This issue's Health News and Events are sponsored by MidState Medical CenterNotice of Consumer Recall:
Submitted by the Wallingford Health Department
"Cars” Toy Chest Sold at Toys “R” Us
Lead Poisoning Hazard
Voluntary recall, consumers should discontinue use immediately.
Product: “Cars” Toy Chest Bench by Delta Enterprise
Description: Wooden toy chest decorated with graphics from the animated movie “Cars”. The following model numbers are recalled: PO#FJ505192 and PO#FJ605042, marked on side panel.
Hazard: The bright colors of paint contain high levels of lead, posing a risk of lead poisoning to young children.
Sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us. Return the product for a full refund or credit.
For additional information about the recall call the Delta Enterprise 1-877-660-3777
or visit the website at http://www.deltachildrensproducts.com/
Meriden Health Department News and Events
Radon Test Kits available at Meriden Health Department
In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, the Meriden Health Department will have a limited number of free radon test kits available to the public. Kits will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis starting December 18, 2006 in the Environmental Health Division at the Meriden Health Department. The kits were provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s radon program.
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas. Radon enters the home through small cracks and other openings in the basement or foundation. At elevated levels, it can increase one's risk of developing lung cancer. The only way to know if a home has high radon levels is to test for it. Radon levels tend to increase inside the home during the heating season when homes are closed.
In addition to the limited number of free kits available at the Meriden Health Department, the American Lung Association of Connecticut offers radon test kits for $12.00. To purchase a kit, send a check for $12.00 to the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. A test kit can also be purchased by calling 1-800-LUNG USA or by going online at www.alact.org.
The Health Department is located at 165 Miller Street, and is open from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday. Please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4226 if you have any questions.
HEALTHY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2007
City of Meriden Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Education Program
This is the season to make New Year's resolutions, so let's take a look at yours! You have a lot of control over your health, and this is a good time to do something about it. Why not resolve to make some healthful changes?
Below you will find healthy resolutions to consider and local resources you can use to learn more! Meriden and Wallingford offer a wealth of activities to help you accomplish your goals. Also, don’t forget to contact your family physician if you have questions!
RESOLVE TO ….
1. QUIT SMOKING! If you smoke, consider quitting. If you’re not ready to make that step, consider the people in your home that don’t smoke!
How Can I Learn More?
Connecticut QUITLINE Sponsored by INFO LINE and Hartford Hospital – 866-END-HABIT
Meriden Health Department, Smoking Cessation Counseling Program– 203-630-4104
2. AVOID SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Pledge to avoid substance abuse. When drinking alcohol make safe transportation arrangements, such as having a designated driver or taking a taxi. Are you hosting a holiday party? Serving festive non-alcoholic beverages to drivers is a great idea!
IF YOU CHOOSE TO DRINK ALCOHOL, DO SO IN MODERATION.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council, Inc. (MAWSAC) – 203-294-3591
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Meriden Police Department, Community Police Officer - 203-630-6209
Midstate Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services, Alcohol Services – 203-630-5280
Wallingford Police Department, Traffic Safety Division – 203-294-2815
3. EAT A BALANCED DIET AND AVOID OBESITY. Eat a moderate, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating these healthful foods will help you live a longer, healthier life.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
4. INCORPORATE EXERCISE INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE. Regular exercise helps to control stress and weight, improves overall health, and reduces the risk of medical problems such as heart disease. It also helps to control your blood pressure, high cholesterol; and strengthens your heart, muscles and bones. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way for you to lose weight and what levels and types of physical activities are safe. Getting regular exercise may be the best gift you can give yourself for the New Year!
How Can I Learn More?
Local Health Clubs
Meriden YMCA – 203-235-6386
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Meriden Park and Recreation Department Activity Line – 203-238-7162
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
Wallingford Family YMCA – 203-269-4497
Wallingford Park and Recreation Department – 203-294-2120
5. PARTICIPATE IN PREVENTATIVE SCREENINGS AND IMMUNIZATIONS: All adults and children should have routine preventive care including screening tests and immunizations on a regular basis. Make an appointment with your doctor or other health professionals this year. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and if you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice to keep it under control.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Health Department, Health Clinic – 203-630-4234
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
6. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HIV/AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTTED DISEASES. Pledge that you will reduce you risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
How Can I Learn More?
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut – 203-238-0542
Meriden Health Department, HIV/AIDS Health Education/Counseling Program– 203-630-4176
7. BE SURE TO USE SAFETY DEVICES EVERY TIME YOU RIDE IN OR DRIVE YOUR CAR. This includes car seats and seat belts for everyone in your family. These devices save lives every day!
