BURLINGTON — Across Vermont and around the world people turned the calendar to 2020 and set new and renewed goals for better health and wellness. The Vermont Department of Health (DOH) wants you to know there are an amazing number of supports and resources available at your fingertips to help you to succeed.
From finding healthy weight programs in your community, to getting a flu shot, to help quitting smoking, here are a few of the DOH’s top resources. Find them all at HealthVermont.gov.
Each .gov or .org item below is a website; check out the ones that appeal to you.

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
A great place to start – MyHealthyVT.org
Whether it’s a goal to lose weight, or finding help to manage your diabetes, chronic pain or other long-term health problems, local coordinators connect you with workshops near you. Vermonters who complete DOH workshops report big improvements in their health and overall well-being.
Healthy Eating – healthvermont.gov/MyMoment
By staying a healthy weight, you feel better and can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  A healthy weight can also help control other conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
Smoking, Tobacco and Vaping – 802Quits.org
Increase your success in quitting tobacco or vaping with 802Quits. Get tips and tools – including nicotine replacement therapy – to help you find the path that works for you. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit 802Quits.org.
Alcohol & Drinking – healthvermont.gov/alcohol
If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may need help dealing with alcohol dependency, visit the HealthVermont.gov website for information and treatment and recovery resources.
Try this quick online quiz to see if your drinking habits are safe, risky or harmful: AlcoholScreening.org.
Drugs and Substance Use – healthvermont.gov/FindTreatment
We know how difficult it is to take the first steps to find treatment and help to succeed in recovery. That’s why we open as many doors as possible. Whether for yourself or someone you know, potentially life-saving support and treatment is available – right now, near you.
Walk the Walk – safestreets.vermont.gov/WatchForMe
It’s hard be active in the winter, but even short walks can make a difference. Check out these tips on staying safe while walking, and for watching for others when you drive.

STAY HEALTHY & PREVENT ILLNESS
You First – YouFirstVT.org
Screening and personalized supports that connect eligible Vermonters to breast, cervical and heart screenings, diagnostic tests and heart healthy lifestyle programs. Members can get free memberships to WW (Weight Watchers), TOPS, local gyms, farmers market coupons and more.
Get Vaccinated – healthvermont.gov/immunizations
Vaccinations help protect everybody from the risk of disease, especially infants who are too young to be vaccinated. And now that it’s flu season, you’ll want that flu shot right away.
Ready to be Steady – FallsFreeVermont.org
Falls, especially among older Vermonters, can lead to chronic health problems and loss of independence. Resolve to improve your balance and prevent future falls with these free screening events and exercise classes.
Be Tick Smart – healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart
They’ll be back before you know it, so be sure you know what to do to prevent tick-borne diseases.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY
Talk with your Kids – ParentUpVT.org
Parents are their kids’ #1 influence as they navigate the challenges of drugs, alcohol and mental health. In fact, children whose parents tell them about the risks of drug use are significantly less likely to use drugs. But these are hard conversations. ParentUp offers tips and guidance for being the best influence possible.
Growing Families – healthvermont.gov/wic 
WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. If you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or have a child under age 5, WIC is right for you.
Prescription Medication Disposal – healthvermont.gov/DoYourPart
A lot of substance misuse and addiction starts at the family medicine cabinet. We make it easy for you to get rid of unused, unwanted and expired medications. See how to drop off unused medications at a local kiosk or mail it in a free pre-paid envelope.
Healthy Homes – healthvermont.gov/HealthyAtHome
See the simple steps to keeping your home, and everyone in it, healthy and safe. Get useful information about lead poisoning, radon, cleaning chemicals and more.
Drinking Water – healthvermont.gov/water
It’s important to regularly check your well water for contaminants, and to know how to keep your water safe to drink.
Be Prepared – healthvermont.gov/EmergencyPrep
Be ready for the next power outage, flood or other emergency. Create an emergency plan for your family, put together a supply kit, and stay informed by signing up at vem.vermont.gov/vtalert to get text, email or phone alerts.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE HEALTH OF YOUR COMMUNITY
Help in an Emergency – OnCallforVT.org
Visit On Call for Vermont to learn about volunteering with a Medical Reserve Corp (no medical experience needed) or your local Emergency Medical Service (EMS).
Climate and Your Health – healthvermont.gov/climate
Everyone’s health is affected by climate change, and certain people are more vulnerable than others. Taking action to minimize the impacts of climate change can improve the health of Vermonters today and in the future.