Health and Wellness News – April 2009
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
Governors Budget Targets your Public Health
We are all acutely aware of financial difficulties faced by many of our family members, neighbors and friends. We also recognize governmental financial constraints and the need to evaluate spending. Under the Governor’s proposal, state funding for public health would no longer be provided to 77 municipalities, including Wallingford, Southington and Meriden. And funding for the remaining municipalities would be drastically cut. Now is the time to be heard. Contact your state legislators. We can not afford to cut programs that help ensure your health and safety. Prevention IS more affordable then a visit to the emergency room.
Under the Governor’s proposal, everyone should think twice—
about the safety of the food you eat
about the safety of the water you drink
about the safety of your child’s daycare
about the safety of the public pool and public bathing areas you swim in
about the uncontrolled spread of a disease outbreak in your community
about the new and emerging infections that will go undetected
about potential groundwater contamination from failing septic systems
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure. Your public health and safety is worth more then the current $1.18/per capita. Eliminating it will cost much more.
Eloise Hazelwood, RS, MPH
Director of Health
Town of Wallingford
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to
http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ .
Celebrate Public Health Week, April 4-10
Eloise Hazelwood, DOH
Wallingford Health Dept.
Public Health? What is Public Health? According to the mission statement of Center for Disease Control (CDC), the role of Public Health is: “To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.” In other words, Public Health is physical, social and mental well being and not merely the absence of disease.
In 1995, former President William Jefferson Clinton proclaimed the first full week of April as National Public Health Week (NPHW). Each year since then, the public health community has celebrated this observance by focusing on issues that are important to improving the public’s health.
In support of PH week, The Wallingford Health Department will host a Lead Poisoning Prevention Education and Display at the Wallingford Public Library on Monday, April 6th. We will also bring the really cool display for both parents and children at the Wallingford Community Daycare Center on Tuesday, April 7th and again in Wallingford Town Hall on Wednesday, April 8th.
So come on out! Spring is here and before you start those remodeling projects, Get Educated and Have Fun too!
For more information contact the Wallingford Health Dept at 294-2065.
______________________________________________________________
Wallingford Family YMCA Offers Award-Winning
Healthways SilverSneakers Program for Older Adults
You May be Eligible for Free Classes
The Wallingford Family YMCA in Wallingford, CT is recognizing the unique needs of the older adults in the community. By partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, the Wallingford Family YMCA is able to offer older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and is available at NO additional COST beyond the monthly premium to eligible Medicare health plan and group retiree members.
“Research points to the significant health benefits of regular exercise for older adults,” says Mary Cardinale, Healthways SilverSneakers Account Manager. “In addition to helping our members stay physically healthy, SilverSneakers also offers a great way for them to socialize, meet new friends and have fun.”
SilverSneakers members at the Wallingford Family YMCA receive complementary access, which includes amenities such as treadmills, elipticals, recumbent cycles, selectorized equipment, free weights and a wide variety of fitness classes (Yoga, Pilates and Abs, just to name a few), including the signature SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Movement class. SilverSneakers classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:15 - 10:15a.m. starting April 13th.
To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan provider or visit the Wallingford Family YMCA at 81 Elm Street. For more information regarding the SilverSneakers Fitness Program visit www.silversneakers.com or call the Wallingford YMCA at 203-269-4497. A designated staff member is available to help you get started.
About the Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program
The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by Healthways, an industry leader providing specialized, comprehensive Health and Care SupportSM solutions to help people maintain or improve their health. SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 and is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, offering an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming. The unique program is available at no additional cost (other than any medical plan premium) to eligible Medicare members and group retirees at more than 9,000 participating fitness and wellness centers, YMCAs, and Curves® locations in all 50 states. For more information on SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.
___________________________________________________________________________
MANY WAYS TO BECOME WATER SAFE THIS SUMMER!
The Wallingford Family YMCA is offering a number of opportunities this spring that will make your summer more fun and a lot safer!
Junior Lifeguard Program;
If you are between 11 and 14 and already know how to swim this is for you. Come to the Y April 20-23rd and be introduced to water rescue skills and learn what it takes to become a lifeguard. Learn survival skills for yourself and others in a water emergency. And have fun!
