General Information
Medicaid / Insurance Information
The Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council, Inc. – Facilitated Enrollment Program can help you out. www.nshc.org Click on Facilitated Enrollment located on the left hand side of the page. You will find a list of times and places that you can go to meet with an enrollment facilitator who will help you apply. There is also a list of the basic documents you will need to start the application process and a phone number in case you have additional questions.
Sun Safety
The Environmental Protection Agency , Sun Safety Alliance and the Long Island Based Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign all provide
good information on Sun Safety.
Tobacco Control and Cessation
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services offers free programs to help smokers quit. Classes as well as medication are available at sites throughout the County.
Find out about programs available to all schools in Suffolk County. Learn about local and New York State laws that prevent the sale of tobacco to those underage, protect all residents from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and how to make a complaint at: Health Education.
The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids offers fact sheets that show the toll of tobacco use on health and budgets by state. Also find information about the Master Settlement Agreement and tobacco industry bad acts at: www.tobaccofreekids.org
A The New York State Quitline offers counseling and limited amounts of over-the-counter quit smoking aids. Call them at 1-866-697-8487 or visit them at: www.nysmokefree.com
There are no laws that prevent people from smoking in their own homes. However, the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island is a great local resource and has information for landlords and tenants about the benefits of smoke-free buildings. Visit TAC at: www.breathefreely.org
Or, visit the New York State site at: www.smokefreehousingny.org
Information for Children
The Children’s Environmental Health Network, Children’s Health Environmental Coalition, Center for Children’s Health and the Environment and Healthy Schools Network all provide valid information.
Special Interest Group
Physical Activity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
See the guides and get more information at:
www.health.gov/PAguidelines
Household Cleaning Products
Personal Care Products
Visit www.safecosmetics.org for a comprehensive list of many beauty products, the ingredients they contain that might be harmful and the safer alternative products you can use.
Natural products still can contain toxins. Look for products consisting mostly of organic plant-based (botanical) ingredients. Visit www.cosmeticsdatabase.org for a list of safe cosmetic and grooming products.