OUR REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
Chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, etc.) are among the leading causes of disability and death in NYS. As a local health department we are required to conduct an evidenced-based chronic disease prevention program that focusing on the prevention of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors –
✅ Physical activity,
✅ Nutrition and
✅ Tobacco.
Our Strategies Include:
✅leading or participating in community coalitions & planning efforts to improve social and physical environments;
✅support policy, systems and environmental change activities;
✅engage in education, public health marketing and communication; and
✅promote the delivery of early detection and health care following state and national guidance for care.
ESSEX COUNTY
Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease and cerebrovascular disease are among the leading causes of death and disability in Essex County. Chronic Diseases account for approximately 60% of all deaths in New York State and affect the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers.
Living with chronic disease? You're not alone!
There are options right here in Essex County to take the recommendations of your trusted healthcare provider and put them into action out in the real world.
Classes and support groups are available to assist in managing the following chronic conditions:
Get Healthy NY - Workshop Clinton County
Better Choices Better Health Online Workshop
- Alzheimer's & Dementia Support;
- Cardiac Rehabilitation;
- Diabetes Support;
- Healthy Living - Nutrition & Exercise Opportunities; and
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Visit gethealthynoco.org or call the Chronic Disease Outreach Coordinator at (518) 873-3513 for more information.
Eating healthfully is one of the most important things you can do for your health!
- product labeling systems that make finding healthier foods easier;
- recipes from trusted sources that help you plan & prepare great meals;
- find local farmers, farmer's markets and other local resources; and
- video library to help you learn about the connection between foods, weight and obesity.
Product Labeling Systems
Guiding Stars System - Guiding Stars is a product labeling system that uses stars to helps shoppers select good, better & best food options. Look for Guiding Stars at Hannaford.
Local Info
Adirondack Harvest - Find Farm Fresh Foods & Local Products Hannaford Free Classes & Demos
Recipe Links
All Recipes - Healthy Recipes Section American Diabetes Association - Recipes for Healthy Living
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Healthy Eating Recipes Food Network - Diabetes Friendly Recipes
My Recipes - Diabetic Recipes Mayo Clinic - Diabetes Meal Plan Recipes National Institutes of Health - Heart Healthy Cooking
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.
In October of 2022 our department introduced a new health initiative to our community! #getfitessexcounty is a monthly fitness challenge to help keep us in the North Country healthy. Everyone of all fitness levels is invited to join us. Each month will feature a new challenge.
November's Fitness Challenge - Squats!
This statewide initiative provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at NO COST to women and men who:
- Live in New York State
- Do not have health insurance
- Have health insurance that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and/or diagnostic services
- Meet income eligibility requirements
- Meet age requirements
Services provided through participating providers and hospitals:
Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam)- Women ages 40 and older
- Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer*
Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test and Pelvic Exam)- Women ages 40 and older
Colorectal Cancer Screening (Fecal Immunochemical Test Kit)- Men and women ages 50 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)
- Men and women at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer*
*Only a New York State-licensed health care provider can determine risk.
📞Call 518-324-7671 to determine eligibility, enroll in the program, assist with scheduling a cancer screening, or with any questions.
🩺Many medical providers throughout Essex County participate with this program.
🔬🧪Many diagnostic services are covered when positive screening results are found.
The Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program is available for those who qualify.
The Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY is coordinated through the UVMHN – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital covering Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.
Vaping Associated Pulmonary Illnesses & Deaths
Vaping is an emerging public health threat known to be associated with vaping products.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has received numerous reports from New York State physicians of severe pulmonary (lung-related) illness among patients ranging from 14 to 71 years of age who were using at least one vape product prior to becoming ill.
Anyone using vape products and experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, nausea or vomiting should contact their health care provider immediately. Health care providers should report possible cases to their local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
Concerned about your vaping device or products or just want more info? Call the NYSDOH Vaping Hotline: 1-888-364-3046
NYSDOH information center CDC's information center
Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco has immediate and long lasting benefits.
Millions have freed themselves from tobacco and so can you.
Find help on this interactive map!
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Quit Coaching - NYS Smoker's Quitline
Just for Teens
Smokeless Tobacco
Additional Resources
More Text-to-Quit Options
Creating a Tobacco-Free Environment & other Community Supports
TO MAKE THIS GREEK YOGURT PIZZA DOUGH YOU WILL NEED:
- unbleached all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- kosher salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- plain, nonfat greek yogurt
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional but recommended
1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional but recommended
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder, whisking to combine. Add any additional dried herbs or spices here.
Add in the Greek yogurt, switch over to a rubber spatula and stir until combined.
Divide the dough in half or fourths (for individual servings) or leave whole.
Generously flour a clean surface and rolling pin and roll out the dough thin.
Transfer to an inverted baking sheet that has been sprayed with olive oil before topping the dough with sauce and desired toppings.
Preheat your oven to 475° and bake on the bottom rack for 12 to 18 minutes.
OUR COMMUNITY BASED ACTIVITIES
Creating Healthy Schools and Communities
Chronic Disease Prevention was selected as a priority in Essex County through our last TWO comprehensive community health assessments (2019 and 2022). The evidenced based strategies started in 2013 are being continued through 2024. They are:
1. Reduce obesity in children & adults.
1.1 Create community environments that promote & support healthy food and beverage choices and physical activity.
1.2 Prevent childhood obesity through early child-care and schools.
1.3 Expand the role of health care, health service providers and insurers in obesity prevention.
1.4 Expand the role of public and private employers in obesity prevention.
2. Increase access to high quality chronic disease preventive care and management in clinical & community settings.
2.1 Increase screening rates for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, especially among disparate populations.
2.2 Promote evidence-based care to manage chronic diseases.
2.3 Promote culturally relevant chronic disease self-management education.
Learn more about our priorities, strategies improvement strategies that we’re undertaking with our hospital and community partners on our Health Data page.