January is National Blood Donor Month!

Join us in recognizing the importance of giving blood and platelets, while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need! Thank You!

Newton HHS will be offering a mobile clinic with MGH at City Hall on February 7th, from 830am-2pm. To register CLICK HERE.

National Radon Action Month!

January is National Radon Action Month. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. For more information on radon CLICK HERE.

Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

Many individuals experience shifts in mood around the winter months when nature seems to slow down. Holidays can be difficult with struggles around finances, loneliness, or grief over loss of a loved one. For some, winter months bring the onset of a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a type of depression associated with seasonal changes. Although it’s often referred to as “winter blues,” SAD is more than just feeling down. Symptoms can interfere with an individual’s daily functioning and cause changes in mood, energy levels, sleep, appetite and more.

Do you think you might be experiencing SAD?

Consult a professional. Newton residents can utilize the William James INTERFACE Referral Service to connect with mental health supports. You can also find additional resources online at Newton Social Services. 

To prevent the onset of SAD or to boost your own mental health and wellbeing, try the following: 

• Practice healthy habits to support overall functioning, such as eating nutritional meals, moving your body, drinking enough water, and ensuring adequate sleep.
• Pay attention to your stress. When stress levels ramp up, the body is vulnerable to a range of ailments.
• Keep a pulse on your physical health through regular check-ins with your physician and pay attention to your body’s needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or Text 988 to talk with a trained counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Upcoming Events

Attention, local middle and high school students!

Save the date and join us for a Newton Youth Civics Event on Tuesday, February 25^th, from 4:30-6:30pm at Newton City Hall. The event is still in the planning stages, so please CLICK HERE to receive an email update when more information becomes available. February's event is organized by young people, for young people, with support from Newton's Health & Human Services Department.

Have questions? Email Meri Haas at mhaas@newtonma.gov. We hope to see you there!

Newton Youth Services & Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture are offering 2 employment focused workshops for teens ages 14 -18. The workshop is offered to Newton residents and students enrolled at Newton Public Schools. For more information or to register: CLICK HERE

Stay Safe This Winter

Tips for Staying Warm

• Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.
• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.

Tips for Winter Driving

• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Call 511 or visit Mass DOT webpage to check on road conditions.
• Check your battery, wipers, coolant, and other systems affected by cold temperature. Make sure your tires have good tread. Clear snow, ice or dirt from your windows and lights.

Snow Removal Safety Tips

• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body this might prevent injury.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
• Stay safe. Walk carefully on snowy or icy sidewalks. If using a snowblower, NEVER use your hands to unclog the machine.

Need help with heating bills?

The ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.) Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as Fuel Assistance, provides financial assistance to income-eligible households for heating bills.

All residents can receive support with their application from the Newton Social Services Division. Call 617-796-1420 with questions or to schedule an appointment.