HVHD Walking Challenge | Physical Inactivity in HVHD Towns | HVHD News and Updates | HVHD Events | Recipe
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase physical activity. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day can:
✔️ Lower blood pressure and improve heart health
✔️ Support weight management and metabolism
✔️ Reduce stress and boost mental well-being
✔️ Strengthen muscles and joints, improving mobility
HVHD’s Walking Challenge
Click here to join HVHD’s April Walking Challenge! Whether it’s a walk in your neighborhood, a local park, or a scenic trail, every step counts. Below are some places to walk in HVHD towns:
- Southbury:
- Washington:
- Woodbury:
The Importance of Staying Active: Physical Inactivity Rates among Adults in HVHD Towns
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental well-being. Take a look at the data from the latest CDC PLACES dataset regarding rates of physical inactivity among adults in HVHD towns:
| Town | 2023 Dataset | 2024 Dataset | % change |
| New Milford | 17.5% | 21.5% | 4% |
| Oxford | 19.6% | 22.1% | 2.5% |
| Sharon | 20.7% | 22.2% | 1.5% |
| Southbury | 21.6% | 21.3% | -0.3% |
| Washington | 16.8% | 21.8% | 5% |
| Woodbury | 17.0% | 20.0% | 3% |
| HVHD | 18.9% | 21.4% | 2.5% |
Public Health Updates
Measles cases are increasing across the U.S., and health officials are urging everyone to stay up to date on their measles vaccinations.
What You Need to Know:
- Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A distinct rash
- Complications can be serious, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
How to Stay Protected:
- Get the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella):
- Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
- First dose: 12-15 months old
- Second dose: 4-6 years old
- Adults unsure of their vaccination status should check with their healthcare provider.
- If traveling internationally or to areas with outbreaks, ensure you are fully vaccinated.
- VisitCT WIZ Public Portal to view your vaccination records
HVHD Launches Public, Searchable Street File System
Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) is excited to announce the launch of a public, searchable street file system. This system will make it easier for residents to access important property records by town. We are still in the process of uploading files, so if you do not see your street file in the public archive, please email eht@hvhdct.gov to request your file or stop by our office. Stay tuned as we continue expanding access to essential public health records!
Stay Involved with HVHD Programs
HVHD is here to support your health and well-being year-round. Don’t miss these programs and services:
Walking Challenge – April 2025 Walking Challenge
New Milford Walking Day – April 2, 2025 @ the New Milford Senior Center
Oxford Walking Day – April 2, 2025 @ the Oxford Senior Center
Sharon Walking Day – April 2,2025 @ the Sharon Town Hall
Southbury Walking Day – April 2, 2025 @ the Southbury Senior Center
Washington Walking Day – April 2,2025 @ the Washington Senior Center
Woodbury Walking Day – April 2,2025 @ the Woodbury Senior Center
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Easy Chicken Salad (AHA)
Ingredients
Servings: 6 | Serving Size: 1 cup
Dressing
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (lowest sodium available)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 2 12.5-ounce cans salt-free white meat chicken, packed in water, drained
- 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed, drained, and chopped
- 1/2 cup diced onion (red or white)
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted walnuts
- OR
- 1/4 cup chopped unsalted pecans
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- OR
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried unsweetened cranberries
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Put the salad ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour the dressing all over the salad, tossing to coat.
Quick Tips
Tip: For an attractive presentation, scoop a serving of the salad into a hollowed-out tomato or bell pepper, on top of a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a plate of mixed greens or baby spinach.
