Quit Smoking Today, Before It’s Too Late If you swore off smoking for New Year's, congratulations - you're on your way to better health. If you're among the 1 million New Yorkers who still smoke, now is the time to quit. Not convinced? Take 30 seconds to watch "Too Late to Operate," a television spot that shows what lung cancer looks and sounds like. It's one of two anti-smoking messages the Health Department is airing this month in New York City. For help or information on how to break the addiction, call 311 or 866-NYQUITS, or click here . Watch "Too Late to Operate" Watch "Every Cigarette is Doing You Damage" Get help quitting
Health Department Report Links Heavy Drinking to Increased Risk of HIV and Other STDs New Yorkers who binge drink tend to have many more sex partners putting themselves at an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases compared with those who drink less or don’t drink at all. According to the Health Department report released today - Alcohol Use and Risky Sex in New York City - teenagers who drink are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including having multiple sex partners. Drinking may also be responsible for more sexual transmission of HIV than drug use because it is much more common, particularly among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). Read the press release Read the report (PDF)
Health Department Program Helps Prevent Infant Deaths by Providing Cribs to Low-Income Families Every baby needs a crib to sleep safely, but some New York City infants are lacking cribs this holiday season, simply because their families can’t afford them. The Health Department’s Cribs for Kids program provides cribs at no-cost to families in need. Outreach workers contact new parents in eligible ZIP codes in the South Bronx, Harlem and Central Brooklyn to set up a home visit and see whether they need cribs or other assistance. The Health Department has provided cribs for more than 1,600 babies since May 2007, but many more families need help.
Read the press release Donate to Cribs for Kids Join the discussion on Baby Safety
New Study Reveals Large Gaps in Diabetes Care in New York City A new study from the Health Department reveals huge gaps in the care that New Yorkers with diabetes receive. High blood pressure and high cholesterol pose extreme hazards to people with diabetes, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Treating these conditions can spare persons with diabetes from complications and early death. But according to the new study, fewer than 10% of New Yorkers with diabetes are fully controlling their conditions. Read the press release
Mayor Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Frieden Announce Four Month Gain in New York City Life Expectancy Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden announced that New Yorkers born in 2006 can expect to live an average of 79 years - a gain of four months over the 2005 figure. Since 2001, life expectancy has grown by one year and three months in New York City, significantly exceeding national gains. Recent declines in smoking-related deaths, homicides, HIV deaths, motor vehicle crashes, and infant deaths have fueled the city's progress. Read the Mayor's press release Summary of Vital Statistics 2007 (PDF) Life Expectancy at Birth, 2001-2006 (PDF)
Health Department Receives Federal Grant to Support Community Efforts to Expand Access to Exercise and Healthy Food The Health Department and the New York Academy of Medicine announced that they have received a five-year, $2.6 million grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to build an alliance to reduce the burden of chronic disease in East and Central Harlem and the South Bronx. Its goal is to reduce smoking, increase physical activity and improve access to healthy foods in these neighborhoods, which have high rates of chronic illness. Read the press release
Highlights
9/11 Health Information 9/11 Health
is a comprehensive web site that provides
information about treatment and services for people who may have health problems related to the collapse of the World Trade Center. Visit
www.nyc.gov/9-11HealthInfo
1-800-LIFENET
If you or someone you know in the New York City area is suffering with emotional or substance abuse problems, LifeNet can help, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Learn more...
Community Health Profiles The Health Department produces comprehensive reports that detail the health of all New York City neighborhoods. Learn more...
The Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc. The Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc. is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New York City residents. Learn more...
ACCESS NYC for Benefit Information
Screen your family for up to 35 City, State, and Federal health and human service benefit programs, and learn about the programs, how to apply, where to go, and print filled in applications. Visit www.nyc.gov/accessnyc
Watch "Too Late to Operate"