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course
- begins March 30. You must be 15 and able to swim 300 yards competently. Interested retirees are welcome. This certification will qualify you for lifeguard jobs. At the completion of the course you will have learned CPR/FPR + AED + O2 as well as lifeguarding and first aid skills. You must successfully complete both a written and a practical exam to become certified.
American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course.
This is a perfect 4 hour class for parents with backyard pools, Scout leaders, and water sports enthusiasts. Teens are welcome. The class includes hands on water rescue practice as well as classroom discuss
ions. There is a written exam to receive a 3 year certification.
Be Water Safe!
This United Way program will run April 20-24th over spring vacation for Wallingford school students. This program cost $5 for each student and is open for 4 year olds through 6th graders. Registration information will be coming home through the Wallingford schools, if you do not receive one and would like a registration form, please call 203 269 4497 x 20 to have one sent to you. The half hour sessions are being offered both in the morning and the evening. There are class limits, so please register early!
Be Water Safe with Huggies!
This year we are adding a Parent & Child program for parents with children ages 1-3 years old. A parent must accompany the child in the water. This will run at 6:30-7PM April 20-24th. Support from the Huggies Corporation enables us to offer this class for $5 as well.
Don’t wait to get ready for summer fun- in the pool, the lake or the ocean. Be pro- active- learn water safety skills now to keep you and your family safer this year. Call Pam VanderWeele for more information and to register. 203 269 4497 x 20.
http://www.wallingfordymca.org/
________________________________________________________________
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
Lifeguard Recertification Course
The Wallingford Family YMCA will be running an American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification course on April 11. This is for current lifeguards who need to be recertified. CPR/FPR/AED/O2 will be included. Class size is limited so call to register now! 203 269 4497 Fee for community is $85.
__________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE – Meriden YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY April 18, 2009
YMCA HEALTHY KIDS® DAY
On Saturday, April 18, the Meriden YMCA invites the Meriden community to participate in YMCA Healthy Kids® Day, the nation’s largest health day for children and families. YMCA Healthy Kids Day includes fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families and promotes year-long wellness and healthy living.
The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street in Meriden. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include fitness classes and demonstrations for kids such as Zumba Kids and karate, face painting, free Amber Alert ID cards, and much more.
For more information call the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 or visit
http://www.meridenymca.org/
________________________________________________________________________________
Celebrate National Infant Immunization Week!
National Infant Immunization Week 2009 will be honored the week of April 25-May 2. In recognition of the week, the Meriden Health Department will be distributing free gift bags with books, immunization information and other goodies to daycares and moms in the well-child and W.I.C. (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic starting Monday April 27. Gift bags are available on a first come, first serve basis.
In addition, activities are scheduled from 9am-12pm throughout the week, including story time (April 27) and craft projects (April 28 and 30) at the Meriden Health Department.
National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits and safety of immunizations and to focus on the importance of immunizing infants against vaccine-preventable diseases by age two. Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against 14 diseases before age two, the time when infants and young children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.
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 or vaccine safety, they can contact Ana Guajardo, Immunization Coordinator, at 630-4251.
The Meriden Health Department offers immunization services to Meriden children Monday-Friday from 9 am- 4pm. Vaccines are free for Meriden children birth through high school. Children not from Meriden (ages birth to 6) are vaccinated for free; children not from Meriden ages 7 to 19 are charged $20.00 per injection. For immunization appointments please call 630-4234.
__________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA & UNITED WAY OF WALLINGFORD /MERIDEN
BE WATER SAFE PROGRAM A 1 WEEK PROGRAM APRIL 20-24, 2009 Morning and evening lesson times
WATER SAFETY AND SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 4 THROUGH 6TH GRADE.
FOR NON SWIMMERS AND BEGINNER SWIMMERS. $5 PER CHILD CALL FOR DETAILS- 203 269 4497 Come in to register.
Also a Huggies Corporation funded program for parents and children ages 1-3 years old. Will run April 20-24 from 6:30PM -7PM each day. $5 per parent & child pair
___________________________________________________________________________
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
MidState Medical Center--April programs
April 21, 10:45 am North Haven Senior CenterThe News on Pneumonia --Risk factors, symptoms, treatment and the vaccine.Presented by Usman Ramzan, MD Call 239-5432 to register.
