Preventing Seniors from Winter Slips and Falls
Cold and icy conditions can make slips and falls more common during the winter months. And for older adults, the results could be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 28,000 older adults died due to injuries from...
Help with Prescription Drug Costs
Prescription drug costs continue to rise in the U.S., making them unaffordable for some patients. According to National Public Radio (NPR), “brand-name oral prescription drugs rose more than 9 percent a year from 2008 and 2016, while the annual cost of injectable...
Get Weekly New York State Flu Stats
It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Did you know the flu is still around and in force? And did you know you can track the flu activity across the country and here in New York? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish a weekly “Influenza...
Staying Warm in the Vortex
We’re finally seeing some relief from the record-breaking temperatures across much of the Midwest and Northeast. And even though our old friend, Punxsutawney Phil, predicts spring will come early this year, we’re not out of the woods yet. Our average annual...
How to Eat Healthy This Holiday Season
The holidays are here. Gathering with friends and families means lots of holiday snacks and goodies. But how can you maintain a healthy diet when gastronomic temptation lurks behind every party tray? This month, we’re highlighting ways to help you stay healthy during...
Overcoming Holiday Stress
If this is the happiest season of all, then why do we sometimes feel so stressed out? We all have errands to run, gifts to buy, events to attend, goodies to bake, and no matter what we do, sometimes it feels like we’re drowning in a pool of hustle and bustle....
4 Food Allergy Trick-or-Treating Tips
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 5.9 million children in the U.S. have some type of food allergy. [1] That means, about 1 out of every 13 trick-or-treaters visiting your house this Halloween might have a food allergy. With this in mind, we...
Cold Weather Safety Tips for Seniors
Autumn is winding down and winter is just around the corner. It’s a perfect time to talk with the older adults in your life about staying safe and healthy during the cold winter season. Or, if you’re a senior, here are some helpful tips that might just save your life,...
Save a Little Energy, Save the Planet
We all want to do our part to help the planet. During the winter months, however, we might find ourselves using more energy to keep our homes warm and safe. And as we mentioned in the article on Cold Weather Safety Tips for Seniors this month, you don’t want to make...
The Flu Killed 80,000 People Last Year
It’s time to get your flu shot. Call today to make an appointment and ensure you’re as protected as possible during the upcoming cold and flu season. Call: 1-800-859-0085 The flu is deadly Last year, roughly 80,000 people “died of the flu and its complications,”...
Guess How Many Kids are Obese
There’s no way to sugar coat it: More and more of our kids are overweight. In fact, obesity rates among kids and teens has tripled since the 1970s. [1] Now, nearly 20 percent of our kids are overweight, though that number may be higher in different parts of the...
How Clean is Our Drinking Water?
We sometimes take for granted that we can turn on our tap and immediately get a glass of clean water. But have you ever asked, how clean is my drinking water where I live? That was the question that prompted us to take a closer look; to find information that we could...
How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch
Time again to start packing those school lunches. So, this month, we’re focusing on how we can ensure our kids’ lunches are healthy AND environmentally friendly. Quick Fact Did you know that each of us, on average, creates about 4.5 lbs. or trash every day? [1] How to...
It’s Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
As our kids head back to the classroom, it’s time to get everything they need to be successful during the school year. In addition to new backpacks, clothes, and school supplies, it’s also a good time to make an appointment at Horizon Family Medical Group for an eye...
Is That Psoriasis?
Did you know August is Psoriasis Awareness Month? It’s the perfect time to help raise awareness of this autoimmune disease that affects 7.5 million Americans. [1] What exactly is psoriasis? Psoriasis can cause your skin to appear thick, red, and scaly. These patches...
Dangers of Heat Stroke You Might Miss
Heatstroke can quickly turn a fun summer day into a medical emergency. Each year, hundreds of people die from heat-related causes. [1] Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help you keep your loved ones from potentially dire health...
