-noon at Fulton County Public Health Department. Call us at 518-736-5720 to make an appointment.