July 03, 2008
Keep Ticks Off!
Lyme disease is a serous infection. It is spread by a bite from a deer tick. Although not all ticks carry the disease, it is important to avoid ticks. Keep ticks away by mowing your lawn often, removing brush from your home, keeping the ground under your birdfeeder clean, stacking wood neatly, and keeping playground toys away from trees. Try to stay out of wooded areas. When outdoors, use insect repellent that has DEET or Permethrin in it. Always do tick checks after being outside. Young ticks can be smaller than a pencil point, so check thoroughly and wash your clothing in hot water. For more information call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-3280 or click here for detailed information from the CDC.
Celebrate Safely
The Fourth of July, summer events, and festivals are just around the corner. Already the sound of fireworks has started in neighborhoods. Did you know that there are over 4,000 fireworks-related injuries to children under 14 every year and that each year there are up to 2,000 fireworks-related fires in the United States? Those are some of the important reasons that in New York State consumer fireworks are against the law.
Stay safe from fireworks-related injuries and fires by enjoying professional fireworks displays only. Call your local parks and recreation departments to find out where the local firework displays will be and celebrate safely!
Got 30-60 Minutes?
This summer, exercise 30-60 minutes every day for 30 days and earn great prizes! Run, swim, garden, mow the lawn, take your dog for a walk, or do any type of physical activity that you enjoy! Track your fitness goal by downloading your "Get Moving CNY" log sheet and information packet at the County Parks website or by calling: 453-6712. After 30 days of activity, mail, fax, or drop your log sheet off at Onondaga Lake Park! Begin this FREE program today. It's the fit thing to do!
Farmers Markets…Buy Local!
This summer, enjoy the locally grown vegetables and fruits at your farmers market. They sell many kinds of locally grown produce that change with the season. You can find many of your favorites as well as other items that you may not have tried before. During early summer you can expect to find salad greens, spinach, peas, broccoli, radishes, strawberries, raspberries and cherries at the farmers markets. Mid-summer months offer tomatoes, corn, peppers, potatoes and summer squash. Late summer and early fall months provide peaches, pears, apples, cauliflower and more! Come every Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to the WIC Farmers Market at 375 West Onondaga Street starting June 18th through October 29th. Enjoy your fruits and vegetables at the farmers markets this summer and fall!
National KidsDay
Sunday, August 3, 2008 is National KidsDay. Children ask why America celebrates "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day," but has no "Kids' Day." National KidsDay fills that gap and reminds us that it's important to spend meaningful time with the children in our lives.
National KidsDay is a special holiday, not to spend your money – but to spend your time. It's what all the kids are asking for this year. It is a time to celebrate childhood, to show our commitment to children, and to inspire those around us to love and appreciate children.
On National KidsDay, take the time to play with the kids in your life – you will all come out winners! Have fun and enjoy some of these activities with your children. Spend an afternoon playing hide and seek, musical chairs, do the hokey pokey or just get out and go for a walk! For more information, ideas and ways to celebrate with kids that are special in your life, visit the KidsDay website.
Safe Summer Food Handling
During the summer months, picnics, cookouts and barbecues are a way of life. Keeping food safe during these outdoor activities is simple and takes only a small amount of time. Some tips to help keep your food safe include:
· Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to help limit the growth of bacteria that can cause sickness. Use insulated coolers and ice to keep foods cold. Always place raw meats separately from cooked or prepared foods during storage in your cooler or use a separate cooler for raw food.
· Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F. Hamburger and other ground meats need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use of digital or metal stem thermometers makes it easy to know that foods reach the proper temperature. These thermometers are inexpensive and easy to use so there's no need to guess!
· Never put cooked food on the same dish that was used to store raw meat. Always use clean dishes when carrying cooked foods from the grill or stove/oven!
· Throw out any hot or cold foods that have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Remember, when in doubt about a food – throw it out.
Following these simple tips will help everyone have a safe and enjoyable summer. For more information on food safety and preparation, feel free to contact the Food Protection Section at 435-6607 or visit www.foodsafety.com.
Protect Your Pets with a Rabies Shot
Rabies shot clinics are held at various locations throughout Onondaga County and are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Please be sure to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier during the rabies clinic and bring past shot records with you. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get vaccinated at three months of age, get a booster shot at one year old and then every three years. Ferrets must get vaccinated every year. Upcoming clinics are listed below or click here for a complete list of Health Department clinics.
· Monday, July 7, 5:00-7:00 pm: Tully Fire Dept., 1 Railroad St., Tully
· Monday, July 14, 5:00-7:00 pm: Alliance Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr., Syracuse
· Tuesday, July 22, 5:00-7:00 pm: N. Syracuse Community Center, 700 S. Bay Rd., N. Syracuse
· Monday, August 4, 5:00-7:00 pm: Village of Minoa DPW, 100 Kalin Dr., Minoa
· Monday, August 11, 5:00-7:00 pm: Skaneateles Fire Dept., 77 W. Genesee St, Skaneateles
· Monday, August 18, 5:00-7:00 pm: St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford St, Syracuse
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