To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.
Community Health Crisis: We’re Going the Wrong Way!
By Mark Graham – Wallingford Family YMCA
This is the first time in modern history that our children are expected to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. Life expectancy, as well as quality of life, had increased dramatically, from the 1970s through the 1990s. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, credited with pioneering the aerobic fitness movement, played a major role in raising awareness of the need for rigorous activity across the lifespan, and the resultant increase in life expectancy is more than ten years over that period of time.
I’m in my 50’s now. As a youngster in Illinois, I was required to participate in one hour per day of rigorous physical activity in school. Afterwards, I would play wiffle-ball, football, soccer, floor hockey or the like for another two to three hours after school before coming home for the family meal. A couple of times a year, we were required to demonstrate our fitness level by taking a nationally standardized physical fitness test. The results were published at the school and sent to our parents.
While my dad sometimes watched TV, both channels, news and westerns, were pretty uninteresting through a child’s eyes. I ate well, slept well, played hard and had plenty of exercise and activity. So did all my friends. We knew a couple kids who were somewhat overweight, but they were still fit enough to be active and play with us.
Today, as a parent of 3 ranging in age from 13-26, I see a wholly different world. There is no mandatory physical education in most schools, and, often the programs offered under the physical education heading include informational / topical programs and far less rigorously active classes. The P.E. teachers I know are terrific and invested, but their numbers are a fraction of what they used to be, their funds and resources are cut way back, and, there’s only so much they can do.
After school, most kids don’t play competitive or intramural sports for hours as once was the norm, they play X-Box 360 or at best Wii. Most, rather than sitting down for a balanced home cooked meal in the evening, grab something from the fast food domain, loaded with calories, sugars, fat and sodium. We see the results every day in the epidemic of obesity, early onset diabetes and poor body image. Sadly, we are not going in the right direction!
Your Wallingford Family YMCA would like to help! In response to the growing health crisis in our community, we have developed two new programs to help our neighbors start to make lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in their lives..
The Healthy Balance Program is a comprehensive introduction to nutrition, fitness and stress management. The program includes:
8 weekly group sessions.
3 individual appointments with a Personal Trainer / Nutrition Manager to target individual lifestyle needs and develop a realistic, achievable and manageable exercise and lifestyle plan. You will receive a comprehensive exercise program designed just for you!
A Dietician prepared textbook with healthy meal plans and recipes along with a journal to monitor your progress.
A better understanding of the impact of stress on your health and strategies to manage daily stressors.
And, a total lifestyle management plan that comes with a lifetime partner in your quest for healthier living: the Wallingford Family YMCA!
The cost of this terrific program is a very reasonable $239 for YMCA members and $289 for community participants (and, community participants receive a free 3 month YMCA membership!).
Our New Fitness Punch Card. We invite you to purchase a 10 or 20 class card at a cost of $39 for 10 or $79 for 20 classes. This card allows access to any Wallingford Family YMCA fitness or aquatics class (with a very few exceptions). The purpose of this non-renewable punch card is to invite you to “try on” the YMCA and see if it is a good fit for your lifestyle.
For more information about these or any other Health and Wellness programs, please contact Mark at 203-269-4497 Ext. 24.
Your Meriden Health Department
The Meriden Health Department provides many essential public health and human services to keep you and the community healthy. Below is a brief description of the services offered:
Clinic Services (630-4234) coordinates immunization services for children and adults, provides a variety of screenings, and is responsible for communicable disease tracking.
Environmental Health (630-4280) inspects and provides licensing to places which prepare and sell food such as restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They also investigate nuisance complaints such as rodents, stagnant water, and bulky waste.
School Health (630-4237) provides services to Meriden’s public and parochial schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nurses conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis testing, as well as provide emergency care and first aid to students in need.
Community Health Education (630-4238) provides health information to help residents make voluntary health decisions to better improve their health. Smoking cessation services are available by calling 630-4104.
HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (630-4176) is available by appointment. Services are confidential. Educational materials are available as well.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Childre, 630-4245) provides healthy foods and nutrition education to eligible participants, including pregnant women, mothers, and children under the age of 5.
The Senior Center (630-4273) hosts programs for residents including mini-bus transportation, medical transportation, Meals-on-Wheels and various recreation activities and trips.
The Youth Services Division (630-4225) offers counseling to youth and their families, provides juvenile assistance to youth who commit their first offense, and is a resource for community service opportunities.
Meriden School Readiness (630-4236) provides access to affordable preschool programs to Meriden children. All-day or part-day options are available.
Social Services (630-4222) provide a variety of services including health insurance counseling, geriatric assessment, and planning an developmental screenings for children 18 months to 4 years of age.
Please visit the Meriden Health Department’s website at http://www.meridenhealth.com/ for more details on each office, information on public health news and emergencies, and a complete list of all upcoming programs.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT MIDSTATE MEDICAL CENTER
Submitted by Diamond Belejack
Make a New Year’s Resolution that will make a difference in someone’s life as well as your own! If you have a few hours a week to spare, MidState Medical Center has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for you.
The Volunteer Department at Midstate is looking to increase volunteer staffing in our high-volume, high-traffic Emergency Department, both in the clinical and non-clinical areas. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients in Emergency Services, which is currently undergoing a massive expansion, by providing friendly visits and act as liaisons, ensuring that all individuals are comfortable and kept well-informed during their stay.
Volunteers also provide support to various clinical areas of the medical center including Digestive Health Center, Wound Care Center, and Surgicenter. Friendly Visitors for in-patients are always needed as well as library volunteers in the Tremaine Resource Center. If you enjoy customer service in the retail setting, our beautiful Auxiliary Gift Gallery is the perfect place for you!
If you are ready for a positive and rewarding experience, please call Diamond Belejack, Manager of Volunteer Services at 694-8572 or e-mail dbeleja@midstatemedical.org for more information.
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Wallingford Family YMCA
To Celebrate 64 years of building
“Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities”
On Friday, February 6, 2009 the Wallingford Family YMCA will be celebrating sixty-four years of providing quality programs and services to the Greater Wallingford Community. This “Family Event” will begin at 6:00 pm and held at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Rd., Route 5, Wallingford, CT.
The festive night will consist of a Family Style sit down dinner, cash bar, children’s activities, music and entertainment from the YMCA’s All Day Kindergarten program. The Strong Kids Campaign Kickoff will be one of the highlights of the evening along with an interactive showcase of YMCA programs and services. Admission is a donation of $10/per person – children under 15 free - and is open to YMCA members, not-yet YMCA members and to the community at large. Please join us as we recognize our Volunteer, Members and Employees of the year by RSVP to Debbie, 203.269.4497, ext. 12 or dchappell@wallingfordymca.org.
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ICE YOUR CELL PHONE
Paramedics are asking that everyone add at least one additional entry to their cell phone contacts list. Please add an ICE entry. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. This number should dial the person in your family that can respond to emergency and/or medical decisions if you are injured or incapacitated.
