Portsmouth Health Department

11/22/2025

Holiday Operating Hours Update!
Portsmouth Health Department

11/21/2025

Stroke: Learn the Signs! 🚨
It's super important to know the signs of a stroke! If you see these signs in someone, call 9-1-1 right away.

Remember the word F.A.S.T.!

📌Face: Does one side of the face droop?
📌Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
📌Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
📌Time: Time to call 9-1-1!

Knowing these signs can help save a life! Please share to spread this important message.

11/21/2025

🧼 Cutting Board Clean-Up is Crucial! 🔪
A safe meal starts with a clean prep area. After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, don't just rinse your tools—wash them thoroughly!

How to prevent germs from spreading:
📎Use hot, soapy water to scrub your utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.
📎This extra step prevents bacteria from raw foods from transferring to fresh produce or other ready-to-eat items.

Remember, a clean kitchen is a key ingredient for a safe plate!

➡️ LEARN MORE: cdc.gov/foodsafety

Get information on food poisoning symptoms and preventing food poisoning.

11/20/2025

Many people don't realize that food safety is the most important ingredient in preparing food for the holidays.

The following are resources to help keep your holidays happy!

11/20/2025

Quitting smoking is a big step, and you don't have to do it all at once.
The most important thing is to start with day one. This November, join thousands across the country for the Great American Smokeout® on the third Thursday. It's the perfect day to begin your smoke-free life, reduce your cancer risk, and take a major step toward a healthier you!

The American Cancer Society is here to support you with resources and help every step of the way.

Quitting starts here.

11/19/2025

Save a Life with Naloxone 💙
Did you know you can help save a life?

An overdose from opioids can happen to anyone. But there's a medicine called Naloxone (also known as Narcan) that can help.

You can learn how to use it for FREE! The training and kits are free for you.

To learn more and get trained, email: Ashanti.Kincannon@vdh.virginia.gov

Let's all work together to keep our community safe!

11/19/2025

Is it a Cold or the Flu? 🤧
It can be hard to know if you have a cold or the flu! They feel a little different. This chart can help you tell the difference:

FLU: Usually starts suddenly. You will likely have a fever, aches, and weakness.

COLD: Usually starts slowly. You'll probably have a stuffy nose and sneezing, but a fever is rare.

If you feel very sick, it's always best to talk to your doctor!

What's your best tip for staying healthy this season? Share below! 👇

11/18/2025

Did you know that sugar can hide in many foods we eat? 🍬

It's true! Lots of foods have sugar mixed in that you might not expect. Look out for hidden sugars in things like:

🥫 Canned fruits
🥣 Cereal bars
🥛 Sweet yogurts
🍅 Ketchup and other sauces

Too much sugar isn't good for our bodies. So, next time you grab a snack, try to check the label!

What's your favorite healthy snack? Share it in the comments! 👇

11/18/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month! 💜 Taking care of someone you love, especially someone with Alzheimer's, is a very big job.

Remember, you need to take care of yourself too!

Here are fast tips for caregivers:
😴 Get Rest: Try to go to sleep a half-hour earlier.
🌳 Get Outside: Take a short walk outside to clear your head.
🧘‍♀️ Move Your Body: Try a yoga class or move around a little bit.
🤗 Find a Group: Join a support group to talk to others who understand.

What is one small thing you can do for yourself today? Tell us below! 👇

11/18/2025

Some brands of organic moringa leaf powder have been recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.

If you use moringa leaf powder read more about outbreak and which products may be impacted, on the CDC’s webpage: https://ow.ly/V8fC50XpC9V.

11/18/2025

are critical tools for treating certain infections, including those that can lead to sepsis. However, any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to the development of .

Protect yourself from infections & preserve the power of antibiotics. https://ow.ly/PouB50XrLY1

11/17/2025

Don't let managing diabetes stress you out this holiday season! You can enjoy those festive meals and time with loved ones without the "all-or-nothing" pressure. The secret? Balance!

We recommend using the Diabetes Plate Method—it’s super simple and takes the guesswork out of building a delicious, blood-sugar-friendly meal!

Build Your Balanced Holiday Plate:
1/2 Plate Power: Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies
1/4 Plate Protein: Dedicate one-quarter to a lean protein
1/4 Plate Carb: Reserve the final quarter for a quality carbohydrate

This easy visual guide keeps your blood glucose in check and frees you up to focus on the best part of the holidays: making memories!

What's one festive non-starchy veggie you plan to put on your plate this year?