Health News
Meriden Health Dept.
Meriden Health Department Offers Social Group for New Moms
The Meriden Health Department will be offering a free social group for new moms and moms-to-be who quit smoking during their pregnancy and want to stay smoke-free for their new baby.
This 10-week group will include sessions on how to manage stress, candle and jewelry making, how to start an exercise program, as well as tips and demonstrations on how to make healthy, quick meals. New moms and moms-to-be will also gain insightful tips on how to stay smoke-free from women who have been in their shoes.
This free group will be held on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., and will start on October 3, 2006. Free babysitting will be available, and nutritious snacks will be served at each session. To learn more about the program, please call Debbie Roman at the Health Department, at 203-630-4104.
Keep those Ghosts and Goblins Safe this Halloween
Safety Tips for a Safe Halloween
Children should:
Go only to well-lit houses and stay on porches – do not go into homes or apartments.
Travel in small groups with an adult.
Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls.
Have their names and addresses attached to the inside of costumes.
Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
When walking in neighborhoods, they should–
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can block a child's vision.)
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Parents and adults should–
Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Have trick-or-treaters eat a meal before they go out - this way they will be less tempted to eat treats before they are checked for safety.
Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Healthy Teeth = Healthy Smiles!
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
Early oral health care is very important for healthy smiles. But how early should care start? This article will address this and other questions surrounding children’s oral health care.
When Should I Start Caring for My Child’s Teeth?
Dental care should start before a baby’s first tooth appears. Just because you cannot see the teeth doesn’t mean they are not there. Running a damp washcloth (or gauze pad) over your baby’s gums following feeding can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush (but with no toothpaste) or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.
What Kind of Dentist Should My Child See?
You may want to take your child to a dentist who specializes in treating children. These dentists are called “pediatric dentists.” Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with your child’s dental health.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
It is recommended that your child’s first visit to the dentist take place by his or her first birthday. Here are some things to ask your child’s dentist to prevent cavities:
Ask about the use of topical fluoride when all of your child’s first teeth have come in (usually around age 2 ½ ). Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities.
If your water supply is not fluoridated, ask your dentist if you should use supplements.
Ask about the use of sealants as your child’s permanent teeth grow in.
Also, follow these tips:
Brush at least twice a day and floss routinely (this goes for kids and adults!). Children as young as age 2 or 3 can begin to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, as long as they are supervised. Your dentist can recommend when to start using toothpaste.
If your baby needs a bottle to sleep, do not put anything in it but water. Sugar from juice or milk can stay on the baby’s teeth for hours and harm your baby’s teeth.
Your child will be saying “cheese” in no time!
BARIATRICS (Weight Loss Program)
Please call to register and for location directions, 203-694-8343
Bariatric Program Seminar
Tuesdays, October 25, November 14 and December 12
6:30 – 8:30pm
The seminar is an opportunity for individuals considering bariatric surgery to meet with our Bariatric Team and learn about the option of weight loss surgery. Dr. Benbrahim will cover the medical/surgical aspects of obesity and the benefits of weight loss surgery; Our dietician will talk about nutritional issues with a focus on post-op diet; Our pharmacist will briefly discuss medication issues and there will be a discussion on behavioral/emotional aspects of the surgery.
Please call for location.
Registration Required
203-694-8343
Meriden Health Department News and Events
There is a new movement in Meriden – an anti-litter movement!
Is there an area in your neighborhood that you would like to help keep clean? Why not "Adopt-A-Block" that could use some tender loving care (TLC)? If you are livid about litter, the City of Meriden invites individuals, youth organizations, and community agencies to do something about it by adopting a block in their neighborhood.
Meriden Adopt-A-Block is one of multiple projects being undertaken by an anti-littering committee, under the leadership of Councilwoman Patricia Lynes, consisting of various city departments and organizations in Meriden. The goal is to have city blocks “adopted” and kept litter-free by involving organizations and agencies throughout Meriden. When individuals and groups get involved and adopt-a-block, all Meriden residents enjoy these benefits:
Improved quality of life in our neighborhoods. The appearance of our community contributes to the quality of life we all share.
Litter-free, more attractive communities that help discourage unwanted and illegal activity.
An area watched and cared for by concerned residents and groups.
Pleasant reminders of the importance of litter control and prevention.
Becoming Involved in anti-littering campaigns increases citizen responsibility, ownership, and pride, and provides role modeling for children and the entire community. It is a great way for youth to receive city-wide recognition for participating in community service, often needed for graduation requirements.
The committee needs the help of everyone if we are to keep Meriden clean. If you are interested in learning more about Meriden’s Adopt-A-Block program and other anti-littering activities being planned, please call Lea Crown, Health Educator, at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4238.