April 21, 6:30 pm Wallingford Public LibraryDessert and a Dock: Staying Abreast of Your Breast Cancer RiskAre you at risk for breast cancer? Discover the hereditary link to breast cancer, learn about genetic testing, and find out how MidState's Risk Assessment Clinics can help identify high risk women in the community.Presented by Kathy Clements, RN-ONC and Rajani Nadkarni, MD Call 265-6754 to register.
April 29, 10 am Wallingford Senior CenterThe Loss of Balance--If you suffer from dizziness, come learn about your symptoms and what treatment is available for vertigo and other related conditions. Presenter Bob Rusignuolo Call 265-7753 to register.
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
OpenHouse for Prospective Volunteers
MidState Medical Center is hosting an open house for prospective volunteers who want to learn more about what opportunities are available at the hospital. Details are below:
MidState Medical Center-Volunteer Open House Thursday, April 16, 20099 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Horwitz Conference Center, Conference Room I Light refreshments will be served.~Meet and talk with MidState volunteers~Observe volunteers in action~Tour the hospital
Learn how you can become part of the exciting world of healthcare volunteers. For more information, call 203-694-8275.
________________________________________________________________________________
Meriden Senior Center Community Forum
The Meriden Senior Center will be the site of a forum held by the Connecticut Cancer Partnership and the Connecticut Department of Public Health on April 22, 2009, from 1:00-2:30pm.
The Partnership is looking for individuals over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer to participate the discussion, which will focus on past and present needs related to someone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. Information gathered from the discussion will help determine where to focus future cancer-related resources, services, and programs. This is a chance to share your thoughts and concerns; your input is very important!
Pre-registration is required, call the Senior Center at 237-0066 to sign-up. The discussion is limited to the first 20 people to sign-up; free lunch is provided and there will be a raffle drawing. This forum is being co-sponsored by the Meriden Health Department.
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in April
Women’s Total Cholesterol Screening
Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. A screening will be held on April 30 from 1:30-3:30pm. 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. Screenings are funded by a women’s healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Free Community Presentations
Diabetes and Your Heart Health – April 1, from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library. Kathy Wietrak from MidState Medical Center’s Diabetes Center will be the presenter. Diabetic-friendly snacks will be served.
Healthy Eating on the Go – April 21, from 6:00-7:00pm at the Meriden Public Library. Learn how to make healthy choices while eating outside of the home. Healthy snacks will be served, and free fast food nutrition guides will be distributed.
Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 for more information and to RSVP for these events.
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to
http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ .
Turn off TV – Turn on the Possibilities
National TV Turn Off week is April 20-26. During this week, children and their families are encouraged to turn off their television, video games, and Internet for an entire week. Do you think you can do it? Can you unplug for just one week and survive? Just the thought of not watching TV for one day can be frightening to some people. Between televisions, computers, telephones, iPods, handheld video games, gaming systems, and radios we’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to be entertained by a non-electronic device!
Did you know....
The average family spends 4-5 hours every day watching TV but only 35 minutes having a meaningful conversation.
American children and adolescents spend 22 to 28 hours per week viewing television, more than any other activity except sleeping. By the age of 70 they will have spent 7 to 10 years of their lives watching TV
In an average four hours of Saturday morning cartoons your child will view
over 200 advertisements for junk foods and candy.
The average child spends 900 hours per year in school – yet
over 1,023 hours per year parked in front of the television.
The World Health Organization recently reported that changing lifestyles, with fewer family meals eaten together and more children watching television or playing on computers rather than being outside, is part of the reason why obesity and chronic disease rates have risen sharply around the globe.
Here are some ways families can limit TV viewing:
Move the television set to a less visible, hard to reach location, Cover your TV with a poster.
Hide the remote control.
Remove the TV set from your child's bedroom. A television in the bedroom draws their attention away from family activities, and distracts them from homework, reading, thinking and sleeping.
Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for family conversation.
Place clear limits on television viewing. Allow 30 minutes each day or 1 hour every other day. Try being positive, instead of saying "you can't watch TV" say, "Let's turn off the TV so we can…"
Involve children in household activities and meal preparation. Make it fun! Have a make your own pizza night.
Designate certain days of the week as "TV FREE DAYS".
