Sharon Health Department Journal

The Sharon Substance Prevention and Resource Coalition (SSPARC) has been a cornerstone of our community for over a decade, working collaboratively to foster a healthier, safer Sharon for all residents. Formally established more than ten years ago in response to rising concerns about drug and alcohol misuse, SSPARC brought together parents, school representatives, local first responders, health professionals, and community members to develop proactive strategies for prevention and support.

More recently SSPARC has incorporated mental health and wellness into its purview and has been collaborating with the Sharon Public Schools to address many of the contemporary issues facing our young people.

Some of the coalition's ongoing work includes:

• Community education and awareness on substance use and its impacts.
• Support for mental health and wellness at all ages and stages of life.
• Hosting community events like remembrance gatherings and educational screenings aimed a breaking down stigma and strengthening support networks.
• Utilizing data, such as community risk assessments, to inform programming and outreach efforts.

Next month we will be asking residents to participate in a voluntary and anonymous risk assessment survey. Information gathered will help determine how the coalition will allocate its resources for the coming year.

SSPARC continues to be a vital resource for families and individuals in Sharon and will continue to promote resilience, connection, and well-being across our town. If you are interested in learning more or joining our coalition, please visit our website by clicking here!

Hi all! My name is Susan Saunders and I am proud to serve as Vice Chair for the Sharon Board of Health! I graduated from Emerson College in 1975 with a BA and have since spent the past 45 years working as a Realtor in Sharon and surrounding communities.

In addition to my professional work, I have been deeply involved in local civic life- serving as President of the Sharon Lions Club for 10 years and currently holding the position of Chairperson of the Sharon Housing Authority.

I chose to join the Board of Health as a way to combine the public health knowledge I've gained through my career and community service. Housing, environmental safety, and access to essential services are important aspects of public health which I believe my background allows me to bring a practical, community-centered perspective.

Public health is at the heart of every community. It impacts where we live, how we live, and overall quality of life. I have served on the Board for the past two years where I've focused on environmental health. As I continue my term, I remain committed to promoting a safe, healthy environment to all.

The holiday season leaves many feeling tired and ready for a reset. January arrives with big plans: new workout routines, grocery carts full of fruits and veggies, shiny water bottles, and gym memberships for the whole family. For a few weeks, it feels like this is the year everything changes.

Then February hits. The produce wilts, the water bottle sits untouched, and the gym membership becomes just another monthly charge.

Sound familiar?

When motivation is high, it's easy to try to change everything at once - diet, exercise, hobbies, and routines. Unfortunately, doing too much too fast often leads to burnout, frustration, and giving up altogether. When everything changes at once, nothing tends to stick.

The secret to lasting change? Start small.

Instead of a total life overhaul, focus on one or two habits at a time. Once those feel routine, build from there. While there's debate about how long it takes to form a habit, one thing is clear: slow, steady progress is far more sustainable. Baby steps still count.

Looking for simple ways to start? Try these small but powerful ideas:

• Move your body during TV commercial breaks - or commit to 10 minutes of movement between streaming episodes.
• Aim to include fruits or vegetables at every meal, and have fun mixing up colors and varieties.
• Choose a hobby you enjoy and spend just 30 minutes a day on it - reading, crafting, yoga, journaling, or music.
• Schedule weekly self-care, whether that's a relaxing Sunday evening routine or a workout class with friends.

Small, enjoyable changes are easier to maintain, and they add up. The goal isn't perfection, but progress. This year, focus on habits that support health, happiness, and balance, one step at a time.

Sejal Prajapati, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist, entrepreneur, and devoted mother who earned her Doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology (PsyD) from Kean University. As the founder of Commit to You, PLLC in Sharon, MA, Dr. Prajapati supports individuals and communities in cultivating compassionate, value-driven lives while addressing the effects of trauma, acute stress, and ongoing mental health challenges. She specializes in working with mothers- particularly those who have experienced complex trauma- to develop the inner capacities needed for healing, while also building the skills to parent with intention, presence, and confidence, and to savor the precious moments of family life.

