Fulton County Public Health

Director of Public Health:   
Laurel Headwell, MS   
Assistant Director:   
Angela Stuart Palmer, MS

Supervising PHN:   
Kim Frederick, MS, RN   
Fiscal Manager:   
Tammy Mickan

Office Hours:   
Monday - Friday:   
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Address:   
County Services Complex   
2714 State Highway 29   
Johnstown, NY 12095

Phone:   
(518) 736-5720   
Fax:   
(518) 762-1382

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Strength Training for Your Health

Lean muscle mass naturally diminishes with age.Your body fat percentage will increase over time if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time. Strength training can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass at any age.

Strength training may also help you:
  •   Develop strong bones. 
  •   Manage your weight. 
  •   Enhance your quality of life. 
  •   Manage chronic conditions. 
  •   Sharpen your thinking skills.

mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/strength-training/.

Four smaller images of a variety of people lifitng weights.


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:
  â€˘ Runny nose
  â€˘ Irritability
  â€˘ Eating or drinking less
  â€˘ Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing
  â€˘ 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:
  â€˘ https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children/
  â€˘ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx

Condenses information found on various subpages of  cdc.gov/rsv about when babies and 60+ adults should get RSV Immunizations and when.


Happy Holidays ~ Felices fiestas

With holiday gatherings just around the corner, getting your COVID-19 vaccine or booster can help protect you and your loved ones. Let's keep our celebrations safe, healthy, and full of joy! Schedule your COVID-19 vaccination here:
vaccines.gov/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated for COVID-19 before the festivities begin!

Con las reuniones de las fiestas cerca, vacunarse del COVID-19 o ponerse la vacuna de refuerzo puede ayudar a protegerlo y proteger a sus seres queridos. Mantengamos nuestras celebraciones seguras, sanas y llenas de alegrĂ­a. Programe su vacuna del COVID-19 aquĂ­:
vaccines.gov/es/

¡FELICES FIESTAS! ¡Protéjase y proteja a sus seres queridos vacunándose del COVID-19 antes de que empiecen las fiestas!


Safe Gifts

If you are giving a gift this season, ensure it is safe. Please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages:

  • Inspect the toy before purchasing. Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Toys should not have sharp edges or points, and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
  • Do not give toys with small parts. If a piece of a toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for kids under the age of three.
  • Only give crayons and markers that are labeled “nontoxic”.
  • Do not give a toy with lead in it. Old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint.
  • Sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear. For example, give a helmet with a skateboard.
  • Look for labels that assures you it has passed a safety inspection- “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

Give a safe gift this season.


Park Terrace Express

Come out and enjoy some holiday family fun on The Park Terrace Express.

December 21 or 22 from 12pm-3pm @ Park Terrace Elementary School.

Make Reindeer Food Pictures with the... the... THE GRINCH Make ornaments, and write a letter to SANTA! Pictures at the Glove Pole with Santa, Rudolp and his elves!

$10 per person or $35 for 4 people. All proceeds go toward GESD’s backpack program.

Park Terrace Express


RECALL of BAOFALI 4-IN-1 MICROFIBER CRIB SAFETY BUMPERS

Description:
This recall involves Baofali 4-in-1 Microfiber Crib Safety Bumpers with model numbers JJ25B-A1, JJ25B-A2 and JJ25B-A3. They are sold in white, gray and pink colors and have a rectangular shape with fabric ties attached. They are approximately 52 inches long by 10 inches tall.

Hazard:
The recalled crib bumpers violate the federal crib bumper ban, posing a suffocation hazard to infants. Padded crib bumpers are banned by the federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act.

Recall Date:
November 07, 2024

For more information:
cpsc.gov/.../Baofali-Crib-Bumpers-Recalled-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard

BAOFALI 4-IN-1 MICROFIBER CRIB SAFETY BUMPERS


Toys and Activities for Special Needs Children

Are you are a parent or a caregiver of a child with special needs? Is your child on a waitlist for Speech , OT, PT or Special Education? Have you been waiting for services for your child due to a shortage of service providers in your area? We understand and we feel your frustration! But did you know that there are simple toys and activities you could be using at home that promote improved cognition, speech development and gross and fine motor skills? Here are some simple activities and toys every family should know about. These make great Holiday gifts! Now, Let’s Play!

