Chenango County Health Department

06/01/2026

6/1/2026 Topic of the Month

June is Men’s Health Month

June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventive care, healthy lifestyle choices, and early detection of health issues affecting men and boys. This observance encourages men to prioritize regular checkups, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental health while also promoting education about conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and depression. Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder that taking proactive steps toward wellness can lead to longer, healthier lives and stronger families and communities.

What are some Common Health Issues to Address during Men’s Health Month?

1. Prostate Cancer: The second most common cancer in men, for which screening is recommended. Prostate cancer screening is an important reminder that early detection can save lives and improve treatment outcomes. Regular screenings, including PSA blood tests and discussions with a healthcare provider, can help identify prostate cancer before symptoms appear. Encouraging men to stay informed about their risk factors and prioritize preventive care supports healthier, longer lives.

2. Heart Disease: A leading cause of death, often linked to lifestyle factors. Heart disease screening is especially important because heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among men. Regular screenings can help detect high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors before serious complications develop. Early detection allows men to make lifestyle changes and begin treatment that can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

3. Mental Health: Breaking the stigma around seeking help for depression and anxiety. Mental health is an important part of health because emotional well-being affects relationships, work, and overall physical health. Many men struggle in silence due to stigma, which can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other serious challenges. Encouraging open conversations about mental health helps men feel supported and more willing to seek help when needed. Prioritizing mental wellness can improve confidence, resilience, and quality of life for men of all ages.

4. Urologic Conditions: Including BPH (enlarged prostate) and kidney stones. It’s important to recognize that urological health plays a key role in overall wellness, affecting the urinary tract, reproductive health, and quality of life. Regular screenings and early detection can help prevent or manage common conditions such as cancer, kidney stones, and urinary tract issues before they become serious. Prioritizing urological care encourages men to take proactive steps toward better long-term health.

Some resources to read more about Men’s Health:
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/
National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
Urology Care Foundation https://www.urologyhealth.org/media-center/mens-health-month
American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8/teaming-up-with-nfl-alumni-association-for-mens-health

05/29/2026

Today, Neisa hosted another Lunch and Learn at Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.! Participants learned about lead poisoning prevention, healthy eating habits, and safe cleaning practices, including the importance of wet cleaning to help reduce lead dust in the home. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this informative and engaging session focused on creating healthier environments for families and children.

05/29/2026

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05/28/2026

Is radon a concern in your home?
Learn more about radon and protecting your home:
New York State Radon Information

New York State homeowners can order a radon test kit from the State Department of Health for just $12.25.

Download the order form here:
NYSDOH Radon Test Kit Order Form
https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-2247.pdf

Learn more about radon and protecting your home:
New York State Radon Information

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

Radon

05/26/2026

Great Information from the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center

All of us here at the CAC wanted to bring attention to the campaign we are starting for Water Safety.

Starting today and throughout June, we will be posting the photo below on a couple of billboards throughout Chenango and Madison County!

We to show the importance of water safety education and how it can prevent drownings and water-related accidents! Here are seven safety tips that are easy to teach and remember:

1. Supervise Children: Never leave children unattended near water; always be watching.

2. Learn to Swim: Make sure children that are in water know how to swim.

3. Know your Drains: Educate children to avoid any drains.

4. Ensure Compliance: Ensure all pools are conforming to drain cover regulations.

5. Install Safety Devices: Install barriers, covers and alarms.

6. Get Certified: Take the action of educating yourself on how to perform CPR on children and adults.

7. Take the Pledge: Take the Pool Safely Pledge stating you will follow the rules above to ensure water safety!

Rules above are from the website: https://nwsm.phta.org/consumers-parents/safety-tips/ - which has multiple other resources.

🌞 Enjoy a nice sizzling summer in the water but let's do it safely 💙

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

Spending time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. Get outdoors this weekend. Considering taking the Explore Outdoor Chenango Challenge as a family. It's easy and fun! Visit 7 of the 14 locations for a chance to win prizes.
https://www.chenangocountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6395/Explore-Chenango-Outdoor-Challenge-Brochure-2026-RED-PDF

*Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.

*Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors.

*Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes.

https://mhanational.org/resources/the-outdoors-and-nature/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. Most studies on nature and well-being look at green spaces like parks and forests, but researchers are also beginning to ...

05/19/2026

Launching lead walk in Bainbridge 👟

05/18/2026

Stay protected year-round—check our local public health clinic’s immunization schedule and keep your family up to date on recommended vaccines.