Serving the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford and Simsbury, CT
Health Matters
A quarterly publication of the 
Farmington Valley Heath District
Summer 2026
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95 River Road

Canton, CT 06019

860-352-2333

In this issue...
  • Summer heat safety guide
  • Water recreation safety tips
  • Supporting mental health when going off to college
  • State park resources
...and more!

FVHD Summer Heat Safety Guide 


Extreme heat is more than an inconvenience; it can quickly become a medical emergency. Protect Yourself with the 3 S’s:


STAY cool

STAY hydrated, and

know the SYMPTOMS! 

 

Read More


Staying Safe Around Water
 
As summer rolls in, we start spending more time outside and doing popular water activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, tubing, fishing, canoeing, and sailing to name a few. When we participate in water-based activities, it is essential that we are aware of our safety and the precautions we can take to keep others as well as ourselves safe.
 

Ready or Not, Here They Come.... 


The weather is warm again, and that means bugs are out in full force. Learn what to do about mosquitos, ticks, and what public health experts are looking out for this summer. 

 

Read More

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health as They Start College
 
Leaving home for the first time to start college is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring emotional challenges for both students and parents. Academic pressure, social changes, and independence can affect mental well-being, so thoughtful support from home still matters more than many realize.
 
This refreshing, no-cook gazpacho is summer in a bowl—cool, vibrant, and bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet peppers. It’s the perfect light lunch or effortless dinner on a hot summer day, when turning on the stove feels unthinkable and fresh ingredients are at their peak. Simply blend, chill, and enjoy a bright, nourishing dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. 
 
Explore Your State Parks! 
 
Staff Spotlight: Andrea Vitrano 
 
Andrea serves as the Chief Sanitarian of the Farmington Valley Health District. Her day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the Environmental Health team, investigating environmental complaints, reviewing and inspecting septic installation plans and upholding and interpreting the Connecticut Public Health Code and Connecticut General Statutes.   
 
Mental Health Book Club

Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids

 

by Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE

Whether you’re running late for school, trying to get your child to eat their vegetables, or dealing with an epic meltdown in the checkout line at a grocery store, being a parent is hard work! Parents may react in times of stress without thinking, and often by yelling. But what if, instead of reacting on autopilot, you could respond thoughtfully in those moments, keep your cool, and get from A to B on time and in one piece?


Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields is a thoughtful and practical guide to mindful parenting that focuses as much on the parent’s growth as the child’s. The book asserts that raising kind, confident kids begins with managing our own emotions and breaking reactive habits learned from past experiences. It offers tools like mindfulness exercises, reflective listening, and compassionate communication to help parents respond calmly rather than react automatically.

Breaking Mad: The Insider's Guide to Conquering Anxiety

 

by Anna Williamson (Author), Beth Evans (Illustrator), Dr Reetta Newell (Contributor)

 

Breaking Mad is packed with coping methods and solutions for those everyday moments where you need a helping hand. From recognizing the first warning signs of anxiety to coping with a panic attack or social anxiety, Anna and Reetta will be with you every step of the way, offering practical strategies and straightforward guidance whenever and wherever you might need it.

 

Whether at home, on the bus, at college, just before a meeting, or even having a meltdown in the work bathroom, Breaking Mad is here for you. So welcome to the club – it's time to tackle anxiety head-on!



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