Category: Health

KEEP COOL IN NYC!

US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Many people like summer sunshine, but too much heat can be dangerous and unhealthy. Hot and humid weather can cause heat illness and even death. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, you need to cool down quickly!

  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Light headedness, feeling faint
  • Headache
  • Decreased energy
  • Loss of appetite, nausea

Luckily, New York City has increased the number of ways to Keep Cool during heat emergencies. The parks department has concentrated on water features, drinking fountains, and tree cover as ways to beat the heat outside.

Here’s a link to a map of all the places where you can cool off:

https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc

Spray showers are fun and feel great for kids. The sprinklers are turned on when the temperature reaches 80 degrees F. These are indicated on the map as well as the beaches and outdoor pools that are open to all. NYC even provides free sunscreen at the pools.

There are thousands of drinking fountains across the city – even some for pets!

 The map also shows the parks with thick tree coverage, as well as the shadiest blocks to walk.

Another option: If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to beat the heat, consider requesting an official hydrant opening. You can go to your local firehouse and they might open and close a hydrant safely for you.

And if you’re not an “outdoors person,” NYC has many cooling centers.  They are located in air-conditioned facilities that offer people relief from the heat, such as:

  • Libraries
  • Community centers
  • Senior centers
  • NYCHA facilities

   To find a cooling center:   https://maps.nyc.gov/oem/cc/

Most important: drink lots of water even if you’re not thirsty, wear loose light-colored clothing, and avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM.

Enjoy the summer in the city!

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Solstice sustenance

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Vocabulary:

Sustenance — n., nourishment that maintains life, food.

potential — n., adj., able to come into being; possible

bountiful — adj., as much or more than is needed, abundant

mimic — v., to copy or imitate

approximately — adv., about, almost exact

Traditionally, people celebrated the return of light, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest on the summer solstice. The summer months bring a bountiful harvest and the foods served at solstice gatherings mimic the sun. Round, sun-colored fruits like lemons, oranges, peaches, and nectarines are the flavor of the day as well as vegetables like yellow squash, corn, and tomatoes.

source: https://chantallascaris.co.za/2021/12/22/summer-solstice-foods-from-around-the-world/#:~:text=The%20summer%20months%20bring%20a,yellow%20squash%2C%20corn%20and%20tomatoes.

ROASTED SUMMER VEGETABLES

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 zucchini
  • 1 yellow squash
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 red bell pepper 
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil 
  • 1 tsp dried basil or 1/2 bunch fresh
  • salt and pepper to taste 
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash and chop the vegetables into approximately 1-inch pieces. 
  • Spread the vegetables out over a large baking sheet (or two, if needed) so they’re in a single layer and not piled on top of one another. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then add the basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
  • Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice (every 15-20 minutes or so), until the vegetables are soft and browned on the edges. Taste the vegetables and add another pinch of salt if desired. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top just before serving.
Summer Vegetables Prepped and Ready to Roast

Roasted Summer Vegetables Finished

I like to add an extra pinch of salt after roasting, so you get some salt sitting on the surface to give each bite a little pop. I also like to sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for freshness and to add a pop of color, but that’s optional.

source: https://www.budgetbytes.com/roasted-summer-vegetables/

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Get a NYC ID!

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https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/start-your-application.page

Why do you need a New York City ID? Because it’s another great thing about living in New York!

Your IDNYC card is a widely accepted, official form of identification. IDNYC is accepted:

  • By City agencies to access many services and programs;
  • By NYPD for the purposes of issuing summons or desk appearance tickets instead of arrest;
  • For entry into public buildings, like schools;
  • For taking the high school equivalency exam in New York City;
  • By employers, when submitted with proof of work authorization.

Your IDNYC card also offers a wide variety of exciting benefits that make it more than just an ID card. Your card can help you experience everything New York has to offer.

IDNYC Benefits Guide

The IDNYC Benefits Guide is a multilingual brochure that provides an overview of the key benefits associated with the IDNYC card in English, Spanish (Español), Chinese (简化字), and Russian (Русский язык), as well as dozens more.

This link will lead you to NYC ID benefit providers. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about these benefits or if you have any questions about accessing them, please contact the organizations listed in the guide. IDNYC is not responsible for determining your access to these benefits.

Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal more information.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

IDNYC cardholders are now eligible for free one-year memberships at over 35 participating institutions in 2022. Visit the Museums and Cultural Institutions page to find out more about the Museums and Cultural Institutions.

Including free one-year memberships at:

The American Museum of Natural History

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Central Park Zoo

Museum of the City of New York

and many more…

Banks and Credit Unions

With your IDNYC Card, you can open a bank or credit union account at one of several financial institutions across New York City. Visit the Banks and Credit Unions page to find out more.

Libraries

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You can use your IDNYC card at any public library in New York City. Visit the Libraries page to learn more about each library below.

  • Brooklyn Public Library
  • New York Public Library
  • Queens Library

Housing

Your IDNYC is the only ID card you need for affordable housing through NYC Housing Connect. With IDNYC, you don’t need a driver’s license, social security card or birth certificate to be eligible for housing on Housing Connect. Visit the Housing page to learn more.

Other benefits include discounts on prescription medications, fitness, groceries, and New York City attractions.

sources: https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page

https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page

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Covid Vaccine and Testing Van is back at 189 Allen Street this week! No appointment needed!

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COVID cases are on the rise again in New York City as the BA.2 variant grows more prevalent, though the numbers are still a tiny fraction of the peaks seen earlier this year.

As of Monday morning, the city’s latest data had the rolling seven-day average of new cases at 610, up nearly 10% in a week.

Transmission rates are on the rise as well. In Manhattan, the rate of new cases per 100,000 people is up almost 10% in the last month and up about 17% in just the last week. One out of every 1,000 Manhattan residents has been infected in the last seven days.

from NYC COVID Cases Rising, Manhattan Transmission Jumps (But Well Below Peak)

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Free Flu Shot

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Free Flu shots will be provided by Mt. Sinai Hospital on Tuesday, November 16th starting at 10 am. If you would like to sign up, please email our Older Adults program at mrodriguez@universitysettlement.org with your name and cell number and they will provide you with a time slot. Please note the following:

·  You must wear a mask through the whole process in order to get vaccinated.

·  Make sure you wear appropriate clothes to be able to get your arm in and out easily for vaccination.

·  No fever the day of vaccination.

·  You must show up ON TIME for your scheduled time slot, not before, not after, or you won’t be able to get the flu shot.

·  Social distancing will be maintained and required the whole time.

·  Your visit will only take between 15-20 minutes with a pre-safety screening, form filling out, and immunization.

·  Be prepared to be standing the whole time as the process moves fast.

·  You will be receiving the STANDARD FLU SHOT, which is quadrivalent and ok for anyone 18 years and older.

·  If you have received the COVID-19 Vaccination within 2 weeks of your scheduled flu shot date, we suggest you wait to get the flu shot until a later time frame.

·  No insurance is needed, this is a FREE flu vaccination.

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Free Mammograms, September 19th

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AICF’s free mammogram bus is coming to our community for free mammograms and breast cancer screenings on September 19th from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. AICF’s mammogram bus will be stationed at 545 Grand Street. To qualify for a free screening, you must live in New York City, be between the ages of 40 and 79, and have not had a breast cancer screening in the last 12 months. The screenings are completely free and you do not need health insurance. Appointments are required and you can call 212-677-1077 to schedule an appointment. Please look at the flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese below and share this information widely with your neighbors. 

ENGLISH

SPANISH

CHINESE

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