Hot days pose a health risk for people who have chronic health conditions, are older or very young, or are pregnant. Some areas of NY are in store for high heat & humidity tomorrow & Friday--check your health risk: on.ny.gov/4uWSQym & advice to stay safe: on.ny.gov/4368s6M

Commissioner McDonald: “Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal and best reached on an individual basis in consultation with a person’s doctor, family and loved ones.” Learn more about NY’s Medical Aid in Dying law: on.ny.gov/3Tg883U

Per NYS Div. of Homeland Security & Emergency Serv: High heat & humidity are anticipated across the state on Thursday & Friday, especially for the Mid-Hudson, NYC, and Long Island regions. ⁠ ✔️Find a cooling center near you: on.ny.gov/4gMByjy⁠ ✔️Sign up for emergency & weather alerts⁠ ✔️Utilize your AC

.@GovKathyHochul today announced that a temporary CVS mobile pharmacy opened in the Village of Pawling after a devastating fire, restoring access to essential pharmacy services. Visit on.ny.gov/4yYqBSO

Thoroughly wash hands and raw produce before cutting, cooking and eating it to avoid the intestinal distress that can accompany eating food contaminated with Cyclospora. More info: on.ny.gov/4pimJI0

Learn and share these water safety tips: on.ny.gov/4taXoRe

Commissioner McDonald: “Community health care centers help ensure every person has access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing health equity across New York.”

Rain is widespread across the state today, with severe thunderstorms & flash flooding possible in areas of the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, NYC & Long Island. Damaging winds & an isolated tornado are possible. NYC is under a Flood Watch through 8 PM. Monitor your local forecast.

Make sure the kids know who your family’s contact is. Help them be better prepared for emergencies by practicing getting in contact with this person. More tips to help your family prep for emergencies: ready.gov/kids

If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms and suspect a tick bite, contact your health care provider immediately. They can discuss with you if an antibiotic will protect against Lyme or other disease. More info: on.ny.gov/42lfDI9

What’s missing? A, B and O…just like supplies of these and all blood types. New York is in the midst of a critical blood shortage. Fill the gaps by penciling in a date to donate. Where to donate near you: rcblood.org/4posUds More info: bit.ly/4nYiW1Q

Stationary rain showers over eastern Lake Ontario could cause localized flooding this afternoon. Ongoing heavy rain and flooding in Eastern NY will likely continue through this evening. Hourly rainfall rates may reach as high as 2”/hr. Never walk or drive through floodwaters

As part of our 125th anniversary this year, we are also celebrating 125 years of the Wadsworth Center, our state-of-the-art laboratory. Watch the full version of the lab tour on the DOH YouTube Channel: youtu.be/bKyTcuWn0PE

There are many reasons to not drive through flooded roads. Here’s a couple: ⛔ Even the largest and heaviest of vehicles will float. 2ft of water will carry most cars away. ⛔ As little as 6’’ of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. #TurnAroundDontDrown

Rain will continue through today, especially in eastern NY. While rainfall rates will gradually decrease by the afternoon, isolated to scattered flash flooding is possible. Monitor your local forecast and listen to local officials. Never walk or drive through floodwaters.

The best way to cross? Push the button. Cross when you have the right of way. Just push the button and wait. For more on pedestrian safety, visit on.ny.gov/4unz3rQ

There are at least 6 different types of viral hepatitis, with A, B and C being the most common. DOH and its partners are working to control and prevent the spread of hepatitis infection, offering information about testing, treatment, counseling and education: on.ny.gov/4eSi5gb

Commissioner McDonald met with the team who oversees the Onondaga County WIC clinic, which has been supporting the nutritional needs of families in the Syracuse region for more than 50 years…

Spending more time walking, biking and gardening? Tanned skin is not healthy skin. Skin cancer prevention tips: on.ny.gov/4vwv9y0

Commissioner McDonald: "The Department is proud to support these important adaptive equipment and accessibility investments that enables more New Yorkers to get outdoors and experience the stunning natural resources and recreation opportunities the state has to offer.” More info: on.ny.gov/4flL78i

Do the math: 1 hour of scrolling = 0 lives saved. 1 hour of donating = 3 lives saved. With blood supplies at a critical level in New York, spend your time wisely and donate. Make an appointment near you: rcblood.org/4posUds

A look back at the work that keeps our mission moving forward…

The first steps to avoid a tick-borne illness are precautions such as long sleeves and pants and using repellent. And if you find an attached tick, know how to safely remove it. Additional information about ticks: on.ny.gov/42lfDI9

Wear the right gear for the right activity -- and find out if that helmet fits correctly: on.ny.gov/4ejrXj1

The Department is committed to ensuring that brain health does not depend on zip code, income or background. We’re working to erase disparities that impact care and health outcomes so that every community has what they need to foster lifelong brain health. Info: on.ny.gov/4vzjvkB

NYS is expanding access to summer fun and water safety for children. Free swim classes will be offered children on SUNY campuses and at YMCA facilities across the state to encourage summer fun and improve water safety. Visit: on.ny.gov/4bOqz5R

Pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated. Protect your family of humans and animals by keeping rabies vaccines up to date. More info: on.ny.gov/4eBl1w8

Commissioner McDonald sets an example as he walks through the quick and easy process of donating blood at New York Blood Center. He reminds everyone who can help that one donation can be lifesaving and aid multiple people. Learn more: bit.ly/4nYiW1Q and rcblood.org/4u2Z2E4

For tomorrow - Sat. July 18 Be sure to check the air quality near you: www.AirNow.gov

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation@dec.ny.gov · 3w ago

DEC and @nysdoh.bsky.social have issued an air quality health advisory for tomorrow, July 18th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

There’s so much to do this summer in New York! Enjoy safely by wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, protecting against ticks & choosing healthy snacks & foods. Check the air quality at www.AirNow.gov before heading to these summer events: bit.ly/4npyPxK