Free Presentation on Scams

Please join Fulton County Office for Aging and NYConnects for “Let’s Talk About Scams,” a presentation by Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan on June 28th at 12:30 pm located at the Senior Center of Gloversville. Please RSVP at 518-736-5650 by June 24th. 

Beware of Mosquitoes

It is the time of year to think about mosquitoes. Warmer temperatures accelerate mosquito development, biting rates and the possibility of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and Powassan virus. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Prevention remains the most effective method to protect yourself and others from exposure to mosquitoes.

Free Life Skills Webinar

Join Westchester Institute for Human Development for an online webinar on June 25h from 6:30-8:00 pm on “ Life-Skills Workshop Series #3” Life-skills, or daily living skills, are abilities that our loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to achieve their highest level of independence. These include skills related to managing money, personal hygiene, medication management, taking care of living spaces, laundry, cooking, transportation, and shopping. Please register by following the link: Register Link

Test your Child for Lead at 1 and 2

Testing at 1 and 2 years old helps protect children from extra years of exposure to the poison of lead.

cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/

Fulton County Cooling Center Locations

Stay Cool and Safe!

As the temperatures rise, our community cooling centers are here to help you stay comfortable. If you need a place to cool down, visit one of the following locations.
Cooling Center Locations:
  • Johnstown Public Library - 38 S Market St, Johnstown, NY 12095 Tuesday-Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-4pm Saturday 10am-1pm
  • Johnstown Senior Center - 109 E Main St, Johnstown, NY 12095 Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm Friday 8am-12pm
  • Gloversville Public Library- 58 E Fulton St, Gloversville, NY 12078 Monday 9am-7pm Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm
  • Gloversville Senior Center - 53 Church St, Gloversville, NY 12078 Monday-Friday 9am-1pm
  • Catholic Charities of Fulton/Montgomery Counties - 1 Kimball St, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Sunday-Saturday 5pm-10pm
Stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, and keep cool!

Rabies Vaccines

Reminder: New York State Law states that all dogs, cats and ferrets are to be vaccinated against rabies. To learn more about pets and rabies vaccinations in NY, check out the NY State Department of Health Fact Sheet here: health.ny.gov/.../pet_owners_fact_sheet.pdf

Need to get a vaccination for your pet? Call your vet to make an appointment. Pets can also be vaccinated at Tractor Supply locations and at Fulton County Public Health rabies clinics.

Heat Alert! Check on Vulnerable Individuals

Extreme Heat Alert for Fulton County!

Fulton County is experiencing an extreme heat wave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. This intense heat can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions.

Please take extra precautions:
• Check on your elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated.
• Keep children indoors during peak heat hours and ensure they drink plenty of water.
• Utilize cooling centers if you don't have access to air conditioning.

Remember, heat illness can escalate quickly. Signs to watch for include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Let's take care of each other and stay safe during this extreme weather.

HEPA Vacuum Rental for Residents

HEPA vacuums are capable of removing up to 99.97% of ‘lead in dust’ hazards in the home. Residents living in pre-1978 housing who have older windows are encouraged to borrow the HEPA vacuum at least annually and thoroughly clean their floors, window wells and window sills, followed by weekly wet cleaning of window sills and wet mopping of floors to keep lead dust levels low.

Through the Fulton County Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program grant from New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HEPA vacuum is available for loan to Fulton County residents. Contact the Fulton County Public Health Department at 518-736-5720 to find out how to borrow the HEPA vacuum.

Residents use the HEPA vacuum at their own risk, it can be on loan for a one-week period and the borrower is required to provide picture I.D. and return the vacuum clean, and in good condition.

health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/

Recall Alert: Badia Cinnamon & Ginger

*Recall Alert*

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued an alert to consumers regarding the presence of elevated lead levels in Ground Ginger and Ground Cinnamon, manufactured by Badia Spices Inc. Exposure to lead may cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, pregnant women, and those with underlying kidney disorders. If a child or a pregnant woman is exposed to lead for a prolonged period of time, permanent damage to the central nervous system, learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems can occur. No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers concerned about an injury or illness associated with this product should immediately contact a healthcare provider. Consumers who may have purchased these products should not consume them and are advised to discard the product immediately.

