Respiratory Virus Season

Flu, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory illnesses can be serious. The first step to protect yourself and your family is to be up to date on vaccinations. Learn about vaccines and the protection they offer everyone. health.ny.gov/.../frequently_asked_questions.htm.

Recall on Rheumacare Capsules

Handelnine Global Limited d/b/a Navafresh is voluntarily recalling Rheumacare Capsules by Virgo UAP Pharma Pvt. Ltd. In testing conducted by the Food and Drug Administration the product has been found to contain lead at levels up to 11,100 ppm, which are higher than permissible levels. Click on the link provided to see if your product is part of the recall. fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handelnine-global-limited-dba-navafresh-issues-nationwide-recall-rheumacare-capsules-virgo-uap

Free Cancer Screenings at Nathan Littauer Hospital

Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on Tuesday, January 13, from 1pm to 3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Offering free breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams.

Uninsured patients between the ages of 40-64 are eligible. 

Please call Cancer Services for more information 518-841-3726.

Cancer Services Program

Screening for cervical cancer can be a lifesaver! Screening can find the cells that lead to cancer so they can be removed. 

If you have a cervix, talk to your doctor about getting this important screening. 

If you do not have insurance, the Cancer Services Program of Fulton, Montgomery, and Schenectady Counties may be able to help you get a free cervical cancer screening. Call 518-841-3726. 

Learn more about the Cancer Services Program at their website: smha.org/services/free-cancer-screenings/

Free EPA Lead Trainings

FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for January 2026. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free.

EPA certification is federally mandated when projects disturb lead-based paint in a pre-1978 home or residential unit and child-occupied facilities. Property owners, landlords, and contractors throughout New York State performing lead-safe repairs must be EPA certified in Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP).

In addition to this federal requirement, the New York State Lead Rental Registry Law requires property owners to address lead paint hazards in pre-1980 residential rental housing with 2 or more units in 25 communities of concern. Learn more about the new requirements for property owners under the NYS Lead Rental Registry Law.

See our attached January 2026 Lead RRP Training Flyer or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for a current schedule of free, local EPA Lead RRP trainings to learn lead-safe work practices and help reduce childhood lead poisoning. Click the link to register: 
Register Here.

Get Help Enrolling in Health Insurance

Are you in need of health insurance? There are people who can help. The organizations below offer free specialists to assist you with enrolling in health insurance coverage.
 • Adirondack Health Institute’s EASE program: visit ahihealth.org/ease/ or call 1-866-872-3740.
 • Nathan Littauer Hospital Insurance Assistance: visit nlh.org/faqs/financial-assistance or call 518-775-4074 or 518-775-4092 

STI Prevention

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex and most people do not have symptoms. If the STIs are not treated, they can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Acquiring these STIs can put people at risk for HIV, and some cancers. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable and curable.

RSV Vaccines for Infants

RSV can cause severe illness in newborns. Antibody immunizations can help protect against RSV.

Learn more: cdc.gov/.../protect-infants.html 

PTECH Prospective Student Nights

Students and their families are invited to learn about the HFM Pathways in Technology Early College High School program (PTECH). PTECH’s innovative program offers real-world experiences and focuses on collaborative, hands-on learning in a space where students take the lead role in their learning. Best of all - students earn a 2-year college degree AT NO COST to their families.

Any student interested in applying to PTECH for the 2026-27 school year is encouraged to attend one of our Prospective Student Nights and hear more about what makes PTECH so special.

Prospective Student Nights will be held on:
Tuesday, January 6 • 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, January 14 • 6:00-7:30pm

PTECH applications for the 2026-27 school year are due January 30, 2026. Information on applying can be found at hfmboces.org/ptech-applynow/

Build Budget-Friendly Meals 

MyPlate Kitchen has recipes and resources to help build healthy, budget-friendly meals. Find #MyPlate Kitchen (and other healthy eating resources) at myplate.gov/whatsonmyplate. For more tips, follow #WhatsOnMyPlate and see how others are using MyPlate to save.

SUNY Reconnect - Free Associates Degrees for Adult Learners

SUNY Reconnect is helping advance the careers of adults in New York by offering free associates degrees to those who:
• Are a New York State resident
• Are 25-55 years old
• Do not have a college degree

Visit suny.edu/communitycollege/free-cc/ to learn about the available programs near you.

FDA Warnings: Lead in Imported Cookware

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food. Some types of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium have been tested by FDA and state partners, and found to leach lead into food when used for cooking, thereby making food unsafe. Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk for potential adverse events after eating food cooked using these products. FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025 | FDA

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/