Inside Press

(for release)
“While New Yorkers are out taking advantage of the Spring weather, it is important to ensure safety remains a top priority,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “New Yorkers of all ages should take a few moments to educate themselves about the health risks associated with tick bites and take proper precautions to protect themselves from them.”

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. Ticks are active when the weather stays above freezing, usually from April through November.The time of greatest concern is in late spring and early summer when nymphal ticks are active. In the nymphal stage of life, deer ticks are small (about the size of a poppy seed) and difficult to see. Nymphal deer ticks are responsible for the majority of Lyme disease cases. In tick-infested areas, any contact with vegetation, even playing in a well-manicured yard, can result in exposure to ticks.

While this past winter was unusually harsh, the abundant and long-lasting snow cover likely provided insulation to allow ticks to survive the winter. Deer ticks, carriers of at least four different pathogens, are starting to emerge and will be present for the next several months across the state.

“The good news is that Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are preventable by taking simple precautions such as wearing light colored clothing, tucking pants into socks and doing a tick check after being in wooded or grassy areas,” State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., said.

Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by infected deer ticks (both nymphs and adults), which are most active when temperatures are above freezing.Lyme disease can affect people of any age.

Since reporting of Lyme disease to DOH began in 1986, more than 100,000 cases have been documented.While there are year-to-year variations, New York State averages more than 5,500 new Lyme diseases cases each year.Individuals who spend time in grassy and wooded environments are at greatest risk of exposure.It is important to do thorough body checks for ticks after playing or working outdoors, paying close attention to armpits, the area behind the knees and ears, the hairline, the waist, and the groin.

Lyme disease is spread when an infected tick bites a person and remains attached for 36 hours or more.In 60-80 percent of cases an expanding rash resembling a bull’s eye or solid patch will appear near the site of the bite.If an expanding rash more than two inches apart appears or flu-like symptoms occur over a 30-day period following a tick bite, or if an expanding rash more than two inches across appears, contact your health care provider immediately.

If a tick is found on the body, it is critical to remove it immediately, preferably with fine point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to its attachment to the skin.When removing a tick, if its mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, do not be concerned.The mouthparts alone cannot transmit Lyme disease because the infective body of the tick is no longer attached.The mouthparts can be left alone.They will dry up and fall out by themselves in a few days or they can be removed as you would a splinter.

Lyme disease is just one of several diseases that can be transmitted by ticks.Others include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections from Powassan and/or deer tick viruses.The key to preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is taking safety precautions before heading into areas where ticks may be present.Anyone who will be spending time in a grassy or wooded area should:

• Make sure shirts are tucked in and also tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from accessing the skin.
  · Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, when practical.
  · Wear light colored clothing that will make it easier to spot and remove ticks.
  · Check for ticks every two to three hours while outdoors and brush off any ticks you find before they attach.
  · Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks on your body.
  · Perform a full body check multiple times during the day and at the end of the day to ensure that no ticks are attached.

Repellents also provide protection against tick bites.Choose a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.Use products that contain permethrin only on clothes.Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents.Treated clothing or gear remains protective through several washings.Pre-treated clothing is also available and remains protective for up to 70 washings.Follow the label directions when using repellents and apply in small amounts, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.Use only small amounts when applying repellants on children.

Preventing Ticks on Your Pets

Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne diseases–more susceptible than cats. Vaccines are not available for all the tick-borne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it is important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.

Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tick-borne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick. To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
  · If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
  · Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
  · Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.
  · Always follow label instructions when applying tick preventives to your pet.

Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any tick preventative to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!

Additional information about tick-borne diseases and recommended precautions can be found at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/.

(For release)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged the federal government to recall a toy known as “Clingy Darts,” which poses a significant danger to children. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) found the children’s toy contains more than six times the federally allowable limit of the chemical phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl), also known as DEHP. The toy, which can be viewed here, is imported by Greenbrier International, Inc. of Chesapeake, VA., and is sold at stores throughout New York State, including Dollar Tree, where the “Clingy Darts” were purchased.

“Like any other parent, I want to make sure our children are safe. This toy – which is made with excessively high levels of the DEHP chemical – poses an unacceptable risk to our kids and should not be on any store shelves,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge Dollar Tree to voluntarily pull the item from its shelves and call on the federal government to issue a recall of this product immediately.”

