Enjoy the summer, but take steps to protect your health as well.

Continue to keep your guard up against mosquitoes. Survey your property for standing water, ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus. Refresh water in bird baths regularly.

When a heat advisory is in effect, avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. Remember to use sun screen to protect yourself from harmful rays that can cause skin cancer.

And don't go near bats. View our video on rabies prevention.

BeFit Westchester and FitKids provide guidance to adults and kids on eating healthy and being physically active. As part of a health diet, the Health Department urges residents to eliminate trans-fats from their diet. It's a county law that licensed food service establishments are prohibited from using cooking oils that contain trans-fats.

Read "It's My Healthcare" for valuable tips and tools to prepare for your medical visits and to take charge of your health care in general. Then, share your story with us.

Other health-related matters of interest: 

• Take precautions against tick and mosquito bites. 
• Protect your children from lead poisoning. Childhood lead poisoning can cause serious health problems ranging from poor learning in school to irreversible brain damage.
• Check out the Health Department's A-Z listing. 
• Visit the Department of Community Mental Health online to ready about autism, post-partum depression, other  depression, and other mental health services.
• Contact the Department of Social Services about public assistance programs and adoption.

Important phone numbers:

• Health Department: (914) 813-5000
• Community Mental Health: (914) 995-5220
• Social Services: (914) 995-5000