Claxton Hepburn Medical Center

🎉 New Year, New Opportunities! 🎉 As we step into 2025, the North Star Health Alliance celebrates the incredible milestones achieved this past year and looks forward to building an even healthier, stronger, and more connected community in the year ahead. 🌟 Our commitment remains unwavering: to provide compassionate, patient-centered care close to home. Whether through innovative services, expanded resources, or the extraordinary dedication of our healthcare teams, we’re here for you at every stage of life. 💙 Thank you for trusting us with your care and for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we can make 2025 a year filled with health, hope, and happiness. Here's to a bright and healthy New Year! 🎆✨ #NorthStarHealthAlliance #NewYear2025 #CloseToHome

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, which means a brand new year is upon us! Is there anything you want to leave behind in 2024? Or something new you want to accomplish in 2025? This #MentalHealthMonday, we’re talking about the art of letting go and moving forward, and how it can benefit our emotional well-being. The start of a new year is a good time to reflect, acknowledging both good and bad experiences, releasing emotional baggage that no longer serves you, and focusing on new beginnings and positive growth. How can you start? Here are a few strategies to get you thinking: ✏️Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the past year to gain clarity and process emotions. 🖼️Create a Vision Board: Envision what your year ahead looks like. What do you want to do more or less of? 🧹Tidy Up: Declutter your home or workspace to symbolize letting go of the old and starting with a clean slate. 💪 Set Intentions: Define clear and achievable intentions for the year ahead to guide your actions and decisions. 🧘 Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine to stay present and reduce stress. 🌱 Learn Something New: Start a new hobby or take up a skill that fosters personal growth and keeps your mind engaged. 🤝 Connect with Others: Strengthen relationships and seek support from friends, family, or support groups. 🌟 Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated and positive. Implementing these strategies can help you transition smoothly into 2025 with a clear mind and a positive outlook. Let’s make this new year a time of growth, healing, and happiness!

As temperatures drop, we rely on heaters, fireplaces, and other appliances to stay warm — but these heat sources can pose a hidden danger. 🚨 Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless gas emitted when we burn fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, charcoal, or wood. It can be deadly in high concentration. What steps can you take to protect your family? ⭐ Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. ⚡ Never Use Gas Generators Indoors: Always run generators, grills, or camping stoves outdoors in well-ventilated areas. 🔧 Have Your Heating System Inspected: Ensure your furnace, chimney, or fireplace is professionally serviced and cleaned annually. 🏥 Know the Symptoms: Dizziness, headaches, confusion, and nausea could be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect exposure, get outside immediately and call for help. 🏠 Ventilate: Open windows occasionally when using a fireplace or space heater, and make sure your home is properly ventilated. Stay safe this winter by taking simple precautions around your home! #carbonmonoxidesafety #wintersafety #NSHA

Holiday Greetings from the North Star Health Alliance! As this special season unfolds, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your support in helping us build healthier, stronger communities. May your holidays sparkle with warmth, joy, and the company of loved ones. It’s an absolute privilege to care for the North Country’s healthcare needs, and we look forward to serving you even better in the coming year. Happy Holidays from all of us at the North Star Health Alliance!

While it's important to remain physically active during the winter months, icy sidewalks and slippery driveways pose a serious risk for falls. As you are out and about this winter, it’s important to be cautious to avoid fall injuries. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and steady this season: 👟Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes or boots with lots of traction to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. 🧹Clear a Path: Shovel snow and salt walkways regularly, and keep handrails clear and sturdy. 👣Take Small, Careful Steps: Walk slowly and keep your center of gravity over your feet. 🤚Keep Hands Free: Avoid carrying heavy items or having your hands in your pockets — use your arms for balance! 🌑Watch for Black Ice: It’s hard to see, but black ice is particularly dangerous. Stay safe out there — don’t let a slip ruin your winter fun! ❄️🧣 #wintersafety #fallprevention #NSHA

With just over a week left in 2024, you might be starting to make goals and resolutions for 2025. Focusing on self-improvement is a great thing to do, but it is important to do so in a realistic and achievable way. This #MentalHealthMonday, we’re sharing some tips for creating resolutions that prioritize your mental well-being. Here are some ideas from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 🔹 Pick a Goal that Motivates You: You’ll be more likely to stick with it if it does! 🔹 Break Down Big Goals into Smaller, More Manageable Ones: Doing this makes it less likely you’ll feel overwhelmed. 🔹 Lean on Others for Support & Motivation: Achieving goals can be easier when done with others. 🔹 Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Set goals with only you in mind. 🔹 Practice gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate your progress and acknowledge what you’re thankful for. The North Star Health Alliance wishes you luck with all of your New Year’s resolutions!

