The NYS Caregiver Guide provides tips, plans and resources for caregivers and for the person they are caring for. Find the guide and additional resources for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. www.health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/dementia/caring_for.htm

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Drinking less alcohol or choosing not to drink can lead to significant improvements in your overall physical and mental health.” More info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-30_alcohol_consumption.htm

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “All New Yorkers deserve the right to have access to critical health care services, regardless of where they live." Learn more: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-30_first_year_federal_funding.htm

Good nutrition includes diets rich in fruits and vegetables, which are linked to higher energy levels, better digestion and improved overall well-being. The Department’s Division of Nutrition has information about nutrition programs for those who qualify: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/

Prolonged social media use poses real risks, especially for young people: Anxiety. Depression. Poor mental health. New York is requiring warning labels on addictive social media feeds to help kids understand that risk. This is a public health issue. We're treating it like one.

A recent survey of adults in NY found the prevalence of prediabetes increased more than 2.5X from 2011-2023, from 5% to 14%. Early detection of prediabetes is critical to prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes. Info: health.ny.gov/statistics/brfss/reports/docs/2025-20_brfss_prediabetes.pdf

Don’t let weather conditions prevent you from being physically active! Indoor exercise can help prevent chronic disease no matter your age or ability: health.ny.gov/community/physical_activity/

Leo is an LGBTQ+ writer, artist and activist and one of the early adopters of PrEP. Watch his #UnfilteredNY episode at UnfilteredNY.org.

Comm. McDonald: “While influenza activity is elevated, there are simple steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves & those around them, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick & practicing everyday preventive measures.” health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-26_flu_cases.htm

The celebration of 50 years of newborn screening for sickle cell disease in New York State is for everyone - children, too! Color and submit a coloring sheet. Visit: wadsworth.org/news/celebrating-50-years-screening-sickle-cell-disease-new-york-state

Time is critical to provide treatment when someone is having a stroke. Learn the signs and possibly save a life: health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/stroke/

A holiday message from DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to all New Yorkers ⬇️

In our final installment of #AsktheExperts, DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and @NYHealthCommish answer your most pressing questions about RSV. Watch the full video series: youtu.be/bZldwTxxdl8

DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald & @NYSAGING Director Greg Olsen recently caught up for a conversation about ways you can protect yourself & loved ones against flu, COVID & RSV during respiratory virus season. Watch to learn more.

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “I thank @governor.ny.gov for signing this important legislation that protects children from potential harm.” Info: governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-two-pieces-landmark-legislation-protect-new-yorkers-against-harmful

Dress warmly and work slowly. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or doing other outdoor activity in the cold. ny.gov/winter-safety-tips

Spread holiday joy, not ick! Good hand hygiene is also a great lesson that helps keep kids &everyone else safe from seasonal viruses like flu, COVID & RSV. Take steps to prevent seasonal illness through vaccination against flu, COVID & RSV. health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “Medetomidine impacts the central nervous system and can lead to extreme vomiting and high blood pressure potentially requiring ICU care.” Learn more about this highly potent veterinary sedative: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-19_synthetic_sedative.htm

NYS is investing $453 million for water infrastructure upgrades across the state, including funding to improve outdated sewer systems and address drinking water contamination. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-more-453-million-grants-make-local-water-infrastructure-improvements

If you are at risk for diabetes, a Diabetes Prevention Program can help you lose weight & increase physical activity, which may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes up to 58%. Diabetes prevention programs near you: cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention/lifestyle-change-program/find-a-program.html

Make sure your holidays are merry and bright – get up to date on flu, COVID and RSV shots so you don’t miss out on spending time with your favorite people. More info: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/

New! We’re excited about a new webpage designed to help make informed decisions about health, including what epidemiology is and does, and other terms. Explore the site: science.health.ny.gov

What do agave, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose and sucrose have in common? They are all names for added sugars in your beverages. Limit sugary drinks as part of efforts to improve and maintain your health. Learn more: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/sugary_beverages/

Most new hepatitis C infections in New York are among younger adults. Hepatitis C screening tests are available for everyone 18 years or older, those at risk who are under 18 and every pregnant person during each pregnancy. Visit: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/hepatitis_c/testing/

Watch Episode 2 of Unfiltered featuring Jade keeping it real about sexual health, testing and why PrEP matters for Black women. 🎯Watch here: UnfilteredNY.org #UnfilteredNY

Getting vaccinated against seasonal respiratory illness can protect you and those around you from serious illness this holiday season. Learn more about vaccines: health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/vaccine_safety/frequently_asked_questions.htm

Protect yourself and passengers in a winter road emergency. If stopped or stalled stay with your car and let your car be seen. Clear your exhaust pipe of snow and run your car sporadically. Learn more at nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips and health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/cold

The best protection against the flu is to make sure you're up to date on your annual flu vaccine. @NYHealthCommish and @nychealthcommr.bsky.social answer your questions about the flu in our latest #AsktheExperts. Watch ⬇️

Boost your immune system by making good nutrition and lifestyle choices that will help keep you healthy for the holidays and all year round: balanced diet rich in nutrients, physical activity and protection against respiratory illness through vaccination.

