Needham Health Department Looking for People Who Think Icanhelp

Needham Health Department launching new program based on CPR training to help students with social, academic and other issues.

  If you can spare an hour for Needham's youth, then when they say they need help, you'll be able to say Icanhelp.  To introduce this program, the Publich Health Department is hosting a one-hour presentation tomorrow afternoon, at 3:45 p.m., at Needham Town Hall. The concept of the program, according to a Health Department press release, is loosely based on CPR.  The aim of the program is to teach professionals to spot the warning signs that a teen may be in trouble, and how to start talking to them.  The introductory course will be followed up by a training session on March 20. Those interested should contact NeedhamICH@gmail.com and leave a name and contact information. The following is a press release from the Needham Health Department…

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Health Matters: Lead Paint, Contractors and Safe Renovations

Painting your home? Needham Health Department provides important information you need to know about lead paint

The following was submitted by the Needham Health Department: Was your home built before 1978? If so, you need to be concerned about the presence of lead paint before you do any interior or exterior renovations. This is a reminder that in April 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) federal law started requiring contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes (inside and outside), child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification, also know as their Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certification. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating …

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Health Matters: Winter Storm Safety Tips

Article submitted by the Public Health Department with some tips for the beginning of the winter storm season.

The following was submitted by the Needham Public Health Department: This has been a very unusual winter so far! We have been hit with extreme temperature fluctuations, from the mild 60s to the low 30s. This winter season has just begun, and we need to remember that it is very important to be prepared. This article talks about some important safety tips to follow in preparation for a winter storm. Winter storms are deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the actual storm. The major causes are automobile or other transportation accidents, exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion, hypothermia or asphyxiation from improper heating sources.House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper …

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Health Matters: Demolition Guidelines for Needham Residents

Looking to take down a house, garage or shed? The Needham Health Department shares some of the requirements if you live in town.

By Needham Health Department Staff Are you planning to take down your home, garage or shed? Or will you be doing some extensive renovation work? If so, it is important for you to be familiar with the Needham Health Department’s requirements, prior to receiving a demolition permit through the town’s Building Department. These procedures are necessary because of the many environmental concerns that are associated with demolitions.  The main environmental concerns are: asbestos removal (roofing/siding/insulation/floor tiles, etc.), pest control, nuisance dust control (which may include lead dust, etc.), proper removal of any underground storage tanks, proper abandonment of septic systems and/or in-ground pools and proper removal of mercury-…

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Health Matters: How to Recycle Batteries

Information for local residents from the Needham Health Department.

Submitted by the Needham Health Department Ever wonder which batteries can safety be disposed of in the trash, and which ones need to be turned in to get recycled? This article will help you to understand the hazards associated with improper battery disposal and where you can safety dispose of your used batteries. There are many sizes, shapes and varieties of household batteries in common use today. Alkaline batteries are popular because they have longer lives and are environmentally safer than other types. Rechargeables are less wasteful because they can be used over and over again, but they are also more toxic. Virtually all batteries contain at least some mercury or cadmium. The main hazards associated with improper battery disposal can…

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: July 18

Friends of the Needham Elderly will hold their annual meeting and summer social.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. 1. Rainy: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible all day today, especially between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Some of the storms could bring hail, damaging winds and heavy rain. In between, it will be partly sunny with temperatures peaking around 89 degrees. Tonight, the showers and thunderstorms will continue with a low around 68 degrees. 2. Beat the heat: With temps nearing 90 today, it’s a good time to remember to drink plenty of water, stay in the shade whenever possible and watch out for those who are especially vulnerable in hot weather—the elderly, the very young …

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10 Tips for Staying Safe in Summer Heat

The Needham Health Department shared this guide for maintaining good health when the temperature rises.

Submitted by the Needham Health Department Now that summer is here, our bodies are forced to adjust to extreme summer temperatures, especially during those hot and humid days.  During heat waves, our body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat can result in serious health threats by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Young children, elderly people and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. You can take the following precautions to avoid heat-related emergencies:  1. Do not leave children or pets in cars. Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly…

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Dating Violence More Prevalent Than Many Believe

Needham Domestic Violence Action Committee advises parents to watch for signs of abuse among teens.

Submitted by the Needham Domestic Violence Action Committee It seems that every time we turn on the news or read the paper, another community is dealing with the difficult reality of teen dating violence and bullying. There is hazing on sports teams, a domestic violence homicide, a suicide attributed to bullying. But at least this isn’t happening in our community, in our schools, in our teens’ lives. For many years, we’ve safely hidden behind this rhetoric, which has led many of us to believe a scary myth: It’s not my issue—these are not my kids. But they are your kids. In fact, Massachusetts youth are witnessing and being victimized by bulling and dating violence at scary rates. According to the latest Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior …

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