Public health is a diverse and growing field. Learn about the many roles public health workers play and opportunities in promoting and protecting the public’s health and safety at the state and local level. health.ny.gov/prevention/public_health_works/public_health_careers.htm

A young person’s brain is still developing, which increases the chances of short & long-term negative impacts of cannabis use. Keep cannabis products in original child-resistant packaging, locked, out of sight & out of reach of children and pets. Info: health.ny.gov/community/ca...

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald received his annual flu and COVID vaccines at Lindsay Drug Co. in Troy. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization. Learn more about the vaccines: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-09-24_covid_immunizations.htm

Fruits and veggies are delicious and essential for good health. When half your plate is produce, you’re fueling your body with what it needs to thrive. You may be eligible for free or low-cost produce through NYS programs: health.ny.gov/prevention/n...

Your sexual health matters! 💙 Explore key topics and discover helpful tips for having open conversations with your health care provider. Take charge of your well-being. Visit: campaigns.health.ny.gov/SexualHealth

Help your child follow the rules of the road. To reduce their risk for a head or traumatic brain injury, check to be sure they wear a properly fitted, approved bicycle helmet: walkbiketoschool.org

Know how to safely use insect repellant to protect against mosquito-borne diseases: read label directions, don’t use near eyes, nose or mouth and wash treated areas when you return indoors. More info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/

Are you pregnant? Getting an RSV vaccine while pregnant can help protect your baby after it is born from serious illness caused by the virus. Talk to your health care provider to see if the RSV vaccine is right for you. health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Family pets, including cats, dogs and ferrets, should be vaccinated against rabies to protect their health and the health of your family. More information about rabies safety: health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald discussed the Northeast Collaborative, and the lack of conclusive evidence linking acetaminophen to autism on the Spectrum News 1 Capital Tonight program.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and can come from malfunctioning furnaces and portable generators. Install CO alarms in your home and check them twice a year to make sure the batteries are working properly. Learn more: health.ny.gov/environmenta...

Ticks are still active in the fall & can still spread diseases such as Lyme. Protect against bites by wearing long pants & long-sleeved shirts, tuck shirts into pants & pants into socks, & consider using a repellent. More info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2024/2024-10-03_tick-borne_illness.htm

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “The Department of Health remains committed to being a trusted source of evidence-based public health information for New Yorkers regardless of what is happening in Washington, D.C.”

ICYMI: Sign up for real-time emergency and weather text alerts in your area. Just text your county or borough with no spaces to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Learn more by visiting www.dhses.ny.gov/emergency-al...

Health care workers care for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Stay up to date on vaccinations to protect yourself, your patients, and your community. Learn more: health.ny.gov/prevention/i...

NYS recently unveiled the groundbreaking Master Plan for Aging, which includes 9 pillars that cover a wide range of strategies that aim to make aging in New York State simpler, healthier and more affordable. Learn more about this robust blueprint: planforaging.ny.gov

The weather is changing, and it may trigger asthma symptoms. Know what to do when they flare up. Information: health.ny.gov/publications...

Admitting when you’re not okay takes real courage.

Using cannabis daily or almost daily can disrupt your life. Signs include losing control over how much you use and how much time you spend, even when it causes problems at home, school or work. Learn about Cannabis Use Disorder and how to find help. health.ny.gov/community/ca...

Simple steps can protect against diseases carried by mosquitoes: use insect repellent, eliminate outdoor standing water and consider wearing long sleeves & tucking pants into socks when mosquitos are most active. More info: health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Getting tested for syphilis is important during pregnancy. Protect yourself and your baby. Talk to a health care provider about syphilis testing. For info, visit health.ny.gov/preventCS

Fall fishing is here! Before you cook your catch, check NYS fish consumption advisories to keep your meals safe and healthy. More info: health.ny.gov/fish

Prostate cancer screening has both risks and benefits. Talk with your health care provider about your risk and when screening should start. Costs may be covered for eligible uninsured New Yorkers: www.health.ny.gov/diseases/can...

Pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated. Protect your family of humans and animals by keeping rabies vaccines up to date. More info: health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

If you are an older adult or have a chronic health condition you may be at higher risk of Legionnaires’ disease, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms. Learn what you can do around your home to reduce your risk from the bacteria that causes the disease. health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Individuals with respiratory or heart problems, who are pregnant and who work outdoors should check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading outside to ensure the air quality is healthy. Check the AQI here: airnow.gov.

