Director:
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
Public Health News
May is Older Americans Month!
May is Older Americans Month! As we age, our immune systems tend to weaken, making us more susceptible to transmissible diseases. One of the best ways to boost your protection against illness is by being vaccinated! Learn more about recommended vaccines for adults here: cdc.gov/.../rec-vac/.
Breast Cancer Screenings Saves Lives
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. About 9% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.
Breast cancer in young women is:
• More likely to be hereditary than breast cancer in older women.
• More common among African American women.
• More likely to be found at a later stage, and is often more aggressive and difficult to treat.
• Often coupled with unique issues, including concerns about body image, sexual health, fertility, feelings of isolation, mental health support, and the financial burden of treatment and care.
All women are at risk for getting breast cancer, but some things can raise a woman’s risk for getting breast cancer before age 45. It is important to learn what factors increase your chance of getting breast cancer and to talk with your health care provider about your concerns: cdc.gov/.../risk_factors.htm.
Understanding your cancer risk, being proactive about your health, and screening can help lower your risk of breast cancer. For more information on breast cancer screening visit: cdc.gov/...screening.htm
Glove City Coalition Sturgess Chicken BBQ on Thursday, May 23rd
Please join Glove City Coalition for a Sturgess Chicken BBQ on Thursday, May 23rd from 2pm-6pm. The BBQ will be in the Runnings parking lot. Tickets are $16 per meal and include chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and butter. Pre-orders must be picked up by 5:30 pm. To purchase tickets contact Bonnie Peck at Glove City Coalition to find ticket locations. Walk-up’s are also accepted.
Car Seat Safety
Is your child in the correct car seat? Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in children. It is important to make sure your child is safe and secure in the correct car seat. For more information please visit the link below. If you have car seat questions, call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This month, let’s make a commitment to trying something new. Let’s transform the ways that we work together to preserve and support families!
The more adverse childhood experiences a person has, the greater the risk for negative outcomes later in life. Learn how you can build resilience in the families you serve to mitigate the effects of child maltreatment.
Learn more: childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/. #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #ThrivingFamilies
Prevent Rabies: Vaccinate Your Pets
Reminder: New York State Law states that all dogs, cats and ferrets are to be vaccinated against rabies.
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.
To learn more about pets and rabies vaccinations in NY, check out the NY State Department of Health Fact Sheet here: health.ny.gov/.../docs/pet_owners_fact_sheet.pdf.
Combat Youth Drinking
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Did you know 32% of Fulton County Youth grades 7-12 have consumed alcohol? Underage drinking is dangerous. It can lead to injuries, impaired judgement, violence, and intereferes with brain development. For more information on the impacts of underage drinking, please visit niaaa.nih.gov/.../underage-drinking.png)
Know the New CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines
When you may have a respiratory virus...‎
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.*
You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
o Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
o You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
World Immunization Week
This week is World Immunization Week! During this week, take a moment to make sure you are up to date on all your routine vaccinations. One of the best ways you can protect yourself, your community, and your loved ones from serious diseases is by getting vaccinated. To find out more about routine vaccinations, visit: cdc.gov/.../schedules/ and talk to your vet.
¡Esta semana es la Semana Mundial de la VacunaciĂłn! Durante esta semana, tĂłmese un momento para asegurarse de que está al dĂa en todas las vacunas recomendadas. Vacunarse es una de las mejores formas de protegerse y de proteger a su comunidad y a sus seres queridos de enfermedades graves. Para obtener más informaciĂłn sobre las vacunas recomendadas, visite: cdc.gov/.../schedules/ and talk to your vet.
Hannaford Bouquet Supports Rob Constantine Recovery Center
This April $1 of every “Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquets” purchased from Hannford will be donated to the Rob Constantine Recovery Center in Gloversville. Please consider purchasing to help support our local recovery resources. 
Check Your Pets for Ticks
Furry friends get tick bites too. Check your dog for ticks and ask your vet about tick prevention options.
For more information about ticks, check out this site from the CDC cdc.gov/ticks/ and talk to your vet.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that HPV can infect the mouth and throat, in some cases, developing into oral cancer? Luckily, HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
Learn more: cdc.gov/.../vaccine-for-hpv.html.
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/
