Health & Wellness - Mahopac News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relay for Life returns to Mahopac

Mahopac came together in the fight against cancer at the annual Relay for Life on May 30, raising funds and awareness while honoring survivors, supporting those still battling the disease and remembering those who have passed. more

BY EMILE MENASCHÉ

Editor | 6/16/26

Foodborne illnesses peak during the summer months as more people prepare and eat meals outdoors.

Putnam health officials warn summer meals can bring hidden risks

With backyard barbecues, picnics and camping trips in full swing, the Putnam County Department of Health is reminding residents that warm-weather dining can increase the risk of foodborne illness if food is not handled properly. According... more

6/14/26

Putnam County’s 2025 community health assessment shows a three-year decline in the rate of children being tested for lead.

Putnam Health Dept.: Lead testing rates for children declining

Lead exposure is dangerous for children because it often presents no early symptoms while causing serious health problems. Even low levels of lead in a child’s blood can result in learning disabilities, developmental delays, and permanent brain... more

5/18/26

Putnam joins pilot program to combat domestic violence

Putnam County has been selected as one of five counties in New York to participate in a new state pilot program aimed at improving responses to domestic violence cases and increasing protections for survivors. Putnam County District... more

BY BOB DUMAS

Editor-at-Large | 5/11/26

Vaccinating pets against rabies protects both animals and humans from this deadly disease.

Putnam Health Dept.: Rabies exposure rises in the spring

Spring is a busy time for the rabies staff at the Putnam County Department of Health. With people and their pets spending more time outdoors, their chance of encountering the deadly rabies virus increases. Bats return to the area, and... more

5/9/26

MRC volunteers assist year-round at flu clinics performing multiple tasks including traffic control, and vaccine administration. Denis Hanrahan, a volunteer since 2021, is joined by a quartet of other longtime volunteers, from left: Janet Eisig, a nurse; Linda Mueller, a medical doctor; Jeanette Baldanza, a nurse and former Health Dept. employee, and Nona Malaguit, a nurse.

Putnam Health Dept. celebrates volunteerism

During National Volunteer Week, traditionally celebrated the third week in April, the Putnam County Department of Health honored the volunteers who make up the Medical Reserve Corps, known as the MRC. This year the commemoration, which began... more

5/4/26

County health officials paint mixed picture for Town Board

Putnam County residents are, by many measures, healthier and more secure than their neighbors across the region. But beneath that overall stability, health officials say, a series of troubling trends—from rising mental distress to increasing... more

BY BOB DUMAS | 4/22/26

The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, is a small parasitic arachnid capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other illnesses.&nbsp;

Putnam health officials warn of rising tick activity this spring

With warmer weather arriving, Putnam County health officials are urging residents to take precautions against tick bites as the season ramps up and the risk of disease increases. The Putnam County Department of Health said ticks become... more

4/15/26

Putnam proposes $2M mental health fund after ARPA plan falls through

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has proposed creating a new mental health services fund of more than $2 million, using county reserves after an earlier plan to finance a stabilization center with federal aid was abandoned. The... more

4/4/26