36 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345
making connections ~ improving lives Worksite Wellness Newsletter of HCCA
Volume 3 Issue 5 Adult and Worksite Wellness |
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Board of Directors
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Mary Frances Bartlett
Rebecca West Dick, Chair
Cindy T. Flye
Rob Gordon
Chuck Hays, Treasurer
Bill McKenna
William McPeck, Vice Chair
Kathi Wall
Jim Wood, Secretary
Mark Yerrick |
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Our Towns |
- Augusta
- Chelsea
- Farmingdale
- Fayette
- Gardiner
- Hallowell
- Litchfield
- Manchester
- Monmouth
- Mount Vernon
- Pittston
- Randolph
- Readfield
- Richmond
- Vienna
- Wayne
- West Gardiner
- Windsor
- Winthrop
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Welcome
HCCA's
February 2010
Worksite Wellness Newsletter
HCCA's monthly Worksite Wellness e-newsletter contains general wellness, community information & subjects specific to worksite wellness program development. |
| Breathe Easy! |
Smokefree Areas for Worksites and Public Spaces
Smoking is prohibited within at least 20 feet from
entryways, windows, doorways, vents, and locations that allow smoke to circulate back into an enclosed area of a public place. HCCA, your local Healthy Maine Partnership is pleased to provide free 6" x 6" signs to local businesses (see below) by contacting Amy at 588-5019.
This sign can also be used in outdoor dining areas. This is a great opportunity to look at your tobacco policy to ensure it meets or exceeds the state requirements and earn free large green and white tobacco free or smoke free signs. To learn more contact Amy at 588-5019.
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| February Health Observances |
 Heart Month and National Wear Red Day 5th
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths. Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.
According to the American Heart Association, about 700,000 Americans have an initial heart attack and another 500,000 have a recurrent heart attack each year. According to a CDC report, almost half of the cardiac deaths in 1999 occurred before emergency services and hospital treatment could be administered. It is important to recognize the signs of a heart attack and to act immediately by calling 9-1-1. A person's chances of surviving a heart attack are increased if emergency treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible.
The major symptoms of a heart attack are:
* Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
* Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
* Shortness of breath
Some of the less obvious symptoms include:
* Pounding heart beats or feeling extra heart beats
* Upper abdominal pain
* Nausea, vomiting or severe indigestion
* Sweating for no apparent reason
* Dizziness with weakness
* Sudden extreme fatigue
* Panic with feeling of impending doom
A note about women's milder symptoms - About a third of women experience no chest pain at all when having a heart attack and 71% of women report flu-like symptoms for two weeks to a month prior to having more acute chest discomfort or severe shortness of breath. These milder symptoms are under-reported to emergency room staff.
Free Video! Wisdom Gained from the Heart
This 11 minute video touchingly highlights Maine Women sharing their personal stories of surviving and living with cardiovascular disease. The video also features discussions by experts about CVD.
- Include Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and when to call 911 in your emergency or all hazards plan
- Include Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and when to call 911 in employee orientation program
- Include Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and when to call 911 in annual employee education programs
- Provide CPR/AED/First Aid training to employees (check out Motovational Services Training Center brochure for an affordable local resource www.mocomaine.com/BROCHURE.pdf )
 National Wear Red Day -February 5
Wear red - a dress, shirt, tie or Red Dress pin - in support of raising awareness of and fighting cardiovascular disease!
Random Acts of Kindness Week 15-21
Sometimes it's the simplest of acts that can change someone's whole day. The important thing is to just take a few minutes and do something, anything that might brighten someone's day. For ideas, please go to www.actsofkindness.org/
Other February Health Observances and Resources:
March Health Observances:
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
National Poison Prevention Month
Companies that Care - 18th
American Diabetes Alert Day - 23rd |
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 Go Red BetterU is a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week will focus on a different area and provide step-by-step guidance. You'll have access to everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool. To learn more or to start program visit www.goredforwomen.org/BetterU/index.aspx |
| Keep ME Well! |
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The goals of KeepMEWell are to assist Maine residents, especially those who are uninsured, underinsured or experiencing health disparities to:
* Assess their risk for chronic disease
* Receive feedback that promotes action to address identified health risks
* Link to local community resources that assist residents in taking action to lower their risk for
disease and improve their health
* Link uninsured and underinsured residents to healthcare services at no cost or sliding scale
cost
KeepMEWell is a free public service offered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Department of Health and Human Services. No personal information about individuals will be collected. Only the individual will decide what to do with their personal results. One way is to use it as a conversation starter with your health care provider. |
| Wise Health Consumer Month |
 The primary goal of Wise Health Consumer Month is to teach people how to be more involved in their own health care. Wellness teams can include this information in their benefits communication campaigns or through a separate educational campaign. Wise health care consumers make the best use of their benefits and time with medical professionals, generally reducing overall health care costs and medical errors.
The following list are examples of how individuals can be wise health care consumers.
Tips for Being a Wise Health Care Consumer
1. Take the time to carefully select a doctor or health care provider. Ask friends or relatives for recommendations. Investigate whether or not the doctor participates with your health insurance plan. Websites to help you assess physician and healthcare system quality visit www.leapfroggroup.org; www.mehmc.org/ or
http://www.mainequalitycounts.org/quality-counts-for-me/main/
2. Prepare for visits to your health care provider by compiling lists of questions or concerns you wish to discuss during your appointment. By making the most of the time you have, you can avoid unnecessary calls and repeat visits.
