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July marks the official start of summer, ushering in a wave of delightful activities. Picture this: sizzling cookouts, refreshing dips in the pool, exciting vacations or relaxing staycations, and the joy of summer camp! Amid all the fun, it's essential to keep safety in mind to ensure everyone has a fantastic time. Read on for some helpful tips to make your summer both safe and enjoyable!
When you're hosting a BBQ or cookout, remember to keep cold foods chilled on ice or return them to the fridge promptly after serving. The intense summer heat can spoil food quickly, posing a risk of foodborne illnesses. Ensuring proper food storage can keep everyone healthy and happy. More information below.
Whether you're outdoors for a short time or spending the whole day under the sun, using sunscreen is a must. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin with sunscreen helps maintain your overall health and lets you enjoy the sunny days worry-free. Tips are included.
Also, let's not forget that July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month raising awareness about the unique struggles faced by underrepresented groups in regard to mental illness in the United States.
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Understanding Health Care Inequality and Mental Health Awareness
Discrimination makes it harder for communities of color to get good health care. This unfair treatment can lead to longer and unnecessary illnesses, especially for people with mental health issues or substance use problems. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the discrimination that minorities face and learn how to prevent it.
Even though we talk about mental health more these days, many people still have negative thoughts about mental illness and addiction. This is a big problem, especially in minority communities. We've heard many stories from people across the country who are afraid to talk about mental health because of their cultural and spiritual beliefs. These beliefs can sometimes make it hard to understand and discuss mental illness or addiction.
Many people still feel the effects of past discrimination in health care, leading to distrust of doctors and mental health services. Sometimes, health care providers have biases that affect the quality of care they give. All these issues create barriers that stop people from getting the help they need. We need to find ways to make mental health care better for everyone, including minority communities. The Affordable Care Act is helping by providing more mental health and substance use disorder benefits to millions of Americans, making it easier for minorities to get the care they need.
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Stay Safe in the Sun
The New York State Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions to prevent skin cancer during UV Awareness Month. Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the main cause of skin cancer. These rays come from the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, and tanning beds.
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These rays come from the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, and tanning beds.
Natural sunlight is the most common source of UV radiation. While it might give you a tan, it's important to remember that tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Each time you get a sunburn or tan, the damage adds up and increases your risk of skin cancer.
So, as you enjoy the sunshine, make sure to protect your skin. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade when the sun is strongest. Let's stay safe and keep our skin healthy!
Source: https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2023/2023-07-25_uv_awarness_month.html
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Summer Food Safety Tips
As temperatures rise, the risk of foodborne illness increases because bacteria thrive in warm conditions. According to Dr. Emilio Esteban, Under Secretary for Food Safety, it is crucial to remember essential food safety steps to protect friends and family during outdoor activities. Always start with clean hands, washing them thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds when available, or using hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if water isn't accessible.
When transporting perishable foods to places like the pool, beach, or cookouts, use coolers or insulated containers with ice, frozen gel packs, or frozen beverages to maintain a safe temperature below 40°F. Keep drinks and perishable foods in separate coolers to avoid frequent opening, and store coolers in the shade. It's essential to avoid the "Danger Zone" (40-140°F) by keeping cold foods below 40°F and hot foods above 140°F. Follow the two-hour rule: perishable foods should not sit out for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is over 90°F). If in doubt about the safety of the food, it's best to throw it out.
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Celebrate National Make A Difference to Children Month
National Make A Difference to Children Month, observed in July, highlights the importance of having positive role models in children's lives. Children, with their pure hearts and limited life experience, need guidance to make the right choices. These guiding figures can be parents, older siblings, teachers, or other guardians. Unfortunately, many children lack such mentors, which can put them at risk. Studies show that children with mentors are more likely to pursue higher education. Since children are the future, it's crucial to make a positive difference in their lives.
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Summer Recipes from Snap Ed NY
The long, lazy days of summer are the perfect backdrop for lingering at backyard barbecues, picnicking in the park, and savoring sweet and juicy desserts. Keeping that in mind, here are some sensational summer recipes from MyPlate Kitchen. These recipes range from salads to beverages to desserts. They use seasonal produce, and are all healthy, low cost, and delicious!
Check out our Seasonal Produce Guide to see what's in season for Summer!
Source: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/snap-ed-recipes/summer-recipes
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RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program) | | |
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RAPP families had a blast at the annual picnic at Bowdoin Park in June. While we're quiet for the summer months, please share this dedicated community resource to any kinship families!
Click here to download the program brochure to share today.
Click here for information about this important county resource.
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Fishing Maps by County
These maps highlight public access fishing waters and provide anglers and fish consumers a visual guide to the different types of consumption advice. There may be other waters in your county with public access that are not highlighted in these maps.
The maps show advisory locations to the best of our knowledge. Please contact the Hudson River Fish advisory:
HRFA@health.ny.gov if you are aware of any additional natural or man-made barriers preventing fish passage (that should or should not be included on these maps). We appreciate all feedback.
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Source: NYS Department of Health
These detailed maps are the first in a series that will be available over time. Click here for access to the statewide map!
Please contact Maureen at 845-677-8223 ext. 122 for more information or events.
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PASE (Parent And Support Education) | |
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Parent And Support Education (PASE) Promotion
Scheduling is still in place Fall sessions of PASE; a voluntary communication series we offer to parents that cover the five fundamentals of great communication for families within Dutchess County.
We provide this as a voluntary 5-session series in person or via Zoom or as a 4-hour “intensive”. Participants are parents contribute to each session’s conversation through discussion, role-play and practice. A certificate of completion is provided after successfully attending and contributing.
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Click the image for the program flyer.
Click here for info on the PASE 1-Day Intensive: September 14th!
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Click the images below for full event information! | |
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Shop local NY products!
June-October:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat; 9-6P
Frid & Sun 9-7P
4640 Taconic State Parkway North, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
or shop online!
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Master Gardener
Horticulture Hotline
Every Wednesday through October
Our Master Gardeners operate our Horticulture Hotline,
(845) 677-5067 now through October on Wednesdays 9A-12!
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Click here to see the DC Office for the Aging Summer Picnic schedule! | |
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The Family and Consumer Education (FCE) program strives to ensure that families facing challenges in parenting, family finances, and wellness and nutrition find the resources and education they need to improve their lives.
FCE creates connections for residents with the latest, evidence-based research and practical information that can be directly applied to their day-to-day lives.
We work to strengthen individual knowledge and skills while providing community level and County wide education.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. This program is partially funded by the County of Dutchess, Dutchess County office for the Aging, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office if you have any special needs.
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Wishes would come true with you! FCE needs ongoing supplies for our parenting programs. Click here to see how you can enhance our programming today!
Need to reach a member of the team?
Jessica M Canale- Program Leader
Maureen Rodriguez Callamari
Heather L. Ohlson
Click here for previous FCE Update: Newsletters!
Thanks for your support and collaboration!
Are you a collaborative program or agency that needs information shared to the FCE community? Email Heather!
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The Family & Consumer Education Program counts entirely on grants and donations to maintain and grow the services we offer throughout Dutchess County. Click the button below to see how you can contribute to maintaining the success of these initiatives!
Your direct support: donations, sponsorship and underwriting matter!
Please help!
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