Wallingford and Meriden Health News, Events and Activities June 2007

Wallingford and Meriden Health News, Events and Activities for June 2007 Sponsored by MidState Medical Center Summer Safety Program The Wallingford Health Dept and the VNA of Wallingford cordially invite all Wallingford parents and children to a one day Summer Safety Program, Thursday June 28th from 1-4 pm. The one day program will be held at the VNA of Wallingford, 135 North Plains Industrial Rd., Wallingford. Emphasis will be on proper sun safety, bicycle helmet safety, water safety and tick identification. Everything to have a safe and fun summer vacation! Several local organizations will also be participating and we give special thanks to the Wallingford Elk’s Club for their donation of bicycle helmets. As we have a limited number of free bicycle helmets, Wallingford residents are asked to call the Wlfd VNA at 269-1475 for helmet information. By: Eloise Hudd, Wlfd Health Dept Take the Stairs Warm weather is finally here! What a perfect tine to start your summer healthy and active. Can't seem to start that exercise program? Well take the stairs! Did you know that you burn 5 times more calories walking up the stairs than riding an elevator? It only takes 10-15 minutes of exercise (like walking briskly) 3 times a day to help decrease your blood pressure and increase your life span. If you walk or exercise 30 minutes all at once, even better! There are 1440 minutes in every day, put your health first and schedule 30 minutes of them for physical activity. Get started, it's your life. Want to live a long and healthy life? Walking up the stairs burns about 10 calories (based on a 150-pound person) versus only 1.5 calories for riding an elevator. Remember, every day we get a day older, make sure you take the "steps" today so that you can enjoy a healthy tomorrow. Start your exercise program today, take the stairs. Small "steps" really can make a big difference. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said "The first wealth is health". For more helpful hints to get you moving contact the Wallingford Health Department at 294-2065. Or visit the CT Department of Public health website at: www.dph.state.ct.us. Scroll down to "Obesity Prevention". What are you waiting for? Get moving. National Immunization Week a Success! National Infant Immunization Week 2007 was honored the week of April 21-28. In recognition of the week, the Meriden Health Department distributed over 70 gift bags with immunization information and goodies to moms in the well-child and W.I.C. (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic. National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to focus on the importance of immunizing infants against vaccine-preventable diseases by age two. At a time when infants and young children are most at risk, immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against disease. As of January 1998, all children born in Connecticut were enrolled in a confidential immunization tracking program called CIRTS. If parents have questions regarding their child’s immunization record, they can contact Kate Baker, Immunization Coordinator, at 630-4251. Meriden Health Department – Lead Testing Program Did you know that all children under the age of two should be screened for lead poisoning? The Meriden Health Department is one of two towns in the state that offers onsite testing for lead poisoning. Screening is provided at the Health Clinic, located at 165 Miller Street. A child is at risk for lead poisoning if their blood lead level is 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl) or above. If the level is above 20ug/dl, the Health Department requires a complete environmental inspection of the child’s home and a visit from a medical professional. The Health Department will also make suggestions to reduce lead levels in the home. Once lead poisoning occurs, damage to a child’s health is permanent. Lead gets into the body by swallowing or breathing in contaminated dust or materials. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain or nervous system, interfere with growth, and can cause hearing loss and learning disabilities. Many children show no signs or symptoms of lead poisoning, and no level of lead in the body is safe; this is why early screening is so important. To schedule a screening, or for further information about childhood lead poisoning, please call the Clinic at 630-4234. Bicycle Helmets Available at the Meriden Health Department The Meriden Health Department has bicycle helmets available for purchase by the public. The cost is $7.50 each. Sizes include toddler, child, youth, and adult. Different colors and styles are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Helmets are sold by size. For a proper fit measure your or your child’s head. Using a tape-measure, place the end of the tape one inch above the eyebrow and go all the way around your head to get the proper measurement. Take more than one measurement to make sure it is correct A bicycle helmet should be worn each and every time you ride a bicycle. If you fall, a proper fitting helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury. Wearing a helmet is also the law! Any child under the age of 15 in Connecticut is required to wear a helmet every time they are on a bicycle. 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 630-4234 if you have any questions.