Meriden Health Talk

National Public Health Week - Public Health Education & Public Health Emergency Preparedness

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are celebrating National Public Health Week! 
April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! To recognize this week, we will be hearing from each office within our Department to highlight the programs and services we provide every day and why they are important to protect the public's health.
Today’s episode will feature Public Health Education and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. 
My name is Elizabeth DeMerchant, and I am the Public Health Educator in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Public Health Educators provide evidence-based information and resources to prevent disease and adverse health outcomes, promote healthy lifestyles, and create healthier environments. An essential public health service, Public Health Education empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed health decisions and adopt healthier behaviors. By raising awareness, preventing disease, and promoting early intervention, it helps reduce adverse health outcomes and improves overall community well-being. 
Through health education programs, campaigns, trainings, and community partnerships, our Department is working to create a healthier Meriden. One example of this is our partnership with our first responders and Rushford on the Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program. This program distributes life-saving overdose prevention and response materials and links persons to treatment and recovery resources. Through MORR, our office, in partnership with Rushford, provides life-saving trainings, distributes health education materials and naloxone to reverse overdose, and raises awareness of stigma surrounding substance misuse. 
In addition, as the Public Health Educator, I conduct outreach at community events in Meriden such as the Daffodil Festival, Senior Center Health Fair and events through Meriden Public Schools to raise awareness of Department services, make community connections, and provide health information on a variety of public health and human services topics.  
In my role, I also support public health emergency preparedness efforts in our city. 
A public health emergency, whether natural or man-made, may threaten the health and safety of the residents in Meriden at any time. As your local health department, our goal is to minimize the impact of these adverse events through public health emergency preparedness response efforts. Response efforts could include mass vaccination, mass medication dispensing, opening a shelter, providing timely updates on local public health emergencies or emerging infections.
We support public health emergency preparedness through planning, training, exercising, response, and recovery. This includes updating and revising our Public Health Emergency Response Plan, attending and participating in drills and exercises, and providing community education. An essential public health service, public health emergency response ensures we can effectively respond to and recover from natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. Being prepared through planning, training, and coordinating can help minimize harm, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain critical health services during crises.
To learn more about upcoming training opportunities, health education or emergency preparedness visit www.meridenhealth.com.  
 

Save the Date - Meriden Senior Center Health Fair

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, the Meriden Senior Center is here to talk about their upcoming Health Fair! 
Join us for a special morning dedicated to health, wellness, and community at the Meriden Senior Center Health Fair!
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 6th from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Meriden Senior Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for seniors in our community to connect with a variety of local organizations and businesses that will be setting up informative and engaging booths.
Attendees can look forward to a wide range of resources, including helpful handouts, exciting giveaways, free health screenings, and much more. Whether you're looking to learn about wellness services, community programs, or simply enjoy a friendly and welcoming environment, there will be something for everyone.
We encourage all seniors, as well as their families and caregivers, to attend and discover the many valuable services and opportunities available right here in our community.
We hope to see you there!

Strategies for a Healthy Spring

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to give you three actionable strategies you can take for a healthy spring. 
First, spring brings blooming flowers and trees, which, for some, can cause seasonal allergies to pollen and grass. Persons with seasonal allergies may experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion. To reduce exposure, check local pollen forecasts, keep windows closed on high pollen days, and change your HVAC filter often. If you’ve spent time outdoors, you may want to change clothes and launder what you’ve been wearing. If allergy symptoms worsen, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about treatment options. An air quality index indicator can be found on our website, www.meridenhealth.com.
Second, let’s talk about outdoor safety. As temperatures rise, people start spending more time outside gardening, biking, and exercising. Remember to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days, by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Wear a helmet when riding your bike, gloves when doing your yardwork, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You may also want to consider insect repellent, following the directions on the container, when spending time outdoors.
Last, remember spring cleaning safety.  Spring is a great time to do a little scrubbing and re-organizing. When using cleaning products, make sure areas are well ventilated and always follow label instructions. Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially bleach and ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.  Wear gloves to protect your skin from potential irritants. When done, store cleaning products out of the reach of children.
During your spring cleaning, if come across expired or unused medication, be sure to dispose of it safely. Meriden has 2 options to safely dispose of medication.
There is a medication drop box available 24/7, 365 days per year located in the lobby of the Meriden Police Department, located at 50 West Main Street. The box only accepts certain items, make sure you watch the educational video on our website before dropping off your medications.
If you can't make it to the Police Department, consider picking up medication disposal bags or packets in the lobby of our office at 165 Miller Street. These items are available at no cost.
Spring is a wonderful time to get outside, reconnect with nature, and enjoy warmer days. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help make sure the season stays safe and healthy for everyone.

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.