Stop and smell the flowers

April 10, 2024

Spring Into Good Health

Springtime in Vermont often gets a bad rap—blame it on the roads turning into mud rivers or the occasional surprise blizzard. BUT in this edition of Health Sense, we're flipping the script and showing you why spring is an egg-citing time for us Vermonters! Think fluffy baby chicks, fresh maple syrup, and flowers (of all kinds 😉). So, grab your gardening gloves and join us in planting the seeds that'll help you prioritize and improve your health this season and year-round!

Translations for you

Did you know that you can find print, video, and audio health resources in many of the languages spoken in Vermont on our website?

Learn how to access these resources.

Cartoon of two people walking past a fence saying "someone's smoking pot or it's a skunk." On the other side of the fence there is a skunk smoking pot.

It’s skunk season in Vermont…in more ways than one🍃

What’s that skunky smell?

Secondhand smoke of all kinds, including from cannabis products, can affect the health of both the smoker and those around them. If you use cannabis, be courteous and remember:

You must be 21+ to legally purchase or use cannabis.

Weed is stronger than it used to be! Go slow, especially with edibles. It can take hours before you feel the full effects.

Don’t use and drive.

Store your stash out of sight and out of reach of children and pets (lock it up, if possible).

Cannabis can’t be consumed in public spaces, and landlords, employers, cities, and counties may have their own rules.

Check out this video to learn more about cannabis in Vermont.

* Scroll down for the answer.

How many birthing parents experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) in Vermont?

A. 5%

B. 15%

C. 25%

Hint: Check out the PMADS webpage for information and resources!

three chicks sitting in grass with text that reads "backyard chick safety"

Get the Scoop on Coop Hygiene

Hearing the cheerful peeps of baby chicks brings joy to the people who choose to raise them in their yards. As fun as chicks are, it's important to remember that poultry can carry germs that make us sick even if they look clean and healthy. Follow these tips to keep your flock and your family healthy!

🐥 Wash your hands: After touching poultry or anything in their area, wash your hands with soap and water.

🐥 No kissing or snuggling: Do not put your mouth on poultry and avoid touching your face or mouth after handling them.

🐥Regular coop cleaning: Clean the coop, floor, nests, and perches often.

Find more tips here!

Test the (Private) Waters

Did you know your private well or spring may contain contaminants you can’t see (or smell, or taste)? We recommend testing your water regularly using the Vermont Homeowner Testing Package, which includes three test kits:

💧 Bacteria (Kit A) – test every year

💧 Inorganic chemicals (Kit C) – test every five years

💧 Gross alpha radiation (Kit RA) – test every five years

Be sure your drinking water is well, well by ordering testing kits through the Health Department Laboratory at 802-338-4724 or another certified drinking water lab.

Find out more about testing and treatment.

Breaking down Health Barriers

The word equity comes up a lot nowadays, but the truth is in the data. Even in our brave little state of Vermont, health disparities and inequities exist. We've gathered all our reports that touch on equity-related topics in one place for you. Find what you need by searching for age, race, or housing.

The amount of data might seem overwhelming, but it's important to use it to better health outcomes for all people living in Vermont.

Learning from the data and talking about what you learn is a great way to start! You can also find out how our partners are reducing health inequities.

Break Up With Cigarettes 💔

Not only will you taste the health benefits of a smoke-free life, but you’ll feel it too!

Quitting smoking will improve your health no matter your age or how long you smoked. Quitting doesn’t only make you healthier, it can also benefit your quality of life, life expectancy, pregnancy and baby health, and relationships.

Quitting is possible with 802Quits. Get FREE counseling, quit medications, tips and tools at 802quits.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW

(1-800-784-8669).

* Option C, 25% is the correct answer.

Check Out Our Upcoming Events

Want more like Health Sense? Follow @HealthVermont on social media!

Send Us A Message