Here are some toys and games that can help promote language and cognition for children with special needs:
• Building blocks - Children can use blocks to create structures, which can help develop language skills through hands-on play. Blocks can also be combined with other toys for symbolic play.
• Puzzles - Puzzles can help children develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and strategy.
• Shape sorters - Shape sorters can help toddlers understand how different shapes fit together, which can promote spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Bubbles - Bubbles can help with language concepts.
• Puppets - Children can decorate puppets and have mock conversations between the puppets.
• Toy cars, trucks, or trains - Vehicles can help children develop language skills. Try to use vehicles that don't make noise.
• Sensory play - Activities like playing with sand, water, or play dough can help develop sensory and motor skills.

When playing with a child with special needs, you can try:
• Being patient
• Listening
• Enjoying spending time together
• Placing a variety of toys on a flat surface
• Making up a game using a ball
• Making a video of the child doing something and playing it back for them
 


Recall of Dixon Ticonderoga Craft Buttons

Dixon Ticonderoga is recalling Creativity Street Assorted Craft Buttons.The recalled children’s craft buttons contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Please see the link below for more information.

Dixon Ticonderoga Recalls Creativity Street Children’s Assorted Craft Buttons Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban | CPSC.gov

Dixon Ticonderoga Craft Buttons package


Lights on for Life Campaign

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

Click here to sign the pledge: Lights on for Life Pledge - 2024.

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


Car Seat Program

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.

DO YOU NEED A CAR SEAT OR A BOOSTER? To qualify for a free car seat or booster: Must show proof that applicant and/or child live in Fulton County AND receives one of the following public services: Fulton County Public Health or SNAP/EBT Medicaid WIC. To make an appointment call: Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720


RECALL of YOYO3 STROLLER

Description:
This recall involves YOYO3 strollers with serial numbers starting with “142AA” followed by numbers that fall below “0062239.” Only strollers with these numbers are affected. The stroller frame is black or black and white, and the stroller seat and canopy are black, Bonpoint beige, stone, olive, taupe, toffee, ginger, Air France blue or aqua. The wheels have a white reflective center. The serial number is located on a tracking label under the stroller seat.
Hazard:
The parking brake on the recalled strollers can disengage, posing an injury hazard.

Recall Date: November 14, 2024

For more information:
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3

YOYO3 STROLLER


Toy Assistance Sign-ups

Catholic Charities is offering Christmas Toy Assistance Sign-ups for parents and guardians of children ages 2-12 years old.

Must be eligible to apply.

When: Open sign ups start on December 2nd and take place Monday – Friday 9-11am & 1-3pm

Where: Catholic Charities – 1 Kimball Street, Amsterdam, NY

Contact: See flyer for eligibility requirements or call for more information
518-842-4202 ext.3101 or ext.3104.

2024 Christmas Toy Assistance Sign-Ups Catholic Charities of Fulton & Montgomery Counties will once again be working to provide families with holiday assistance this year. Open sign ups for Christmas toys will be held starting December 2nd. Sign-ups will be Monday - Friday, 9am - 11:30am & 1pm - 3pm. Applicants must come prepared with the following information: • Photo Identification for ALL ADULTS in the household • Proof of Montgomery or Fulton County Residency Birth Certificates or Insurance Cards(with birth date) for ALL CHILDREN on application * ONLY children ages 2-12 can be registered, you must have legal custody and child(ren) must reside in the home full time. Families are not eligible to sign up for assistance if they have already regis- tered with another agency for assistance. This information will be verified & duplicated requests will not be accepted. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Aid for Christmas toys is not guaranteed and is based solely on the amount of support we receive through our community gift drive. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Charities of Mortgomery 12010 518-842-4202 ext. 3101 or 3104


