Meriden and Wallingford CT Health News & Events May 2010

To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to www.peoplespressnews.com The People’s Press is a community newspaper serving Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut. We invite you to join us by becoming a part of the family of our submitters and sharing your news, stories, photos and views that matter most to Wallingford, Meriden and Central Connecticut. We are YOUR newspaper. You will also find information from the Wallingford and Meriden Mayors, the Wallingford and Meriden Public Libraries, the Wallingford and Meriden Senior Centers, the Wallingford and Meriden Health Departments, other various town and city departments and events as well as information about the wonderful groups and civic organizations that help Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut to be a better place. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or call 203-235-9333 if you have any questions. Mary Solomon for the Wallingford Health Department My name is Mary Solomon and I am a junior at Sheehan High School. Like any other student, I wanted to find a job close-by that was fun. Through the Peer Advocates, a community service organization by the Wallingford Youth and Social Services, I heard of an opening at the Wallingford Health Department. After meeting with the Health Director, I was hired as an intern to work under the City Readiness Initiative. As soon as I received this position, I was presented with an opportunity to work on a program known as “3 Days/3 Ways”. This program stresses the importance of being able to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days in times of crisis. During a crisis, such as a tornado, hurricane, or public health pandemic, help might not reach you and your family for a few days. The program and concept is simple: There are three steps to be prepared. Step One: Make a plan. Plan a family meeting place and also plan a couple different evacuation routes out of your house. Maybe a near-by relative’s home or even the town designated shelter. Step Two: Build a kit. This kit should include food, water, extra clothing, important medications, copies of important family documents, sanitation supplies, tools, and a battery operated radio. Some sort of entertainment is also recommended so that you stay busy and keep your mind occupied. And don’t forget about including a plan for your pets! Step Three: Stay informed and get involved. Be prepared to evacuate your home during a crisis at a moment’s notice. Also, get involved in helping make this stressful time a little easier. Making a plan, building a kit, and staying informed and getting involved can be the difference between life and death during a crisis. Many disasters will strike with little or no warning. I take pride in being prepared and helping spread the word about “3 Days/3 Ways”. I also encourage anyone to take part in this simple procedure of enhancing your life. Note: Wallingford Health Department is part of the Dept of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) Region 2. The “3 Days/3 Ways” Program is a national Public Health campaign designed to educate the community on simple preparedness actions. Mary Solomon is using this program to educate peers. Would you like a presentation on this project for your civic group or organization (how about a guest speaker for your PTA or Youth Group!)? We would love to hear from you at 203-294-2065. Or stop by the Wallingford Town Hall, rm. 215 for more information. Meriden Health Department News and Events Bicycle Helmets Available at the Meriden Health Department Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air and share time as a family. The Meriden Health Department wants everyone to be safe - we are selling Bell brand bicycle helmets for $7.50 each. Both adult and child sizes are available, and there are many different styles and colors to choose from. The helmets are available for purchase Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 before you stop by to check on availability. Be safe - always wear a helmet when riding a bike, no matter where you are or how short the ride! Recognizing Heart Attack and Stroke Presentation If a co-worker, friend, or family member had a breathing or cardiac emergency, would you know what to do? This presentation will review the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke, when to call 9-1-1, and how to provide emergency care. Participants will also have an opportunity to try CPR on a manikin. This event will be held on May 17 from 6:00-7:00pm at the Meriden Public Library, located at 105 Miller Street. Healthy snacks will be served. This event is free and open to the public. To register, please call Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 203-630-4238. “Know Your Numbers” Health Screenings Do you “know your numbers”? The Meriden Health Department is now offering a comprehensive health screening for Meriden adults. The screening is only $10.00 per person (cash only, please) and includes: · Blood glucose (sugar) testing · Total cholesterol · Blood pressure · Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) · Vision and hearing We’ll give you a tracking card with all your results and educational materials as well. To make your appointment with one of our nurses, please call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 today! Save the Date – National Trails Day is June 5! Come celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00-11:30am at Dossin Beach Park, directly across the street from the Quinnipiac River Linear Walking Trail (Red Bridge) in Meriden. Meriden’s National Trail Partners will showcase educational exhibits and be on hand to answer your questions on Meriden’s natural resources, environmental issues, and trail expansion. Meriden’s National Trail Partners include the Meriden Conservation Commission, Meriden Land Trust, Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, and the Meriden Linear Trails Committee. The Meriden Health Department will be giving out 75 free pedometers and walking logs to attendees (first come, first serve). The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association will offer canoe and kayak rides down the river. Light refreshments will be served. If it rains the event will be cancelled. Bring the family and enjoy a great day outside! For more information call 203-630-4238. Coffee and Conversation: “Kenya - A Safari” Join us for Coffee and Conversation on Monday, May 24 from 1:00-2:00pm in the first floor conference room at the Meriden Senior Center. This month’s program will take you on a trip to Kenya. Rich and Joan Hamel will share pictures, music, and stories of their recent adventure trip to Kenya. 