Meriden Health Talk

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about 4th of July celebrations! The Fourth of July is a time for backyard barbecues, fireworks, parades, and spending time with family and friends. While it is one of the most anticipated holidays of the summer, especially this year because we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, it also comes with increased risks of inj...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we would like to remind barbershop, hairdressing and cosmetology shop owners and massage establishments owners about their license renewal that is due to our Environmental Health Office on or before June 30, 2026. Chapter 70-3 of the Meriden City Code requires all barbershop, hair salon, and nail salon owners to complete an annual license application and fee...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about hurricane preparedness in honor of the start of hurricane season! Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peak between August and October. While Connecticut may not experience hurricanes as often as states down south, our communities - including Meriden - can still face significant impact from tropi...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about how you can protect yourself, your family, and your community this summer from illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes.  Tip #1 Dump Standing Water Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs. One of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes around your home is to eliminate standing water. Take a few minutes each week t...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we will hear from Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator for Meriden Early Start on how to help your child transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten. Good morning families, this is Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator with the Early Start Program in Meriden, and today I want to share 3 quick tips to help your child transition smoothly from...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about rodent prevention.  The Department of Health and Human Service's Environmental Health office is responsible for investigating complaints of rodent activity in our city. Often, calls will come in to our office for reports of mice indoors - in this case we will partner with the Housing Department's Code Enforcement staff to correct this in...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we have special guest, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden in honor of National Prevention Week. Hi everyone, I am Victoria George, Prevention Professional and Licensed Professional Counselor for Rushford, Meriden; and co-leader of the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition.  What is National Prevention Week? May 10 through 16 is National Prevention Week, a we...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is See the Person. Support the Journey. The theme highlights the importance of Noticing early signs of mental health concerns Strengthening the support around us, and Responding with care and compas...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about tick prevention! Ticks are tiny arthropods that feed on blood, and they can carry diseases that affect humans and animals. Ticks are found worldwide in humid, wooded, or brushy areas, typically clinging to tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter while waiting for a host. They are common in residential yards, especially near woods, and are ac...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Natalie Gill, Community Services Supervisor, for the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services is here to talk about the Renters' Rebate Program.  The Renters’ Rebate Program, which runs from April 1 to September 30 each year, is a state program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits....

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Early Childhood Coordinator, Rhonda Knight, is joined by Alisha Simpson-Watt, Executive Clinical Director & Founder of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC for a special interview in honor of the Week of the Young Child and Autism Awareness Month.  Meriden Early Start provides affordable, high-quality early education and care for children from infancy thr...

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 we will...

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 we will...

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 we will...

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 we will...

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 we will...

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 episod...

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...

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...

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,...

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 ex...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 h...