Health News
November 19, 2008
Upstate KIDS Program Seeks Early Intervention of Children with Developmental Problems
Parents of newborn children in New York State may soon be asked by state health officials to complete a series of at–home questionnaires about their children's health and development. The goal is to identify possible risk factors for developmental disorders and conditions. Children thought to be at risk for developmental problems will be referred to State child development specialists for appropriate intervention services.
On 'Great American Smokeout', State Health Commissioner Urges Parents Who Smoke to Quit
Citing new data showing that smokers living with children are more likely to try to quit smoking than those without children, State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. today urged parents to observe the American Cancer Society's 33rd Great American Smokeout on Thursday by quitting.
November 14, 2008
Rotavirus Vaccine Linked to Fewer Childhood Hospitalizations: Health Department Study
Preliminary data from a New York State Health Department study shows a significant reduction in childhood hospitalizations for the most common cause of diarrhea since an oral rotavirus vaccine for infants was introduced in 2006.
November 5, 2008
Governor Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson Announce Release of 'Healthy Kids, Healthy New York After-School Initiative' to Help Fight Childhood Obesity
Governor David A. Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today announced the release of the Healthy Kids, Healthy New York After-School Initiative guidelines and toolkit that will help fight childhood obesity in New York's schools by providing after-school programs with model guidelines. The guidelines are aimed at helping New York's children acquire healthy habits by incorporating nutritional food options into diets, increasing physical activity, and limiting the amount of time spent in front of a television on a daily basis.
October 31, 2008
State Health Department's Brain Computer Interface Technology to be Featured This Sunday on "60 Minutes"
New York State Department of Health scientist Jonathan R. Wolpaw, M.D., will appear this Sunday on "60 Minutes" to demonstrate the progress of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. The demonstration will show how severely paralyzed individuals can use their brain signals to send commands to a computer, allowing them to communicate independently.
Governor Paterson Announces Release of State Agency Core Mission Budgeting Reports
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the release of core mission budgeting reports from the State's executive agencies. The reports provide detailed budget information on every individual State program and will help policymakers better prioritize State spending during the State's current fiscal crisis and in the years to come.