Health

Red Cross issues summer safety grilling tips

Submitted by Sophia Sofferman, WNYT Web Producer

Monday, July 4th, 2011, 9:40am

Red Cross issues summer safety grilling tips

A lot of grills will be going this weekend, and the Red Cross is reminding those firing up the barbeque to serve up safety first this July Fourth.

The Red Cross provided these tips to avoid grilling risks and hazards:

· Be prepared. Keep a bucket of sand or dirt nearby at all times, or have the grill lid handy in case there is a need to smother the flames. Do not use water to put out a fire when there is grease present, as it can cause the fire to spread.

· Keep a safe distance. Never hold a child while cooking, drinking, or carrying hot foods or liquids. Always keep children at a safe distance from the grill, and talk to them regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters. Keep any and all flammable materials, from lighter fluid to dry vegetation, away from any open flames as well.

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Red Cross provides swimming safety tips

Submitted by Sophia Sofferman, WNYT Web Producer

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011, 12:33pm

The Red Cross is reminding residents to make water safety a priority while celebrating America’s 235th birthday this weekend.

Some summer swimming safety tips include:

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Health Commissioner offers firework safety tips

Submitted by Sophia Sofferman, WNYT Web Producer

Friday, July 1st, 2011, 12:07pm

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., is urging New Yorkers to celebrate a safe Fourth of July by staying away from the use of personal fireworks.

“A holiday celebration should not turn into a trip to the emergency department. Put safety first during Fourth of July weekend and leave fireworks displays to the professionals,” said Shah in a statement. “We want everyone to enjoy this festive weekend, and public fireworks displays conducted by professionals and overseen by safety experts are a good way to celebrate. But each year, adults and children are injured when they play with fireworks. Don’t let that happen to you or your family this year.”

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Seton Health holds blood drive

Submitted by Sophia Sofferman, WNYT Web Producer

Friday, June 24th, 2011, 1:46pm

Seton Health is holding an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 6 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy.

Currently only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood. Anyone at least 17 years of age, weighing 110 pounds or more and in good health may be eligible to donate blood. Blood donations decline in the summer due to vacations, holidays, and busy warm weather life-styles; unfortunately, injuries do not.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call (518) 268-5950. Registration is requested but not necessary.

Seton Health is a comprehensive, not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system anchored by St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. It provides health care services from more than 20 sites in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Albany counties.

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Rensselaer County Health Dept issues rabies alert

Submitted by WNYT Staff

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011, 12:28pm

The Rensselaer County Health Department is issuing a rabies alert.

It's for residents living near Main Avenue in Wynantskill.

We're told a kitten found there tested positive for rabies.

If you have had contact or have taken a kitten from the area, you're asked to call the health department.

Sick or rabid animals will demonstrate unusual behavior, display no fear of humans, wander around during daylight, and wander into residential areas.

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NYS Office of Emergency Management offers tips to beat the heat

Submitted by Sophia Sofferman, WNYT Web Producer

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011, 10:04am

NYS Office of Emergency Management offers tips to beat the heat

It's the first day of summer, and the NYS Office of Emergency Management is advising people to be cautious during periods of extreme heat, while also offering some tips to help keep cool and safe.

State OEM offered this advice:

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