Cancel your cable subscription and use this money to pay for fun family activities.
Avoid using the TV as a reward or a punishment. This gives the TV more power.
Don't worry if your children complain that they are bored. Boredom often leads to creativity and physically active play.
Replace your TV watching with something more active. Look for family activities in your community. If you don't feel like going out, put on some music and dance.
Parents should be a positive role model by being physically active and cutting down on screen time.
A solid one-week recess from television will allow families more time to exercise, play, talk, read, volunteer, create and participate in their community. It's all about having fun. What do you do if you don't watch TV? The REAL answer is EVERYTHING! Be creative and have tons of screen free family fun!
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to
http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ .
In 1995, former President William Jefferson Clinton proclaimed the first full week of April as National Public Health Week (NPHW). Each year since then, the public health community has celebrated this observance by focusing on issues that are important to improving the public’s health.
In support of PH week, The Wallingford Health Department will host a Lead Poisoning Prevention Education and Display at the Wallingford Public Library on Monday, April 6th. We will also bring the really cool display for both parents and children at the Wallingford Community Daycare Center on Tuesday, April 7th and again in Wallingford Town Hall on Wednesday, April 8th.
So come on out! Spring is here and before you start those remodeling projects, Get Educated and Have Fun too!
For more information contact the Wallingford Health Dept at 294-2065.
______________________________________________________________
Wallingford Family YMCA Offers Award-Winning
Healthways SilverSneakers Program for Older Adults
You May be Eligible for Free Classes
The Wallingford Family YMCA in Wallingford, CT is recognizing the unique needs of the older adults in the community. By partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, the Wallingford Family YMCA is able to offer older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and is available at NO additional COST beyond the monthly premium to eligible Medicare health plan and group retiree members.
“Research points to the significant health benefits of regular exercise for older adults,” says Mary Cardinale, Healthways SilverSneakers Account Manager. “In addition to helping our members stay physically healthy, SilverSneakers also offers a great way for them to socialize, meet new friends and have fun.”
SilverSneakers members at the Wallingford Family YMCA receive complementary access, which includes amenities such as treadmills, elipticals, recumbent cycles, selectorized equipment, free weights and a wide variety of fitness classes (Yoga, Pilates and Abs, just to name a few), including the signature SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Movement class. SilverSneakers classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:15 - 10:15a.m. starting April 13th.
To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan provider or visit the Wallingford Family YMCA at 81 Elm Street. For more information regarding the SilverSneakers Fitness Program visit www.silversneakers.com or call the Wallingford YMCA at 203-269-4497. A designated staff member is available to help you get started.
About the Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program
The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by Healthways, an industry leader providing specialized, comprehensive Health and Care SupportSM solutions to help people maintain or improve their health. SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 and is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, offering an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming. The unique program is available at no additional cost (other than any medical plan premium) to eligible Medicare members and group retirees at more than 9,000 participating fitness and wellness centers, YMCAs, and Curves® locations in all 50 states. For more information on SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.
___________________________________________________________________________
MANY WAYS TO BECOME WATER SAFE THIS SUMMER!
The Wallingford Family YMCA is offering a number of opportunities this spring that will make your summer more fun and a lot safer!
Junior Lifeguard Program;
If you are between 11 and 14 and already know how to swim this is for you. Come to the Y April 20-23rd and be introduced to water rescue skills and learn what it takes to become a lifeguard. Learn survival skills for yourself and others in a water emergency. And have fun!
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course
- begins March 30. You must be 15 and able to swim 300 yards competently. Interested retirees are welcome. This certification will qualify you for lifeguard jobs. At the completion of the course you will have learned CPR/FPR + AED + O2 as well as lifeguarding and first aid skills. You must successfully complete both a written and a practical exam to become certified.
American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course.
This is a perfect 4 hour class for parents with backyard pools, Scout leaders, and water sports enthusiasts. Teens are welcome. The class includes hands on water rescue practice as well as classroom discuss
ions. There is a written exam to receive a 3 year certification.
Be Water Safe!
