Health & Wellness - Halston Media Group

About 100 nurses and supporters demonstrated outside of Putnam Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 12, over staffing issues and stalled contract talks.

Putnam Hospital nurses picket over staffing, contract dispute

Approximately 100 nurses and supporters gathered outside Putnam Hospital in Carmel on Thursday, Nov. 12, to protest what they say are chronic staffing shortages and stalled contract negotiations with Northwell Health, the hospital's parent... more

BY BOB DUMAS

Editor-at-Large | 11/13/26

Waterview and Salem Hills launch 'Angel Tree' program

Waterview Hills and Salem Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare are partnering with The Salvation Army for their 2026 Angel Tree program. more

By Halston Media Staff | 11/11/26

March 1: Back with the Gorilla Pack powerlifting team

Powerlifter Erik Balogh nearly died in the OR. Ten months later he was back in competition

For powerlifter Erik Balogh, strength has taken on a whole new meaning. On Sept. 19, the 55-year-old Mahopac resident overcame enormous physical, mental and emotional barriers to return to competition in the sport he loves, successfully... more

BY EMILE MENASCHÉ

Editor | 10/15/26

Cataract surgery: Choosing the right options for your eyes

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Doctor, if I need cataract surgery, what are my options?” Today, there are more choices than ever. During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens, or IOL.... more

By Michael Sayegh, MD

Horizon Family Medical Group | 10/8/26

The tournament on Sept. 26 raised funds for the Out of Darkness Walk.

Paddle for hope: Pickleball Barn tournament raises $2,800 for suicide prevention

The Pickleball Barn in Somers hosted its second annual Paddle for Hope tournament. more

By Halston Media Staff | 10/6/26

Officials gather for the dedication the Garden of Hope and Healing on the Putnam Trailway in Carmel, which has been created "in loving memory" of all those who have died by suicide as a place to give comfort and increase suicide awareness and provide community support for individuals and families who have been touched by suicide loss.&nbsp;

Putnam community to walk for suicide prevention

Putnam County residents will gather in Carmel later this month to raise awareness about suicide prevention, remember those lost to suicide and support people affected by suicide and mental health struggles. more

10/5/26

The event on Oct. 17 will honor the memory of Amy, Molly, and Gregory Perez

‘We’re keeping their memories alive’: 15 years after tragedy in Cross River, a legacy of hope remains

Fifteen years after the deaths of Amy Perez and her two young children, friends and members of the community who knew the Cross River family are coming together to honor their memories and help create a safer, more hopeful future for... more

By Tom Walogorsky

Editor | 10/1/26

Putnam urges residents to prepare before emergencies strike

Recent winter storms and flash flooding have provided reminders of how quickly emergencies can disrupt life in Putnam County, prompting health and emergency management officials to urge residents to prepare before the next crisis... more

9/13/26

The county's push for vaccines comes amid renewed concern about measles and declining vaccination rates in some parts of the country.&nbsp;

Putnam Health Dept. schedules public flu vaccine clinics

With students back in school and flu season approaching, the Putnam County Department of Health has scheduled three public flu vaccination clinics this fall while reminding parents to make sure children are up to date on required... more

9/12/26

From left, Director of Mental Health Paul Tang, County Executive Kevin Byrne, and Dana Touponse, coordinator for the Office for Individuals with Disabilities

Sensory-friendly movie screenings return to Carmel

Sensory-friendly movie screenings have returned to Carmel, offering individuals with disabilities and their families a more accommodating way to enjoy a trip to the theater. Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities and... more

8/13/26

State Sen. Pete Harckham with staff members at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding receives $100k state grant

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding’s campus has gotten a financial boost from the state. more

BY CAROL REIF

Staff Writer | 8/12/26

tiger mosquito on skin. proboscis inserted and feeding. belly full with blood.

Mosquitoes with West Nile virus found in Westchester

The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were found in Rye. more

8/7/26

Watching our waste: Proper disposal of batteries, bulbs and meds in Somers

Our community offers several safe, accessible options for disposing of batteries, light bulbs and medications. more

By Jennifer Barker Kuskovski

Contributing Writer | 7/31/26

When feeling "Off" may be more than just stress

Many women expect menopause to bring hot flashes. What often catches them by surprise is everything else. more

By Vim Wilkinson | 7/31/26

The original hand-edited manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous, better known as the "Big Book."

Historic Alcoholics Anonymous 'Big Book' manuscript returning to Stepping Stones in Katonah

A pivotal piece of recovery history is returning to its rightful home. more

By Tom Walogorsky

Editor | 7/28/26

One of the issues that the Health Department continues to focus on is access to healthcare.

Putnam’s Community Health Improvement Plan is complete

After nearly six months of preparation and discussions with community members, a plan to improve the health of Putnam County residents has been completed. It was posted on the health department... more

7/24/26

Cade Freehill introduces one of his silkie chickens to a student.

The Mahopac chicken whisperer

Some teenagers spend their free time playing video games. Others work after school, play sports or obsess over cars. At 15, Cade Freehill decided he wanted chickens. more

BY BOB DUMAS

Editor-at-Large | 7/23/26

Fundraising and donation initiative to benefit North Salem’s Friends of Karen

Waterview Hills and Salem Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare have announced a community and fundraising drive to benefit Friends of Karen. more

By Halston Media Staff | 7/17/26

Donors will receive a jar of locally produced honey as a thank-you gift.

Westchester veterinarian uses honey harvest to fuel wildlife rescue efforts

For veterinarian Shannon James, bees, honey and wildlife rehabilitation are all part of the same ecosystem. more

By Tom Walogorsky

Editor | 7/17/26

Wildfire smoke has impacted air quality throughout the Halston Media readership area.

Four things you should know about the health impacts of wildfire smoke

Bushra Mina, MD, chief of pulmonary critical care medicine at Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital, breaks down how wildfire smoke affects the body and how to stay safe. 1: What are the primary health concerns associated with wildfire smoke,... more

By Bushra Mina, MD

Chief of pulmonary critical care medicine Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital | 7/16/26