If you are in an accident, paramedics know to check your phone for your emergency contact information. Imagine taking a look and trying to figure out who to call out of the twenty or more numbers on your phone. By adding a contact entry that's designated as an emergency contact number (ICE), you can make their job much easier and possibly save your own life.
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, emergency service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'
So program an ICE entry on your cell phone today! As a matter of fact, pull it out right now as you're reading this article. If you have more than one person the paramedics can contact in case of an emergency, you can add additional ICE numbers to your list. Your primary contact should be listed under ICE, then you can add the other contacts under ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
After you program ICE into your phone, have your spouse, your kids, your parents, and your friends do the same thing. If there are people in your life that you care about, they should all have ICE on their phones.
This short article can be useful to everyone not just seniors. Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers.
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Meriden Health Department February Events
1. Women’s Total Cholesterol Screening
Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. Screenings will be held on February 10, from 9:30-11:30am, and February 26, from 1:30-3:30pm. All screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street.
Normal total cholesterol levels are under 200. If your total screening comes back over 200, we will recommend that you see your doctor for a follow-up test, which will tell you how much “good” and “bad” cholesterol is in your body. The Community Health Educator will contact you by phone approximately 1 week to 10 days after your total screening to see what measures you took or are going to take to lower your cholesterol.
Appointments for the screening are required, and are first come, first serve. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment. One screening per person, please. Screenings are funded by a women’s healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
2. Lunch and Learn: Call 9-1-1! Recognizing Heart Attack and Stroke
On February 11, 2009, a lunch and learn will be offered about recognizing a heart attack and stroke, and how to care for cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults. The lunch and learn will be held from 12:00-1:00pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street.
Lunch will be provided, but you must RSVP for this event. Bring your own drink. Presented by Lea Crown, Community Health Educator. Call 630-4238 to reserve a spot.
3. CPR Anytime for Friends and Family
The Meriden Health Department partnered with Hunter’s Ambulance to offer the American Heart Association CPR Anytime Friends and Family program on February 19, from 4:00-5:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm. The 2 classes will be held at Hunter’s Ambulance, 450 West Main Street.
If you have ever wanted to learn CPR but don’t have time to sit in a long class and don’t need certification, the CPR Anytime program is for you. The class will teach you how to provide life-saving care to someone suffering from cardiac arrest or choking. You will also learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke.
The cost of the course is $30.00. Cost includes your own CPR Anytime kit, which includes a reusable CPR manikin, 22 minute CPR DVD, booklet, and other supplies. Please call 514-5142 to register. Bring a mat or towel to kneel on. This course does not certify you in CPR; no cards will be given.
4. Flu Shots
It is not too late to protect yourself from the flu! Flu shots are still available, and are now only $20.00 (cash only). Please call 630-4234 to make your appointment.
February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It’s surprising how many women don’t think they are at risk, and still believe that it’s a “man’s disease”!
Heart disease kills half a million American women each year. That figure exceeds the next seven causes of death combined. Moreover, women are 15% more likely than men to die of a heart attack. And they are twice as likely to have a second heart attack in the six years following the first.
The Meriden Health Department has been active in educating women (and men) about how to keep our hearts healthy and reduce the risk of this disease. This February, in honor of American Heart Month, share the prevention information below with a loved one. It could save their life!
1. Stop Smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack suffer a heart attack. If you smoke, quit. Better yet, never start smoking at all. Call the Meriden Health Department’s smoking cessation counselor at 630-4104 for tips and information to help you stop smoking.
2. Lower high blood pressure. We can’t see high blood pressure, the leading contributor to heart disease. Get your blood pressure checked often, and take steps to control it if it is high. Know your numbers – you don’t know what you don’t know!
3. Lower high blood cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your body can cause your arteries to harden, which can lead to heart disease. Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. The Health Department offers free total cholesterol screenings to women who live in Meriden. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment.
4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol. Eat at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and make half of the grains you eat whole grains. Limit sugar, salt, and processed foods.
5. Get up and move! Nearly half of all Meriden adults do not get the recommended 30 minutes per day most days of the week. People who don't exercise have higher rates of heart disease compared to people who perform even mild to moderate amounts of physical activity. Even leisure-time activities like gardening or walking can lower your risk. Meriden Movers, a community walking program, will be starting the spring session on March 31. Call 630-4238 for details.
6. Manage diabetes. If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to significant heart damage including heart attacks and death. A program on diabetes and heart health will be held on April 1 from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street.
Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to remind someone that you love them, and care about their heart health! Valentine’s Day cards with heart healthy tips will be available at select florists in Meriden. For a list of locations, and all heart health activities, please visit http://www.meridenhealth.com/ or call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238.
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Services of the Wallingford Health Department
by Eloise Hazelwood, DOH
Hard to believe that a year has already passed since the First Health and Wellness Edition! At least this time I only have to update everything I previously wrote. Let’s start with the summary chart of who we are and what we do.
Who are we: WALLINGFORD HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Where are we: 45 S. Main St., Rm. 215
How to reach us: Phone: 203-294-2065
Fax 203-294-2064
Email: wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net
The Health Department provides all services required by the CT General Statutes and enforces both CT State Regulations and Local Ordinances governing public health and local environmental health. Public Health, as the title implies, are issues in the community that have the potential to impact the general public. By definition Public Health is the community assessment of physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease. The table below is a summary of the services we provide:
Environmental Health Functions
- Food Protection, Licensing and Food Handler Education
- Subsurface Sewage (Septic) Inspections and Permitting
- Private Well Water Permitting and Approval
- Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance
- General Nuisance Complaints
- Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections
- Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment
Health Statistics, Surveillance and Monitoring
Public Health Preparedness Activities
Contract Services Provided by Wallingford VNA
Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
Pediatric Dental Health
Immunizations and Well Child Clinics
Blood Lead Screening
The Health Dept. is available to provide educational presentations upon request
OK, so now you have the readers digest version of who we are and what we do.
I want to focus this article on recent legislative changes that may impact you as a resident, especially if you a parent. I’m talking about the changes in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Regulations. Try saying that fast!
Lead poisoning is a serious PREVENTABLE illness. Let’s play Fact or Fiction:
1. Lead Poisoning is an inner city issue. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: Generally speaking, all homes built before 1978 have the potential to have lead-based paint. So if you live in a beautiful (but older) Victorian home that has a wrap around porch, it was probably painted at some point, with lead-based paint. Most of us (including me) were raised in homes built before 1978. The presence of intact lead-based paint does not automatically mean that your child will be lead poisoned. Lead-based paint presents a health hazard only when the paint becomes defective (peeling, flaking). Older windows present a less visible hazard because the friction of opening/closing causes the lead-based paint to become airborne in the form of dust.
2. Good housekeeping is important in reducing potential exposure to lead. Fact or Fiction?
FACT: We just talked about how children may be exposed to lead (peeling paint and DUST). You play a very important role in making sure the environment is lead-safe. NEVER vacuum paint chips or window well areas, why? It has the potential to cause DUST and the DUST is then put into the air which will eventually fall to the floor and young children can then ingest the dust. Remove all paint chips in a wetted (damp) state, why? Come on, you know this by now, to reduce the amount of DUST of course.
