Healthy Androscoggin

02/25/2026

Self-care is vital in taking care of .

Caring for ourselves can take many forms, from scheduling in a weekly yoga class to regularly reaching out to a loved one for mutual support.

There are many levels to self-care for a balanced, heart-healthy lifestyle. Of primary importance is assessing for substance misuse, as illegal drugs can have adverse cardiovascular effects.

See below for links to information on the impact of illegal drug use on our health as well as resources on where to reach out to for help.

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/illegal-drugs-and-heart-disease

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

♥️ Practice self-care, seek help when needed, and protect your heart.🫀

02/24/2026

Although Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow earlier this month, the end of February marks the start of Spring Fever 🌱 for some, which may lead to the start of Spring Cleaning! 🧹
For the safety of all, please dispose of your unwanted or expired medications in your local permanent medicine disposal boxes.💊
Our community and environment thank YOU!

https://healthyandroscoggin.org/substance-misuse

02/24/2026

Free Ski Night at Black Mountain of Maine tomorrow, Wednesday February 24. Get out there and enjoy the fresh snow ❄️

It's going to be a great night this Wednesday for some FREE skiing, snowboarding & tubing sponsored by Credit Union !
https://skiblackmountain.org/free-ski-night-communit-credit-union

02/23/2026

Healthy Androscoggin has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program!

During the month of March, Healthy Androscoggin will receive $1.00 for each $3.00 GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag sold at Shaw's 600 Center St, Auburn location.

We truly appreciate this support from Shaw's Supermarkets and our incredible community members!

02/20/2026

This week of Black History month we honor the health heroes - from James Durham the first Black male doctor in the U.S. and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD, our first Black female physician, to the founders of Black Mental Health Alliance and National Institute for Maximal Human Development...Black Americans have had a pivotal role in pioneering advancements for both physical and mental health.

See the links below for resources to learn more and celebrate with us:

https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/black-history-month-timeline.html

https://mhanational.org/black-history-month/

https://blackmentalhealth.com/history-and-overview/

02/19/2026

As of February 2026, the Maine CDC has confirmed multiple cases of measles, urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective. The virus is highly contagious, spreading through air and surfaces, and causes severe fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals or those without immunity are recommended to seek vaccination immediately.

To get answers to FAQs about measles and vaccines, see the link below from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/questions.html

See below to learn more about the recent cases in Maine:
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/maine-cdc-announces-another-four-measles-cases-no-new-exposure-locations-identified-2026-02-17 #:~:text=All%20children%20should%20receive%20two,or%20laboratory%20confirmation%20of%20disease

Measles is a very contagious disease. It can spread quickly among people who have not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. When a community stays up to date with vaccinations it can help protect those who are not able to get a vaccine. Check your vaccine status today! For more info, visit: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/measles

02/18/2026

Calling Maine students! Students interested in agriculture, food systems, and public policy are invited to participate in Youth Agriculture Policy Day on March 25 in Augusta.

Learn more about this hands-on opportunity and how to register: https://mainedoenews.net/2026/02/13/maine-students-invited-to-participate-in-youth-agriculture-policy-day-on-march-25-in-augusta/

Maine FFA Association

02/18/2026

Practice makes progress when working towards heart-healthy physical activity goals for .

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy and release stress. Regular physical activity improves mood, boosts energy, and improves quality of sleep - so much to love about these benefits!

It is recommended that adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) physical activity per week.
For kids, they should have 60 minutes every day, including play and structured activities.

Moderate physical activity can be broken up into several shorter or longer sessions based on one's schedule and lifestyle. Even 10-minute bursts of activity throughout the day adds up and contributes to better heart health, such as:

*Reduce Sedentary Time with Movement Breaks: Stand up, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes every hour to break up sitting time. Try doing some jumping jacks, squats, and/or push-ups between seated tasks.
*Social Activity: Take a walk with a friend, family member, or pet to stay motivated. Brisk walking is an excellent, accessible form of moderate exercise.
*Active Commuting: Park farther away from entrances or walk/bike for short errands.
See the link below for more information on how we can meet physical activity goals for 🚶🏾🏃‍♀️
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/.../heart.../physical-activity

02/17/2026

Interested in learning more about incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet while sticking to your grocery budget?

Visit the link below to learn more about a "Plant Based on a Budget" class hosted by University of Maine Cooperative Extension at their Lisbon Falls location.

https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000005OavV

02/14/2026

This Valentine's Day weekend, we have in mind.

Today and every day, we commit to small actions that make a big difference for our heart health - managing stress by walking it out and practicing deep breaths, moving more while also resting with intention.

Find a partner and make a plan to share a heart health goal together 🥰

02/13/2026

February is short but extra special, celebrating both Black History and American Heart Month.

These two themes intersect when you consider how Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher rates of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

Learn how you can be part of repairing these disparities during by visiting the link below from American Heart Association on getting trained as part of a Nation of Lifesavers.

https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/bernard-j-tyson-office-of-health/black-history-month