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, and are held once a month at the Senior Center. Call 203-630-4222 to RSVP or for more information. IS Your Radon System Working? Egon Loffel, BS Intern Wallingford Health Dept. Like many homeowners in this part of the country, you may have a radon venting system installed. You may have had it installed yourself, or it may have been there when you bought your home. If you had it installed yourself, you can be sure it was working at that time. If it was already installed when you bought your home, it was most likely checked during the home inspection. But, as is the case with any electrical appliance, they have a limited lifespan. The fan in the system is designed to run quietly so you may not even know it is running. And when these systems fail, it is not obvious that this is the case. Fortunately, it is a very simple matter to check and see if the system is operating properly. There is a device on the vent pipe known as a “manometer’ which is used to indicate a pressure differential between your basement and the vent pipe. It looks like a “U” shaped tube filled with a colored liquid (usually blue). If the liquid level is different between the tubes, then your system is working. If the liquid is the same level in both sides of the tube, this indicates a problem. The most common causes of failure are either a defective blower fan or a clogged exhaust pipe. So if you have one of these systems, please check them periodically to see if they are still functioning correctly. As you may already know, radon is a colorless, odorless gas created by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. While there are no immediate health affects, prolonged exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking). Therefore, it is important to have a properly installed and functioning system in place to vent it to the outside if you have radon present in your home. Not Just on Mother’s Day Did you know that Mother’s Day began way back in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as this national holiday and asked all Americans to offer their respect and love for mothers publicly? Every year this day is celebrated by millions of families spending the day with mom to honor her and pay tribute to her. Moms often provide endless support, love and encouragement, especially during our most difficult times. Think of the countless diapers she changed, loads of laundry she managed, and the meals she prepared. Think of how moms were always there to love, comfort, protect and encourage their children. There is no doubt that mothers are special! Moms have that special touch to make things better, and put a smile on our faces and in our hearts. While it is wonderful to offer our respect and love on Mothers Day, there are 364 other days of the year that moms also deserve our praise. As our parents age, become ill or face injury, many of us will have the opportunity to honor our mothers and fathers by providing assistance and encouragement as life becomes more difficult. Here are a few tips to help you ensure your mom and dad is getting the care and support they need and deserve. 1. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS – As our parents’ age, everyday tasks may become more difficult. An occasional visit here and there often does not allow us the opportunity to really see that. One can ask if there are certain aspects of daily living that are becoming more challenging. But the general answer you will get is – “No, I’m fine.” I have found that you really have to visit for a good solid day or more to see where they might need help. You might even stumble upon a potential medical concern. Consider the skills and abilities you take for granted in living independently. Those skills might be difficult for them but often pride gets in their way of asking for assistance, as they don’t want to be a burden on you. If you notice mom may be struggling, discuss your concerns in a loving and kind manner to determine if it might be time to offer or otherwise provide assistance. 2. MAINTAIN CONTACT – Whether seeing your mom on a regular basis, or talking with her on the telephone, keeping the lines of communication open may give you insight to life changes and struggles she may be facing. Often, what she says or how she says it can be quite insightful. Each time I ask Mom how her day was, even though her answer is always “Good”, I can tell if that is a “good” good or a “bad” good just by her tone of voice. Ask questions such as: “What did you do yesterday?” “How are you feeling?” “When was the last time you saw your doctor?” “What are you planning to have for dinner tonight?” and “What can I help you with this week?” So often people don’t know, simply because they don’t ask. Maintaining communication and talking about more than just news, weather and kids is a great way to honor your mom and demonstrate how much you care. 3. PROVIDE SUPPORT – If you observe or have reason to believe your mom may be struggling, it is often easier to lend an occasional hand without asking and gradually increase the level of support you provide, as opposed to waiting for a crisis situation. Quite often the type of support your mom wants or needs is basic help around the house, assistance with meals or transportation, or a hand to hold and a heart to understand. For many us, providing assistance can be challenging because of family, work and personal commitments. Maybe it’s time to look for ways to supplement the care and support you are providing. Explore the options that may be available in your community. From community programs to our companion caregiving services, there are many ways to help people maintain their sense of purpose, level of activity and independence. Comfort Keepers provides non-medical in home senior and personal care services similar to what is often provided by family members. Carol Carbutti, Owner, understands the need to keep people in their own homes and Comfort Keepers’ constellation of services are designed to help people of all ages (not just the elderly) stay in their own homes and maintain their independence and avoid isolation. We provide from 3 hour to 24 hour care to clients in their residential home or in a facility. To learn more about our services call our office at 203-697-1030 or view our website at www.comfortkeepers.com/749 To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to www.peoplespressnews.com The People’s Press is a community newspaper serving Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut. We invite you to join us by becoming a part of the family of our submitters and sharing your news, stories, photos and views that matter most to Wallingford, Meriden and Central Connecticut. We are YOUR newspaper. You will also find information from the Wallingford and Meriden Mayors, the Wallingford and Meriden Public Libraries, the Wallingford and Meriden Senior Centers, the Wallingford and Meriden Health Departments, other various town and city departments and events as well as information about the wonderful groups and civic organizations that help Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut to be a better place. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or call 203-235-9333 if you have any questions.