Meriden Health Talk

Save a Life Day 2026

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the third annual Save a Life Day that will be on April 8, 2026. 
Save a Life Day is a statewide naloxone awareness and training day facilitated by local health departments and districts; there are close to 15 local health departments and districts signed up to participate and this number continues to grow. A full list is on our website, www.meridenhealth.com. 
In Meriden, our training will be held in partnership with Rushford on Wednesday, April 8 from 1:00-3:00pm at the Meriden Green, on Mill Street. Stop by for a quick training, less than 10 minutes, to learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and what Naloxone is and how to administer it. All will receive a free Naloxone kit, CPR face shield, medication disposal bags, and other resources from Rushford‘s mobile outreach van.
For those not familiar, naloxone, also known as Narcan™, is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. It is a short acting medication that can reverse a lethal dosage of opioids by temporarily blocking the effects of the drug. Naloxone restores someone's ability to breathe allowing time to seek medical attention. Access to naloxone keeps our community healthy and safe. 
One more thing, there is great local resource available for those struggling with substance use. The Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, also known as MORR, is designed to meet individuals wherever they are at in their recovery journey and connect them to programs and services that will best fit their individual needs. You can call MORR staff directly at (203) 630-5373.

How to Cope with Winter Burnout

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about what winter burnout is, why it happens, and most importantly how to cope with it in a positive way that actually works.
Winter burnout is that mid-winter crash and can happen for a few reasons, including:
Shorter daylight hours and reduced sunlight exposure,
Disrupted sleep cycles,
Colder weather could be limiting movement and outdoor exercise, and
Increased work pressure after the new year
Your body and brain are highly sensitive to light. When sunlight decreases, so does serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Melatonin levels shift too, which can make you feel sleepier and less energized.
On top of that, winter often reduces social interaction and spontaneous activity. We are inside more. We move less. We isolate more.
Here are some common signs that you may be experiencing winter burnout
You feel tired even after sleeping
Work feels heavier than usual
You’re procrastinating more
Small tasks feel overwhelming
You crave comfort foods and carbs
You’ve pulled back socially
Your workouts feel harder, and
Your patience is shorter
As your local health department, we are here to give you some practical tips on how to cope with winter burnout.
Prioritize morning light. Light is medicine for your brain. Try to get outside within 30-60 minutes of waking up even on a cloudy day. Natural light helps regular hormones such as cortisol and rests your circadian rhythm.
Keep moving your body. Exercise in the winter feels harder because your body is conserving energy, but movement boosts dopamine and serotonin which can boost your mood and motivation. You don’t need intense workouts - just 30 minutes of walking, dancing, or active chores around the house. At the Meriden Senior Center, members have the opportunity to participate in weekly exercise classes such as dance, balance for seniors, and yoga. Meriden Parks & Recreation also offers opportunities for community hikes, yoga, and more at some of Meriden’s beautiful parks.
Check your sleep and try keeping consistent sleep and wake times, limit screen exposure an hour before bed, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol late at night. Sleep consistency protects your mental energy.
Increase social connection. Winter isolation quietly feeds burnout. Try getting together with friends or loved ones. You can also join a small class or group. The Meriden Senior Center offers a variety of classes and clubs for seniors such as ceramics, creative writing, quilting, ukulele class, dominoes club and more.
Support your body nutritionally. Winter cravings are real. Carbs temporarily boost serotonin, which is why you might want bread and sugar more often. Instead focus on filling your plate with leafy greens and lean protein, focus on staying hydrated, and check your vitamin D levels.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if your fatigue is severe, persistent, or paired with other symptoms such as:
Significant mood changes
Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
Major sleep disruptions, and/or
Feelings of hopelessness
If you have thoughts of suicide, are experiencing mental health or substance use crises or emotional distress, you are not alone. Help is available. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and can also provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
For help, text or call 988, or chat with 988 professionals on their website at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Meriden Early Start - Talking About Screen Time Webinar

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Early Childhood Coordinator is here to talk about an upcoming webinar for parents/caregivers on screen time.
Technology and screen use are part of a child's world today. It is here and not going away. Join Meriden Early Start in partnership with 211 for an important discussion regarding attitudes towards screen time, current research, and to talk about how to use screen time wisely. 
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:00 - 6:00pm
Virtual on Zoom for English and Microsoft Teams for Spanish
An Early Childhood Specialist from 211 Child Care will be facilitating a discussion and providing resources for families in Meriden. This webinar is available in English and Spanish. 
To join please click here for English and here for Spanish. 

