Maximize your protection against this year’s seasonal flu strains. Call 211 to make an appointment with a community health clinic. Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be allowed.

We are encouraging residents to plan ahead and make arrangements with their health care providers to get flu shots as early as possible. For those who are unable to obtain flu shots from their doctors this year, a few select community clinics have been scheduled in partnership with senior centers throughout Westchester and will be held at various sites between Oct. 19 and Nov. 17.

Health Department community clinics will provide regular flu shots to Westchester residents age 50 and older and to non-pregnant adults 18 to 49 years of age with chronic medical conditions.Children under age 18 should receive their flu shots from a primary care provider.

While confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 (swine) flu were relatively few in Westchester this summer, county officials have put in place a comprehensive plan to cope with a flu epidemic – small or large – that may develop this fall and winter.

Don't forget too, that a simple way to avoid getting and spreading the germs that cause the flu is to frequently wash your hands. When done correctly, it's the first step towards staying healthy.

Remember you can’t always eat what you catch. Read about what’s safe to eat from local waters in English or in Spanish.

To stay healthy, check into Be Fit Westchester, a program that encourages adults and children alike to get into shape by exploring the miles of trailways in our county parks. Seniors, too, have more ways than ever to care for their good health. Check out this 12-step plan to a more vibrant you.

Through a partnership between the county health department and 16 area hospitals, we're working to promote and improve the health of Westchester residents through the NY State Prevention Agenda. Increasing physical activity and reducing salt consumption are the two goals of this partnership.

When it comes to health, mental health and social services, we have many programs to help you.

• Visit the Department of Community Mental Health to read about autism, post-partum depression, or depression in general, and other mental health services.
• Find out about BeFit Westchester and FitKids, our programs to get adults and kids in shape. As part of a health diet, eliminate trans-fats from your diet. It's a county law that licensed food service establishments may not use cooking oils that contain trans-fats.
• Don't go near near bats. View our video on rabies prevention.
• Read "It's My Healthcare" for valuable tips and tools to prepare for medical visits and take charge of your health care in general. Then, share your story with us.
• 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.
• 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