3. Ask questions about medications you are prescribed. Understand why you are taking it and how it should be taken. Finish all medications, even if you are feeling better.
4. Keep a checklist of all medications you are taking and share this list with your health care provider. This is especially important if you are seeing more than one doctor.
5. Be aware of routine medical tests and examinations, and the recommended times to have them. You may be able to avoid unnecessary and expensive tests.
6. Use home medical tests when available. They are less costly and can be used without a visit to the doctor.
7. Keep a well stocked home pharmacy with commonly used medicinal items. This can help you deal with common problems and save costly trips to the doctor or emergency room.
8. Understand your health insurance plan. A list of basic questions about what is covered and knowing the answers to these questions can save time and money,
9. Take care of your mental health as well as you would your physical health. States of emotional upset can interfere with daily living routines, and can ultimately affect you physical well being.
10. Keep a list of health agencies handy as a reference. Most are available by phone, fax or email and can serve as a resource for free information and support.
11. Ask for prices of procedures and tests, the fees can differ greatly between systems and providers. Review your statements for accuracy.
To learn more about Wise Consumer Health Month visit: http://www.aipm.net/wise/
List of ten questions to ask your doctor visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/ |
| Time to Register for Move and Improve |
 It is that time of year again, time to register for EMHS's Move and Improve program. Sign up today as individuals or as a company team. The program is designed to help individuals challenge themselves to meet structured goals. Move and Improve gives you the opportunity to identify the goal that best fits your needs as well as tips and helpful information to keep you motivated along the way.
Program Cost: FREE
Program Registration: February 1 - March 26, 2010
Program Length: February 28 - May 22, 2010
Program Goals: 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, four days per week for a minimum of eight of the 12 weeks or
30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five days per week for a minimum of eight of the 12 weeks or
45 minutes of moderate physical activity, five days per week for a minimum of eight of the 12 weeks.
For more information: contact Nicole Hammer at 207-973-7245 or nhammer@emh.org |
| Concentra has FREE H1N1 Vaccines |
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Concentra has FREE H1N1 Vaccine
For more information call 629-5005
Concentra is located at 219 Capitol Street, Suite 2, Augusta |
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KV YMCA offering a Saturday series of guided group Snow Shoeing Treks, "Movement with Purpose." |
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KV YMCA to offer guided group Snow Shoeing Treks, Saturdays Feb. 13-Mar. 20, 2010, led by Sara Dostie of Healing Hands Holistic Wellness, "Movement with Purpose." Participants will meet at KV YMCA Augusta, 1 p.m. - all locations within 20 mile radius, 1-2 hour treks with healthy snacks provided! Group size limited to 12 (3 person minimum). Members $30 per person per Sat. (Program Members $35, Non-Members $40). Pre-registration is required by the Friday before each trek at the KV YMCA Membership Services Desk. Call 626-3488 or 622-9622 for more info |
| Southern Kennebec County Indoor Winter Walking Opportunities |
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Gardiner Area High School hallways
2:30 - 4:30 PM on School Days
Gardiner Regional Middle School Gym
6:00 - 7:00 AM School Days
Marcia Buker Elementary School (Richmond) hallways
3:00 - 5:00 PM Monday - Thursday on School Days
Riverview Community School (South Gardiner)
Pittston School Gym (Pittston)
T.C. Hamlin Gym (Randolph)
6:00 - 7:30 AM School Days
Helen Thompson Gym (West Gardiner)
Laura E. Richards Gym (Gardiner)
6:30 - 7:30 AM School Days
Longfellow's Greenhouse (Manchester)
During hours of operation |
| Living Well For Better Health 6 week Chronic Disease Self Management Program |
 Do you have aches and pains, asthma, diabetes, a heart problem, trouble breathing, weight concerns, depression or another long term health condition?
Anyone living with a long term health condition is welcome. A family member, friend or caregiver can also participate.
This workshop helps you find ways to deal with your symptoms and make life better.
When and Where the Workshops are to be Held
February 8 Informational Meeting: 10:00 am, at the Cohen Community
Center, Hallowell
Workshops: February 23 - March 30, 2010, 9:00 - 11:30 am
Contact: Vicki Foster 623-0764 extension 126 or email
February 10 Informational Meeting: MaineGeneral Thayer Campus
Dean 1 Conference Room 6:00 pm
Workshops: February 17 - March 24, 2010, 6:00-8:00 pm
Contact: Janet Sawyer 621-3742 or email
March 11 Informational Meeting: MaineGeneral E. Chestnut Street
Conference Room 3, 6:00 pm
Workshops: March 18 - April 22, 2010, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Contact: Janet Sawyer 621-3742 or email
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Thank you for your commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community. Please contact us if we can be of assistance in supporting your southern Kennebec community's quality of life.
Sincerely,
Joanne Joy, Director
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Amy Wagner, Adult and Worksite Wellness Initiatives Program Manager
Nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
HCCA is a local Healthy Maine Partnership (HMP). HMP is a collaborative effort among 28 local coalitions, the Maine DHHS (Maine CDC and Office of Substance Abuse) and DOE, supported primarily by the Fund for Healthy Maine with federal grants from the US CDC, SAMHSA, and DOE. |
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