News & Press Releases
The Putnam County Department of Health is made of several divisions all working towards improving and protecting the health of the community. Click on one of the options below to learn more about that division.
Tips for Healthy Eating and Exercise During the Holidays
The crisp, cool fall air signals the winter and holiday season ahead. While this can bring pleasant feelings of nostalgia, the cold weather and festivities also present challenges to staying active and eating healthy. Outdoor physical activity tends to decline, and the temptations of sweets and treats may be irresistible. Taken to an extreme both the lack of physical activity and overeating can put people at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, exercising and eating right supports muscle and skeletal strength, boosts immunity and keeps skin, teeth and eyes healthy, increases brain function.
To follow the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week in addition to 2 days of muscle strengthening activities. There are many easy and free ways to stay active even in colder weather.
- Dance
- Indoor swimming
- Stair climbing
- Mall walking
- Tune into workout classes, via live Zoom, Instagram or TV
- Do some chores around the house such as vacuuming, sweeping and cleaning
- Dress in layers, go outside and go for a walk, run or jog
- Rake leaves or shovel snow
As with physical activity, nutrition also plays an important role in an individual’s health. With many holiday celebrations revolving around enticing foods, the urge to overeat tends to be unavoidable. It is not a bad thing to indulge in these festive foods in moderation, as long as healthy eating is not completely ignored. Take a look at what your daily plate should look like below or explore https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate for more information.
More information can be found at:
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/overcoming-barriers/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/stay-active-this-winter.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/resources/healthy-eating-benefits-for-adults.html
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/
Additional Articles
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Health Department Highlights ATUPA Program Staff
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Health Department Promotes Great American Smokeout
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Tips for Healthy Eating and Exercise During the Holidays
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Putnam Prepares for America Recycles Day, November 15;
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Health Department Highlights Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with Staff Spotlight
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The 25th Annual National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Starts October 20
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Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic Scheduled for November 2
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Mental Health Awareness & Resources
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Health Department Highlights Public Health Emergency Preparedness with Staff Spotlight
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Mosquito Season is Still Active
Welcome Message
The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of our community.
We strive to prevent the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy lifestyles, ensure access to quality health services, and respond to disasters.
We encourage you to explore our website and contact us if you have any questions.
In the event of an emergency, Health Department staff are available 24/7. Please call 845-808-1390 to report a public health emergency, rabies exposure, communicable disease, water outage or sewer overflow.
If you are a member of the media and would like to contact the health department, please email
Contact the Department of Health
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Office | 845.808.1390
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Fax | 845.278.7921
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Fax (Nursing) | 845.279.4104
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Address | 1 Geneva Rd, Brewster, NY 10509