Talking Health with the Clinton County Health Department

Posts

Bite me

Summer’s here, the sun’s out, and the mosquitoes… well, they’ve RSVP’d to everything. Whether you're camping, grilling, or just enjoying your backyard, these tiny flying menaces always seem to show up uninvited — and they don’t come empty-handed. Besides leaving behind itchy welts, mosquitoes can spread some serious diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, dengue, malaria, and more. Not exactly the kind of souvenirs you want from a summer evening. And did you know they prefer feeding on human blood? It’s true! They actually gain a fitness advantage when they feed on humans. Mosquitoes bite (or feed) frequently, meaning (you guessed it) more opportunities to transmit illnesses. Our expert this month is Dr. Laura C. Harrington, Professor of Entomology at Cornell University and Director of the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases (NEVBD). Laura has decades of professional experience; has published over 123 peer reviewed articles and 3...

Vaccine Smart for School Start

Back-to-school is the furthest thing from our minds in early July, but before we know it school supply lists, registration information, and health forms will be headed our way. Use the summer months to be proactive in getting or keeping your children up-to-date on their recommended vaccinations . Did you know, schools risk a fine of $2,000 per day per child from the NYS Education Department for allowing students to attend without proof of certain vaccinations? If your child is not vaccinated according to the guidelines approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, they will not be allowed to attend school – and after a long summer of “I’m bored” and “Can I have a snack?” that will be the last thing you want! With us this month is Roberta Fredenburg, Supervising Public Health Nurse in the Health Care Services Division at CCHD. Roberta has been a nurse for 40 years working with all age groups. She has experienced back-to-school vaccination requirements as a mom, grandmo...

I like to move it, move it

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, get active, and most importantly—have fun together! Whether it’s riding bikes around the neighborhood, splashing in the pool, playing tag at the park, or going on a family hike, there are so many exciting ways to stay moving under the sun. Physical activity doesn’t have to feel like a chore—when you turn it into a game or adventure, the whole family can join in on the fun. This month, we chatted with Jordanne Manney, Recreation Program Coordinator with the Town of Plattsburgh Parks & Recreation Department. She has experience making playing outside fun for all age groups! So grab your water bottles, slather on some sunscreen, and let’s explore simple, fun ways to stay active and healthy all summer long! Jordanne, the idea of moving more and sitting less is easy enough to understand, but how much movement do we need each day? Just like many things in our “information overloaded” society, it depends on who you ask. But the US Depart...

Gearing up for a great ride

Let’s be real—riding a bike is awesome. Wind in your hair, sun on your face, and that satisfying “whoosh” as you cruise past traffic like a two-wheeled superhero. But even superheroes need a safety plan (just ask anyone who’s ever taken a tumble trying to show off). Whether you're a weekend cruiser, a daily commuter, or a trail-blazing adventurer, bike safety isn’t just important—it’s the key to keeping your ride smooth and your body free of bruises. This month we have enlisted the help of Erin Pangborn, Youth Services Recreation Director for the Town of Plattsburgh. Erin has worked for the Town of Plattsburgh Parks and Recreation Department for 15 years and has spearheaded the Bike Block Party for the past 5 years. Ready to gear up and learn how to ride safe as a family? Let’s roll! Erin, lets start with the bike itself. How do I know my child has the right one and that I’m not going to end up with a grumpy kid and a broken chain on the side of the road? You want to make sure ...

Let’s talk about sex(ually transmitted infections), baby…

We get it. The topic of STIs ( sexually transmitted infections ) is often something we’d rather avoid. It can be as awkward as a bumble date where they looked nothing like their picture. But the reality is, STIs are far more common than we think, and getting informed is the best way to protect ourselves and others. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, casually dating, or in a situationship, understanding STIs is an important part of taking care of your health. To help us dive in, we have Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. Nichole has been a registered nurse for over 25 years and has led CCHD’s communicable disease investigation team for the past 9 years. When a Clinton County resident tests positive for an STI, Nichole’s team connects with their provider to ensure anyone exposed can be tested and/or treated early and the risk of further spread is eliminated. Nichole, I know they can often be silent – or show no symptoms, but when it comes to STI’s what s...

Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Stay Up-To-Date on Cancer Screenings

If someone told you that doing two things could add years on to your life, would you do them? Well each of us can take two actions that reduce our risk of developing and dying from the most common types of cancer. One, make efforts to reduce harmful everyday habits that increase your risk of certain cancers (things like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, being at a healthy weight, exercising, eating right, etc.) Two, follow the guidelines for recommended cancer screenings . The way I see it, cancer screenings are the equivalent of working smarter, not harder. Early detection through screening reduces the likelihood you will die from cancers of the breast, cervix, colon and rectum (colorectal), prostate, and lung. Some screenings can even prevent cancers by finding and treating precancerous cells or lesions. A screening early, can save stress, money, and time later – and time can mean years added on to your life. This month, we are talking to Colleen Jackson, Community Out...