Close Your Drapes and Save a Bundle this Summer
Summer is in full swing. As the temperature rises, so too does the air conditioning bill. But with some smart window covering management, you can save on energy costs and cool your home. According to Energy.gov, “about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through...
The Best Treatments for Insect Stings
Insect bites or stings during the summer months are often an inevitable side effect of spending time outdoors. Here at Horizon Family Medical Group, we wanted to share a few quick treatment ideas for those inevitable bug bites and stings this summer. Before we get...
Tips for Firework Safety
Summer is finally here. For many of us, fireworks are as much a part of summer as BBQs and days at the pool. Unfortunately, every year, thousands of people see their fun summer evening turn dangerous because of the improper or unsafe use of fireworks. According to the...
June is Cataract Awareness Month
Did you know that June is Cataract Awareness Month? More than 24 million people are living with cataracts in the US alone. That’s more than the entire populations of New York and Connecticut, combined. [1,2] Left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness—it’s the...
Go Green This Summer
Summer is a great time to get outside with friends and family and enjoy the wonderful weather. It’s also a wonderful time to go green. This summer, we at Horizon Family Medical Group encourage you to make a commitment to go green by making tiny changes that can add up...
When to Screen for Skin Cancer
Did you know May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Join us at Horizon Family Medical Group in sharing this article with friends and family to encourage early screening and sun safety. Call for your appointment today: Dr. Hank A. Greenblatt (845) 561-1565 WHO GETS SKIN...
It’s Asthma and Allergy Season
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It’s a great time to help raise awareness for the 24.5 million people in the U.S. who have asthma and the 50 million people who experience allergies. If you or someone you know has asthma or allergies, please...
How Much Is One Drink?
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It’s a perfect time to talk to your friends and family about responsible alcohol use. Join us at Horizon Family Medical Group in spreading the word throughout the month. Alcohol-related facts According to the Centers for Disease...
Women Are More Likely to Develop Eye Problems?
Did you know that women are more likely than men to develop eye and vision problems? Or that 66 percent of people who are blind are women? [1] That’s why we at Horizon Family Medical Group want you to help us spread the word in April about Women’s Eye Health and...
More People Drive Distracted Than Drunk
You may be surprised to learn that more than 40,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes last year. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “the three biggest causes of fatalities on the road are alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving.” [1] That’s...
It’s National Nutrition Month
Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? It’s a great time to take a closer look at your family’s eating habits and, if needed, make a few adjustments. Making just a few changes to your daily diet can have long-term health benefits by lowering your risk...
How Much Is Enough Sleep?
Almost a third of Americans aren’t getting enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1] It is a startling statistic when you realize every third car on the road is being driven by someone who’s tired. Not only does lack of sleep...
Let’s Celebrate World Kidney Day
Behind the scenes, your kidneys are quietly filtering 200 liters of blood each and every day. Many of us don’t even think about the work the kidneys are doing, but for the nearly 600,000 people in the U.S. who have kidney failure, kidney function is a daily concern....
Get Screened During National Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. It’s a perfect time to remind your loved ones to get screened and, if they haven’t already, get vaccinated. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), “…nearly 13,000 women in the United States are...
You May Have Glaucoma and Not Know It
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and a great time to discuss your eye health. It’s a sobering statistic: Nearly half of the people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. [1] Glaucoma is a disease that damages your optic nerve and can eventually lead to...
It’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
January 22-28 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. It’s the perfect time to talk with your teens about the facts and myths surrounding drug and alcohol use. In 2010, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) began an effort to help teens “learn what science has...
Christmas Tree Fire Safety
A Christmas tree is one of the enduring symbols of the holiday. But if you fail to keep your fresh tree watered, disaster can strike. A dry tree can quickly turn a happy holiday into a tragic moment. Though Christmas tree fires are relatively uncommon, they can become...
Planning for a Healthy 2018
2018 will be here before we know it. And although we still have a few holidays to get through before we ring in the New Year, it’s never too early to start thinking about your health in 2018. Below are a few tips and ideas to consider as you’re getting ready for a...