Federal 9/11 medical care covers illnesses form asthma to cancers to mental health conditions, including PTSD. Find out who is eligible: ny.gov/september11

Comm. Dr. James McDonald: “For decades, major advances in healthcare treatment have transformed HIV from a deadly disease for many to a manageable chronic illness for most, allowing people diagnosed with HIV to live long and full lives.” health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-09-18_hiv_aids_day.htm

#DrJamesMcDonald: “There are still many challenges to overcome to address the medical, social & emotional needs of our aging population in NYS. Prevention efforts for HIV & other sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a priority." health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-09-18_hiv_aids_day.htm

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “By working together, we are creating a more adaptable, sustainable and resilient public health system for our state and the region.” Read more about the Collaborative’s shared purpose: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-09-18_ph_collaborative.htm

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “These individuals have shown tremendous courage and strength in the face of formidable challenges and will help to inspire others facing similar obstacles.” More about the honorees: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-09-16_helen_hayes_annual_honors.htm

More than 140,000 New Yorkers qualify for enhanced premium tax credits. It is estimated that average premiums in NYS will rise by nearly 40% if they are allowed to expire. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-urges-congress-pass-extension-affordable-care-act-health-insurance-subsidies

#DrJamesMcDonald: “Vaccines save lives, and this guidance ensures every New Yorker from our youngest children to those at highest risk has safe, reliable access to the COVID vaccine." governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-issues-covid-19-vaccine-guidance-new-yorkers-partnership-northeast-public

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald joined Spectrum News NY1 to discuss the importance of vaccines in promoting and protecting health. Learn more: health.ny.gov/prevention/i...

What you wear when outdoors can help prevent tick bites and the diseases carried by ticks. Learn more about ticks, bite prevention and what to do if you find a tick on your skin or clothing: health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Approximately 126,000 New Yorkers, including children, are living with or in remission from a form of blood cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma & multiple myeloma. ⬇️ (/2)

COVID vaccinations are especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes & obesity. Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order ensures NYers can get it. Talk to a health care pro if you have questions. Info: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

What are your thoughts on how to reconnect the Empire State Plaza to neighboring areas? As part of @GovKathyHochul's $400M Championing Albany's Potential plan, OGS is exploring ways to shape the Plaza into a space that inspires community connection: 🔗https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/survey

Vaccines save lives. I’ll always fight to keep them within reach for New Yorkers.

West Nile Virus, an infection caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, has been detected in NYS. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from potentially serious illness: health.ny.gov/diseases/mosquitoes/

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “As we recognize Sepsis Awareness Month, I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms associated with sepsis and act fast to seek medical treatment if they suspect this life-threatening condition.” Learn more: health.ny.gov/press/releas...

Taking certain drugs, smoking or drinking alcohol at any point during pregnancy increases the risk of having a baby born with a birth defect. Learn how to protect your baby: health.ny.gov/diseases/bir...

Today I got my COVID-19 booster. The science is clear, and so is my mission: Protect New Yorkers, no matter what Washington throws at us.

Reminder: Trout season in New York closes October 15. Plan your last casts of the season and always check advisories before eating your catch. You can also learn more about the Department’s advice for fishing New York waterbodies here: health.ny.gov/fish

Cannabis can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely. It is illegal for anyone in a vehicle to consume cannabis, whether parked or moving. It’s also against the law to have an open container of cannabis in a vehicle. Learn more: health.ny.gov/community/ca...

Many things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle can also protect your brain. Choose a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, stay socially active, quit smoking, and limit alcohol. Learn more: health.ny.gov/brainhealth

Everyone’s experience is different. It’s okay if yours doesn’t look like someone else’s.

Ticks can be found in many places outdoors, so be sure to check for them whenever you spend time outside, including watching or playing ball, hiking, mowing the lawn and enjoying a picnic. More information about ticks and the diseases they carry: health.ny.gov/diseases/com...

Make an appointment to catch-up on any missed vaccinations as soon as possible. If you have questions, talk to your child’s health care provider. Learn more about why to immunize and vaccines available at no cost: health.ny.gov/prevention/i...

In crisis? You don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to 988 for free and confidential emotional support 24/7. youtube.com/watch?v=n19F6Lg_YCU