Food Safety for the Super Bowl

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health Office is here to give you some food safety tips as you are gearing up for your game day spread. 
Tip #1: Wash your hands with soap and water before cooking, after handling raw meat, and before serving food. And don’t forget surfaces! Cutting boards, counters, and serving utensils should be cleaned and sanitized, especially if you’re prepping raw chicken for those wings. Tongs, spoons or similar utensils should always be used when dispensing food.
Tip #2: Keep raw meats—like chicken, burgers, or sausages—separate from foods that are ready to eat, like veggies, chips, and dips.
Tip #3: Make sure meats are cooked thoroughly—chicken should be cooked to a minimum of 165 degrees F, beef and pork should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees F, and ground meat should be cooked to at least 160 degrees F. When in doubt, use a food thermometer. 
Tip #4: Here’s a big one: the two-hour rule. Foods such as chicken wings, chili, pizza, loaded nachos and dips should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Initially these foods can be brought out in smaller portions and what’s remaining should be refrigerated until ready to reheat and serve again.
If food needs to be reheated, reheat to at least 165 degrees F. This can be checked using a food thermometer.
Discard food kept out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you want to leave food out for your guests for the entire football game or longer, make sure your hot food is at least 135 degrees F and your cold food is 41 degrees F or lower.
Hot foods can be kept hot in slow cookers, in the oven or in warming trays. Foods that require refrigeration can be surrounded in ice to maintain 41 degrees F or less.
Something very important to remember is wash your hands as much as possible and avoid preparing food with your bare hands.
The Super Bowl is all about fun, food, and friends—and a little food safety goes a long way toward keeping everyone healthy and happy.

Snow Removal Safety Tips

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we’re talking about something that might not sound exciting—but is super important: snow removal safety.
Every winter, thousands of people get hurt while shoveling snow or using snow-removal equipment. The good news? Most of those injuries are completely preventable. So let’s walk through some simple tips to help you stay safe while clearing snow this season.
First and foremost, before you head outside, make sure you are dressed warm. Dress in light layers that are water-repellent. Avoid frostbite by making sure body parts such as your nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers are covered. Also, make sure you are wearing boots with a good grip to prevent falls.
When shoveling, avoid back injuries by:
Stretching and warming up before you begin snow removal.
Lifting with your legs not your back. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and avoid twisting motions, and
Push the snow as you shovel rather than lifting when possible.
Shoveling can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have a history of heart problems talk with your doctor before shoveling. Knowing your limits and listening to your body is extremely important.
It is also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid exhaustion and to allow your body to recover.
If you are using a snow blower, follow these safety tips:
Avoid wearing loose clothing or scarves that can become caught in the snow blower.
Never place your hands or feet inside any moving mechanical parts.
Never leave the machine running unattended and keep children and pets away while the snow blower is running.
Don’t run gas-powered snow blowers in a closed-in area, such as a garage or shed. Snow blowers release carbon monoxide and cause can carbon monoxide to build up.
Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for listening to another episode of Meriden Health Talk

Meriden Early Start - Talking About Screen Time Webinar

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Early Childhood Coordinator is here to talk about an upcoming webinar for parents/caregivers on screen time.
Technology and screen use are part of a child's world today. It is here and not going away. Join Meriden Early Start in partnership with 211 for an important discussion regarding attitudes towards screen time, current research, and to talk about how to use screen time wisely. 
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:00 - 6:00pm
Virtual on Zoom for English and Microsoft Teams for Spanish
An Early Childhood Specialist from 211 Child Care will be facilitating a discussion and providing resources for families in Meriden. This webinar is available in English and Spanish. 
To join please click here for English and here for Spanish.  
 

How to Prepare for Winter Weather

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are here to talk about one of the most important topics as a New Englander – how to prepare for winter weather. 
Let’s start where you spend most of your time: your home.
If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.
Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries twice a year.
Now let’s talk about your car—because winter is not the season for car-related surprises.
Check your tires for wear and tear and pressure levels. Cold air significantly affects tire pressure, causing it to drop as temperatures decrease.
Have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze as needed.
Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
Have an emergency kit for your car and include the following items:
Ice scraper and snow brush
Jumper cables
Blanket or sleeping bag
Gloves and a hat
Small shovel
Phone charger or power bank
Water and snacks
Flashlight with extra batteries
If a winter storm is coming listen to weather forecasts and check your emergency supplies, including your emergency food and water supply. If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
Winter prep isn’t about predicting disaster—it’s about comfort, safety, and peace of mind. 

