James Tomarken, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, announced today that the Department of Health Services will hold its falls prevention workshops for mature residents in the communities of Hauppauge, Mount Sinai and Bellport.

The Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers to the county’s requirements for water and sewage disposal for new construction, and for storage of toxic or hazardous materials, as stated in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained in the days prior to the hearing by contacting the Department of Health Services’ Division of Environmental Quality at 852-5800.

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken reported today that there has been fourth confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County in 2013.  A male from the Town of Smithtown who is over 50 years of age was ill with fever, chills, and fatigue in September. He was never hospitalized and has recovered.

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken reported today that there has been third confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Suffolk County in 2013.  A woman over 50 years of age from the Town of Huntington became ill and was hospitalized in October with symptoms consistent with West Nile virus. She is currently recovering.

In an effort to assist residents who are gearing up to quit smoking, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is expanding its smoking cessation program throughout Suffolk County during the month of November.  November 21^st marks the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, which aims to encourage smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.