A Breath of Fresh Air – October 25 is Lung Health Day
The Meriden Health Department wants to encourage healthy habits that pay off with lung health for life. Even though our lungs are on the inside of our body, how healthy they stay depends a lot on what happens on the outside of the body!
Follow these tips not only on October 25 but year-round for good lung health:
Tip #1 – Don’t Smoke!
It seems obvious, but it is worth restating: smoking is harmful to your entire body, and the habit usually starts harming your lungs first. So if you are a non-smoker, keep up the good work. If you do smoke, call the Health Department at 630-4104 to learn about how you can quit.
Tip #2 – Eat Your Fruits, Vegetables, and Drink Water
Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E, and health professionals agree that it's best to get them from your food rather than from supplements. Staying away from processed foods in general is good for your lungs and your overall health. Water is good for your lung health, too. The lung tissue is moist and when we exhale, we lose moisture so we have to drink water to replenish it.
Tip #3 – Breathe the Cleanest Air Available
Smoggy, polluted air isn't really good for anyone, but those with compromised lung function particularly need to avoid alert-worthy conditions and high allergy days by opting for good indoor air. Avoid the outdoors during peak traffic hours and exercising or working outside on days when pollen counts are high. It's also a good idea to avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can cause those who do not have lung disease to develop symptoms and in some cases the same diseases as smokers such as lung cancer and emphysema.
Tip #4 – Move it or Lose it
Endurance exercise, walking, bicycling, gardening, and other sustained activity is very beneficial, in fact it is one of the best things you can do to keep your lungs healthy, other than not smoking.
For more information on lung health, please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4238.
FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH MERIDEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Meriden Health Department will offer the influenza (flu) vaccine on the following dates:
November 1, 2006 9:00am – 12:00pm Meriden Senior Citizens Center 22 West Main Street
(Seniors over 60 years of age and chronically ill residents encouraged to attend)
November 8, 2006 2:00pm-6:00pm Meriden Health Department 165 Miller Street
(Open to all Meriden residents, including City of Meriden and Board of Education employees)
November 15, 2006 9:00-12:00pm Meriden Senior Citizens Center 22 West Main Street
(Seniors over 60 years of age and chronically ill residents encouraged to attend)
The cost of each inoculation is $20.00. Medicare Part B will be accepted. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination.
All vaccination dates are by appointment only. Please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234 to make an appointment.
Meriden Health Department Offers Social Group for New Moms
The Meriden Health Department will be offering a free social group for new moms and moms-to-be who quit smoking during their pregnancy and want to stay smoke-free for their new baby.
This 10-week group will include sessions on how to manage stress, candle and jewelry making, how to start an exercise program, as well as tips and demonstrations on how to make healthy, quick meals. New moms and moms-to-be will also gain insightful tips on how to stay smoke-free from women who have been in their shoes.
This free group will be held on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., and will start on October 3, 2006. Free babysitting will be available, and nutritious snacks will be served at each session. To learn more about the program, please call Debbie Roman at the Health Department, at 203-630-4104.
Keep those Ghosts and Goblins Safe this Halloween
Safety Tips for a Safe Halloween
Children should:
Go only to well-lit houses and stay on porches – do not go into homes or apartments.
Travel in small groups with an adult.
Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls.
Have their names and addresses attached to the inside of costumes.
Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
When walking in neighborhoods, they should–
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can block a child's vision.)
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Parents and adults should–
Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Have trick-or-treaters eat a meal before they go out - this way they will be less tempted to eat treats before they are checked for safety.
Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Healthy Teeth = Healthy Smiles!
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
Early oral health care is very important for healthy smiles. But how early should care start? This article will address this and other questions surrounding children’s oral health care.
When Should I Start Caring for My Child’s Teeth?
Dental care should start before a baby’s first tooth appears. Just because you cannot see the teeth doesn’t mean they are not there. Running a damp washcloth (or gauze pad) over your baby’s gums following feeding can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush (but with no toothpaste) or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.
What Kind of Dentist Should My Child See?
You may want to take your child to a dentist who specializes in treating children. These dentists are called “pediatric dentists.” Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with your child’s dental health.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
It is recommended that your child’s first visit to the dentist take place by his or her first birthday. Here are some things to ask your child’s dentist to prevent cavities:
Ask about the use of topical fluoride when all of your child’s first teeth have come in (usually around age 2 ½ ). Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities.
If your water supply is not fluoridated, ask your dentist if you should use supplements.
Ask about the use of sealants as your child’s permanent teeth grow in.
Also, follow these tips:
Brush at least twice a day and floss routinely (this goes for kids and adults!). Children as young as age 2 or 3 can begin to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, as long as they are supervised. Your dentist can recommend when to start using toothpaste.
