Westford Health Department

06/09/2026

Heating Up for Summer

When it comes to extreme heat, it’s not just about the temperature you see on your weather app. While 120 degrees in Phoenix isn’t great, 90 degrees in New York can be worse.
This is because the risk to your health is due to heat imbalance. That’s when your body produces more heat than it can release. Normally, sweat helps cool us down. But when it’s hot and humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily. The air is already packed with moisture, making it harder for your body to cool itself and raising the risk of illness quickly.

• People taking medications that impair heat regulation: Certain drugs interfere with sweating, hydration, or heart function, and can even reduce your thirst sensation. Check out the list here.
• Older adults: Aging reduces the body’s ability to sweat and regulate temperature.
• Infants and children: Smaller bodies heat up faster, and young children may not recognize or communicate early symptoms. Kids with asthma are at high risk.
• People with chronic diseases: Underlying conditions like heart disease strain the body’s ability to cope with heat stress.
• Pregnant women: Pregnancy increases metabolic heat production, making it harder to stay cool. More here.
• Outdoor workers and athletes: Prolonged physical activity in hot environments increases internal heat production.

Check the Heat Risk tool, https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
to know when to avoid strenuous activity. Stay hydrated. Watch for signs and symptoms of heat stroke. Check your urine color.

Be smart with fans: Fans can help when it’s moderately hot by circulating air and helping sweat evaporate. But once temps climb above 90°F fans may actually blow more hot air onto you, increasing heat stress.

06/04/2026

Westford PAYT Overflow Bags to Be Available at Local Retailers

As Westford prepares for the launch of the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program beginning the week of July 6, 2026, several local businesses have partnered with the Town to support the community by selling official PAYT overflow bags.
The Town would like to thank the following businesses for their partnership and willingness to serve Westford residents during the transition to the new program:
• Ace Hardware – 527 Groton Road
• Big Apple Market & Deli – 294 Littleton Road (Route 110)
• Mackay Ace Hardware – 323 Littleton Road (Route 110)
• Market Basket – 6A Cornerstone Square
• NAB One Stop – 60 Brookside Road

Additional retailers may be added as the program rollout continues. We will provide additional information on our website and via social media when bags will be in stores.
Official PAYT overflow bags will be required for any trash that does not fit inside a resident's Town-issued 35-gallon trash cart beginning July 6, 2026.

Overflow bags:
• Cost $2.75 per bag
• Are sold in rolls of five (5) for $13.75 per roll
• Hold approximately 2–3 full 13-gallon kitchen trash bags
• Must weigh no more than 30 pounds
• Must be fully tied/closed for collection

Residents should place trash carts and overflow bags curbside by 7:00 AM on their regular trash collection day. Bags may be placed directly on the ground, but using a barrel or cart is recommended to discourage animals and pests. There is no limit to the number of overflow bags residents may place curbside each week.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Town's PAYT webpage for program details, frequently asked questions, and the most up-to-date list of participating retailers.
Thank you to our local business community for partnering with the Town and helping support a smooth transition to the new Westford Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) .

https://westfordma.gov/1831/Pay-As-You-Throw-PAYT-Program

06/03/2026

A great turn out at this year's Pedestrian Bike Rodeo at the Nabnasset School last night! A big thank you to all the Westford Departments that contributed to this annual event. Children and families enjoyed Richie's slush, an obstacle course, raffles, giveaways, helmets, and bike checks.

06/03/2026

Remember “First is the Worst”
A heat wave is expected in Massachusetts over the next seven days.
The Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health offers tools and resources to help people prepare for hot weather. These materials focus on health dangers linked to extreme heat, people most at risk, and steps you take to stay safe before and during a heat wave. For more information, please click on the link.
https://mailchi.mp/aeda8e3f9b80/olrhbulletin-6-2-26?e=a9b95ae9f8

06/02/2026

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Statewide Guidance for Schools, Health Care Facilities, and More on Interacting with ICE

Last week, Gov. Maura Healey announced new statewide guidance for schools, child care providers, higher education campuses, health care facilities, and places of worship regarding interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The guidance is intended to help organizations across Massachusetts protect access to essential services, understand their rights and responsibilities, and prepare staff on how to respond appropriately if federal immigration officers arrive on site.

Visit https://www.mass.gov/protecting-people-from-ice
to learn more and read the guidance, currently available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

Governor Maura Healey is taking action to protect the people of Massachusetts from Donald Trump's federal immigration agents and their unlawful, un-American tactics.

05/26/2026

New To***co products that dissolve in the mouth and look like everyday products such as breath mints and candy.

FDA Warns Retailers Selling Illegal To***co Products That Look Like Everyday Products

05/26/2026

Bring the family to the annual Bike Safety Rodeo on June 2nd. Lots of fun, bike obstacle course, free Italian ice, free bike checks, and education.

05/19/2026

05/13/2026

Update from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Andes Virus Outbreak-strain of Hantavirus.

Current situation on the hantavirus outbreak that was reported May 2, 2026.

05/13/2026

Nabnasset Lake and Long Sought for Pond will be treated on Tuesday May 19th for the growth of Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation. All beaches including Edward's Beach, Summer Village, Lakeside Meadows, and Nabnasset Improvement beaches are closed to swimming until 05/20/2026. Please call the Health Department with any questions at 978-692-5509.