Meriden and Wallingford CT Health News & Events June 2010

To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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.



Wallingford Public Health Services
Eloise Hazelwood, Director of Health
203-294-2065

Thank you for the opportunity to inform Wallingford residents about some of the Community Health Services offered by contract with MidState Medical Center and VNA Health Care, starting in July. The basic purpose of providing Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Services for Wallingford residents is to assist residents by providing education, information and referral to medical care with the goal of establishing a medical home for comprehensive care. So what does that mean and how do we plan to move forward starting this July?

There are several assistance programs available to residents, based on the income of the family. We understand that the current economy has left many residents in a difficult situation and folks may now need additional help.

The Well Child Clinics are designed to provide vaccine for children aged birth through 18 years (or high school completion) that are un/underinsured. The clinic provides an assessment of height/weight and hemoglobin (to determine if children have enough iron in their blood and to assess their development); hearing and vision; blood lead screening; TB skin test; and school and sports entrance physicals. Parents will be required to bring proof of income for the initial screening and staff will provide required referrals, if eligible for programs such as HUSKY medical insurance. The ultimate goal again is to establish a “medical home” so the child is seen by the same medical provider for both sick care and well care. The Community Health Center located in Meriden is the area health center for Wallingford residents, no age restriction. Contact them directly at 203-237-2229.

The MidState Medical “Well Child Clinics” are scheduled for July 22nd and 29th, and will be held in Wallingford at the Center Street location. Appointments will begin the end of June. Additional information including the direct number to call to schedule an appointment will be available soon.

Nutritional Services will be provided through the Meriden Health Department, Women Infants and Children (WIC) program at the same Center Street location in Wallingford as the Well Child Clinic or residents may schedule an appointment directly at the Meriden Health Department (203-630-4245). WIC is a federal program that provides education and healthy foods to eligible participants (income and nutritional need based for pregnant women, mothers up to one year post pregnancy if breast-feeding, or up to six months if not breast feeding, and children under five years old).

In addition, the State Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is available, no age restriction, to assist in the purchase of food; applications are available at the Wallingford Youth and Social Services (203-294-2175).

*The Well Child and WIC certifications were previously held at the Wallingford VNA.

Community Health Screenings will be conducted periodically throughout the year. The first one is scheduled as a family health fair and will be held at the Wallingford Library on July 12th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. More information to come!

Community Mental Health Services are provided by the Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department and contracted with Rushford Center. The goal is to assist Wallingford residents through education and support groups, short term counseling and intervention services, contact them at 203-294-2175 for more information.

Childhood Dental Services are available by appointment for financially qualified Wallingford residents age 2-18 yrs (or completion of high school) and include dental screening, cleaning and sealants by contract with the Wallingford VNA (203-269-1475). The Community Health Center of Meriden also provides full dental care, including fillings and extractions, to financially qualified Wallingford residents (203-237-2229).

The Wallingford Health Department wants you to know that your health is important to us!






"The Facts about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue! Some things on the web just aren't true"

By Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom

I came across a rather upsetting Tweet this afternoon about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. It was a shock to read and even scared me a bit, but before I go into great detail about the actual tweet, let me delve a little into what I think a responsible journalist is. I’ve touched on this subject in my book Fibro and Fabulous The Book for a very important reason. You see, the internet has change the way people get their information. This can be a very wonderful and positive thing because many average joes have been able to publish articles or blogs. That’s a great positive because you get fresh perspectives on subjects and most of the time these perspectives are not biased due to adverting.

There is a down side, however, and this one can cause a major problem in society to the point of chaos if we as a people don’t do something about it. The down side is misuse of information due to lack of research. A journalist who taught one of my journalism classes once said, “You could be the best writer in the world, but if you don’t research your subject, you will look like a fool.” I took that statement to heart because misuse of information can cause panic in a society, especially when it comes to health matters. If you misinform a group about a health issue, you can cause a lot of panic and undue stress.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get into the Tweet. The Tweet was about how Canada will not take donated blood from people who suffer from Fibromyalgia. Being the Fibro and Fab gal that I am, the Tweet got my attention. I clicked on the link and was directed to a blog that informed me of a particular study that was done finding a link between a retrovirus (XMRV) and Fibromyalgia. The virus is apparently related to the AIDS virus.
That’s some scary information for a Fibro sufferer to hear, wouldn’t you think? I mean, does this mean that Fibromyalgia is fatal? Can this beast now be linked and passed onto my children? The answer is no. There is still no conclusive evidence linking Fibromyalgia to fatality, in fact, they can’t even link Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue to this “AIDS like” virus.
An editorial (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/340/feb25_1/c1099) published on February 25, 2010 from BMJ, a publication that boasts “helping doctors make decisions”, explains a new study that failed to find a link between the virus and Chronic Fatigue. Most retrovirologists, as the editorial states, are used to seeing a study in its infancy linking a virus to a disease only to fail once additional testing is done. This link is now no different. The editorial goes further in explaining that two additional studies, one from the UK done by BMJ with 168 participants, and one Dutch study with a few participants, also found no conclusive evidence linking Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue to XMRV.