Badia Ground Ginger, sold in 1.5-ounce clear plastic bottles with black plastic caps with UPC Code #033844002237 and Lot # 307922, is subject to this alert. A photo of the product is included in this consumer alert. The product was sold at multiple retailers within New York State.

Badia Ground Cinnamon, sold in 2-ounce clear plastic bottles with black plastic caps with UPC Code #033844000158 and Lot #’s 305481 and 309528, are subject to this alert. A photo of the product is included in this consumer alert. The product was sold at multiple retailers within New York State.

agriculture.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-elevated-lead-levels-found-badia-spices-inc-brand-ground-ginger-and-ground

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month

June is Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month!

Celebrate the season by indulging in nature's bounty of fresh, delicious, and nutritious produce. It's the perfect time to explore your local farmers markets and support our hardworking farmers. Check out the graphic below for farmers market locations. Let's make healthy eating fun and flavorful this month!

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Keep your child(ren) safe while traveling this summer.

Before going on your summer vacation, review these Travel Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC).

If you have questions about car seat safety, call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720 before traveling this summer.

healthychildren.org/.../Travel-Safety-Tips
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/children/

Extreme Heat Alert! Safety Tips

Attention Fulton County Residents!

We’re facing extreme heat and humidity this week, with temperatures feeling like triple digits! ? Here are some essential safety tips to stay cool and safe:
Hydrate ? – Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Stay Indoors ? – Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Cool Down ? – Use air conditioning, fans, and cool showers.
Dress Smart ? – Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Check on Others ?? – Ensure vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors are safe.

Let’s look out for each other and beat the heat! Stay safe, Fulton County! ?

Know the Lead Laws for your Home

Be aware of laws to protect your family from lead when buying or renting a house.

For more information: epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential-lead-hazards

Prevent Dog Bites

Children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.

Any dog can bite especially when scared, nervous, eating, or when playing or protecting toys or puppies. Dogs may also bite when they aren't feeling well and want to be left alone.

1st Annual Fulton County Youth Day

Save the Date for the 1st Annual Fulton County Youth Day on Wednesday July 17 (rain date Thursday July 18) from 11 am to 3 pm at Trail Station Park in Gloversville. Youth can enjoy a variety of free games, STEM kits, DJ, and more.

Free entry! Events include Bike Rodeo, Obstacle Course, Corn Hole Tournament, DJ/Dancing, Lawn Games, Build and Race Your Own Boat, STEM Kit Tent, Tug of War, and so much more!

Free lunch will be provided to youth from 11-1:30. All youth under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone and a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian. Forms will be available at registration.

Protect Yourself from Ticks

Infected ticks can spread Lyme disease. Protect yourself and your family from tick bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent, performing tick checks, and showering soon after being outdoors.

For more information about ticks, check out this site from the CDC: cdc.gov/ticks/

Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion? Know the Signs

Stay Safe in the Heat!

With rising temperatures, it's crucial to be aware of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

  • Heat Exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If you experience these, move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest.

  • Heat Stroke is more severe and can be life-threatening. Look out for high body temperature (103°F or higher), hot/red/dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, or unconsciousness. If someone shows these signs, call 911 immediately and try to cool them down until help arrives.

School Immunizations

Schedule an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider today, to ensure they are up to date with New York State required school immunizations. For more information about school immunizations visit: health.ny.gov/.../schools/.

New CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines

The CDC has released new guidelines for Respiratory Viruses, including Influenza, Covid, and RSV.

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.

For more information please visit: cdc.gov/.../p0301-respiratory-virus.html 

Car Seat program

Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a 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. Call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720 for more information.

