Sharon Health Department Journal
Keep Your Family Safe: Food Safety Tips
Food Safety is vital to protecting public health by preventing foodborne illness or injuries related to food consumption, and ensuring access to safe, nutritious food!
Key Tips and Guidance
Safe Food Handling:
- Wash hands before and after handling food.
- Clean surfaces and utensils.
- Keep raw meat separate from other food.
Proper Cooking Temperatures:
- Use food thermometer.
- Poultry, 165 °F
- Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb), 160 °F
- Meat (seafood, beef, pork), 145 °F
- Leftovers, 165 °F
Storage
- Keep cold food below 41 °F, hot food above 135 °F.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Cross Contamination
Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria to food from other food, cutting boards, and utensils. This can lead to foodborne illness or allergic reactions.
- Keep raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) food separate throughout storage and preparation.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils between different food.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces and equipment after handling raw items, especially after preparing raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
- Check expiration dates!
For more information, please review the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service link.
The Sharon Substance Prevention and Resource Coalition (SSPARC) is conducting a community-wide survey on mental health and substance use. As part of this anonymous survey, SSPARC is interested in your perspectives on these issues in the Town of Sharon. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and your responses will remain both anonymous and confidential.
The ideal participants for this survey are individuals of high school age or older that are residents of the Town of Sharon. However, others who work in the Town of Sharon or those who live in nearby neighborhoods outside of the Town of Sharon are also encouraged to participate. Results will be aggregated, analyzed independently by someone from outside the Sharon community, and will not be linked to any individual survey respondent.
You may access the survey by clicking on this link: Survey
The survey will close on Friday, February 13, 2026. Thank you for your time and participation.
Member, Michael Blackowicz
Introduction
Hello everyone! My name is Michael Blackowicz, and I am a member of the Board of Health. I am an environmental epidemiologist and health outcomes leader whose work spans patient-reported outcomes, medical devices, and rare disease. I hold a Ph.D. in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.S. in Ecotoxicology from Eastern Illinois University, and a B.S. in Biology from Northern Illinois University.
This is my first formal public service role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. Although my professional path has focused on industry-based health outcomes, I have always been guided by the foundations of public health. Serving on the Board of Health allows me to reconnect with that purpose and contribute directly to the health of the community that my family and I call home.
About Me
Professionally, I have built my career developing evidence to improve patient experiences, inform health policy, and advance understanding of how environmental and clinical factors shape health. My work experience includes serving as a Health Economics and Outcomes Research Director at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, where I led evidence strategies to support access, policy, and patient outcomes; working as a Health Economist and Outcomes Researcher at Baxter, generating data on value, effectiveness, and patient impact for medical technologies. Lastly, I contributed as a Research Scientist and Statistician at a patient-reported outcomes consultancy, focusing on measurement science, study design, and analytics.
I chose to join the Board of Health because public health has always been central to my personal mission. Even as I worked in industry, I envisioned returning to a role where I could directly support the health of my community. Public health gives me the opportunity to do this at a scale through prevention-focused, evidence-based action.
While serving my term, my priorities center on environmental health and nutrition-related prevention. I hope to help educate Sharon residents about how everyday actions affect local environmental quality and how those changes, in turn, affect our health. I am committed to elevating awareness and practical steps to improve indoor air quality at home and in schools, recognizing its critical role in preventing both infectious and chronic diseases. I also aim to promote accessible, evidence-based information and partnerships that empower residents to make informed decisions about their environment and diet.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt. I believe deeply in practical, community-centered prevention and in working together to build healthier environments and healthier lives.
February is American Heart Month!
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that it may be preventable with heart-healthy habits and diet choices! This February, we would like to encourage everyone to learn more about how you can protect your heart and reduce your risk.
A heart-healthy eating pattern focuses on whole, nutrient-rich foods and simple lifestyle habits:
- Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
- Emphasize healthy, unsaturated fats like those in nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Cut back on added sugars, salt, and highly processed foods.
- Balance how many calories you take in with physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight.
Simple day-to-day steps can make a big impact too, such as controlling portion sizes, planning meals ahead, and enjoying treats occasionally rather than letting them become the norm.
Follow the American Heart Association Guide on 10 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health!
Review this link to learn more about The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations!
Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is something that many people experience. This is often due to poor diet, limited exercise, and high levels of stress. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to significant cardiac conditions, stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Where can I check my blood pressure locally?
- During walk-in nursing clinics at the Health Department and Pop-In with the Public Health Nurse at the COA. See hours below.
- Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic offered for residents of Hixson Farms and Stony Brook Court.
- By Appointment with the Public Health Nurse, call to schedule. (781) 784-1500 x1141.
- Services for homebound residents available, please call to inquire.
What is a "normal" blood pressure?
Systolic blood pressure refers to the top (and higher) number in a blood pressure reading. It refers to the pressure of the blood in the artery when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure of blood when the heart relaxes.
The systolic reading should ideally be less than 120, with diastolic being less than 80. Click on the attached photo for more information on ideal blood pressure readings.
What do I do if my numbers are out of range?
Speak to your healthcare team about ways to lower your blood pressure through lifestyle modifications or medication if necessary. If you do not currently have a health care provider, come see the Public Health Nurse for guidance!
What are symptoms that could indicate an emergency and what should I do?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
CALL 911!
What are some simple steps I can take to lower my blood pressure?
- Move your body: walk, jog, bicycle, or dance.
- Eat a healthy diet: limit sodium, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, drink more water, limit alcohol.
- Shed excessive weight: even a 5% loss of body weight can make a significant difference!
For more information: Life's Essential 8 - How to Manage Blood Pressure
The Higher the Snow, the Lower the Fence
Leash Your Pup
Winter Loss Prevention
What a Successful Fix It Event!
Over 40 Sharon residents showed up with one or more items in need of repair. Of those 40+ items, nearly 30 went home fixed! An additional 8 items can now be fixed at home, once a replacement part is received.
Among the items fixed were bicycles, electronics, clocks, lamps, and more!
Some people came and helped repair the item with the fixer, others watched and learned. Some fixers were seen helping each other and collaborating on fixes.
In the end, some great new connections were made between community members, and the message was clear: don't trash it - fix it!
Thank you all for coming out and being part of this great event. Together, we can create a sustainable future.