There have only been a total of four studies done on this to date and the latter three are in conflict with the original study done on patients from the 1980’s in the Lake Tahoe area of New York. There are several more tests to be done before XMRV is ruled out, however, the prognosis so far does not look good for the little theory.

What’s sad is that Canada and Australia have decided to forgo blood donations from those who have Chronic Fatigue (http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/04/07/blood-donations-chronic-fatigue-virus.html). This news is sad because this one study that isn’t even conclusive has really caused a lot of fear. The caution that the Canadian Red Cross is doing is for good reason. During the 1980’s tens of thousands of Canadians were infected with either HIV or Hepatitis C after receiving blood from the Red Cross.

Perhaps some of you out there are a little too young to remember the tremendous blood scare the HIV virus caused, but it’s one I remember. I personally wouldn’t mind the ban for a little while if it makes people safe. After all, that’s the true reason why we donate blood to begin with. Whether Canada is truly right in the ban is really a mute point at this time since there isn’t any unequivocal evidence stating that this ban isn’t needed. What this is showing, however, is that people need to be very careful as to what they print. People, and now, even countries may depend on it.




MidState Medical Center to offer Support Group for Stroke Survivors

MidState Medical Center announces the initiation of its Stroke Support Group, an interactive group designed to assist stroke survivors and their caregivers in learning more about stroke and recovery issues, as well as share common challenges and experiences. The group will be facilitated by Pat Giannelli, ACNS, PMHCNS, FNP, MidState’s Neurology Services APRN.

The Stroke Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 7 at MidState Medical Center. The first planned session is scheduled for June 2nd.



Meriden Health Department June 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!

West Nile Virus: A Reminder To “Fight the Bite” this Summer

Summer has officially arrived, and the Meriden Health Department would like to remind residents to take protective measures against West Nile virus, an illness caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds that carry the virus. Although anyone can be infected with the virus, people over 50 years of age have the highest risk of serious illness.

No one likes getting bitten by bugs, especially mosquito bites. Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors during dusk and dawn, or when in mosquito-infested areas such as wetlands or woods.

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.

• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.

• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months of age.

One way to prevent mosquito bites is to reduce the amount of the bugs around your home. Here are some tips:

• Dump water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings often, or get rid of them all together.

• Drill holes in the bottom of containers, such as those used for recycling.

• Clean clogged roof gutters.

• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, pool covers. Drain any collected water from pool covers on a weekly basis.

For more information on West Nile virus call the Meriden Health Department at 203-630-4226 or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.



ALLOW ME TO AGE WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I repeat myself
BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Your favorite work was “why?”

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I tell the same story I just told a few minutes ago

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: I read you the same story over and over each night

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I cannot remember your name

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: The only name you could say was mine

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I move with a slow and unsteady gait

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: I held both of your hands as you tentatively took those first steps
PLEASE…

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I have stains on my clothes after a meal

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Taste and texture were explored as you learned to feed yourself

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: Hygiene matters are not always within my control

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Patience, praise and encouragement helped you to conquer “potty training”

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: A special diet requires extra time and planning

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Formula gave way to baby food and later to cutting table food into tiny pieces

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: Taking me with your requires extra equipment

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Playpens, highchairs, strollers and a diaper bag were all a necessary part of any outing

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I express fear and anxiety in unfamiliar places and circumstances

BUT REMEMBER WHEN: I watched with a lump in my throat as you were introduced to all of the important “firsts”

PLEASE DON’T BE IMPATIENT WITH ME WHEN: I plead with you not to be left alone
BUT REMEMBER WHEN: Leaving you with a caretaker was cause for tears for both of us.

FROM COMFORT KEEPERS IN WALLINGFORD, CT



Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT would like to say Happy Fathers Day and to say that it is so important for all children to show gratitude for all their support and love.

Sons and daughters who are blessed with a loving father should consider themselves fortunate. For, they feel safe knowing they have someone to count on and to guide them when they are heading down the wrong path. This is where we owe dad a big thanks for his adorable scolding and affectionate punishments. Then there are times when he is there to give you courage before the big game or offer some help on a school project. Dads also protect their children from everyday worries while guiding them along the road to success.

That’s why many young kids look up to their fathers as the powerful and intelligent head of the household with a lot of resourceful knowledge. Their sons grow up trying to emulate their fathers since dad is the strongest person in their home and daughters just become daddy's little girl. Even for the grownups fathers are someone whom they look up to for the most experienced and honest advice that is always in the best of our interest.

All children should make a gallant effort to celebrate Father's Day with their Dad. Remember to pamper dad for the day in a manner he likes the most. Such as going out for a picnic or indulging him with a gourmet meal. Children can also express love with thoughtful gifts accompanied by their favorite activity like a ballgame or an afternoon of fishing. Now if you live far away then maybe you can find a nice gift that relates to what he enjoys most like a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant or a prepaid day of golf with his own golf cart. The idea is to show our affection and tell Daddy how much he is loved and appreciated not just on Father's Day but every single day of our lives.

To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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.