3. Home renovations should not be done if your home was built before 1978. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION!!! It’s your home, enjoy it! Upgrade, renovate, expand but do it in a lead-safe manner. What does that mean? It’s easy! First, make sure young children are not in the work area. Use plastic to seal off the area, remove paint in a wetted form, never dry scrape paint. Do you remember why, oh yes, the DUST! If you’re doing exterior work, put plastic on the ground to prevent the paint chips from getting in the soil. The most important step, CLEAN-UP (I didn’t say the most favorite step). How? Use a product called Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) and follow the directions on the container.
4. Testing a child for lead poisoning is painful and expensive. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: The CT DPH now requires universal screening, in other words, all children between the ages of 1 and 2 years must be screened for lead in the blood. It’s a simple “finger stick”, to sample the blood. Contact your medical provider to schedule a lead screening. If you don’t have a medical provider or are concerned about the cost, contact the Wallingford VNA at 269-1475 to see if you qualify for the free lead screening (Meriden residents should call the Meriden Health Dept). Why test? There is no “safe” level of lead in the blood, lead can impact a child’s ability to learn and develop. Generally speaking, the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning may mimic normal 2-3 year behavior (picky appetite, short attention span, irritable)!
5. Lead only impacts young children. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: Young children are more likely to get lead poisoning because their bodies are growing rapidly and so they “absorb” lead in the environment more readily than adults (did you know calcium and lead are similar in molecular weight). But there are exceptions! Children are not the ONLY ones at risk. Pregnant women, occupational exposures, hobbies (indoor firing range, fishing sinkers) and even pets are at risk of lead poisoning. Pets? Yes! If there are high levels of lead dust in the home or flaking paint chips outside, you pet could have lead on it’s paws, lick it’s paws, or bring it in the home!
6. The Lead Regulations apply only to parents. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: True, some parts of the regulations impact parents, but they also impact Medical Providers (they are now required to perform blood lead screenings or “finger sticks”), Day Care Centers (they must now test the centers for lead if the property was built before 1978), Licensed Contractors (they must be certified in Lead-safe practices to perform lead abatement) Health Departments (we are required to provide increased education and outreach to all residents and more specific education to those with children found to have lower levels of lead exposure).
So how did you enjoy the Lead Fact or Fiction? You may not realize it, but you just got a quick update on the new Lead Laws. Every days a learning day! We at the Wallingford Health Department are available to assist you in conducting a home assessment for lead hazards. This is NOT a Lead Inspection. Our role is to help identify potential sources of the lead so that you can protect your child from lead poisoning, its true what our grandparents said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold. For more information, please call 294-2065 or stop by Wallingford Town Hall, rm. 215.
Why I Like to Practice Yoga At Home
by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom
Health and wellness have been buzz words in today's society since the beginning of this century due to the fact that many Americans want to try and loose weight, gain a little more vitality, and eat better to feel better. These are wonderful reasons to live healthier and even I too, have added myself to the ranks of the buzz words by trying to lead a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family. Exercise and eating right just make sense for me because it helps relieve my symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and asthma.My preferred form of exercise is practicing yoga at home. I like to pop in a Wai Lana tape and start out my mornings (or sometimes evenings) with some stress relieving yoga asanas. Exercising from the comfort of my own home is something I've been doing for a long time. There are many reasons why I like to exercise at home, some of them are financial, and some of them are personal. The financial reasons are pretty straight forward-- I just can't afford to go to a yoga studio, so let me skip that reason and go straight to the personal.I like to practice yoga at home because home is where I feel most relaxed. It is so much easier to schedule my own time to exercise, rather than schedule my life around it. Scheduling life in itself is hard and stressful when you are bringing your daughter to school, getting your other daughter ready for nap time, preparing meals, writing articles, or whatever other activity or work define your life. I don't want to feel guilty if I can't make my 10 am yoga class, so I like the idea of a video tape because the guilt doesn't build up in me if I just can't do yoga at 10 am, 10 after 10 am, or even 10 in the evening.Sure, going to class is fun because you can meet new people, get motivated by the instructor, and wear some really cute exercising outfits, but in the end, you still have to do the work and actually get in some yoga practice. No person, instructor, or cute outfit is going to get you out of that and that's when motivation can fizzle out for anyone. I too, will admit that it's hard for me to feel really motivated to practice when I'm having a flare, but I try and push myself to do something-- even if it's just one asana on the tape because it's still doing something beneficial for myself.Another reason why I like to practice at home is because I fall easily to peer pressure. I can get embarrassed very easily when I feel like my body can't quite form the shape it's supposed to for a particular pose. I know I shouldn't feel that way because everyone's body is different and I also have to keep in my mind that if I overdue it-- I'll be in for a flare the next day. There's just something about me and the need to please and succeed that gets me to try weird and crazy things when other people are around. Let's face it-- we've all been there at one point or another. The Life cereal commercial wouldn't have been so popular if we as human beings didn't fall prey to peer pressure. So practicing at home can really help me when it comes to saving myself from a flare.The last reason why I like practicing yoga at home is probably the best reason, I get to do it with my 8 year old daughter at home. That wouldn't be the case if I was going to a class since it just wouldn't be something that's feasible because time wouldn't allow for it with a class. If I've got the luxury of having Wai Lana on tape, I can pop it in right after school which is a beneficial bonus for the both of us.
Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and Wai Lana Yoga is a great way to go if you can't afford a class. She has been practicing for over 20 years and is a well known yoga instructor throughout the world. She does a weekly television show that can usually be found on your public access channels here in the US.
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Foot Health Information
Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers - Wallingford
Medicine and health awareness have progressed so rapidly since 1900 that life expectancy of the average American has increased by about 30 years. Older persons have become an increasingly significant proportion of our total population—and their numbers are growing rapidly. In 1900, for example, there were three million Americans aged 65 or older. In the year 2000, older people outnumber children for the first time in history.
If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that is cherished by our aging population, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities.
According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. As if foot problems weren’t enough of a nuisance, they can also lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain that undermine mobility just as effectively. The NCHS says one-fourth of all nursing home patients cannot walk at all and another one-sixth can walk only with assistance.
Mirror of Health
The human foot has been called the “mirror of health.” Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the foot. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.
Foot Problems Can Be Prevented
For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.
Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it’s a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.
Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. Chief among them are that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care.
Keep Them Walking
Studies show that care for a bedridden patient costs much more than care for an ambulatory patient. In their private practices and in foot clinics, podiatric physicians are providing services designed to keep older people on their feet, and they serve in hospitals and nursing homes across the country.
Records indicate that amputations and other forms of surgery due to infections of the feet, many brought about by diabetes, have been significantly reduced in recent years because of early diagnosis and treatment. Further reduction in this area is a goal of Healthy People 2010, a US Department of Health and Human Services campaign endorsed by podiatric physicians, to encourage understanding and application of preventive medical practices.
