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Serving the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford and Simsbury, CT |
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Health Matters
A quarterly publication of the
Farmington Valley Heath District
Spring 2026 |
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95 River Road
Canton, CT 06019
860-352-2333
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In this issue...
- Food Insecurity Summit brings together subject matter experts and stakeholders
- Staff Spotlight: Shelley Forker
- Spring emergency preparedness
- Updated blood pressure guidelines
- Zyns: what you need to know
- and more!
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On January 14th, FVHD was proud to host a Food Insecurity Summit, our first Health in All Policies event, at the Avon Senior Center community room. Joining FVHD were local leaders, passionate community members, elected officials, food pantries, state and local organizations, and other partners and stakeholders. Together, we shared insights, explored solutions to food insecurity, and strengthened connections across towns in the Farmington Valley.
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Emergency Preparedness for Spring
As winter hazards subside, spring introduces new challenges, including fluctuating temperatures, increased rainfall, and the risk of power outages.
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Nicotine Pouches and ZYNfluencers
While cigarette smoking may be on the decline, overall nicotine use is not. As nicotine pouches, such as ZYN, become more popular among young adults as a smoking alternative, it is important to remember that while they are smoke-free, they are not risk-free.
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New in Heart Health
In 2025 the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) updated blood pressure (BP) guidelines defining
Normal BP as being less than 120/80mmHg.
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This spring chicken panzanella salad celebrates the season’s freshest flavors in one vibrant, satisfying bowl. A generous tangle of tender greens is paired with crisp asparagus, sweet snap peas, and fragrant fresh dill, then finished with juicy shredded chicken for hearty balance. Light yet nourishing, it’s a bright, colorful dish that feels just as right for an easy lunch as it does for a relaxed springtime dinner.
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Behind the Scenes of Local Salon Inspections
Did you know the Farmington Valley Health District conducts regular inspections of salons to help keep our community safe and healthy? From sanitation practices to proper licensing, these routine checks help ensure the services you enjoy meet important health standards. Learn what inspectors look for and what you can watch for as a client.
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Staff Spotlight: Shelley Forker
Shelley serves as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Coordinator for the Farmington Valley Health District, supporting preparedness planning, coordination, and response efforts across public health, healthcare, and emergency management partners.
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Raising Mentally Strong Kids: How to Combine the Power of Neuroscience with Love and Logic to Grow Confident, Kind, Responsible, and Resilient Children and Young Adults
Daniel G. Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD
This read blends neuroscience with practical parenting strategies to help parents foster resilience, emotional regulation, responsibility, and confidence in children and young adults. Amen and Fay emphasize understanding how a child’s brain develops and how everyday interactions shape neural pathways. The book offers tools such as goal-setting (like the “One Page Miracle”), the “love and logic” approach to discipline, and techniques to strengthen emotional skills and decision-making. It also highlights the importance of healthy habits — from nutrition and exercise to structured limits and supportive relationships — as foundations for mental strength.
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Mental Health for Teens: Tools to Manage Stress, Boost Confidence, and Thrive in a Changing World
Lucas Taylor
This practical, teen-friendly self-help guide is aimed at helping adolescents navigate the common emotional challenges of modern adolescence. The book blends relatable stories with actionable strategies to manage stress, tackle anxiety, and build resilience. It offers tools for enhancing confidence, emotional balance, and self-care, along with suggestions for fostering supportive relationships with friends, family, and mentors. It is encouraging and accessible, making it suitable for teens looking for immediate, everyday techniques to improve their mental wellbeing.
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