Monday, July 6, 2009

Meriden Wallingford Health News July 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!


News from the American Heart and Stroke Association

American Heart Association Scientific Statements:

Videoconferencing can increase patient access to stroke specialists; immediate, thorough testing needed after “mini” strokes High-quality videoconferencing can increase patient access to stroke specialists, especially in rural and other underserved areas, and a transient ischemic attack (TIA), once known as a “mini” or “warning” stroke, should be treated with the same urgency as a full-blown stroke, according to two separate scientific statements and a policy statement published today in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association joint science advisory:

More patients needed in clinical trials to find treatment for heart condition linked to certain strokes
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are calling on doctors to enroll more patients in clinical trials for catheter-based closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO), a condition caused when an opening between the two chambers of the heart fails to close at birth. Due to a lack of conclusive research on the management of PFO after stroke or transient ischemic attack, there is currently no clearly established treatment for this condition.

Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association

Walking often and far reduces risks in heart patients
An exercise program that burns a lot of calories reduced cardiac risk factors better than standard cardiac rehabilitation in overweight coronary patients, researchers report.
American Heart Association policy position statement: Comparative effectiveness research should inform decision making. Comparative effectiveness research should inform clinical decision making and enhance value for patients and the healthcare delivery system, according to an American Heart Association policy statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
________________________________________________________________________________


Director Loss Prevention & SafetySubmitted

by, Keith Gordon

What to take to bed with you - not a joke! This was sent to me recently and I thought it was a good idea to share. PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT
Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator from another area. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are good that a burglar / rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there..... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. P.S. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Friends Mom has suggested to for our Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.___________________________________________________________________________________________


Meriden/Wallingford NAACP Health and Wellness Fair

Save the Date! The Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP, in partnership with the Community Health Center of Meriden, the Meriden Health Department, and MidState Medical Center, will be hosting its annual health and wellness fair on Friday, July 31, from 10:00am-1:00pm in the Miller Street lot, located at the corner of Miller and Center Street.

Health information and screenings will be offered from over 50 vendors; raffle items will be available as well as fun entertainment, and healthy snacks. This family event is free, and all are welcome!

In the event of rain the event will be held on Saturday, August 1 (same time, same place). For more information on the event, please contact Angela Simpson at 630-4237. This is guaranteed to be a fun, informational event for everyone!

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!

Be Sun Smart This Summer
To prevent a sun burn, staying out of the sun altogether may see to be the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming.
The Meriden Health Department offers these tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage.
· Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen every day is essential because as much as 80% of sun exposure is incidental — the type you get from walking your dog or eating lunch outside.
· Reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. In the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. While playing sports, use sunscreen that is waterproof and sweatproof, and reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours. Don’t forget to wear a lip balm with SPF, too.
· Take frequent breaks. The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During those hours, take breaks to cool off indoors or in the shade for a while before heading out again. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and sports drinks.
· Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide as close to 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation as possible. Look for this information on the label when purchasing new shades. Slip on a shirt when working outdoors.
· Keep infants under 6 months old out of direct sunlight. Children over 6 months of age need a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on all exposed skin. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are also recommended for young children.
Information on sun safety and other summer topics (such as Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and rabies prevention) is available at the Meriden Health Department, and will be on display at City Hall throughout the months of July and August. Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 for more information.
___________________________________________________________________
Protect Your Family Against Whooping Cough!
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a contagious disease that affects your lungs, causing a severe cough that can last for 1 to 10 weeks. Did you know that the shot you got as a child can wear off? It is recommended that you get a booster shot of a vaccine called Tdap if you are between the ages of 11 and 64.

The Meriden Health Department, Immunization Program, will be offering the Tdap vaccine free of charge to Meriden parents. The regular cost of this vaccine is $50.00! A limited supply of vaccine is available, so please call the Clinic office at 630-4234 to set up your appointment. Shots are given at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street. And as a thank you, everyone who gets the vaccine will get a free t-shirt.



_______________________________________________________________________________
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 http://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!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Labels: , ,

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home