Meriden Wallingford Health News September 2009

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! ____________ Seasonal Flu and H1N1 (Submitted by Wallingford Health Dept., excerpts from CDC and CT DPH) If you live in New England, you know that fall and winter mean “flu season”. This year, we are expected to have 2 types of Influenza, Seasonal Flu and H1N1 flu (previously referred to as “swine flu”) at the same time. This means we are bracing for more cases of flu in the fall due to the circulation of BOTH flu strains (seasonal and H1N1). Because we can’t predict how severe 2009–2010 flu season will be, especially given the impact of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, this guidance is designed to help employers and employees plan for and respond to a potentially a more severe flu season. There are things employers can do now to prevent the spread of flu in the workplace and keep their businesses operating as normally as possible. All people with flu-like symptoms should stay home when sick (but go to work if healthy!). Hand washing and respiratory etiquette are encouraged, Cover that sneeze/cough and wash your hands. During a more severe outbreak, take steps to reduce direct contact with others, or keep physically apart to reduce the spread of illness (called Social Distancing). This may include canceling large gatherings, increasing personal space (stay out of the “sneeze zone” of your co-worker or friend), canceling non-essential travel, and implementing work-from-home strategies. Flu and H1N1 flu are Community Acquired, which means you can get it in ANY community setting, not just work or school. So if you are NOT ill, go to work or school even if you hear that “someone” at work or school has the flu! Remember you can get the Flu ANYWHERE in the community. Because the 2009-2010 flu season could change rapidly, CDC recommendations may be revised quickly. Employers should make sure they have access to timely and accurate information so that they are aware of changes and can promptly implement any additional measures as a result. Steps to Take Now for Current Flu Conditions People who are NOT sick with flu-like symptoms o Check yourself for any signs of sickness before reporting to work each day and parents, make sure your kids are healthy BEFORE you send them to school or daycare. o If a family member is home with flu BUT YOU are NOT sick, go to work or school. People who BECOME sick with flu-like symptoms o People with flu-like symptoms should be separated from other employees/students and sent home promptly. They should stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating), without the use of fever-reducing medicines. o Employers should review sick-leave policies and consider making them flexible and consistent with public health recommendations. Make sure employees are well-aware of these policies. o Employers should try to provide flexible workplace and leave policies for workers who may need to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children if schools are dismissed. Employees should ASK now before you are sick. Hygiene/respiratory etiquette o Everyone should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing; alcohol-based hand cleaners can be used if soap and water are not available. o Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; if possible, o Use no-touch disposal receptacles if available. o If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve (capture the cough!) Routine cleaning o Frequently clean all commonly touched surfaces in the workplace and home (workstations, countertops, and doorknobs). o Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended. Once the droplet is dried (5-8 hours) it can’t spread the flu. Take measures to protect people at higher risk of flu complications o People at higher risk include pregnant women; children under 5 years of age; adults and children with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). o People at higher risk of complications from flu should check with their healthcare provider for advice or if they become sick; early treatment with antiviral medicines can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination o Employers should consider offering seasonal flu vaccine at the worksite o People considered “higher risk” should also be encouraged to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available. Ask you medical provider or your Health Department for more information on the H1N1 vaccine. Plan how to maintain business operations with a reduced staff o Plan now to so that you can keep your business up and running if a large number of employees are home sick or are staying home to care for sick family members or children dismissed from school. o Make contingency plans for when a lot of employees will need to stay home from work; this could include cross-training employees and hiring temporary workers. Additional Steps Businesses Can Take When Flu Conditions are More Severe o All Employees, students and children in daycare should be screened upon arrival if they have flu symptoms such as fever or chills and cough or sore throat during the last 24 hours. Other possible symptoms are runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Those with flu-like symptoms should be asked to go home. o People with underlying medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) or who are pregnant should contact their healthcare provider for advice about what to do if they become sick. If they become sick, they should seek care immediately. o If flu conditions in the community become more severe, ill individuals (workers, students and daycare attendees) should be asked to stay at home for at least 7 days, even if their symptoms go away sooner. If they’re still sick after 7 days, they should stay home at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away. Social distancing to reduce the spread of the disease during MORE SEVERE illness o Consider letting those who are at higher risk for flu complications work from home or stay home; if these options are not feasible, re-assign job duties so they have less contact with clients, customers, and other employees. o If possible: cancel non-essential face-to-face meetings; cancel non-essential travel; increase work space or assign them to telework; and stagger shifts to allow fewer workers to be in the workplace at the same time. Remember, getting the Flu is nothing to sneeze at! Stay healthy, stay informed. For more information call your local health department (Wallingford Health Dept 294-2065) or the CT DPH website: www.ct.gov/dph/flu CDC website: www/cdc.gov/flu ____________________________________________________________________________ Meriden Health Department – Keeping You Healthy In September 1. Total Cholesterol Screenings will be held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street, on September 3 from 1:30-3:30pm and September 15 from 9:30-11:30am. Screenings are free for Meriden residents over the age of 18. Call the clinic office at 630-4234 to make an appointment. 