Health & Wellness - Halston Media Group

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

Canadian wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisory for Putnam County

Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires is expected to continue affecting the Lower Hudson Valley through Thursday, prompting state officials to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory for Putnam County and surrounding areas. The New York State... more

7/15/26

Participants learned proper form for lunges and squats.

Katonah Village Library helps seniors stay on their feet

Katonah Village Library recently hosted a fall prevention class with fitness professional Killeen Rhodes. more

By Rich Monetti

Contributing Writer | 7/15/26

Triple-digit heat is expected this week.

Mahopac, Reed libraries to serve as cooling centers

The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services is advising residents to take precautions as dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected across the region through Wednesday evening. Heat index values are expected to exceed 100... more

BY THE PUTNAM COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S OFFICE

PRESS RELEASE | 7/14/26

Under the approved plan, the county will use the $2.147 million in ARPA funding for countywide road paving projects.&nbsp;

Putnam redirects ARPA funds to roads while preserving mental health investment

Putnam County will redirect approximately $2.15 million in remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from a previously planned stabilization center in Carmel to county road improvement projects while continuing to fund future... more

7/10/26

The ribbon cutting ceremony at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding's new Hope Arena.

Healing through horses: Pegasus Therapeutic Riding unveils new Hope Arena

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is expanding services for military veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. more

By Carol Reif

Staff Writer | 7/9/26

Celebrate America’s 250th — Safely

America turns 250 this summer, and that calls for the biggest, most joyful celebration this country has ever seen. Backyard barbecues, firework shows, pool parties, beach trips, camping and … more

By Peter DeLucia, MPA | 7/3/26