Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Meriden Wallingford Health News August 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!

Meriden Movers Community Walking Program

The Meriden Health Department, as part of the Meriden Movers Community Walking Program, will be distributing free pedometers, walking logs, and educational materials at the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail on the following days (weather permitting):

Tuesday, September 8, from 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, September 10, from 5:00-6:00pm

Tuesday, September 15, from 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, September 17, from 5:00-6:00pm

The Linear Trail is located at the corner of Oregon Road and Rt. 70 in South Meriden.

The Health Department encourages all Meriden residents, regardless of age and physical fitness level, to walk for better health. On days of distribution the Community Health Educator will be on hand to answer your questions and show you how to use your pedometer. Please call Lea at 630-4238 if you have any questions. We’ll see you at the trail!



Total Cholesterol Screening – Do You Know Your Numbers?


Free total cholesterol screenings are available to men and women over the age of 18 who live in Meriden. Screenings will be held on Thursday, August 6 from 1:30-3:30pm and Tuesday, August 18, from 9:30-11:30am. Screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street.

Normal total cholesterol levels are under 200. If your screening comes back over 200, we will recommend that you see your doctor for a follow-up blood test, which will tell you how much “good” and “bad” cholesterol is in your body.

While some cholesterol in the body is ok, too much cholesterol can increase your risk for getting cardiovascular disease such as heart disease. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up on the walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This buildup, which occurs over time, causes less blood and oxygen to get to your heart. This can cause chest pain or even a heart attack.

Appointments for the screening are required and are first come, first serve. Educational materials are given out at every screening. Call the Meriden Health Department’s clinic office at 630-4234 to make your appointment.


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Community Health Survey is Underway

The Wallingford Health Department would like to remind all residents that we are currently conducting a brief telephone survey. Your name will not be asked or associated with any of the responses.

The survey will help us determine what the health needs are so that future health promotion and prevention programs can be developed.

We need your help. Please answer the survey if your phone number is called. You will be given your choice of a FREE educational book, for your cooperation.

For more information please call Wallingford Health Department, located in Town Hall, rm. 215 at 294-2065.


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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!

Director Loss Prevention & Safety
Submitted 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 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.

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Back To School Physicals

Back to school physicals for school-aged Meriden residents will be done at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street, from 8:30am-12:30pm on the following days:

Monday, August 24

Tuesday, August 25

Wednesday, August 26

Thursday, August 27

Monday, August 31

Tuesday, September 8

The cost of the physical is $20.00 per child, $50.00 for 3 or more children. Payment for the physicals is cash only. Your child's immunization record is needed at the time of the physical. School physicals are required to enter Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th grade and 10th grade. Call the Meriden Health Department Clinic Office at 630-4234 to make your appointment.



Babysitter’s Training

The Meriden Health Department, Division of Youth Services, will be offering a free babysitter’s training program on August 11 and 13, from 8:30-12:30 each day, at 165 Miller Street (the Health Department).

You will learn about the basics of babysitting including ages and stages, basic care, safety, how to handle emergencies, and more! This program is for kids ages 11-17 years old. Participants will get a certificate upon successful completion of the course. Please call Jodie Schmidt at 639-5059 to sign up.


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!

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