When To Get An Annual Checkup
If you haven’t had an annual checkup this year, hurry and make an appointment. And if you already had your checkup, schedule your January 2018 appointment now. Getting annual exams can often help us find problems, or potential problems, long before they start. Early...
Avoiding Turkey Fryer Disasters
Did you know that kitchen fires are 3 times more likely on Thanksgiving Day than on other days, or that turkey fryer accidents have resulted in more than $8 million in property damage since 2002? [1,2] Before you invite family and friends over to break bread and share...
Avoid the Gift of Food Poisoning This Holiday Season
For many of us, the holidays mean getting together with friends and family and sitting down to a great meal. But all that great food comes with food preparation, and then getting the food to grandma’s house. Poor food handling, preparation, and transfer can cause food...
How to Avoid Overeating This Holiday Season
Candied yams. Turkey gravy. Grandma’s famous pecan pie. You’ve been looking forward to it all year. And if you’re like many of us, it’s hard not to overindulge. It’s tough when the holidays are a time where such great food surrounds so many of our gatherings. And...
Winter Safety: Your Car
Winter is just around the corner. Soon, the leaves will be gone and the snow will be here. With plunging temperatures, we’re focusing this month on winter safety tips, starting with your car. Because we live in an area that gets a lot of snow and cold temperatures,...
Winter Safety: Your Home
Get your home ready for the winter months today. Taking a few precautions, and getting things checked and ready now, could save you and your family from a life-threatening situation. Get your furnace ready Don’t wait until the snow is falling to get your furnace...
Winter Safety: Outdoors
For many of us, getting outside and enjoying the winter weather is part of the seasonal fun. It’s a perfect time to build a snowman, hit the slopes, find a good sledding hill, or strap on the old ice skates. We just want to ensure you stay healthy and safe as you...
Is It a Concussion?
September is a month full of sports. Football, baseball, and soccer are in full swing. Playing sports is a great way for kids to learn the value of teamwork, but injuries can occur. This month, we’re focusing on concussions. While we can’t always prevent injuries, we...
Time for Flu Shots
Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness that affects your lungs, throat, and nose in a much more severe way than a common cold. In fact, the flu is responsible for thousands of hospital visits and admissions every year. The flu can even lead to death in some...
Prepare for Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety
Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? This month is a great time to plan and identify ways to stay safe from fire and carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, more than 150 people die each year from “accidental nonfire-related carbon monoxide poisoning.”...
Lawn Mowing Safety: No Flip-flops
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 80,000 people go to the emergency room each year due to lawn mower injuries. [1] Children make up about 16,000 of those visits. [2] Lawn mowing safety tips Here are some tips for ensuring you and your loved...
Back to School and Bullying
Like it or not, school is starting. Kids are meeting new teachers, navigating new classrooms, and meeting new friends. Although lots of kids have good experiences at school, those experiences can sour when bullying occurs. According to stopbullying.gov, almost 30% of...
Summer Food Safety: Was It the Potato Salad?
We know we only have a few more weeks left of summer BBQs, but with Labor Day just around the corner, we wanted to include an article this month on food safety tips to ensure those last evenings out with the grill are safe and fun. Here are a few tips from the Food...
Like An Oven Out There: Summer Heat Safety
Summer fun can turn dangerous, or even deadly, if you become overheated. Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 618 Americans are “killed by extreme heat every year”? [1] As temperatures rise, so too must our...
Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
For many of us, nothing sounds better than a dip in the water on a hot summer day. Here at Horizon Family Medical Group, we want to encourage you to have fun and be safe in the pool, at the beach, or by the lake. Knowing a few important water safety tips will make...
Bike Safety Tips and Routes
Have you ever noticed the smile on a child’s face who’s running out the door for a bike ride? Riding bikes, whether together with your friends or family or on your own, is a great way to stay in shape and have fun. But as we all know, bicycles can be dangerous if...