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Police Department, Community Police Officer - 203-630-6209
Wallingford Police Department, Traffic Safety Division – 203-294-2800
8. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR. Smoke detectors provide an early warning signal that there is a fire. They should be checked twice a year. It is recommended that you have one detector on each floor of a residence. Residential fires occur frequently and especially over the holiday. Protect yourself by always unplugging your holiday lights and blowing out candles when they are going to be left unattended.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Fire Marshall’s Office - 203-630-4010
Smoke Detector Program, Free to Wallingford Residents – 203-294-2730
Wallingford Fire Prevention Bureau – 203-294-2766
9. PROTECT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease you should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss on a daily basis, eat nutritious, balanced meals, limit the amount of snacks that you consume, and be sure to have regular dental checkups. If you play sports that might result in a mouth injury, be sure to wear a mouth guard.
How Can I Learn More?
Your Family Dentist
10. REDUCE THE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE.
Take 15 to 20 minutes daily to sit quietly with yourself, breathe deeply and think of something peaceful. Think ahead if you know something will bother you and try to avoid that particular situation. Try to be positive, not negative in difficult situations. By using stress-reduction strategies, you may significantly reduce the harm that stress causes on your body.
How Can I Learn More?
Midstate Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health – 203-630-5280
MidState News and Events
Start the New Year with a Healthy Resolution…
Mark your calendars now for Thursday, February 8, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. for a “Women’s Health Symposium,” sponsored by “The Heart Center” at MidState Medical Center.
The event will be held at George’s II Restaurant, 950 Yale Avenue in Wallingford.
The program will begin at 6:00pm with dinner and continue with presentations by area physicians and clinicians, including:
Women and Heart Disease, “Know Your Signs and Symptoms” by Richard Bugliari, MD, Cardiology Associates of Central Connecticut.
Hormone Replacement Therapy—“Is HRT Right for You?” by Joseph Peccerillo, MD, Helm & Helm. PC.
Good Nutrition—“Healthy Eating and the Health Benefits of Chocolate” by Anne Young, RD.
Breast Health—“ Breast Health Basics” by Kathy Clements, RN, Breast Care Coordinator.
Reservations and registration are required for the event. The cost is $20.00pp. Cash or checks payable to MidState Medical Center are welcome. The deadline for registration is February 5, 2006. Further information may be obtained as well as registration by contacting “The Heart Center” at MidState Medical Center at 203-694-8410.
Community Health and Wellness from MidState Medical Center
Lynn Faria, Director, Community Relations/Community Wellness
lfaria@midstatemedical.org
For many of us, the term “wellness” can evoke thoughts of: extreme physical activities such as, running in a marathon or on a treadmill; extreme diets that restrict everything that tastes good; and pain from over-exertion. You know the pain I’m referring to. The slogan, “no pain, no…”—well, you know the feeling.
Not that any of the above are bad for you. Obviously, you need medical clearance and training to prepare for “extreme sport.” But, that type of extensive physical activity and preparation may only be for some and maybe not for you! But should that deter you from developing a healthy lifestyle!
There is a great deal that you can do: If you don’t have time for long workouts, short bouts of exercise can be just as good. A recent study at Indiana University, for instance, found that four brisk 10-minute walks in a four-hour period were just as effective in lowering blood pressure as one brisk 40-minute walk in people with pre-hypertension (slightly elevated blood pressure). In fact, the effect of the shorter bouts lasted longer—11 hours after the last 10-minute walk, compared to 7 hours after the 40-minute walk. Previous studies have found that short bouts can be just as good as longer ones at lowering cholesterol, improving aerobic fitness, and decreasing anxiety. (Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, December 2006).
Healthy eating does not have to be grueling nor does it require you to eat things that could double for cardboard. Healthy eating requires thought and preparation—eat a bowl of cereal before you go to work and bring a piece of fruit rather than being lured by that stray pastry or donut that you may come across in your work room. Consider a healthy lunch alternative such as a salad, but don’t load it with dressing and other items that can pack on the calories and fat.
I always heard that you should not grocery shop when you are hungry. I always scoffed at the idea. But then I started paying attention to my grocery-buying habits when I had eaten compared to when I was rushing home and could eat virtually anything—there was a difference. A full stomach can clear the head—at least for grocery shopping—and allow you to buy based on your list, not based on your hunger pains. Certainly, temptations do abound. There are many temptations and many time-saving prepared foods to choose from. Fast food is also everywhere. I personally like to cook and like to take ideas and recipes that may be higher in fat and sodium and adjust them to be reduced fat and sodium while being full-flavored.
So, what does this all mean? It means that you can set your resolutions after the holidays and achieve a healthy lifestyle by starting and sustaining an exercise regimen and healthy eating habits. Think about it!
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