If your baby needs a bottle to sleep, do not put anything in it but water. Sugar from juice or milk can stay on the baby’s teeth for hours and harm your baby’s teeth.
Your child will be saying “cheese” in no time!
BARIATRICS (Weight Loss Program)
Please call to register and for location directions, 203-694-8343
Bariatric Program Seminar
Tuesdays, October 25, November 14 and December 12
6:30 – 8:30pm
The seminar is an opportunity for individuals considering bariatric surgery to meet with our Bariatric Team and learn about the option of weight loss surgery. Dr. Benbrahim will cover the medical/surgical aspects of obesity and the benefits of weight loss surgery; Our dietician will talk about nutritional issues with a focus on post-op diet; Our pharmacist will briefly discuss medication issues and there will be a discussion on behavioral/emotional aspects of the surgery.
Please call for location.
Registration Required
203-694-8343
Meriden Health Department News and Events
There is a new movement in Meriden – an anti-litter movement!
Is there an area in your neighborhood that you would like to help keep clean? Why not "Adopt-A-Block" that could use some tender loving care (TLC)? If you are livid about litter, the City of Meriden invites individuals, youth organizations, and community agencies to do something about it by adopting a block in their neighborhood.
Meriden Adopt-A-Block is one of multiple projects being undertaken by an anti-littering committee, under the leadership of Councilwoman Patricia Lynes, consisting of various city departments and organizations in Meriden. The goal is to have city blocks “adopted” and kept litter-free by involving organizations and agencies throughout Meriden. When individuals and groups get involved and adopt-a-block, all Meriden residents enjoy these benefits:
Improved quality of life in our neighborhoods. The appearance of our community contributes to the quality of life we all share.
Litter-free, more attractive communities that help discourage unwanted and illegal activity.
An area watched and cared for by concerned residents and groups.
Pleasant reminders of the importance of litter control and prevention.
Becoming Involved in anti-littering campaigns increases citizen responsibility, ownership, and pride, and provides role modeling for children and the entire community. It is a great way for youth to receive city-wide recognition for participating in community service, often needed for graduation requirements.
The committee needs the help of everyone if we are to keep Meriden clean. If you are interested in learning more about Meriden’s Adopt-A-Block program and other anti-littering activities being planned, please call Lea Crown, Health Educator, at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4238.
A Breath of Fresh Air – October 25 is Lung Health Day
The Meriden Health Department wants to encourage healthy habits that pay off with lung health for life. Even though our lungs are on the inside of our body, how healthy they stay depends a lot on what happens on the outside of the body!
Follow these tips not only on October 25 but year-round for good lung health:
Tip #1 – Don’t Smoke!
It seems obvious, but it is worth restating: smoking is harmful to your entire body, and the habit usually starts harming your lungs first. So if you are a non-smoker, keep up the good work. If you do smoke, call the Health Department at 630-4104 to learn about how you can quit.
Tip #2 – Eat Your Fruits, Vegetables, and Drink Water
Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E, and health professionals agree that it's best to get them from your food rather than from supplements. Staying away from processed foods in general is good for your lungs and your overall health. Water is good for your lung health, too. The lung tissue is moist and when we exhale, we lose moisture so we have to drink water to replenish it.
Tip #3 – Breathe the Cleanest Air Available
Smoggy, polluted air isn't really good for anyone, but those with compromised lung function particularly need to avoid alert-worthy conditions and high allergy days by opting for good indoor air. Avoid the outdoors during peak traffic hours and exercising or working outside on days when pollen counts are high. It's also a good idea to avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can cause those who do not have lung disease to develop symptoms and in some cases the same diseases as smokers such as lung cancer and emphysema.
Tip #4 – Move it or Lose it
Endurance exercise, walking, bicycling, gardening, and other sustained activity is very beneficial, in fact it is one of the best things you can do to keep your lungs healthy, other than not smoking.
For more information on lung health, please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4238.
FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH MERIDEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Meriden Health Department will offer the influenza (flu) vaccine on the following dates:
November 1, 2006 9:00am – 12:00pm Meriden Senior Citizens Center 22 West Main Street
(Seniors over 60 years of age and chronically ill residents encouraged to attend)
November 8, 2006 2:00pm-6:00pm Meriden Health Department 165 Miller Street
(Open to all Meriden residents, including City of Meriden and Board of Education employees)
November 15, 2006 9:00-12:00pm Meriden Senior Citizens Center 22 West Main Street
(Seniors over 60 years of age and chronically ill residents encouraged to attend)
The cost of each inoculation is $20.00. Medicare Part B will be accepted. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination.
All vaccination dates are by appointment only. Please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234 to make an appointment.
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