Worcester's Division of Public Health, along with the CDC, encourages everyone to live a healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle incorporates many different aspects, such as exercise, food safety, nutrition and sexual health. Learn about staying healthy and safe by clicking on each section below.
Physical activity fosters normal growth and development, can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases and can make people feel better, function better and sleep better. Some health benefits start immediately after activity, and even short bouts of physical activity are beneficial.
Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. The CDC tracks foodborne illnesses and collaborates with state and local health departments and other federal agencies to investigate foodborne outbreaks.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Keep food out of the "danger zone" (between 40°F and 140°F).
- Use pasteurized eggs for dishes containing raw eggs.
- Do not eat raw dough or batter.
- Keep foods separated.
- Thaw your turkey safely, in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes) or in the microwave.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before, during and after preparing and eating food.
Good nutrition is essential in keeping current and future generations of Americans healthy across the lifespan.
The Harmful Effects of Poor Nutrition
- Overweight and Obesity
- Heart Disease and Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cancer
- Deficits in Brain Function
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.
Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Abstinence, the most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex.
- Vaccination, vaccines are safe, effective and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV.
- Reduce number of sex partners, reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs.
- Mutual monogamy, this means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you.
- Use condoms, correct and consistent use of the male latex condoms is highly effective in reducing STD transmission.
Contact Information
Address
Public Health
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Contact
Phone: 508-799-8531
Fax: 508-799-8572
Email Us
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.