The clock is ticking! Today is your last day to enroll or renew your health plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2026 so be sure to sign up before the end of the day. Find quality, affordable health coverage through NY State of Health here: nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

On today’s PHRME, Commissioner James McDonald of @nysdoh.bsky.social discusses findings from New York’s first statewide economic evaluation of naloxone and the importance of overdose prevention programs. 🎧: https://discover.astho.org/4aQItFv.

Commissioner #DrJamesMcDonald: “Early detection can save lives, and no New Yorker should avoid critical screening because of cost.” Learn more about @governor.ny.gov's initiative: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-12_lung_cancer_screening.htm

@GovKathyHochul announcing $300 million in funding to advance health info tech & cybersecurity in hospitals across NYS. Learn more: governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-more-300-million-advance-health-information-technology-and

COVID-19 vaccines protect children from severe illness! Read the research and talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of the vaccine for your children: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7440a1.htm

Navy veteran Commissioner Dr. James McDonald shared holiday greetings with fellow veterans and staff at St. Albans Veterans Home this week. St. Albans is one of four skilled nursing facilities operated by the Department for veterans and their dependents. Visit: apps.health.ny.gov/nysvets/web/...

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “We expect a more severe flu season due to circulating strains of the virus compared to last year.” Protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. More info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-09_respiratory_illness.htm

Meet Yves. 🎵 Artist and activist whose work is rooted in building community and advocating for Black and queer youth. Watch his story on UnfilteredNY.org #UnfilteredNY

A test for lead at age 1 and 2 is the only way to know if your child could be at risk for lead poisoning. Learn more: health.ny.gov/environmental/lead

NYS Medicaid is committed to helping its members stay healthy, at little to no cost. Learn more: health.ny.gov/health_care/....

Be ready for snow and ice before getting behind the wheel this winter. Cold weather causes tire air pressure to drop and batteries to be less effective. Keep a shovel and first aid kit in your vehicle. Learn more winter driving tips at youtube.com/watch?v=jTDF_lEnYs4

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: "We've bent the curve, but there's still work to do to eliminate health disparities and address intersecting epidemics of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis and substance use." health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-09_ending_the_epidemic.htm

Want to Quit Vaping? You are not alone. Sign up for texts offering free, confidential help at dropthevape.org/.

Be prepared for weather alerts! Sign up for emergency alerts on your mobile phone--simply text your county or borough with no spaces to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Learn more: dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts

With frigid temps in the forecast—‘feels like' below 0° and even colder in some areas—plan ahead and get all the cold weather tips your home and family may need by visiting the Department's Cold Weather Tips webpage: health.ny.gov/extremecold

A NYS overdose-free generation is possible. Find help: naloxone, drug test strips, sterile syringes, buprenorphine, medical and social services. Learn more: health.ny.gov/overdosefreegeneration

Be sure to join us virtually for the annual Ending the Epidemic Summit and World Aids Day events in Albany Dec 9 & 10, featuring a keynote presentation and awards ceremony by Commissioner McDonald. More info: mme.zohobackstage.com/2025WorldAID...

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “We continue to recommend that every baby receive this vaccine within 24 hours of delivery, & that infants born to a person with hepatitis B receive it within 12 hours.” NY's unchanged recommendations: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-05_acip_votes.htm

A huge thanks to DOH staff, including these wonderful women, who participated in #NoShaveNovember to focus on men’s health, including prostate & colorectal cancers. Info: 🎗️health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/ 🎗️health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/prostate/

More than 2 million Americans live with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that impact their quality of life. We encourage you to learn more about IBD to help support those living with it: cdc.gov/inflammatory...

Learn about Department strategies to prevent drug misuse, respond to overdoses and address the harms of drug use, including: ✔️ Naloxone ✔️ Drug Test Strips ✔️ Sterile Syringes ✔️ Medical and Social Services Learn more: health.ny.gov/overdosefree...