Foot Health Tips
Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don’t fit right, and cause serious foot problems.
A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.
Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
Walking is the best exercise for your feet.
Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.
Trim or file your toenails straight across.
Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
Have your feet examined by a DPM at least twice a year.
Copyright 2008, American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc., www.apma.org (Original title: Foot Health and Aging)
Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers
The ABC’s of Heart Health
From the American Heart Association
Avoid Tobacco. Be More Active. Choose Good Nutrition.
Learning how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle may not seem as simple as the ABC’s, but it is the single best defense against heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death among Americans. Even making one or two of these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack, so please, take this information to heart.
What can you do to lower your risk of heart disease?
Stop smoking. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources out there that can help you. Check if your local health department offers smoking cessation classes, or try the state of Connecticut’s QuitLine. More information at www.ct.gov/dph.
Choose good nutrition. The food you eat affects your cholesterol, blood pressure, incidence of diabetes and likelihood of being overweight. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products is key to heart health.
Reduce blood cholesterol. Sooner or later fat lodged in your arteries can result in a heart attack or stroke. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and get moving. If diet and exercise don’t get your numbers down, medication may be necessary. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL.
Lower high blood pressure. Shake your salt habit, take medications if they are recommended by your doctor, and try adding more physical activity to your lifestyle. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Get active. Research has shown that 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help combat against heart disease. It’s okay to start out slow. Even ten minutes at a time may offer health benefits.
Aim for a healthy weight. Exercise, good nutrition, and controlling calorie intake are the only ways to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity puts you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes, all risk factors for heart disease.
Manage diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related death. If you’re a diabetic, talk with your physician about how to best manage it.
Reduce stress. There is a relationship between heart disease risk and the level of stress in someone’s life. If you’re stress prone, explore activities that help you relax.
Limit alcohol. Drinking too much (more than one drink a day) can raise blood pressure and contribute to high triglycerides, increasing your risk of heart disease. Keep alcohol to a minimum.
Check MidState Medical Center’s “Calendar of Events” at www.midstatemedical.org for heart health education programs, and sign up for our “Heart Health” e-newsletter to find the latest information minimizing your risk for heart disease and living well.
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Living to 100: Centenarians Show Us How
~submitted by MidState Medical Center
Conventional wisdom says people inevitably decline into worsening health and senility when they reach their eighties, nineties, and beyond. In reality, centenarians, 80% of whom are women, are actually healthier than people 20 years their junior. They have somehow managed to weather the stresses of life and avoid major threats like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Researchers are beginning to understand how centenarians reach this amazing milestone. The characteristics you’d find in centenarians include:
· Good longevity genes
· Emotional resilience—ability to adapt to life's events
· Resistance to stress—excellent coping skills
· Self-sufficiency
· Intellectual activity
· Good sense of humor, including about themselves
· Religious beliefs
· Strong connections with other people
· Low blood pressure
· Appreciation of simple pleasures and experiences
· Don't currently smoke or drink heavily
· Many play musical instruments
· Follow a sensible diet
So how can you apply this to your own life? Tune up your attitude and stay optimistic, eat a low-fat diet, aim for as little as 15-30 minutes of exercise a day, and keep your brain sharp. Cognitive capacity is key to aging gracefully. Write, do a crossword puzzle, learn a foreign language and experience the unfamiliar.
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Survivorship Clinics at MidState are underway
In the last decade, cancer survivorship has become a focal point in the field of oncology. Research has shown that the cancer experience affects patients beyond treatment and into their transition period back to what used to be a “normal” life. In response to the need for ongoing support, the Cancer Center at MidState launched Survivorship Clinics last fall to help cancer survivors adjust to life after treatment and explore information about physical, social, emotional and spiritual questions. Many survivors are fearful that their cancer will come back, and as a result, suffer from anxiety and depression post-treatment. Some also experience long-term side effects from their treatment, including an increased risk for secondary cancers and heart disease. The clinics help survivors understand how their body has changed and offer new coping skills in a supportive environment. The next Survivorship Clinic will be held in March. Check our Calendar of Events at http://www.midstatemedical.org/ for more information.
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Living Well
It’s our mission at MidState to enrich the lives of people living in our communities by keeping them healthy and well. Try these tips made available by the University of California at Berkley to enhance your well-being.
Eat nuts. People who regularly eat nuts, especially walnuts or almonds, cut their risk of heart disease by as much as half.
If you’re trying to lose weight, eat foods with high water content. Fruits and vegetables and dishes made with them (such as stews and smoothies), can help you cut down on calories and still feel full.
Read labels on muffins. Some have more than 20 grams of fat—as much as a Big Mac—and more than 500 calories. Check for smaller varieties with whole-wheat flour and lower sugar.
If you’re going to keep fresh spinach for more than a few days, buy it frozen. That’s because spinach loses nutrients rapidly after picking, even when refrigerated.
If you have heartburn at night, try elevating the head of your bed at least six inches to prevent reflux.
For a painful arch: roll your foot over a can of frozen juice. The cold and the massage will help relieve pain.
Measure your waist to find out if you are at risk for weight-related health problems. More than 40 inches in men and 35 in women is a sign of abdominal obesity.
Walk to lose weight. A 200-pound person who starts walking a mile and a half a day and keeps eating the same number of calories daily will lose about 14 pounds a year.
Take the stairs. A person climbing stairs at two steps per second can burn 360 calories in just 20 minutes.
Always ice an acute injury immediately. Continue every 20 minutes for the first 48 hours. Then switch to heat.
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MidState Medical Center Launching Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program
MidState Medical Center is launching a comprehensive Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program that targets women in the communities we serve. For those who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, our program will provide the tools to help these women make informed decisions about how to lower their overall risk.
Since cancer is 5-10% hereditary, our efforts are aimed at how a woman’s family history might impact her chances of getting breast cancer. By identifying those who are at high-risk, physicians and staff at MidState can work together with patients and their families to take preventative measures towards early detection.
This might mean beginning screenings earlier, having mammograms more frequently or initiating certain medical therapies that otherwise would not be recommended.
The advantages of the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program take affect when a woman visits MidState to have a mammogram. In the past, the patient would have to fill out a personal and family history evaluation form, which would be stored until the following year. Now, a radiology technician will enter this information into a sophisticated computer program that calculates a woman’s overall risk.
If the risk level is found to be high, MidState will notify the patient and her physician with a letter stating what steps the patient can take to lower that risk. Further counseling may lead to lifestyle recommendations, like more exercise or diet changes, and possibly to genetic testing to determine if the patient carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, two of the hereditary connections to breast cancer.
“Prevention is the wave of the future,” said Rajani Nadkarni, MD, who is spearheading the program at MidState. “It is about time we start focusing on ways to prevent cancer,” she added. For more information on the risk assessment, please contact Kathy Clements, Breast Care Coordinator at 203.694.8463.