Extreme Heat Alert! Outdoor Worker Safety

Attention all outdoor workers! As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses. Did you know that each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat stress? In 2022 alone, there were over 2,830 cases of heat-related illnesses reported and sadly, 40 fatalities.

Protect yourself by:
Drinking water every 15 minutes, even if you're not thirsty
Taking frequent breaks in the shade or a cool area
Wearing light, breathable clothing and a hat
Watching out for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating

Your health is your wealth! Stay cool and stay safe out there.

Sunscreen Use and Infants

As the weather warms up, do you wonder if your infant needs sunscreen? Children younger than 6 month’s old have sensitive skin that is vulnerable to sunburns. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sunscreen is not the answer. The best protection from the sun is keeping your infant out of direct sunlight. 

The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offer these Summer Sun Safety Tips: fda.gov/.../should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually.

Summer Exercise Tips

Stay Active and Safe this Summer!

Exercising in the summer heat can be a blast, but safety comes first! Here are some tips to keep you cool and safe:
  • Work out during cooler parts of the day – early morning or late evening.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help stay cool.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses for extra sun protection.

Fulton County Cooling Center Locations

Stay Cool and Safe!

As the temperatures rise, our community cooling centers are here to help you stay comfortable. If you need a place to cool down, visit one of the following locations.
Cooling Center Locations:
  • Johnstown Public Library - 38 S Market St, Johnstown, NY 12095 Tuesday-Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-4pm Saturday 10am-1pm
  • Johnstown Senior Center - 109 E Main St, Johnstown, NY 12095 Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm Friday 8am-12pm
  • Gloversville Public Library- 58 E Fulton St, Gloversville, NY 12078 Monday 9am-7pm Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm
  • Gloversville Senior Center - 53 Church St, Gloversville, NY 12078 Monday-Friday 9am-1pm
  • Catholic Charities of Fulton/Montgomery Counties - 1 Kimball St, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Sunday-Saturday 5pm-10pm
Stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, and keep cool!

Prevent Hot Car Deaths

As the temperature outside warms up, so does the inside of your car. In just minutes, a car can heat up and become deadly. 

According to the National Safety Council, about 37 children die each year from heat stroke from being left in a hot vehicle. These deaths are tragic and preventable. These safety tips could save a life: 
o Always check the back seat before you leave your vehicle
o Place your purse, backpack, briefcase of coat next to your child’s car seat
o Put a sticky note on the dashboard as a reminder to check the back seat
o Keep a stuffed animal or toy in your child’s car seat when empty, then move it to the front seat as a visual reminder your child is in the back seat. 

nhtsa.gov/.../you-can-help-prevent-hot-car-deaths
nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke

Work Based Experiences Webinar

Join Westchester Institute for Human Development for an online webinar on June 20th from 6-7:30 pm on “The purpose of Supporting Your Child in Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences”. The goal is to provide families and guardians with the foundational knowledge of what high-quality WBL looks like in New York State (NYS) including but not limited to: exploring registered and unregistered program options available to students with disabilities, reviewing the career development process and the NYS framework for WBL, determining who the essential partners are in order to ensure students are receiving an individualized and collaborative experience, and identifying activities and strategies to increase career awareness and development in the home and community. Please register by following this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/.../registration.

Free Cancer Screenings

Cancer Services of Fulton, Montgomery, and Schenectady Counties is offering FREE cancer screenings on June 25 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bellevue Woman’s Center in Schenectady. Uninsured, eligible individuals can receive free mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams. For more information please call 518-841-3726.

Spot Fake Medications

Did you know that counterfeit prescription medications are becoming increasingly prevalent? It's a serious issue that can put your health at risk.

Your health is too important to take risks. Let's all stay vigilant and prioritize safety when it comes to our medications!

For more information please visit: consumer.ftc.gov/.../0023-buying-health-products-services-online