The mission of the Division of Health is to serve as a trusted resource for Hamilton Township to improve the health and well-being of our residents through health education and promotion, enforcement of public health safety, and adapting to ever-changing community health needs. Some of our services include public immunization clinics, child health clinics, STI testing, vital statistics (marriage certificates and licenses, birth certificates and death certificates), retail food establishment inspections, and other environmental health services!
Our Animal Shelter is also part of the Division of Health and provides animal control services, pet adoptions and dog licensing. Hamilton residents please call 609-890-3828 or visit our website www.hamiltonnj.com/health for more information. Many of our services are by appointment.
Here are some quick safety tips to help you have a safe and healthy summer:
• Check for ticks! Ticks are the most active in the warmer months (April-September). Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease. Prevent tick bites by wearing insect repellent, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks, remove ticks quickly and seek medical help if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease (including fever, headache, fatigue and rash).
• Beat the heat this summer! Extreme heat can lead to heat related illness. People ages 65+, children under two and people with chronic diseases and mental illness are at highest risk. Remember to keep your cool! Stay in air conditioning as much as possible, stay hydrated, check on neighbors or family who are high risk, wear loose and lightweight clothing and NEVER leave children or pets in cars.
• Sun Safety! Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protect yourself and others from the sun when outdoors by seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, hats and clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, reapply often and check those expiration dates!
• Eat your fruits and veggies! Healthy eating can help adults and children live a healthy life and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Summer is a great time for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables including strawberries, watermelon, zucchini and fresh Jersey tomatoes!
• Water safety! Swimming is a fun summer activity to help cool off, but should be done safely. If you go swimming this summer remember to learn to swim and know your limits, never leave children unattended, wear life jackets when doing water activities, don’t swim alone even if you are a strong swimmer and never dive into shallow water – if you don’t know how deep it is, don’t dive!
For more information on these topics and other summer safety tips, visit www.cdc.gov.