2. The Meriden Movers Community Walking Program will be distributing free pedometers, walking logs, and educational materials at the Quinnipiac River Linear Walking Trail on September. 8, 10, 15, and 17 from 5-6pm each night (weather permitting). The trail is located at the corner of Oregon Road and Route 70 in South Meriden. Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 for more information. 3. A presentation on walking 10,000 Steps to Better Health will be held on September 14, from 6-7pm, at Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street. We’ll review why walking is so good for our health and find out how many steps we need to take to burn off our favorite foods. Free pedometers will be distributed, healthy snacks will be served. Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 to RSVP. 4. The Meriden Health Department, as part of the Grandparents Raising Grandkids program, will be hosting a presentation called “Get Moving With Arthritis” on Wednesday, September 16, at 10:30am at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street. Susan Nesci from the Arthritis Foundation will share information on how exercising with arthritis can increase joint flexibility, range of motion, and to help maintain muscle strength. You will be able to participate in gentle exercises that you can easily do at home. This program is free and open to the public. RSVP to Rita at 630-4222. 5. Meriden Family Day will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Quinnipiac River walking trail (at the corner of Oregon Road and Route 70 in South Meriden) from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Families can enjoy a scenic walk down the paved walking trail. Pedometers and walking logs will be distributed to families, and fresh fruit and bottled water will be available to enjoy. Local organizations involved in the expansion and care of the walking trail will be available to answer your questions. Call Lea at 630-4238 for more information. The event is sponsored by the Meriden Health Department and the Meriden Linear Trails Committee. This event is being held during National TV Turn Off Week - turn off the TV and tune into each other! 6. Join us for Coffee and Conversation on September 28, 2009 from 1:00-2:30pm at the Meriden Senior Center. Kashia Cave, founder and owner of My City Kitchen in Meriden, will show us how to make simple and healthy appetizers, including Orange Raspberry Fennel Salad, Herb Seafood Bruschetta, Chicken Satay, and Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake. Yum! Coffee and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public! Coffee and Conversation programs are jointly sponsored by the Center for Successful Aging and MidState’s LaPlanche Clinic. They are held once a month at the Senior Center. Call 630-4222 for more information. ____________________________________________________________________________ To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! _____________________________________________________________________ When Is It Time To Take The Car Keys Away From Your Elderly Parents - From Comfort Keepers A Caregiving Non Medical Healthy Aging Agency Supporting At Home Services In Wallingford, CT One of the hardest things an adult child will ever say to a senior parent is "Mom, it is time to give up the car keys". So choosing the right time to tell your elderly parents may save their lives. But not dealing with this situation could have tragic consequences. So, what do you do and when? Taking the keys away the first time your aging parent accidentally scrapes the side of the car on the garage? When she clips another vehicle as she pulls into a parking space at a restaurant? After she's been ticketed by police for speeding through a school zone?Many of our elderly are able to operate a car safely into their 80s and beyond. Most senior citizens will voluntarily adjust their driving habits when they realize that cataracts are affecting their night vision, for example. But what about those retirees who no longer show this kind of discernment?According to the National Motorists Association, the primary cause of serious accidents involving elderly drivers is diseases which effect cognitive abilities like memory, judgment and understanding. Diseases like Alzheimer's account for the majority of accidents caused by elderly drivers.Before you act all family, friends and caregivers should pay close attention to your aging parents memory, health and judgment before jumping to your worst-case scenario. There are some factors Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT use in evaluating your loved one's fitness to drive:Are your senior parents driving habits being affected by a short-term emotional disturbance, such as the death of a spouse or friend, a change in circumstances or absentmindedness brought on by stress? If so, suggest to your elder parent that perhaps they should let someone else do the driving for awhile, until things settle down.Is there a chronic pattern of traffic violations such as running stoplights, speeding or damage to other vehicles? If so, your loved one is becoming a dangerous driver. It's time to confront your senior parents.Comfort Keepers points out that according to statistics on driving and the elderly, older retired drivers are more likely to be involved in multiple-vehicle accidents than younger drivers, including teenagers. The elderly are also more likely to be issued traffic citations for failing to yield, turning improperly and running red lights and stop signs -- all indicatorsof decreased driving ability.Statistics also suggest that a retiree 65 years or older is more likely to be severely injured in an accident and more likely to die than a younger person in the same circumstances. Fatal crashes rise sharply after a senior turns 70.As you evaluate your aging parents driving skills, take into account the following conditions -- and if remedial driver's training might help:Do your aging parents have loss of hearing acuity. Does your elderly parent react to honking horns, screeching tires, emergency sirens? If not, have him/her tested for hearing loss. Also, insist