Warnings About 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 have demonstrated the potential to leach lead under conditions designed to mimic their use in contact with food. 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. Click the link for specifics items of concern. FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025 | FDA

Coats in Car Seats

The days are getting colder and it’s time to make sure infant’s and young children are safe and warm while riding in the car. Bulky puffy jackets cause loose fitting car seat harnesses, putting your child at risk of injury during a car crash. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests doing the following to keep your child car seat safe and warm this winter:
▪ Dress your child in thin layers, like thermals and sweaters with a thin fleece jacket
▪ Use the child's coat or blanket over the car seat harness, not under the harness
▪ Tighten and check the car seat harness; if you can pinch the straps, then they need to be tightened
▪ Use a car seat cover only if it doesn’t have a layer under the body; nothing bulky under the baby

For more winter car seat safety tips go to:
healthychildren.org/.../Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx 
youtube.com/watch?v=7xBMbE4SY2Q (Car Seat Mishap #3 - Improper Fit) 

Sodium and Your Health

Eating too much sodium, which is the primary ingredient in salt, can raise your blood pressure, as well as your risk of heart attack and stroke. Start by checking labels and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/sodium_reduction

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/...recall-rheumacare-capsules-virgo-uap

Fulton County Food Resource Map

🍎 Need help finding food resources in Fulton County?

We’ve created an interactive map showing local food pantries and community meal sites to make it easier for residents to find support.

Click the link to explore locations, hours, and contact information near you: google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1SaoUtT0iXI3S9MGlz5gsZm12m2vGhCg
    *Dates, times, and locations of sites are subject to change. Call the location with any questions.*

Know the Signs of a Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. Getting help quickly can save lives. Do you know the signs of stroke? Act FAST. 

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911
Learn more here: ninds.nih.gov/health-information/stroke/signs-and-symptoms #KnowStroke

Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk

Don’t plan to DRINK 🍻 without a plan to get home SAFELY 🔑 🏠. Your life and the lives of others are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking.

Indoor Walking Programs in Fulton County

Indoor walking/swimming is back at the Gloversville, Johnstown, and Mayfield school districts. They are a great way to stay active during the winter months. Indoor walking/swimming for all districts will only take place on days when school is in session and will be cancelled when district activities/school is also cancelled.


For Gloversville High School Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from November 3, 2025 – TBD, on Mondays – Thursdays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
• For adults that are 18 years and older.
• Participants must sign in and out at the entrance at the main office. 


For the GJSD Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from December 1, 2025 – April 4, 2026, on Mondays – Thursdays from 6:00pm - 8:00 pm at Warren St. Elementary School.
• Use the main entrance and sign in with the school attendant present.
• Closed February 16, 2026 – February 19, 2026.

For the GJSD Indoor Swimming Program:
• Takes place from December 6, 2025 – TBD, on Saturdays from 9:00am - 11:00am at Johnstown High School. 
• Use the back entrance by the pool/bus loop and sign in with the school attendant present.
• Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Toddlers and younger must wear swimming diapers in the pool. You are allowed to bring in your own swimming aides (swimmies and other devices that are intended to help you stay afloat and swim). Pool floats are prohibited.


For the Mayfield Elementary School Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from January 5, 2026 – TBD, on Mondays – Fridays from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
• For adults that are 18 years and older. Those who are younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years and older. 
• Participants must sign in and out everytime they walk. 
• Walkers must sign an insurance waiver at their first visit to the program that will be held on file. Insurance waivers will be available at the front door or can be accessed here: Waiver-fillable-PDF. To digitally sign the online waiver: please download first, complete and sign all fillable fields, and email to: anastasia.stacie@mayfieldcsd.org.

Be Antibiotics Aware

Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses, including respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or a chest cold. Learn more bit.ly/4mAMTTS #BeAntibioticsAware 

American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in NYS. The first step to protecting your heart is learning about behaviors and conditions that increase your risk of heart disease. health.ny.gov/.../heart_disease/risk_factors.htm.

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.

Free Mammograms

Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on Tuesday, February 10, 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.

Early Intervention is Hiring

Do you enjoy working with children using a play-based therapeutic model? NYS Early Intervention Program needs YOU! There currently is a shortage of qualified providers, which causes children to placed on waiting lists for services. For more information call 518-473-7016 (option 1-Provider Unit) or use the link.

health.ny.gov/.../service_providers/

Dolly's Imagination Library

Enroll your child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and get a free book EVERY MONTH until your child’s 5th birthday! Find out more information at imaginationlibrary.com!