About MidState
In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, The Weight Management Program, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Balance & Hearing, Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care.
Excellence in Care. And caring.
For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit http://www.midstatemedical.org/.
Do you have a MidState doctor? call: 1 866 MMC 5678
To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.
I’m in my 50’s now. As a youngster in Illinois, I was required to participate in one hour per day of rigorous physical activity in school. Afterwards, I would play wiffle-ball, football, soccer, floor hockey or the like for another two to three hours after school before coming home for the family meal. A couple of times a year, we were required to demonstrate our fitness level by taking a nationally standardized physical fitness test. The results were published at the school and sent to our parents.
While my dad sometimes watched TV, both channels, news and westerns, were pretty uninteresting through a child’s eyes. I ate well, slept well, played hard and had plenty of exercise and activity. So did all my friends. We knew a couple kids who were somewhat overweight, but they were still fit enough to be active and play with us.
Today, as a parent of 3 ranging in age from 13-26, I see a wholly different world. There is no mandatory physical education in most schools, and, often the programs offered under the physical education heading include informational / topical programs and far less rigorously active classes. The P.E. teachers I know are terrific and invested, but their numbers are a fraction of what they used to be, their funds and resources are cut way back, and, there’s only so much they can do.
After school, most kids don’t play competitive or intramural sports for hours as once was the norm, they play X-Box 360 or at best Wii. Most, rather than sitting down for a balanced home cooked meal in the evening, grab something from the fast food domain, loaded with calories, sugars, fat and sodium. We see the results every day in the epidemic of obesity, early onset diabetes and poor body image. Sadly, we are not going in the right direction!
Your Wallingford Family YMCA would like to help! In response to the growing health crisis in our community, we have developed two new programs to help our neighbors start to make lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in their lives..
The Healthy Balance Program is a comprehensive introduction to nutrition, fitness and stress management. The program includes:
8 weekly group sessions.
3 individual appointments with a Personal Trainer / Nutrition Manager to target individual lifestyle needs and develop a realistic, achievable and manageable exercise and lifestyle plan. You will receive a comprehensive exercise program designed just for you!
A Dietician prepared textbook with healthy meal plans and recipes along with a journal to monitor your progress.
A better understanding of the impact of stress on your health and strategies to manage daily stressors.
And, a total lifestyle management plan that comes with a lifetime partner in your quest for healthier living: the Wallingford Family YMCA!
The cost of this terrific program is a very reasonable $239 for YMCA members and $289 for community participants (and, community participants receive a free 3 month YMCA membership!).
Our New Fitness Punch Card. We invite you to purchase a 10 or 20 class card at a cost of $39 for 10 or $79 for 20 classes. This card allows access to any Wallingford Family YMCA fitness or aquatics class (with a very few exceptions). The purpose of this non-renewable punch card is to invite you to “try on” the YMCA and see if it is a good fit for your lifestyle.
For more information about these or any other Health and Wellness programs, please contact Mark at 203-269-4497 Ext. 24.
Your Meriden Health Department
The Meriden Health Department provides many essential public health and human services to keep you and the community healthy. Below is a brief description of the services offered:
Clinic Services (630-4234) coordinates immunization services for children and adults, provides a variety of screenings, and is responsible for communicable disease tracking.
Environmental Health (630-4280) inspects and provides licensing to places which prepare and sell food such as restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They also investigate nuisance complaints such as rodents, stagnant water, and bulky waste.
School Health (630-4237) provides services to Meriden’s public and parochial schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nurses conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis testing, as well as provide emergency care and first aid to students in need.
Community Health Education (630-4238) provides health information to help residents make voluntary health decisions to better improve their health. Smoking cessation services are available by calling 630-4104.
HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (630-4176) is available by appointment. Services are confidential. Educational materials are available as well.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Childre, 630-4245) provides healthy foods and nutrition education to eligible participants, including pregnant women, mothers, and children under the age of 5.
The Senior Center (630-4273) hosts programs for residents including mini-bus transportation, medical transportation, Meals-on-Wheels and various recreation activities and trips.
The Youth Services Division (630-4225) offers counseling to youth and their families, provides juvenile assistance to youth who commit their first offense, and is a resource for community service opportunities.
Meriden School Readiness (630-4236) provides access to affordable preschool programs to Meriden children. All-day or part-day options are available.
Social Services (630-4222) provide a variety of services including health insurance counseling, geriatric assessment, and planning an developmental screenings for children 18 months to 4 years of age.
Please visit the Meriden Health Department’s website at http://www.meridenhealth.com/ for more details on each office, information on public health news and emergencies, and a complete list of all upcoming programs.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT MIDSTATE MEDICAL CENTER
Submitted by Diamond Belejack
Make a New Year’s Resolution that will make a difference in someone’s life as well as your own! If you have a few hours a week to spare, MidState Medical Center has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for you.
The Volunteer Department at Midstate is looking to increase volunteer staffing in our high-volume, high-traffic Emergency Department, both in the clinical and non-clinical areas. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients in Emergency Services, which is currently undergoing a massive expansion, by providing friendly visits and act as liaisons, ensuring that all individuals are comfortable and kept well-informed during their stay.
Volunteers also provide support to various clinical areas of the medical center including Digestive Health Center, Wound Care Center, and Surgicenter. Friendly Visitors for in-patients are always needed as well as library volunteers in the Tremaine Resource Center. If you enjoy customer service in the retail setting, our beautiful Auxiliary Gift Gallery is the perfect place for you!
If you are ready for a positive and rewarding experience, please call Diamond Belejack, Manager of Volunteer Services at 694-8572 or e-mail dbeleja@midstatemedical.org for more information.
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Wallingford Family YMCA
To Celebrate 64 years of building
“Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities”
On Friday, February 6, 2009 the Wallingford Family YMCA will be celebrating sixty-four years of providing quality programs and services to the Greater Wallingford Community. This “Family Event” will begin at 6:00 pm and held at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Rd., Route 5, Wallingford, CT.
The festive night will consist of a Family Style sit down dinner, cash bar, children’s activities, music and entertainment from the YMCA’s All Day Kindergarten program. The Strong Kids Campaign Kickoff will be one of the highlights of the evening along with an interactive showcase of YMCA programs and services. Admission is a donation of $10/per person – children under 15 free - and is open to YMCA members, not-yet YMCA members and to the community at large. Please join us as we recognize our Volunteer, Members and Employees of the year by RSVP to Debbie, 203.269.4497, ext. 12 or dchappell@wallingfordymca.org.
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ICE YOUR CELL PHONE
Paramedics are asking that everyone add at least one additional entry to their cell phone contacts list. Please add an ICE entry. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. This number should dial the person in your family that can respond to emergency and/or medical decisions if you are injured or incapacitated.
If you are in an accident, paramedics know to check your phone for your emergency contact information. Imagine taking a look and trying to figure out who to call out of the twenty or more numbers on your phone. By adding a contact entry that's designated as an emergency contact number (ICE), you can make their job much easier and possibly save your own life.
