Sharon Health Department Journal
The mission of the Sharon Health Department goes far beyond responding to illness. Each day, the Sharon Health Department works to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of the Sharon community through education, prevention, and preparedness.
Public health touches nearly all aspects of daily life. It is the science and practice of preventing disease, extending life, and promoting health through organized community efforts. While doctors and nurses focus on treating individuals, public health focuses on the health of the whole population, from families and neighborhoods to schools and businesses.
Much of what public health does happens quietly behind the scenes. In Sharon, the Health Department plays a vital role in monitoring community health trends, responding to infectious disease outbreaks, providing vaccinations and education, supporting mental wellness, and ensuring the safety of food, water, and housing. We also help prepare for emergencies and promote policies that keep our residents healthy and safe.
- Running flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics
- Providing weekly blood pressure and blood sugar clinics
- Ensuring restaurants, camps, and pools meet health and safety standards by conducting annual inspections
- Offering guidance during public health emergencies, such as severe weather or disease outbreaks
- Providing resources and education on Lyme disease, mental health, maternal and child health, and chronic disease prevention
- Partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and other town departments to support community well-being
Chair, Hope Klassman
Introduction
Hi everyone! My name is Hope Klassman and I am the Chair of the Sharon Board of Health! I hold a bachelor's degree in Public Health and Health Education, and a Master's degree in Education.
About Me!
My career began in Chicago, where I worked in Public Health before transitioning into Health Education within the public school system. Upon relocating to Sharon, I continued my work in education by teaching in the Walpole and Norfolk Public Schools. When Health Education programs were discontinued, I shifted into a general classroom teaching role.
I joined the Board of Health in 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, motivated by a deep concern for the health and safety of the community. Through this role, I have witnessed firsthand the Health Department's strong commitment to the well-being of our residents. From flu clinics and blood pressure screenings to licensing, inspections, and beyond, the department supports public health at the local level.
Public Health is everyone's concern. A healthy mind and body should be a priority for all. I hope we can continue to care for ourselves, each other, and the environment!
You'll be Grateful you Followed These Holiday Food Safety Tips!
🧼Clean!🧼
- Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food.
- Clean your food preparation surfaces with soap and hot water, and then sanitize using a store bought or homemade (1 tbs liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon water) solution. Allow to air dry thoroughly.
- Bacteria from raw poultry can survive on countertops and in sinks for up to 32 hours, so be sure to follow this same process after preparing your turkey.
🦃Let's Talk Turkey!🦃
- Always keep raw meat and poultry separate from produce and other cooked foods.
- The USDA recommends that you DO NOT rinse or wash your raw bird, as 1 in 4 who choose to do so end up cross contaminating other food items with the germs from the raw turkey.
- Ensure that the internal temperature of your turkey reaches 165° F. Check the thickest part of the breast or innermost part of thigh/wing using a food thermometer.
🍴Time to Dig In!🍴
- Cooked food becomes unsafe if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- When reheating leftovers, ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Reheat gravies, sauces, and soup by bringing them to a rolling boil.
Resources:
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline:
1-888-674-6854 or MPHotline@usda.gov
www.FoodSafety.gov
🦃Keep Pets Safe This Thanksgiving!🍗
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food - but it can also pose risks for our furry companions. Here are a few tips to keep them safe and happy:
- Prevent escapes: use gates or barriers near frequently used doors.
- ID matters: make sure collars have license & rabies tags, and microchips are registered with up-to-date information.
- Dangerous foods: turkey bones, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and alcohol can be harmful.
If you think your pet ate something or was exposed to something unsafe, call: your local emergency vet or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
🐶Prevent Dog Bites This Thanksgiving!🐾
Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe and stress-free:
- Give pets space: provide a quiet room away from guests.
- Supervise kids: teach them to respect pets - no hugging, pulling, or disturbing while eating or sleeping.
- Watch for stress signals: growling, lip licking, or hiding means your dog needs a break.
- Never force interaction: let pets approach guests on their own terms.
If a bite occurs: seek medical attention immediately - whether for the person (hospital) or the animal (veterinary clinic).
On behalf of the Town of Sharon Animal Control Department, we wish you a safe and tail-wagging Thanksgiving!
Even the most knowledgeable recyclers make mistakes! But the time for wish-cycling is over! RecycleSmartMA has a very straightforward guide for what goes in your curbside recycling bin, and what says OUT! Follow this guide to make sure you're recycling right in Sharon. When in doubt - throw it out!
Email Sharon Recycling Coordinator with any questions; mdenrich@townofsharon.org
Together, we can make a more sustainable future.