National Radon Action Month

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health Office is here to talk about Radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. It moves through the ground and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors.
The biggest health risk associated with radon it its link to lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can damage lung tissue, and the risk increases with both the level of radon and how long you're exposed. 
Reduce Levels
Consider testing your home for radon. Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. Our office does not offer radon test kits; you can purchase one at a local hardware store for around $15 to $20.
Follow the instructions on your test kit carefully.
If radon levels are high, find a qualified radon mitigation professional in your area to make any necessary repairs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fixing your home if radon levels are 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or higher.
Questions? Call our Environmental Health office at (203) 630-4226. More information can also be found on the CT Department of Public Health’s Radon Program webpage.

Tips for a Healthy, Happy New Year

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about simple, realistic tips to help you have a healthy and happy new year.
Eat mindfully. Eating well does not have to mean giving up all the foods you love; it’s about balance. Focus on colorful vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Don’t stress over every meal but rather aim for more mindful eating in general.
Stay active. Staying active can be tough in the winter with colder temperatures and limited hours of sunlight. Find something you enjoy - whether it’s dancing, yoga, or even going for a walk around the block or at the local mall. Regular exercise is a great way to boost your energy, improve your mood, and reduce stress.
Take care of your mental health. Try practicing mindfulness or meditation, journaling your thoughts, or even just making time to talk to someone you trust. If you find that your mental health is becoming overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor. Sometimes, professional support can help you process emotions and provide strategies for coping during difficult times.
Set realistic goals. If you set New Year’s resolutions, start with small goals that are achievable. Whether it’s exercising a little more, eating healthier, organizing your closet, spending less time on your phone, or getting better sleep, small wins add up. Focus on goals that are S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound. For example, instead of a goal of “get healthier” or “exercise”, a SMART goal can be “I’ll go for a 20 minute walk three times a week”.
Stay up to date with annual physicals and other routine medical screenings, such as eye exams and dental visits, and age-related screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies. Preventative screenings and early detection saves lives. If you have questions or concerns about your health it is best to follow up with your doctor.
A healthy, happy year isn’t about being perfect—it’s about taking care of yourself, one day at a time. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. Thanks for listening, and here’s to a new year full of growth, balance, and good moments.
We wish you all a very happy, healthy New Year.

Stay Safe this Holiday Season!

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden is back to talk to you about certain risks that alcohol and drugs pose to young people and our community, particularly during the holiday season.
For many families, the holidays are a time for travel, celebration, and connection. Yet on the nation’s roadways, this season of joy often comes with a troubling rise in drunk driving crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. Every year, thousands of lives are lost because someone decided to drive after drinking, and as more people attend gatherings and spend time on the road, alcohol-related incidents become far more common. Driving is a complex task, so any impairment affects reaction time, coordination, judgment, and perception—putting drivers, passengers, and communities at risk. But the injuries, disabilities, and deaths associated with impaired driving are preventable. Taking personal responsibility for a safe ride saves lives.
If you are over the age of 21, and you have used any substance that may impair your ability to drive, do not get behind the wheel. Plan a sober ride in advance and identify someone who will help keep you accountable. If impaired, use a rideshare, taxi, public transportation, or call a sober friend. If you are hosting, intervene if someone is about to drive impaired—help them get home safely.
For persons under the age of 21, the developing brain, especially the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), is super vulnerable. Alcohol and drug consumption during these years can impair critical growth, leading to a whole host of long-term issues, like addiction, anxiety, depression, and problems with memory and thinking and judgment; also low-self-esteem, poor school performance, and greater risk of threats to physical health and safety, like drinking and driving.
The holidays undoubtably mean more family parties, gatherings with drinks, and traditions that normalize alcohol, even if unintentionally. Too often we hear social hosts, or family members or parents say, "It's just a sip," or “ "It's safe when its at home." In truth, no amount of alcohol or cannabis is safe for a developing brain. Myths about ‘safe in small amounts’ or ‘safe under supervision’ are risky. They send mixed messages and often leave young people unprepared for real-world peer pressure and settings that lack safe supervision. So how can young people handle being offered drinks by family or friends, or the general pressure to drink this holiday season?
Here are some tips
Have a plan.
Communicate.
Practice self-care.
Stay positive and have Fun. 
Finally, to all my parents out there, talk openly to your kids. Have hard honest conversations about underage drinking and offer support. Listen to their thoughts and worries about peer pressure – and provide positive strengths-based explanations and alternatives. Lead by example. Set clear boundaries and expectations, and remember to always lock up alcohol and practice safe storage. 
always lock up alcohol and practice safe storage. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this episode of Meriden Health Talk and remember, you are not alone. Help is available. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. 9-8-8 can also provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. For help, text or call 988, or chat with 988 professionals on their website at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Services area available in English and Spanish.