The holidays can be magical, but they can also bring a lot of stress. Here are some simple tips to help you manage the pressure and enjoy the season to the fullest: 🎯 Set Realistic Expectations: Not everything has to be perfect. Focus on what truly matters to you and let go of the rest! 🛀 Make Time for Yourself: Whether it’s a quiet walk, a warm bath, or just a few minutes of deep breathing, self-care is essential. 📅 Plan Ahead: Organize tasks early to avoid last-minute shopping or meal prep stress. 🚫 Say No When Needed: It’s okay to turn down invitations or events if it feels overwhelming. 🏃♀️ Stay Active: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress. Remember, the holidays are about joy and connection — not perfection. Take a deep breath and savor the season! If you need someone to talk to, mental health professionals are available at Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. Visit carthagehospital.org or claxtonhepburn.org to learn more. #holidaystress #selfcare #NSHA

Do you have lots of children on your holiday shopping list, but you’re not quite sure what to buy for them? During National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, here is your reminder to focus on buying safe, age-appropriate toys for little ones of all ages. 👶Babies play with all of their senses, and they need toys that are safe to grasp and put in their mouths. Smart toy ideas for babies include nursery mobiles, multi-colored ring stacks, rattles or push-pull toys. ⚽Toddlers are becoming more mobile and aware of their toys’ functions, shapes, sizes and colors. Smart toy ideas for toddlers include balls, shape sorters or role-playing toys like play kitchens or doctor’s kits. 🎨Preschoolers play with their imaginations and love to create. Smart toy ideas for this age group include arts and crafts sets, blocks and construction sets, or puzzles. 🚲Big kids have developed coordination and fine motor skills, as well as specific interests — perhaps in sports, music, art or science. Smart toys for big kids include musical instruments, card or board games, or sports equipment with proper protective gear. To be sure a toy is safe for children, double-check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov to find product recalls and other information. #ParentingTips #SafeToys #HolidayShopping #ToysForKids #ChildSafety #KidsToys

As the shortest day of the year approaches, let’s take this #MentalHealthMonday to talk about the dark and how it can affect our moods. It’s normal to feel a bit of the “winter blues” this time of year, but a noticeable shift in your mood or energy level could be the result of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. The most common symptoms of SAD include: 🔹 Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness 🔹 Loss of interest/pleasure in activities you used to enjoy 🔹 Withdrawal from social activities 🔹 Grouchiness and anxiety 🔹 Feelings of guilt and hopelessness 🔹 Excessive tiredness (fatigue) If you are experiencing these symptoms, don’t try to wait out the season. The North Star Health Alliance has mental health professionals at Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center who can help you develop strategies to manage SAD. Visit carthagehospital.org or claxtonhepburn.org to learn more.

Here in the North Country, clearing snow is an inevitable part of the winter season. ❄️ When several inches of snow pile up in a matter of hours, you may find yourself shoveling multiple times a day! For some individuals, shoveling snow can put significant physical stress on the body – particularly the heart, by raising blood pressure and heart rate. Bending and lifting heavy snow can also strain the lower back. Consider these strategies to minimize the physical stress of snow clearing: ✅ Loosen up with light stretching and cardio exercises before shoveling. ✅ Use your legs to lift snow, keeping your back straight, and avoid lifting overly heavy loads. ✅ Take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate, especially if the weather is cold. ✅ Push snow when possible to reduce strain on the back. ✅If possible, use a snowblower or hire professional snow removal services. By following these tips, you can protect your health while keeping your home and surroundings safe and accessible throughout the winter. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of yourself and your loved ones this snowy season! ❄️💪