Smoke from wildfires in Ontario and northern Minnesota has created hazy skies and unhealthy air across Massachusetts. Dr. Gerardo Carino explains who faces the greatest health risks, the symptoms to watch for, and the best ways to protect yourself until air quality improves.

As temperatures rise and more people head outdoors, health officials continue to warn that tick-borne illnesses remain a significant public health concern throughout Massachusetts and the broader New England region.

Friday, October 17th marked the ribbon cutting for Massachusetts’ first Sensory Immersion Room at Southbridge High School — an innovative space designed to help students decompress and manage stress through immersive technology and sensory therapy. The project, funded by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts and Clark University’s Mosakowski Institute, aims to set a statewide model for student mental health support.

Since the beginning of Covid Dr. Michael Hirsh has joined Talk of the Commonwealth on a weekly basis to ensure transparency and that accurate information is being given to the public. Now with Covid in the rear view mirror, Dr. Hirsh and other health officials will continue to appear on the Radio Worcester Network but not on a weekly basis. Hank and Dr. Hirsh talk about the last few years and where we are headed now that we have moved from the pandemic to the endemic.