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, emergency service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'
So program an ICE entry on your cell phone today! As a matter of fact, pull it out right now as you're reading this article. If you have more than one person the paramedics can contact in case of an emergency, you can add additional ICE numbers to your list. Your primary contact should be listed under ICE, then you can add the other contacts under ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
After you program ICE into your phone, have your spouse, your kids, your parents, and your friends do the same thing. If there are people in your life that you care about, they should all have ICE on their phones.
This short article can be useful to everyone not just seniors. Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers.
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Meriden Health Department February Events
1. Women’s Total Cholesterol Screening
Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. Screenings will be held on February 10, from 9:30-11:30am, and February 26, from 1:30-3:30pm. All screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street.
Normal total cholesterol levels are under 200. If your total screening comes back over 200, we will recommend that you see your doctor for a follow-up test, which will tell you how much “good” and “bad” cholesterol is in your body. The Community Health Educator will contact you by phone approximately 1 week to 10 days after your total screening to see what measures you took or are going to take to lower your cholesterol.
Appointments for the screening are required, and are first come, first serve. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment. One screening per person, please. Screenings are funded by a women’s healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
2. Lunch and Learn: Call 9-1-1! Recognizing Heart Attack and Stroke
On February 11, 2009, a lunch and learn will be offered about recognizing a heart attack and stroke, and how to care for cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults. The lunch and learn will be held from 12:00-1:00pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street.
Lunch will be provided, but you must RSVP for this event. Bring your own drink. Presented by Lea Crown, Community Health Educator. Call 630-4238 to reserve a spot.
3. CPR Anytime for Friends and Family
The Meriden Health Department partnered with Hunter’s Ambulance to offer the American Heart Association CPR Anytime Friends and Family program on February 19, from 4:00-5:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm. The 2 classes will be held at Hunter’s Ambulance, 450 West Main Street.
If you have ever wanted to learn CPR but don’t have time to sit in a long class and don’t need certification, the CPR Anytime program is for you. The class will teach you how to provide life-saving care to someone suffering from cardiac arrest or choking. You will also learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke.
The cost of the course is $30.00. Cost includes your own CPR Anytime kit, which includes a reusable CPR manikin, 22 minute CPR DVD, booklet, and other supplies. Please call 514-5142 to register. Bring a mat or towel to kneel on. This course does not certify you in CPR; no cards will be given.
4. Flu Shots
It is not too late to protect yourself from the flu! Flu shots are still available, and are now only $20.00 (cash only). Please call 630-4234 to make your appointment.
February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It’s surprising how many women don’t think they are at risk, and still believe that it’s a “man’s disease”!
Heart disease kills half a million American women each year. That figure exceeds the next seven causes of death combined. Moreover, women are 15% more likely than men to die of a heart attack. And they are twice as likely to have a second heart attack in the six years following the first.
The Meriden Health Department has been active in educating women (and men) about how to keep our hearts healthy and reduce the risk of this disease. This February, in honor of American Heart Month, share the prevention information below with a loved one. It could save their life!
1. Stop Smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack suffer a heart attack. If you smoke, quit. Better yet, never start smoking at all. Call the Meriden Health Department’s smoking cessation counselor at 630-4104 for tips and information to help you stop smoking.
2. Lower high blood pressure. We can’t see high blood pressure, the leading contributor to heart disease. Get your blood pressure checked often, and take steps to control it if it is high. Know your numbers – you don’t know what you don’t know!
3. Lower high blood cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your body can cause your arteries to harden, which can lead to heart disease. Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. The Health Department offers free total cholesterol screenings to women who live in Meriden. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment.
4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol. Eat at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and make half of the grains you eat whole grains. Limit sugar, salt, and processed foods.
5. Get up and move! Nearly half of all Meriden adults do not get the recommended 30 minutes per day most days of the week. People who don't exercise have higher rates of heart disease compared to people who perform even mild to moderate amounts of physical activity. Even leisure-time activities like gardening or walking can lower your risk. Meriden Movers, a community walking program, will be starting the spring session on March 31. Call 630-4238 for details.
6. Manage diabetes. If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to significant heart damage including heart attacks and death. A program on diabetes and heart health will be held on April 1 from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street.
Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to remind someone that you love them, and care about their heart health! Valentine’s Day cards with heart healthy tips will be available at select florists in Meriden. For a list of locations, and all heart health activities, please visit http://www.meridenhealth.com/ or call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238.
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Services of the Wallingford Health Department
by Eloise Hazelwood, DOH
Hard to believe that a year has already passed since the First Health and Wellness Edition! At least this time I only have to update everything I previously wrote. Let’s start with the summary chart of who we are and what we do.
Who are we: WALLINGFORD HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Where are we: 45 S. Main St., Rm. 215
How to reach us: Phone: 203-294-2065
Fax 203-294-2064
Email: wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net
The Health Department provides all services required by the CT General Statutes and enforces both CT State Regulations and Local Ordinances governing public health and local environmental health. Public Health, as the title implies, are issues in the community that have the potential to impact the general public. By definition Public Health is the community assessment of physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease. The table below is a summary of the services we provide:
Environmental Health Functions
- Food Protection, Licensing and Food Handler Education
- Subsurface Sewage (Septic) Inspections and Permitting
- Private Well Water Permitting and Approval
- Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance
- General Nuisance Complaints
- Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections
- Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment
Health Statistics, Surveillance and Monitoring
Public Health Preparedness Activities
Contract Services Provided by Wallingford VNA
Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
Pediatric Dental Health
Immunizations and Well Child Clinics
Blood Lead Screening
The Health Dept. is available to provide educational presentations upon request
OK, so now you have the readers digest version of who we are and what we do.
I want to focus this article on recent legislative changes that may impact you as a resident, especially if you a parent. I’m talking about the changes in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Regulations. Try saying that fast!
Lead poisoning is a serious PREVENTABLE illness. Let’s play Fact or Fiction:
1. Lead Poisoning is an inner city issue. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: Generally speaking, all homes built before 1978 have the potential to have lead-based paint. So if you live in a beautiful (but older) Victorian home that has a wrap around porch, it was probably painted at some point, with lead-based paint. Most of us (including me) were raised in homes built before 1978. The presence of intact lead-based paint does not automatically mean that your child will be lead poisoned. Lead-based paint presents a health hazard only when the paint becomes defective (peeling, flaking). Older windows present a less visible hazard because the friction of opening/closing causes the lead-based paint to become airborne in the form of dust.
2. Good housekeeping is important in reducing potential exposure to lead. Fact or Fiction?
FACT: We just talked about how children may be exposed to lead (peeling paint and DUST). You play a very important role in making sure the environment is lead-safe. NEVER vacuum paint chips or window well areas, why? It has the potential to cause DUST and the DUST is then put into the air which will eventually fall to the floor and young children can then ingest the dust. Remove all paint chips in a wetted (damp) state, why? Come on, you know this by now, to reduce the amount of DUST of course.