Live Webinar: The 360 Thinking Model

SUNY Old Westbury is offering a Free evening webinar. The speaker, Sarah Ward, as shown in the photo, will discuss her 360 Thinking Executive Function Program, which teaches strategies to support students in developing self regulation and manage impulses. Register at:
nysrcasd.org/events/1547/

Talk to Teens About Safe Driving

New driver in the family? Set the rules before they take the keys 🔑: ✅ No phones ✅ No distractions ✅ Don’t speed ✅ Limit passengers ✅ Buckle up

Follow the link for a copy of the CDC’s Parent-Teen Driving Contract: cdc.gov/teen-drivers.

Keep Kids Safe from Harmful Tobacco Marketing
v Nicotine delivery devices like cigarettes, e-cigarettes, spit tobacco, and nicotine pouches are being successfully marketed to the youth population. Tobacco companies purposefully place advertisements near places where children live or travel to like schools.

To learn more about the methods used to market tobacco and nicotine to the youth population, visit youtu.be/JW0sB8kiero.

Free Virtual Parenting Group

Free Parenting Group: For Parents of Children that are 12 and under.
Share experiences, resources, and tips with other caregivers like you.
Presented by Parent to Parent of New York State.
The event is on February 3, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sign ups are until 24 hours before. Click the link to register:
zoom.us/meeting/register/.

Wear Red on February 6th

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but awareness and prevention can save lives. On February 6, join us in wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease and support heart health for everyone.

Learn the risks, know the signs, and take steps toward a healthier heart at goredforwomen.org.

Learn more about how to prevent cardiovascular disease: GoRedForWomen.org

Free Webinar: Nurturing Sleep for Children with Autism

Children diagnosed with Autism often have sleep difficulties, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is offering a webinar on this topic, free to NYS residents. Offered on February 12, 2026 from 6pm to 7:30p, it is an ideal opportunity for parents to learn strategies to help address challenges. Registration is required, do so here:
https://www.albany.edu/.../family-training-series

Free EPA Lead Trainings

FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for February, 2026. 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) and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Trainings to become EPA RRP certified are offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, an EPA accredited training provider. See the attached February 2026 EPA Lead Training Flyer or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for a current schedule of free, local trainings to learn lead-safe work practices and help reduce childhood lead poisoning. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free.
Register Here.

Free Webinar: What is an IEP?

Free Training: What is an IEP? For Families of School Aged Students.
Learn about how the Individualized Education Program (IEP) works.
Presented by The Capital Region Family and Community Engagement Center.
You can join on February 5, 2026 from 12 to 2 p.m. Click this link to register: < href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/JJUXTuA9TJGlY1iE9v9rjg#/registration">zoom.us/meeting/register/

Blood Drive at Johnstown Public Library

Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Donate at Johnstown Public Library’s blood drive on Thursday, February 19 from 1pm-5pm. 

Click the link to make your appointment: redcrossblood.org/give

First-Time Parents

Parenting has it’s moments where it can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. There are uncertainties on the best way to care for your baby. KidsHealth has an article that new parents may find helpful. For tips on topics such as bonding, feeding, safe sleep tips, and more, please click the included link.

A Guide for First-Time Parents

The Importance of Cancer Screening

Use the QR Code or visit fideliscare.org/.../Health-Resources/Cancer-Screeningto find out more about the importance of cancer screenings.

Preventing Frostbite

In extreme cold frostbite can come on quickly and with little warning. Stay safe this winter by learning more about frostbite, including who is most at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if someone develops frostbite: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html

Winter Storm Readiness

Are you ready?

Learn how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature related health problems, and protect yourself and your loved ones during all stages of a winter storm: cdc.gov/winter-weather/about

Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Aging brings discovery, not disorientation. Some things come with age, some others don't. Learn the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s at 10signs.org.

Program Overview Sessions for Early Intervention 

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

The Risks of Alcohol Use

Nearly 1 in 6 adults in NYS (16.2%) reported either binge or heavy drinking of alcohol in a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone survey. Alcohol use can lead to unintentional injuries, violence and chronic diseases. Learn more at: 
health.ny.gov/prevention/alcohol_surveillance