on refresher driving classes designed specifically for the deaf and senior citizens. Loss of visual acuity can effect how your elder parents see the road. Contrast sensitivity (the ability to detect sharp borders and lighting changes) can make it difficult to see road dividers and other road markings. It can also make night driving or driving on extremely bright days very difficult. Have your senior parents eyes checked and fitted for tinted lenses or a visor. Limit driving to times when vision is least likely to be impaired. If your aging loved ones have chronic diseases and physical impairments like arthritis, muscle degeneration, Parkinson's or other physical limitations they may need classes for disabled drivers. They can work with their range of motion and check to see how they respond to an emergency situation.Your elderly parents medications can have serious side-effects. Senior citizens may become drowsy, have watery eyes and slowed motor skills. Talk to your loved one's physician about which meds may affect driving skills, as well as the correct way to take them (i.e., how do they interact?). Knowing precisely when it's time to ask your elder mom or dad to surrender their driving privileges is not an exact science. It's also traumatizing for the caregiving son or daughter and potentially devastating to the senior parents.For most seniors, driving a car represents mobility, freedom. To take their keys away brings on beginning of social isolation and total dependence on other family caregivers to meet physical and transportation needs. It's a chilling thought for any aging adult -- and men may be especially affected.Before discussing the decision to suspend an elder parents driving privileges, do some research. Locate agencies that provide transportation for seniors. Depending on where you live, there may be city buses or trains convenient to where your loved one lives. Provide him or her with maps and information on bus schedules, taxi fares, etc., then be prepared to volunteer to ride with her a couple of times till she feels comfortable with these new ways of getting around.Resolve to talk to your elderly loved one reasonably and respectfully about options -- not condescendingly, as to a child.Here at Comfort Keepers we believe we should introduce the subject gently: "Mom, I've noticed that you are having a hard time making out the lines on the road and yousometimes cross into oncoming traffic ... would you say that's true?" then, "Mom, you've had a lot of near-misses on the road and I'm afraid you may get hurt -- or accidentally hurt somebody else ... We all love you, and we want you to be with us for a long time, so Ithink it's time we looked at other options for transportation. Do you understand?"You'll likely have to state it very clearly: "Mom, I'll need to ask you for your car keys."There may be tears, protest, anger. But as one who cares and sees the situation objectively, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your senior parent -- and other people on the road. If you don't, the consequences could be far worse than the temporary pain of having to take away a set of car keys.The flip side of this decision is that you as the caregiving son or daughter may also be required to adjust your schedule in order to accommodate the transportation needs of your elderly parent or arrange for these services.In short, not only is your senior parents lifestyle going to change radically, yours will, too. It's now your responsibility to ensure he/she gets to the grocery store, arrives on time for doctor's appointments and is able to pick up important prescriptions. If close relatives live in the vicinity, you may enlist their help.As we and our senior parents age, our roles also change -- sometimes subtly, sometimes in ways that turn our lives upside down. Remember there are people out there to help you. You can contact a home care agency or elder care consultant. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Meriden YMCA Offers Award-Winning Healthways SilverSneakers® Program for Older Adults You May be Eligible for Free Classes The Meriden YMCA in Meriden, CT is recognizing the unique needs of the older adults in the community. By partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, the Meriden 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. “We are very excited to offer this program,” said Carrie Marquardt, Fitness Director at the Meriden YMCA. “There have been numerous studies showing there are no age restrictions on obtaining cardiovascular fitness and increased muscle strength and stability. The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program was developed to improve the physical and mental health of every participant in a fun safe environment and is a great opportunity for members to socialize and make new friends. “ SilverSneakers members at the Meriden YMCA receive complementary access, which includes amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna, a full array of Precor cardio equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent cycles, stair masters, rowing machines), Cybex Strength Training Equipment, free weights and a wide variety of fitness classes including the signature SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Movement class. They also can utilize the Mountain Mist Outdoor Center during the summer which includes an outdoor pool, 60 acres of hiking and walking trails, and more. ”The beauty of the group exercise classes is they are multi-level and include total body conditioning by teaching exercises that help participants get through daily tasks much easier such as putting on a seat belt, reaching up onto a shelf, carrying the groceries, or opening a jar,” noted Marquardt. The Meriden YMCA will also offer SilverSneakers Cardio Circuit and Silver Splash classes. All classes will begin in July. Please call Carrie at 235-6386 x18 for more information. To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan provider or visit the Meriden YMCA at 110 West Main Street. For more information regarding the SilverSneakers Fitness Program visit www.silversneakers.com or call the Meriden YMCA at 203-235-6386. Joan Goodman is available to help you get started. About the Meriden YMCA Since1866 the Meriden YMCA has helped its members build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. The Meriden YMCA is located at 110 West Main Street in Meriden. Visit us at www.meridenymca.org 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 including YMCAs in 50 states. For more information on SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!