For more information, visit committoyou.org or contact Dr. Prajapati directly at sejalprajapati@committoyou.org.

The holiday season is often wrapped in images of togetherness, warmth and celebration. For some, these moments arrive with abundance; for others, they quietly echo with loneliness, loss, or longing. No matter how this season touches you, one relationship is always within reach: the one with yourself. By offering yourself kindness, care, and compassion, you can discover comfort, inner strength, and even unexpected moments of joy, making this season meaningful in your own way.

The self-compassion relationship is built on the essence of meeting yourself where you are, without judgement. It is the quiet remembering that you are doing the best you can with the life you have lived and the weight you carry.

This season, you might offer yourself what you most need- a pause, a breath, permission to rest, or a moment of understanding. Loving yourself does not require fixing or becoming someone new. It begins by listening to your heart and taking one small step toward tending to it. The life you hope for- the one you may even ache for- often begins here, in these tender moments of how you treat yourself.

As the year comes to a close, you might gently ask:

What is one small way I can care for myself today as well as move towards the life of my dreams?

Wishing you a season of warmth, peace, and compassion- especially within yourself.

Limit Outdoor Time in Cold Weather

• Keep walks short in freezing temperatures.
• Bring pets indoors immediately if they shiver or lift their paws.

Protect Paws and Skin

• Wipe paws after walks to remove ice, salt, and chemicals.
• Use pet-safe ice melt around your home.

Provide Warm, Safe Shelter

• Keep indoor areas dry and draft-free.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, especially overnight.

Avoid Cold-Weather Hazards

• Keep pets away from space heaters and fireplaces.
• Tap your car hood before starting - outdoor cats may hide inside for warmth.
• Keep antifreeze secured; even small amounts are toxic if ingested.

As temperatures drop, it is essential for farm animal owners to take extra steps to keep their livestock healthy and safe. Proper winter care helps prevent illness, stress, and injuries. Please review the following recommendations to ensure your animals remain protected throughout the colder months:

Daily Winter Chore Routine

• Check water sources daily to ensure they are not frozen.
• Refill feeders and replace any wet or damp bedding.
• Observe animals closely for signs of frostbite, weight loss, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
• Keep tools, bedding, and feed accessible to reduce time spent in the cold.
• Maintain consistency - livestock thrive on routine, especially in harsh winter conditions.

Winter Barn Preparation Checklist

• Deep clean and disinfect barns and stalls.
• Inspect and repair roofs, doors, windows, and ventilation systems.
• Stockpile bedding, feed, and salt/mineral blocks.
• Test heaters, water deicers, and backup power sources.
• Trim hooves and complete a health checks on animals.

During Winter

• Maintain proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.
• Ensure all water sources remain thawed and accessible.
• Add extra bedding as temperatures drop.
• Monitor animals for illness, weight loss, or abnormal behavior.
• Refill feed storage weekly to prevent shortages.

Inspections for Animal Keeping Permits and Barn Inspections are in full swing this month.

What's the difference?

Animal keeping permits are issued by an application process, inspected and approved by a Board of Health Agent.

Barn inspections are completed by the Town appointed Animal Inspector which provide census data directly to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Division of Animal Health. for emergency planning.

Communication from both agencies is to be anticipated in the coming weeks.

Please contact BOH 781-784-1500 x1205 if you have any questions.

Questions? Email MDenrich@townofsharon.org!

It's important to regularly check the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recall list because defective or unsafe products, including drugs, food, and medical devises, can reach consumers.

When you're aware of active recalls, you can act quickly - stop using the product, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and contact your healthcare provider or retailer of needed. Failure to do so can mean exposure to serious health risks or harm even when the chance may seem small.

Staying informed is a simple but powerful step in protecting your health and the wellbeing of those around you.