3. Home renovations should not be done if your home was built before 1978. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION!!! It’s your home, enjoy it! Upgrade, renovate, expand but do it in a lead-safe manner. What does that mean? It’s easy! First, make sure young children are not in the work area. Use plastic to seal off the area, remove paint in a wetted form, never dry scrape paint. Do you remember why, oh yes, the DUST! If you’re doing exterior work, put plastic on the ground to prevent the paint chips from getting in the soil. The most important step, CLEAN-UP (I didn’t say the most favorite step). How? Use a product called Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) and follow the directions on the container.
4. Testing a child for lead poisoning is painful and expensive. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: The CT DPH now requires universal screening, in other words, all children between the ages of 1 and 2 years must be screened for lead in the blood. It’s a simple “finger stick”, to sample the blood. Contact your medical provider to schedule a lead screening. If you don’t have a medical provider or are concerned about the cost, contact the Wallingford VNA at 269-1475 to see if you qualify for the free lead screening (Meriden residents should call the Meriden Health Dept). Why test? There is no “safe” level of lead in the blood, lead can impact a child’s ability to learn and develop. Generally speaking, the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning may mimic normal 2-3 year behavior (picky appetite, short attention span, irritable)!
5. Lead only impacts young children. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: Young children are more likely to get lead poisoning because their bodies are growing rapidly and so they “absorb” lead in the environment more readily than adults (did you know calcium and lead are similar in molecular weight). But there are exceptions! Children are not the ONLY ones at risk. Pregnant women, occupational exposures, hobbies (indoor firing range, fishing sinkers) and even pets are at risk of lead poisoning. Pets? Yes! If there are high levels of lead dust in the home or flaking paint chips outside, you pet could have lead on it’s paws, lick it’s paws, or bring it in the home!
6. The Lead Regulations apply only to parents. Fact or Fiction?
FICTION: True, some parts of the regulations impact parents, but they also impact Medical Providers (they are now required to perform blood lead screenings or “finger sticks”), Day Care Centers (they must now test the centers for lead if the property was built before 1978), Licensed Contractors (they must be certified in Lead-safe practices to perform lead abatement) Health Departments (we are required to provide increased education and outreach to all residents and more specific education to those with children found to have lower levels of lead exposure).
So how did you enjoy the Lead Fact or Fiction? You may not realize it, but you just got a quick update on the new Lead Laws. Every days a learning day! We at the Wallingford Health Department are available to assist you in conducting a home assessment for lead hazards. This is NOT a Lead Inspection. Our role is to help identify potential sources of the lead so that you can protect your child from lead poisoning, its true what our grandparents said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold. For more information, please call 294-2065 or stop by Wallingford Town Hall, rm. 215.
Why I Like to Practice Yoga At Home
by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom
Health and wellness have been buzz words in today's society since the beginning of this century due to the fact that many Americans want to try and loose weight, gain a little more vitality, and eat better to feel better. These are wonderful reasons to live healthier and even I too, have added myself to the ranks of the buzz words by trying to lead a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family. Exercise and eating right just make sense for me because it helps relieve my symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and asthma.My preferred form of exercise is practicing yoga at home. I like to pop in a Wai Lana tape and start out my mornings (or sometimes evenings) with some stress relieving yoga asanas. Exercising from the comfort of my own home is something I've been doing for a long time. There are many reasons why I like to exercise at home, some of them are financial, and some of them are personal. The financial reasons are pretty straight forward-- I just can't afford to go to a yoga studio, so let me skip that reason and go straight to the personal.I like to practice yoga at home because home is where I feel most relaxed. It is so much easier to schedule my own time to exercise, rather than schedule my life around it. Scheduling life in itself is hard and stressful when you are bringing your daughter to school, getting your other daughter ready for nap time, preparing meals, writing articles, or whatever other activity or work define your life. I don't want to feel guilty if I can't make my 10 am yoga class, so I like the idea of a video tape because the guilt doesn't build up in me if I just can't do yoga at 10 am, 10 after 10 am, or even 10 in the evening.Sure, going to class is fun because you can meet new people, get motivated by the instructor, and wear some really cute exercising outfits, but in the end, you still have to do the work and actually get in some yoga practice. No person, instructor, or cute outfit is going to get you out of that and that's when motivation can fizzle out for anyone. I too, will admit that it's hard for me to feel really motivated to practice when I'm having a flare, but I try and push myself to do something-- even if it's just one asana on the tape because it's still doing something beneficial for myself.Another reason why I like to practice at home is because I fall easily to peer pressure. I can get embarrassed very easily when I feel like my body can't quite form the shape it's supposed to for a particular pose. I know I shouldn't feel that way because everyone's body is different and I also have to keep in my mind that if I overdue it-- I'll be in for a flare the next day. There's just something about me and the need to please and succeed that gets me to try weird and crazy things when other people are around. Let's face it-- we've all been there at one point or another. The Life cereal commercial wouldn't have been so popular if we as human beings didn't fall prey to peer pressure. So practicing at home can really help me when it comes to saving myself from a flare.The last reason why I like practicing yoga at home is probably the best reason, I get to do it with my 8 year old daughter at home. That wouldn't be the case if I was going to a class since it just wouldn't be something that's feasible because time wouldn't allow for it with a class. If I've got the luxury of having Wai Lana on tape, I can pop it in right after school which is a beneficial bonus for the both of us.
Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and Wai Lana Yoga is a great way to go if you can't afford a class. She has been practicing for over 20 years and is a well known yoga instructor throughout the world. She does a weekly television show that can usually be found on your public access channels here in the US.
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Foot Health Information
Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers - Wallingford
Medicine and health awareness have progressed so rapidly since 1900 that life expectancy of the average American has increased by about 30 years. Older persons have become an increasingly significant proportion of our total population—and their numbers are growing rapidly. In 1900, for example, there were three million Americans aged 65 or older. In the year 2000, older people outnumber children for the first time in history.
If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that is cherished by our aging population, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities.
According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. As if foot problems weren’t enough of a nuisance, they can also lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain that undermine mobility just as effectively. The NCHS says one-fourth of all nursing home patients cannot walk at all and another one-sixth can walk only with assistance.
Mirror of Health
The human foot has been called the “mirror of health.” Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the foot. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.
Foot Problems Can Be Prevented
For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.
Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it’s a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.
Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. Chief among them are that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care.
Keep Them Walking
Studies show that care for a bedridden patient costs much more than care for an ambulatory patient. In their private practices and in foot clinics, podiatric physicians are providing services designed to keep older people on their feet, and they serve in hospitals and nursing homes across the country.
Records indicate that amputations and other forms of surgery due to infections of the feet, many brought about by diabetes, have been significantly reduced in recent years because of early diagnosis and treatment. Further reduction in this area is a goal of Healthy People 2010, a US Department of Health and Human Services campaign endorsed by podiatric physicians, to encourage understanding and application of preventive medical practices.
Foot Health Tips
Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don’t fit right, and cause serious foot problems.
A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.
Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
Walking is the best exercise for your feet.
Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.
Trim or file your toenails straight across.
Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
Have your feet examined by a DPM at least twice a year.
Copyright 2008, American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc., www.apma.org (Original title: Foot Health and Aging)
Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers
The ABC’s of Heart Health
From the American Heart Association
Avoid Tobacco. Be More Active. Choose Good Nutrition.
Learning how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle may not seem as simple as the ABC’s, but it is the single best defense against heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death among Americans. Even making one or two of these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack, so please, take this information to heart.
What can you do to lower your risk of heart disease?
Stop smoking. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources out there that can help you. Check if your local health department offers smoking cessation classes, or try the state of Connecticut’s QuitLine. More information at www.ct.gov/dph.
Choose good nutrition. The food you eat affects your cholesterol, blood pressure, incidence of diabetes and likelihood of being overweight. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products is key to heart health.
Reduce blood cholesterol. Sooner or later fat lodged in your arteries can result in a heart attack or stroke. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and get moving. If diet and exercise don’t get your numbers down, medication may be necessary. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL.
Lower high blood pressure. Shake your salt habit, take medications if they are recommended by your doctor, and try adding more physical activity to your lifestyle. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Get active. Research has shown that 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help combat against heart disease. It’s okay to start out slow. Even ten minutes at a time may offer health benefits.
Aim for a healthy weight. Exercise, good nutrition, and controlling calorie intake are the only ways to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity puts you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes, all risk factors for heart disease.
Manage diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related death. If you’re a diabetic, talk with your physician about how to best manage it.
Reduce stress. There is a relationship between heart disease risk and the level of stress in someone’s life. If you’re stress prone, explore activities that help you relax.
Limit alcohol. Drinking too much (more than one drink a day) can raise blood pressure and contribute to high triglycerides, increasing your risk of heart disease. Keep alcohol to a minimum.
Check MidState Medical Center’s “Calendar of Events” at www.midstatemedical.org for heart health education programs, and sign up for our “Heart Health” e-newsletter to find the latest information minimizing your risk for heart disease and living well.
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Living to 100: Centenarians Show Us How
~submitted by MidState Medical Center
Conventional wisdom says people inevitably decline into worsening health and senility when they reach their eighties, nineties, and beyond. In reality, centenarians, 80% of whom are women, are actually healthier than people 20 years their junior. They have somehow managed to weather the stresses of life and avoid major threats like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Researchers are beginning to understand how centenarians reach this amazing milestone. The characteristics you’d find in centenarians include:
· Good longevity genes
· Emotional resilience—ability to adapt to life's events
· Resistance to stress—excellent coping skills
· Self-sufficiency
· Intellectual activity
· Good sense of humor, including about themselves
· Religious beliefs
· Strong connections with other people
· Low blood pressure
· Appreciation of simple pleasures and experiences
· Don't currently smoke or drink heavily
· Many play musical instruments
· Follow a sensible diet
So how can you apply this to your own life? Tune up your attitude and stay optimistic, eat a low-fat diet, aim for as little as 15-30 minutes of exercise a day, and keep your brain sharp. Cognitive capacity is key to aging gracefully. Write, do a crossword puzzle, learn a foreign language and experience the unfamiliar.
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Survivorship Clinics at MidState are underway
In the last decade, cancer survivorship has become a focal point in the field of oncology. Research has shown that the cancer experience affects patients beyond treatment and into their transition period back to what used to be a “normal” life. In response to the need for ongoing support, the Cancer Center at MidState launched Survivorship Clinics last fall to help cancer survivors adjust to life after treatment and explore information about physical, social, emotional and spiritual questions. Many survivors are fearful that their cancer will come back, and as a result, suffer from anxiety and depression post-treatment. Some also experience long-term side effects from their treatment, including an increased risk for secondary cancers and heart disease. The clinics help survivors understand how their body has changed and offer new coping skills in a supportive environment. The next Survivorship Clinic will be held in March. Check our Calendar of Events at http://www.midstatemedical.org/ for more information.
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Living Well
It’s our mission at MidState to enrich the lives of people living in our communities by keeping them healthy and well. Try these tips made available by the University of California at Berkley to enhance your well-being.
Eat nuts. People who regularly eat nuts, especially walnuts or almonds, cut their risk of heart disease by as much as half.
If you’re trying to lose weight, eat foods with high water content. Fruits and vegetables and dishes made with them (such as stews and smoothies), can help you cut down on calories and still feel full.
Read labels on muffins. Some have more than 20 grams of fat—as much as a Big Mac—and more than 500 calories. Check for smaller varieties with whole-wheat flour and lower sugar.
If you’re going to keep fresh spinach for more than a few days, buy it frozen. That’s because spinach loses nutrients rapidly after picking, even when refrigerated.
If you have heartburn at night, try elevating the head of your bed at least six inches to prevent reflux.
For a painful arch: roll your foot over a can of frozen juice. The cold and the massage will help relieve pain.
Measure your waist to find out if you are at risk for weight-related health problems. More than 40 inches in men and 35 in women is a sign of abdominal obesity.
Walk to lose weight. A 200-pound person who starts walking a mile and a half a day and keeps eating the same number of calories daily will lose about 14 pounds a year.
Take the stairs. A person climbing stairs at two steps per second can burn 360 calories in just 20 minutes.
Always ice an acute injury immediately. Continue every 20 minutes for the first 48 hours. Then switch to heat.
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MidState Medical Center Launching Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program
MidState Medical Center is launching a comprehensive Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program that targets women in the communities we serve. For those who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, our program will provide the tools to help these women make informed decisions about how to lower their overall risk.
Since cancer is 5-10% hereditary, our efforts are aimed at how a woman’s family history might impact her chances of getting breast cancer. By identifying those who are at high-risk, physicians and staff at MidState can work together with patients and their families to take preventative measures towards early detection.
This might mean beginning screenings earlier, having mammograms more frequently or initiating certain medical therapies that otherwise would not be recommended.
The advantages of the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program take affect when a woman visits MidState to have a mammogram. In the past, the patient would have to fill out a personal and family history evaluation form, which would be stored until the following year. Now, a radiology technician will enter this information into a sophisticated computer program that calculates a woman’s overall risk.
If the risk level is found to be high, MidState will notify the patient and her physician with a letter stating what steps the patient can take to lower that risk. Further counseling may lead to lifestyle recommendations, like more exercise or diet changes, and possibly to genetic testing to determine if the patient carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, two of the hereditary connections to breast cancer.
“Prevention is the wave of the future,” said Rajani Nadkarni, MD, who is spearheading the program at MidState. “It is about time we start focusing on ways to prevent cancer,” she added. For more information on the risk assessment, please contact Kathy Clements, Breast Care Coordinator at 203.694.8463.
About MidState
In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, The Weight Management Program, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Balance & Hearing, Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care.
Excellence in Care. And caring.
For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit http://www.midstatemedical.org/.
Do you have a MidState doctor? call: 1 866 MMC 5678
To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.
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