RECALL of DREAMGRO LULLABY TRAVEL SOOTHERS

Description:
This recall involves Dreamgro lullaby travel soothers for infants. They are shaped as a mermaid, have a soft gold star attached to the mermaid’s head, and were sold in light blue and pink colors. The soothers play music and have a detachable hook that attaches to car seats and strollers. The Dreamgro name and model numbers are located on the soother’s tag.
Product and Color Model # UPC CODE
Light Blue Mermaid DF156-MT 196710005615
Pink Mermaid DF156-LI 196710008709

Hazard:
The recalled toy’s gold-colored soft star can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Recall Date: November 07, 2024

For more information:
cpsc.gov/.../Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

DREAMGRO LULLABY TRAVEL SOOTHERS


Free EPA Lead Trainings in December

FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for December 2024. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free. Register Here.

Free EPA Lead Training, details in image are found at the included link.

 

 

Emergency Information

How you #StayInformed in an emergency isn’t carved in stone. Find several trusted sources of #emergency information & have multiple ways to receive alerts & warnings. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/planahead/stayinformed/index.htm #PrepYourHealth

To find Rehab Centers that provide alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse rehabilitation you can call 1-866-972-0589. To find a list of rehabs in each state, visit https://freerehabcenters.org/

A growing public health crisis is suicide. Freerehabcenters.org has put together resources for the prevention of suicide including crisis lines, veterans suicide resources, youth suicide resources, and other mental health and suicide prevention resources. Visit https://www.freerehabcenters.org/article/suicide-prevention-resources to learn more.

 

The Fulton County Public Health Department under the direction of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors and the New York State Department of Health, seeks to promote wellness, to protect from disease, to prevent injury/disability, to prepare for emerging illness/disease and to assist Fulton County residents in attaining and maintaining optimal health.      

Each person and/or their family will be educated in accessing health care and will be empowered to be responsible for the decisions regarding their health care needs. Many services offered by FCPH are provided free of charge; others have eligibility criteria and sliding fee scales are available for the uninsured.      

For immunization or car seat appointments call 518-736-5720 to schedule your visit.

 

How do I go about getting rabies vaccination for my pet?

Pet immunization clinics are held periodically throughout the year. A copy of the current Rabies Clinic Vaccination flyer can be accessed by visiting https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/rabies>.   

A nominal donation is requested. Rabies clinic dates are also advertised in local newspapers, on Facebook and posted in town halls. Clinic pre-registration is available by calling (518) 736-5720 three weeks prior to each clinic.

How do I reduce, prevent and eliminate lead in my home?

Please visit the New York State Department of Health's website at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/ or the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/.   

For specific questions, please contact our Lead Nurse here at Fulton County Public Health at (518) 736-5720. 

How do I qualify for the low-income car seat program?

You or your child need to have some type of public assistance (WIC benefits, Medicaid, food stamps) or be below WIC income guidelines (200% of poverty). Additionally, you need to have a valid reason for needing a car seat.   

You can sign up for an appointment by calling our office at (518) 736-5720 and asking to speak with our Child Passenger Safety Technician.

I am concerned about my child's development. Are there services available?

Early Intervention is for children with development delays from birth to age 3. Children are evaluated and if found eligible for the program may receive services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or special education services (to name some).   

Children ages 3-5 are evaluated through their local school district Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to determine eligibility and services. Both programs are voluntary. 

How do I get my immunization records?

Fulton County Public Health can provide copies of immunizations that were obtained in their office.   
If your immunizations were not done at Fulton County Public Health, immunization records can be obtained from doctors' offices and schools (K-12 or college) attended.

How do I treat head lice and what are the school/daycare rules? Also, how do you treat for bedbugs?

Please watch this YouTube video: "Head Lice to Dead Lice."

For bed bugs, please watch this YouTube video: "7 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs."

Where can I learn more about cooling centers in NYS?

Visit the NYS Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/about.htm

Where can I go to get more information on Cooling Assistance Benefits?

Visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) site at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance

Where can I go to get more information on HEAP Heating Assistance programs?

Visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) site at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#regular-benefit

What is the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and how do I learn more about it?

Visit the NYS Department of Health Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program site at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/hpnap/

 

Public Health - CSHCN Fulton County Community Health Guide