In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are here to talk about one of the most important topics as a New Englander – how to prepare for winter weather. 

Let’s start where you spend most of your time: your home.

Now let’s talk about your car—because winter is not the season for car-related surprises.

If a winter storm is coming listen to weather forecasts and check your emergency supplies, including your emergency food and water supply. If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.

Winter prep isn’t about predicting disaster—it’s about comfort, safety, and peace of mind. 

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health Office is here to talk about Radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. It moves through the ground and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors.

The biggest health risk associated with radon it its link to lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can damage lung tissue, and the risk increases with both the level of radon and how long you're exposed. 

Reduce Levels

Questions? Call our Environmental Health office at (203) 630-4226. More information can also be found on the CT Department of Public Health’s Radon Program webpage.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about simple, realistic tips to help you have a healthy and happy new year.

A healthy, happy year isn’t about being perfect—it’s about taking care of yourself, one day at a time. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. Thanks for listening, and here’s to a new year full of growth, balance, and good moments.

We wish you all a very happy, healthy New Year.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden is back to talk to you about certain risks that alcohol and drugs pose to young people and our community, particularly during the holiday season.

For many families, the holidays are a time for travel, celebration, and connection. Yet on the nation’s roadways, this season of joy often comes with a troubling rise in drunk driving crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. Every year, thousands of lives are lost because someone decided to drive after drinking, and as more people attend gatherings and spend time on the road, alcohol-related incidents become far more common. Driving is a complex task, so any impairment affects reaction time, coordination, judgment, and perception—putting drivers, passengers, and communities at risk. But the injuries, disabilities, and deaths associated with impaired driving are preventable. Taking personal responsibility for a safe ride saves lives.

If you are over the age of 21, and you have used any substance that may impair your ability to drive, do not get behind the wheel. Plan a sober ride in advance and identify someone who will help keep you accountable. If impaired, use a rideshare, taxi, public transportation, or call a sober friend. If you are hosting, intervene if someone is about to drive impaired—help them get home safely.

For persons under the age of 21, the developing brain, especially the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), is super vulnerable. Alcohol and drug consumption during these years can impair critical growth, leading to a whole host of long-term issues, like addiction, anxiety, depression, and problems with memory and thinking and judgment; also low-self-esteem, poor school performance, and greater risk of threats to physical health and safety, like drinking and driving.

The holidays undoubtably mean more family parties, gatherings with drinks, and traditions that normalize alcohol, even if unintentionally. Too often we hear social hosts, or family members or parents say, "It's just a sip," or “ "It's safe when its at home." In truth, no amount of alcohol or cannabis is safe for a developing brain. Myths about ‘safe in small amounts’ or ‘safe under supervision’ are risky. They send mixed messages and often leave young people unprepared for real-world peer pressure and settings that lack safe supervision. So how can young people handle being offered drinks by family or friends, or the general pressure to drink this holiday season?

Here are some tips

Finally, to all my parents out there, talk openly to your kids. Have hard honest conversations about underage drinking and offer support. Listen to their thoughts and worries about peer pressure – and provide positive strengths-based explanations and alternatives. Lead by example. Set clear boundaries and expectations, and remember to always lock up alcohol and practice safe storage. 

always lock up alcohol and practice safe storage. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this episode of Meriden Health Talk and remember, you are not alone. Help is available. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. 9-8-8 can also provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. For help, text or call 988, or chat with 988 professionals on their website at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Services area available in English and Spanish. 

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to talk about Naloxone, also known as Narcan, and why it is important.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are happy to welcome Victoria George from Rushford/the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition to talk to us about mental health during the holiday season. 

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, but for many of us, they can bring a lot of stress, anxiety, and even sadness.

But here’s the thing: It’s okay to not feel okay during the holidays. There’s no rule that says you have to feel “merry” 100% of the time. In fact, recognizing and acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward managing them.

The holidays can bring up a wide range of emotions. For some, it’s a time of great joy – a chance to connect with loved ones, create new memories, and celebrate traditions. But for others, the holidays can feel like a reminder of loss, loneliness, or past trauma.

Let’s talk about some practical strategies for maintaining your mental health and finding balance during this time.

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available.

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. 9-8-8 can also provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

For help, text or call 988, or chat with 988 professionals on their website at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Services area available in English and Spanish.

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about toy safety as December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month! 

Here are some considerations as you are out shopping for that perfect gift:

This holiday season, let’s make thoughtful choices to ensure our gifts bring joy and safety. By prioritizing quality, age-appropriateness, and safety, we can protect our loved ones and create lasting holiday memories. Questions on toy safety? Please visit the Safe Kids Worldwide website at www.safekids.org. 

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are hearing from our two Parent Ambassadors from the Meriden Early Start Program! 

Meriden Early Start is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched in July 2025. It combines 3 existing programs- child daycare contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants- into 1 new program. 

Our Parent Ambassadors' role is to serve as advocates for families of young children. They help get parents connected with local early childhood programs and services. They aim to help parents and caregivers feel empowered in their child’s education and development. As Parent Ambassadors they play an important role in making sure parent voices are heard, valued and included in the community.

Be on the lookout for an opportunity to join their Meriden Family Voices Committee - This will be a welcoming space where parents, caregivers and families can come together to share experiences, raise concerns, and bring ideas that will strengthen child care and support for families.

To learn more about the Meriden Early Start Program please visit the website: Early Start (formerly School Readiness) | City of Meriden, CT

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health staff is offering guidance on how to safely prepare and handle food to avoid foodborne illness this Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Rhonda Knight, our Early Childhood Coordinator is talking about the Meriden Early Start program!

Meriden Early Start is a state-funded early childhood education program that helps young children build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Imagine a classroom filled with discovery—toddlers stacking blocks, preschoolers exploring letters through play, and infants reaching milestones with gentle guidance.

There are so many benefits to being part of Meriden Early Start.