For Immediate Release: January 6, 2020

Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-951-5153 / 802-863-7281
[email protected]
 

Making Those New Resolutions Come True
Health Department offers resources and supports to help you meet your 2020 goals

BURLINGTON, VT – Across Vermont and around the world people turned the calendar to 2020 and set new and renewed goals for better health and wellness. The Department of Health wants you to know there are an amazing number of supports and resources available at your fingertips to help you to succeed.

From finding healthy weight programs in your community, to getting a flu shot, to quit smoking help, here are a few of our top resources. Find them all at HealthVermont.gov.

Improve Your Health

  • A great place to startMyHealthyVT.org
    Whether it’s a goal to lose weight, or finding help to manage your diabetes, chronic pain or other long-term health problems, local coordinators connect you with workshops near you. Vermonters who complete our workshops report big improvements in their health and overall well-being.
  • Healthy Eating healthvermont.gov/MyMoment
    By staying a healthy weight, you feel better and can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  A healthy weight can also help control other conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Smoking, Tobacco and Vaping802Quits.org
    Increase your success in quitting tobacco or vaping with 802Quits. Get tips and tools - including nicotine replacement therapy – to help you find the path that works for you. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit 802Quits.org.
  • Alcohol & Drinkinghealthvermont.gov/alcohol
    If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may need help dealing with alcohol dependency, visit our website for information and treatment and recovery resources. Try this quick online quiz to see if your drinking habits are safe, risky or harmful: AlcoholScreening.org.
  • Drugs and Substance Use healthvermont.gov/FindTreatment  
    We know how difficult it is to take the first steps to find treatment and help to succeed in recovery. That’s why we open as many doors as possible. Whether for yourself or someone you know, potentially life-saving support and treatment is available – right now, near you.
  • Walk the Walksafestreets.vermont.gov/WatchForMe  
    It’s hard be active in the winter, but even short walks can make a difference. Check out these tips on staying safe while walking, and for watching for others when you drive.

Stay Healthy & Prevent Illness

  • You FirstYouFirstVT.org  
    Screening and personalized supports that connect eligible Vermonters to breast, cervical and heart screenings, diagnostic tests and heart healthy lifestyle programs. Members can get free memberships to WW® (Weight Watchers), TOPS® and local gyms, farmers’ market coupons, and more.
  • Get Vaccinatedhealthvermont.gov/immunizations
    Vaccinations help protect people from the risk of disease, especially infants who are too young to be vaccinated. And now that it’s flu season, you’ll want that flu shot right away.
  • Ready to be SteadyFallsFreeVermont.org  
    Falls, especially among older Vermonters, can lead to chronic health problems and loss of independence. Resolve to improve your balance and prevent future falls with these free screening events and exercise classes.
  • Be Tick Smarthealthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart
    They’ll be back before you know it, so be sure you know what to do to prevent tick-borne diseases.

Take Care of Your Family

  • Talk with your KidsParentUpVT.org
    Parents are their kids’ #1 influence as they navigate the challenges of drugs, alcohol and mental health. In fact, children whose parents tell them about the risks of drug use are significantly less likely to use drugs. But these are hard conversations. ParentUp offers tips and guidance for being the best influence possible.
  • Growing Familieshealthvermont.gov/wic   
    WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. If you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or have a child under age 5, WIC is right for you.
  • Prescription Medication Disposalhealthvermont.gov/DoYourPart  
    A lot of substance misuse and addiction starts at the family medicine cabinet. We make it easy for you to get rid of unused, unwanted and expired medications. See how to drop off unused medications at a local kiosk or mail it in a free pre-paid envelope.
  • Healthy Homeshealthvermont.gov/HealthyAtHome
    See the simple steps to keeping your home, and everyone in it, healthy and safe. Get useful information about lead poisoning, radon, cleaning chemicals and more.
  • Drinking Waterhealthvermont.gov/water
    It’s important to regularly check your well water for contaminants, and to know how to keep your water safe to drink.
  • Be Prepared healthvermont.gov/EmergencyPrep
    Be ready for the next power outage, flood or other emergency. Create an emergency plan for your family, put together a supply kit, and stay informed by signing up at vem.vermont.gov/vtalert to get text, email or phone alerts.

Make a Difference in the Health of Your Community

  • Help in an EmergencyOnCallforVT.org
    Visit OnCall for Vermont to learn about volunteering with a Medical Reserve Corp (no medical experience needed) or your local Emergency Medical Service (EMS).
  • Climate and Your Healthhealthvermont.gov/climate
    Everyone’s health is affected by climate change, and certain people are more vulnerable than others. Taking action to minimize the impacts of climate change can improve the health of Vermonters today and in the future.

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About the Department of Health
We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.
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