New York State Department of Health
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nysdoh.bsky.social
New York State Department of Health
@nysdoh.bsky.social
Our Mission: To promote and protect the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, with a foundation in health equity.
It’s all about the turkey! This Thanksgiving, food safety starts with making sure your food is cooked to the right temperature. Learn more about food safety: health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/food_safety/consumer_guidance.htm
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Stroke treatment is most effective within 3 hours of the first symptoms, so learn to act F.A.S.T.:
⚠️Face drooping
⚠️Arms weakness
⚠️Speech difficulty
⚠️Time to all 9-1-1
More information: health.ny.gov/diseases/car...
November 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
#DrJamesMcDonald: “Last year’s flu season, we lost 27 of our children to the flu, more than any year in our memory.” Everyone 6 months & older should get vaccinated to avoid serious illness. health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-24_flu_vaccine_to_prevent_influenza-associated_pediatric_deaths.htm
November 25, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Don’t invite germs for the holidays. Wash hands and surfaces often. Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item. Learn more about food safety: health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/food_safety/consumer_guidance.htm
November 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
If you are traveling for the holiday, be prepared for whatever road or weather issues you may encounter by enabling emergency alerts on your mobile phone. It’s easy to sign up – simply text your county or borough with no spaces to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Learn more: dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts
Emergency and Weather Alerts
A simple way to sign up for emergency and weather alerts.
dhses.ny.gov
November 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The Department applauds the collaborative for reiterating the lack of credible scientific evidence linking vaccinations and autism. The message is clear: vaccines are safe. health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-24_statement.htm
November 25, 2025 at 2:33 PM
DOH is reminding health care providers & birthing facilities about the critical importance of the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns within 24 hours of delivery or sooner depending on other factors. Why this is so important: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-24_hepatitis_b_advisory.htm
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Time to size up your turkey. The bigger the bird, the more time it needs to thaw. Be sure to take your turkey out of the freezer at the right time and defrost appropriately. Never thaw on the counter. fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-basics-safe-thawing
November 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
“Towards the end, when treatment options were failing, my parents were struggling to accept hospice as a viable option. When they elected the hospice benefit, they never looked back.” Hospice info: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
November 24, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Commissioner McDonald: “New York is a national leader in reducing tobacco use and supporting New Yorkers on their journey to quit.” Landmarks across NYS will glow purple tonight in recognition of that success. Info: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-21_tobacco_control_25th_anniversary.htm
November 21, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The DOH cancer team is coming together this month to raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate & colorectal cancers. #NoShaveNovember
More about these types of cancer:
🎗️ Colorectal: health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/
🎗️ Prostate: health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/prostate/
November 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Adding some locally caught fish to your holiday dinner? Choose species that are lower in contaminants to keep your meal safe. More info: health.ny.gov/fish
November 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: “This issue has been studied thoroughly for many years by experts around the world. What is clear is that vaccine-preventable diseases cause serious illness, hospitalization and death.” The statement: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-20_statement.htm
November 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in NYS and can cause significant disability. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. Learn more about what you can do to prevent a stroke: health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/heart_disease/
November 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Commissioner McDonald: “Antibiotics can save lives when used to treat bacterial infections, but when taken improperly, they can have harmful health effects.” Learn more of efforts to preserve the power of antibiotics: health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-19_prevent_drug_resistant_infections.htm
November 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The Department thanks those who are part of the answer to hunger. More than 2 million New Yorkers have limited or uncertain access to food. The Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program works to improve the quality of food distribution. health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/hpnap/
November 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM
“Hospice coordinated an early birthday party, even bringing a cake. The entire family gathered to sing. I am forever grateful to Hospice for that memory, and the care they extended my grandmother and family.” Helpful information: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
November 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Are you one of the nearly 98 million Americans with prediabetes? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test to know where you stand: doihaveprediabetes.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
DOH-operated nursing homes are being recognized for outstanding care. @usnews ranks the NYS Veterans Homes at at Batavia, Oxford and St. Albans as among the best nursing homes in the state. Search facility rankings: health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ny
November 18, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Telephone scammers may be trying to access your information by pretending to be from the Department. The caller may provide a case number or ID allegedly related to controlled substance fraud. Report such calls to your local law enforcement agency. dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Commissioner McDonald: “Most New Yorkers with prediabetes do not know they have it, so getting screened to understand your risk can save your life.” Learn about screening and help to make lifestyle changes to reduce risk. health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-11-14_prediabetes_testing.htm
November 17, 2025 at 5:16 PM
“She was able to pass away in the environment of her choosing – her own home, surrounded by family. The Hospice team was wonderful – kind, always responsive and expertly guiding different personalities and family dynamics through the process.” Info: health.ny.gov/facilities/hospice/consumer.htm
November 17, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse today to celebrate a partnership under the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program, which will help expand the ambulatory network, modernize the neonatal ICU and build a new cardiac lab.
November 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a proven way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Find a program near you: cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention/lifestyle-change-program/find-a-program.html
Find a Lifestyle Change Program
Find a lifestyle change program near you or one that's offered remotely.
cdc.gov
November 14, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Childhood asthma, radon prevention, improved indoor air quality, cancer screening and tobacco cessation are just a few of the programs DOH provides to help New Yorkers prevent lung disease and improve lung health. Learn more:
health.ny.gov/diseases/asthma/clear_the_air.htm
November 14, 2025 at 3:26 PM