Flu season is early! Commissioner #DrJamesMcDonald
rolled up his sleeve to ensure protection from serious illness. Vaccines are the best way to do that & recommended for everyone 6 months & older. Available now at pharmacies & providers across NY. Get yours.
Info: nysdoh.info/VaccineFAQ

If you notice sudden changes in your child’s behavior, including tics, new rituals or refusing food, discuss those changes with their healthcare provider. Sometimes those changes are associated with conditions called PANS or PANDAS. Learn more: nysdoh.info/pandas

Don't think you qualify for discounts on your energy bills? Commissioner #DrJamesMcDonald advises you to think again! Half of NYS households now qualify for the Energy Affordability Program. Press play to learn more and then sign up here: ny.gov/EAP

Most NYers are already protected against measles. Born before 1957? You're considered immune. Born 1957–1971? Some vaccines used then weren't as reliable, so ask your provider whether you're properly vaccinated. Read the full Measles FAQ: health.ny.gov/measles

Commissioner #DrJamesMcDonald was in Utica to discuss the Rural Community Health Integration initiative to help provide for the health and social needs of residents in the Oneida and Herkimer counties area, with funding support from CMS: medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health

Fever. Cough. Stuffy nose. Which respiratory virus is it? Symptoms alone often can’t tell you, but the advice for all is the same: stay home, cover coughs & sneezes, call your healthcare provider & stay up to date with vaccines. More info: nysdoh.info/RespViruses

DYK: People with a regular healthcare provider are more likely to be up to date on cancer screening and take their meds if they have high blood pressure? This National Primary Care Week, see where to start if you don't have a provider yet: nysdoh.info/FindAProvider

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection – protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses.” More info about measles and where cases are across NY: nysdoh.info/MeaslesInfo

Tonight, in recognition of survivors and those fighting breast cancer, landmarks across NYS will glow pink. Honor them and take steps to protect your health by scheduling your mammogram. More info: nysdoh.info/ScreeningData

Commissioner #DrJamesMcDonald highlighting NY’s leadership on efforts to ensure kids unplug so they can focus in school, with friends & have fun. He highlighted
Governor Kathy Hochul’s smartphone restrictions in schools, & programs that encourage kids to turn off their devices, get outside & play.

Lakes Erie and Ontario are some of the best places to catch fish for the whole family to enjoy. The Department’s new advice considers how “forever chemicals” found in certain fish can affect your health, so be sure to check it out before eating your catch: health.ny.gov/fish

Sometimes little choices add up to a healthier you – a few more steps, more water, nourishing meals—because healthy looks different on everyone. On National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, normalize making your health a priority. Women's health topics: nysdoh.info/WomensHealth

The Nor’easter that pummeled the eastern end of NY also wreaked havoc on blood supplies because of canceled drives & individual donations, resulting in blood expected but not collected & still needed. Make an appointment at
the New York Blood Center to save lives: bit.ly/4gyjNUZ

The measles virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the room. With cases diagnosed in areas of NY where it was once rare, DOH urges you to learn more about measles & where there are outbreaks: nysdoh.info/measlesdashboard

Wildlife and stray animals can carry rabies—even when they look harmless.
Protect your family of humans and animals by staying away from wild or stray animals and keeping your pets up to date with rabies vaccines.
More info about rabies: nysdoh.info/rabies

Let's talk sexual health! 🗣️ Explore important topics and get tips for having open, honest conversations with your health care provider. Knowledge is power: on.ny.gov/4gMV7YT

You may quality for savings if you pay for electricity or natural gas through one of the state’s utility companies. Half of all New York households are now eligible for monthly relief through the Energy Affordability Program. Learn more and apply: ny.gov/EAP.

Commissioner McDonald says he is “deeply concerned about children's digital diet. The Governor was very ahead of this. I think it's really important we got the cell phone ban." Take a look at Governor Kathy Hochul’s phone-free schools law: nysdoh.info/PhoneFreeSchools

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