Phthalates are chemical substances often used in production of many types of plastics, certain inks, paints, and other products. They are generally used to make plastics softer. The National Toxicology Program has concluded that DEHP is a reproductive and developmental toxin in animals, and has concerns about human exposures to DEHP and potential health effects from such exposures, especially in infants and toddlers. “Clingy Darts” contained 0.61% of DEHP, well above the federal limit 0.10% (for more information on phthalates, please click here).

If anyone has the “Clingy Darts” at home, they can dispose of them by simply throwing them in the garbage, or they can choose to set them aside in a safe area and await any future recall instructions, which may or may not include a refund component.

The DCP contacted the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to request a national recall of ”Clingy Darts” containing DEHP, and asked Dollar Tree to remove the toy from its shelves and discontinue its sale. The DCP also contacted the importer requesting it and its distributers cease distribution and sale of the “Clingy Darts” in New York State and nationwide.

The Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act, Article 28-E of the General Business Law, requires a commercial dealer to contact within 24 hours any person or entity to who purchased a product subject to a recall or warning. The dealer must direct such persons to stop the sale or distribution of the recalled product and provide disposition directions. In addition, retailers are required to remove all recalled children’s products from their shelves within 24 hours of receipt of a recall or warning notice.

The New York Department of State is charged with enforcement of these recall provisions. Consumers who identify a recalled product in the marketplace, or require more information about toy safety and recalls, are urged to contact the Division of Consumer Protection at 518-474-8583 or visit the Division’s web site at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter (@NYSConsumer) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nysconsumer).

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 mandates that manufacturers and importers test all toys designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age and younger for compliance with the CPSC’s toy safety standards. Additionally, manufacturers and importers must test all of their children’s toys manufactured after December 31, 2011 for compliance with the CPSC’s ban on phthalates.

By Eileen Gallagher

In the wake of the  fire on Bedford Road, the safety presentation given by First Assistant Chief Russell Maitland during the town board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, holds special significance.  Maitland cited safety tips as well as the most effective installation and maintenance techniques of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during his “community segment” presentation.

Many people have their detectors in the wrong location, according to Maitland. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in bedrooms at the level of one’s head while reclining in bed because most incidents of poisoning occur while the victim is asleep. Smoke detectors should not be placed in kitchens, bathrooms, or near fireplaces, and should be at the highest level of a room or hallway. Whenever there is an emergency, Maitland reminded the audience of the importance of calling 911.

Too often people call their local police department, who in turn must call the fire dispatcher. Calling 911 connects the caller directly to the central dispatch center in Valhalla. Most importantly, everyone should practice fire escape routes from their homes with the entire family. For these and other tips, please go to www.chappaquafd.org.

Community Voices Heard

Community, board, and town staff collaboration led to the rescue of the program seasonally located at the recycling center known as Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI).

According to Supervisor Rob Greenstein, there have been contentious encounters between non residents “taking” several items each week (purportedly to sell elsewhere) and DPW employees stationed at the recycling center. To remedy the situation, Greenstein and the town board discussed removing the “take it” portion of the program, and having the “leave it” handled by Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  The charity would issue receipts for donations and ensure that “nothing winds up in the landfill,” assured Greenstein.

Some residents defended TIOLI, touting its charm, earth friendliness, and sense of community. Members of the board reacted quickly, with Elise Mottel apologizing for their “short sightedness.” Agreeing to relocate the program, Greenstein suggested the structure near the former skate park, a location beneficial to the Farmer’s Market as far as enticing people to the area.

Hunts Place decision on hold, “Spa” becomes “Homes”

Greenstein relayed the results of Tuesday’s NYS Board of Variances hearing during which Conifer presented additional testimony. The state board held off making their decision and agreed to provide 10 days for town residents, fire and safety personnel, and the building inspector to review and respond to the latest iteration of Conifer’s request for eight variances. Greenstein reiterated the town’s commitment to building more affordable housing. The next scheduled hearing date is June 10, 2014.

The proposal known as the “Spa at New Castle” is now tentatively called “Homes at New Castle.” After the outcry from residents in the surrounding neighborhood, Greenstein conveyed their preference for residential rather than commercial development. Now on the table are 60 condominiums, a clubhouse, pool, and theater.