Lead Pipes

Lead exposure, even in small amounts, may cause health problems. It is connected with behavior and learning problems in kids, and high blood pressure and kidney problems in adults. The federal government banned the use of leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many remaining pipe networks in older cities and homes predate the policy. To learn how to identify lead water pipes in your home click the link and watch the video.

youtube.com/watch?v=PcO5FCE9Vfw

Community Walk & Swim Program

It’s important to stay active and keep moving during these cold winter months. The Johnstown Community Walking Program and Community Swim Program is be a great way to get exercise indoors.

Community Walking Program
December 2nd – April 10th 2025 @ Warren St. Elementary School
Monday – Thursday 6:30pm-8pm
Please use the main entrance and sign in with attendant.
    *Note that this program does not run when school is not in session or canceled due to inclement weather.

Community Swim Program
Saturdays starting December 7th 2025 @ Johnstown High School (no program on 2/15 & 2/22)
9am – 11am
Please use the back entrance by the pool/bus stop loop and sign in with attendant.
    *Note that this program does not run when school is not in session or canceled due to inclement weather.

Contact Robert Kraemer with any questions: rkraemer@johnstownschools.org 

Recall of Hermixa 6-in-1 Convertible Crib

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Hermixa 6-in-1 Convertible Cribs

Hazard:
• The spacing between the cribs’ slats is wider than allowed under the federal safety standard, posing a potentially deadly entrapment hazard to children.

• In bedside sleeper mode, the product poses a fall hazard because the side rail is lower than the required height and it is missing a mechanism to attach the product to an adult bed, which violates the federal safety standard for bedside sleepers.

• The mattresses included with the product pose a hazard of fatal suffocation because they are too thick, which violates the federal safety regulation for crib mattresses.

• The product comes with a padded crib bumper which can obstruct breathing and cause death by suffocation. Padded crib bumpers are banned under federal law.

Consumer Action:
CPSC urges consumers to stop using the cribs immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous products.

Product Safety Warning Date: January 30, 2025

Sold Online At: The crib was sold on Amazon.com from February 2024 through August 2024for about $250.

For more information on safety practices:
cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Hermixa-6-in-1-Convertible-Crib

Cancer Screening

Regular screenings can help find cancer at the earliest stages. That's when your chance of successful treatment is highest. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) about the cancer screenings you should get.

Breast Cancer - It is recommended for women ages 40-74 to have a mammogram every one or two years. Women should talk to their PCP about how often they need the screening.

Cervical Cancer - It is recommended for women ages 21-65 to have one Pap test every 3 years. Starting at age 30, women can instead choose to have a screening every 5 years if they have a Pap test and an HPV test together.

Colorectal Cancer - Regular screenings are recommended for everyone ages 45-75. Ask your doctor which type of colorectal cancer screening is right for you. Depending on many risk factors, including family health history and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend more frequent or extra cancer screenings. Speak with your doctor about which screenings are right for you.

Lung Cancer - Yearly screenings with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are recommended for adults ages 50-80 who smoke 20 packs/year, or who quit smoking within the past 15 years.

Prostate Cancer - Men ages 55-69 should speak with their primary care provider (PCP) to make an individualized screening decision.

Visit fideliscare.org/.../Cancer-Screening for mor information.

Support Parents Needed

If you or someone you know are looking for an opportunity to be a supportive listening ear for another parent that has a child with disabilities, please see the attached flier.

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a Support Parent, please contact Amy Snyder, Regional Coordinator at Parent to Parent of NYS.

500 Balltown Rd Schenectady, NY 12304
(518) 381-4350

visit our website : ptopnys.org

Recall on Nazzaro Bowling Pin Sipper Cups

Nazzaro recalls children bowling pin sipper cups due to risk of lead poisoning. The red tape on the bowling pin sipper cups contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. The words “ITEM NO. PG1045”, the brand name and the firm’s address are printed on a white label located on the side of the sipper cup. Consumers should immediately take the recalled cups away from children and stop using them. Contact Nazzaro for a full refund. Nazzaro is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Nazzaro Recalls Children Bowling Pin Sipper Cups Due to Risk of Lead Poisoning; Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban | CPSC.gov

Covid-19 Vaccines at Fulton County Public Health

Fulton County Public Health has the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine for adults, 19 years of age and older, and are uninsured or underinsured. Call Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm, at 518-736-5720 to schedule an appointment.

Vaccinate Your Pets for Rabies

Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. It helps reduce the risk of exposure for them & everyone in your home. If your pets are too young get their rabies shot, they should be supervised while outdoors. More rabies safety info: health.ny.gov/.../zoonoses/rabies

The Dangers of Radon in Your Home

Did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among non-smokers? It's odorless and colorless too, so testing is the only way to find out if your home has radon. Find out how to get a test here: epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional.

U.S. EPA | This #NationalRadonActionMonth, don’t forget to #TestYourNest. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Learn more about at-home radon testing

Radon Factsheet: Radon Health Risks

Radon Factsheet: Radon Guidance and Resources

Maternal Heart Health Awareness

February is Heart Health Awareness month!

A healthy heart is the best start for a healthy pregnancy and newborn. During pregnancy, your heart is working harder than usual to pump blood to you and your baby. The extra stress can cause new problems to emerge during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or preeclampsia. These problems can happen to you during pregnancy, in labor and delivery -- even up to a year after your child is born.

The good news is that high blood pressure and other conditions that put stress on the heart during pregnancy are preventable and treatable. The first step is getting early prenatal care and knowing your risk factors.

For more information on risk factors, prevention and care visit:
cdc.gov/.../high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy
nhlbi.nih.gov/.../heart-health-and-pregnancy.

Project Lifesaver

Did you know Project Lifesaver is available in Fulton County?

Fulton County Sheriff’s Department’s Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program and it’s purpose is to quickly locate an enrolled individual by tracking a small personal transmitter that emits a signal.

The program is intended for children with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions such as Down Syndrome or Autism who are prone to escaping, as well as for Alzheimer’s patients.

Project Lifesaver is free of charge to Fulton County residents but requires the transmitter battery changed every 60 days. Call Jerrica Smith at 518-736-2115 for more information.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

Recognizing the signs of lead in a child’s environment can give families a head start on protecting their children from lead poisoning even before they are born! Primary prevention is the removal of lead hazards from the environment before a child is lead exposed. It is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure.Learn how to spot a lead hazard and how to safely remove it at the link below.
cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/

Spread Kindness, Not Germs

Spread kindness, not germs. Practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette is one way to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like the common cold and COVID-19.

Always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. Clean your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs to others.

cdc.gov/.../coughing-and-sneezing.html

Air Quality Index

Good air quality is essential to our health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an accurate tool used for communicating the safety levels of outdoor air quality. Our air quality can be affected by pollutants which are often made up of fine particles that enter our lungs and can worsen many existing health conditions. The following groups of people should closely monitor air quality before spending time outdoors:
• People with heart or lung disease
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers
• People who are pregnant
• People who work outdoors

Everyone can monitor the Air Quality Index in their area at airnow.gov/.../aqi-basics/.
Visit health.ny.gov/.../air/ to learn more about air quality and how it can affect your health.