Celebrating National Public Health Week…April 7th-13th

Day #1: Be healthy from the start.

Starting tiny tots out right reaps benefits for years to come. Moms and babies enjoy many health benefits provided free of charge from the Putnam County Department of Health. Mothers’ support groups offer a chance for the littlest residents to socialize, along with their mothers who also benefit from the expertise of our maternal child health public health nurses, each a gold-standard certified lactation consultant. Click Here

Day #2: Keeping you safe.

Cleanliness and proper handling help ensure food safety and health. Inspectors from the Putnam County Department of Health visit all 377 restaurants in the county each year, ensuring every food safety rule and regulation is followed. More than 50 temporary food permits are issued, all food-borne illnesses are investigated, and each year the annual food operators’ seminar offers restaurateurs and other food establishments a chance to brush up on their safety skills and hear about industry advances. Click Here

Day #3: Get out ahead.

Immunizations are one of the top success stories in public health. In the early 1900s infectious diseases were the number-one cause of death and disability for all ages. Outbreaks of pertussis and diphtheria were commonplace and nearly one out of every five children did not reach their fifth birthday. Last year the Putnam County Department of Health administered nearly 6,000 various vaccines helping countless residents of all ages protect their health. Click Here

Day #4: Eat Well.

Children eat better when they help grow and prepare their food. Studies have proven this true. That’s why the Putnam County Department of Health partners with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam, the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam and camp operators to bring vegetable gardens to the community.

Childhood obesity affects nearly 17 percent of U.S. children. Putnam’s young residents are at similar risk. Click Here

Day #5: Be the healthiest nation in one generation.

Rabies is a deadly disease—for humans and animals. The Putnam County Department of Health holds free rabies vaccination clinics three times a year, as part of a broad rabies prevention program that included more than 400 investigations by health department staff and more than 100 animals being tested in 2013. The recently launched Feral Cat Task Force puts the Trap-Neuter-Return concept into action, reducing potential for rabies exposure by immunizing feral cats. Click Here