This United Way program will run April 20-24th over spring vacation for Wallingford school students. This program cost $5 for each student and is open for 4 year olds through 6th graders. Registration information will be coming home through the Wallingford schools, if you do not receive one and would like a registration form, please call 203 269 4497 x 20 to have one sent to you. The half hour sessions are being offered both in the morning and the evening. There are class limits, so please register early!
Be Water Safe with Huggies!
This year we are adding a Parent & Child program for parents with children ages 1-3 years old. A parent must accompany the child in the water. This will run at 6:30-7PM April 20-24th. Support from the Huggies Corporation enables us to offer this class for $5 as well.
Don’t wait to get ready for summer fun- in the pool, the lake or the ocean. Be pro- active- learn water safety skills now to keep you and your family safer this year. Call Pam VanderWeele for more information and to register. 203 269 4497 x 20. http://www.wallingfordymca.org/
________________________________________________________________
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
Lifeguard Recertification Course
The Wallingford Family YMCA will be running an American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification course on April 11. This is for current lifeguards who need to be recertified. CPR/FPR/AED/O2 will be included. Class size is limited so call to register now! 203 269 4497 Fee for community is $85.
__________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE – Meriden YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY April 18, 2009
YMCA HEALTHY KIDS® DAY
On Saturday, April 18, the Meriden YMCA invites the Meriden community to participate in YMCA Healthy Kids® Day, the nation’s largest health day for children and families. YMCA Healthy Kids Day includes fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families and promotes year-long wellness and healthy living.
The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street in Meriden. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include fitness classes and demonstrations for kids such as Zumba Kids and karate, face painting, free Amber Alert ID cards, and much more.
For more information call the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 or visit http://www.meridenymca.org/
________________________________________________________________________________
Celebrate National Infant Immunization Week!
National Infant Immunization Week 2009 will be honored the week of April 25-May 2. In recognition of the week, the Meriden Health Department will be distributing free gift bags with books, immunization information and other goodies to daycares and moms in the well-child and W.I.C. (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic starting Monday April 27. Gift bags are available on a first come, first serve basis.
In addition, activities are scheduled from 9am-12pm throughout the week, including story time (April 27) and craft projects (April 28 and 30) at the Meriden Health Department.
National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits and safety of immunizations and to focus on the importance of immunizing infants against vaccine-preventable diseases by age two. Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against 14 diseases before age two, the time when infants and young children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.
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 or vaccine safety, they can contact Ana Guajardo, Immunization Coordinator, at 630-4251.
The Meriden Health Department offers immunization services to Meriden children Monday-Friday from 9 am- 4pm. Vaccines are free for Meriden children birth through high school. Children not from Meriden (ages birth to 6) are vaccinated for free; children not from Meriden ages 7 to 19 are charged $20.00 per injection. For immunization appointments please call 630-4234.
__________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA & UNITED WAY OF WALLINGFORD /MERIDEN
BE WATER SAFE PROGRAM A 1 WEEK PROGRAM APRIL 20-24, 2009 Morning and evening lesson times
WATER SAFETY AND SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 4 THROUGH 6TH GRADE.
FOR NON SWIMMERS AND BEGINNER SWIMMERS. $5 PER CHILD CALL FOR DETAILS- 203 269 4497 Come in to register.
Also a Huggies Corporation funded program for parents and children ages 1-3 years old. Will run April 20-24 from 6:30PM -7PM each day. $5 per parent & child pair
___________________________________________________________________________
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
MidState Medical Center--April programs
April 21, 10:45 am North Haven Senior CenterThe News on Pneumonia --Risk factors, symptoms, treatment and the vaccine.Presented by Usman Ramzan, MD Call 239-5432 to register.
April 21, 6:30 pm Wallingford Public LibraryDessert and a Dock: Staying Abreast of Your Breast Cancer RiskAre you at risk for breast cancer? Discover the hereditary link to breast cancer, learn about genetic testing, and find out how MidState's Risk Assessment Clinics can help identify high risk women in the community.Presented by Kathy Clements, RN-ONC and Rajani Nadkarni, MD Call 265-6754 to register.
April 29, 10 am Wallingford Senior CenterThe Loss of Balance--If you suffer from dizziness, come learn about your symptoms and what treatment is available for vertigo and other related conditions. Presenter Bob Rusignuolo Call 265-7753 to register.
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
OpenHouse for Prospective Volunteers
MidState Medical Center is hosting an open house for prospective volunteers who want to learn more about what opportunities are available at the hospital. Details are below:
MidState Medical Center-Volunteer Open House Thursday, April 16, 20099 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Horwitz Conference Center, Conference Room I Light refreshments will be served.~Meet and talk with MidState volunteers~Observe volunteers in action~Tour the hospital
Learn how you can become part of the exciting world of healthcare volunteers. For more information, call 203-694-8275.
________________________________________________________________________________
Meriden Senior Center Community Forum
The Meriden Senior Center will be the site of a forum held by the Connecticut Cancer Partnership and the Connecticut Department of Public Health on April 22, 2009, from 1:00-2:30pm.
The Partnership is looking for individuals over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer to participate the discussion, which will focus on past and present needs related to someone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. Information gathered from the discussion will help determine where to focus future cancer-related resources, services, and programs. This is a chance to share your thoughts and concerns; your input is very important!
Pre-registration is required, call the Senior Center at 237-0066 to sign-up. The discussion is limited to the first 20 people to sign-up; free lunch is provided and there will be a raffle drawing. This forum is being co-sponsored by the Meriden Health Department.
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com .
Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in April
Women’s Total Cholesterol Screening
Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. A screening will be held on April 30 from 1:30-3:30pm. 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. Screenings are funded by a women’s healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Free Community Presentations
Diabetes and Your Heart Health – April 1, from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library. Kathy Wietrak from MidState Medical Center’s Diabetes Center will be the presenter. Diabetic-friendly snacks will be served.
Healthy Eating on the Go – April 21, from 6:00-7:00pm at the Meriden Public Library. Learn how to make healthy choices while eating outside of the home. Healthy snacks will be served, and free fast food nutrition guides will be distributed.
Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 for more information and to RSVP for these events.
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ .
Turn off TV – Turn on the Possibilities
National TV Turn Off week is April 20-26. During this week, children and their families are encouraged to turn off their television, video games, and Internet for an entire week. Do you think you can do it? Can you unplug for just one week and survive? Just the thought of not watching TV for one day can be frightening to some people. Between televisions, computers, telephones, iPods, handheld video games, gaming systems, and radios we’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to be entertained by a non-electronic device!
Did you know....
The average family spends 4-5 hours every day watching TV but only 35 minutes having a meaningful conversation.
American children and adolescents spend 22 to 28 hours per week viewing television, more than any other activity except sleeping. By the age of 70 they will have spent 7 to 10 years of their lives watching TV
In an average four hours of Saturday morning cartoons your child will view
over 200 advertisements for junk foods and candy.
The average child spends 900 hours per year in school – yet
over 1,023 hours per year parked in front of the television.
The World Health Organization recently reported that changing lifestyles, with fewer family meals eaten together and more children watching television or playing on computers rather than being outside, is part of the reason why obesity and chronic disease rates have risen sharply around the globe.
Here are some ways families can limit TV viewing:
Move the television set to a less visible, hard to reach location, Cover your TV with a poster.
Hide the remote control.
Remove the TV set from your child's bedroom. A television in the bedroom draws their attention away from family activities, and distracts them from homework, reading, thinking and sleeping.
Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for family conversation.
Place clear limits on television viewing. Allow 30 minutes each day or 1 hour every other day. Try being positive, instead of saying "you can't watch TV" say, "Let's turn off the TV so we can…"
Involve children in household activities and meal preparation. Make it fun! Have a make your own pizza night.
Designate certain days of the week as "TV FREE DAYS".
Cancel your cable subscription and use this money to pay for fun family activities.
Avoid using the TV as a reward or a punishment. This gives the TV more power.
Don't worry if your children complain that they are bored. Boredom often leads to creativity and physically active play.
Replace your TV watching with something more active. Look for family activities in your community. If you don't feel like going out, put on some music and dance.
Parents should be a positive role model by being physically active and cutting down on screen time.
A solid one-week recess from television will allow families more time to exercise, play, talk, read, volunteer, create and participate in their community. It's all about having fun. What do you do if you don't watch TV? The REAL answer is EVERYTHING! Be creative and have tons of screen free family fun!
To read The People's Press - Wallingford and Meriden's Connecticuts community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ .
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