Bill McKenna William McPeck, Vice Chair Kathi Wall Jim Wood, Chair
Mark Yerrick, Secretary
Our Towns
Augusta
Chelsea
Farmingdale
Fayette
Gardiner
Hallowell
Litchfield
Manchester
Monmouth
Mount Vernon
Pittston
Randolph
Readfield
Richmond
Vienna
Wayne
West Gardiner
Windsor
Winthrop
Farmers Markets
Augusta:
Turnpike Mall:
Wednesdays & Saturdays 10:00-1:00 WIC Accepted
Mill Park: Tuesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC Accepted
Gardiner:
The Common: Wednesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC & SNAP Accepted
Hallowell:
Water Street: Sundays 11:00-3:00
Wayne:
Mill Pond: Sundays 9:00-11:30
Winthrop:
Union Street: Tuesdays & Saturdays 9:00-1:00
Wanted: Worksites to use Healthy Maine Works!
Healthy Maine Works! is a software program that helps wellness teams develop their strategic plans and administer employee surveys easily and confidentially. This is an opportunity to receive free technical support provided by a Nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant and access to the free software. Call Amy at 588-5019 to schedule a demonstration today
Welcome
HCCA's
October 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
Free signage available call Amy at 588-5019.
We have FREE metal signs, corrugated plastic, window clings and laminated signs.
Smoking is prohibited in outdoor eating areas, outdoor eating areas are defined as a patio, deck or other property that is partially enclosed or open to the sky that is permitted for outdoor eating or drinking under the control of the eating establishment, as long as food or drink is served by the establishment to the public for consumption on the premises
Establishments with outdoor eating areas shall post signs notifying patrons of the prohibition and requesting all persons within the outdoor eating area comply with the law.
Maine law makes common areas in our state parks and state historic sites smoke-free. These areas include:
* Beaches
* Playgrounds
* Snack Bars
* Picnic Shelters
* Business Facilities
* Restrooms
* Public Spaces
The Workplace Smoking Act of 1985 and Accompanying Rules prohibits smoking:
*in all company vehicles (owned or leased)
*in all enclosed areas where work is performed and the
employer is responsible for
*in common areas, private offices
*in employee owned vehicles used in the course of work
*in 20 feet of entryways, vents, doorways or any location that
allows smoke to circulate back into the building
*violations are subject to fines up to $ 1,500.
*the law requires worksites to have a written policy that
meets or exceeds the law, post it and make copies
available to employees.
*in DHHS licensed residential facilities when an employee is
If you do not feel your issue has not been adequately addressed, call John Archard at the Office of the Maine Attorney General,
592-8149
For more information, questions or assistance in developing your policy call Amy at 588-5019
Thank You
We recently received notice that the Winthrop Middle School Fun After School Program, which provides free academic, physical and creative programming for all middle school students was in need of funds to pay for 200 BPA-free water bottles. Jeff Sequin at Winthrop Area Federal Credit Area was quick to offer to pay for the water bottles. Thank you Jeff and Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union for your generosity.
October Health Observances
Have fun. Eat Together! October is National Eat Better; Eat Together month. It is time for adults to eat meals with children and teenagers and to celebrate family meals.
Although nutritious food is important, children and teenagers report that what they like about family meals is the mealtime conversation. They like having time to share, find out what others have been doing, and to laugh.
Families make eating together memorable in many ways. Some families have candlelight dinners. Others shop together so that each person can select a vegetable for family soup that they make and eat together. Some try foods from other countries. Others celebrate and share family memories around a traditional family recipe. Whether your family meal is quick and easy or more elaborate, make it nutritious and make it fun by enjoying each other's company as you share a meal.
DomesticViolence Awareness Month evolved from the First Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed October 1987.
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
Untreated mental illness costs American companies over 170 billion dollars every year in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and direct healthcare costs. However, prevention and early-intervention programs are easily integrated into existing health and wellness programs.
In the past 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Not at all
Several days
More than half the days
Nearly every day
1.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2.
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3.
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4.
Feeling tired or having little energy
5.
Poor appetite or overeating
6.
Feeling bad about yourself-or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7.
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8.
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite-being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
9.
Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way
If you checked off any problems, how difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?
Not difficult at all Somewhat difficult Very difficult Extremely difficult
Question: Do you find yourself 'eating emotionally': eating unhealthy foods or eating when you're not hungry, as a response to stress or difficult feelings?
No, I eat a healthy diet, and only eat when hungry. I admit I've binged on the occasional Haagen Dazs, but it's not a regular occurrence. Yes, I have to admit that my diet is pretty unhealthy.
Question: Do you find yourself sweating excessively when you're not exercising?
No. Sometimes, when I'm particularly stressed, but not often. Yes, it happens fairly regularly.
Question: Do you ever have trouble sleeping?
Rarely or never. Sometimes I'll have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. Yes, I pretty often have trouble with sleep quality, or with falling and staying asleep.
Question: Are you experiencing any digestive problems, such as indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcers?
No. I get the occasional stress-related stomach ache, but nothing too regular. Yes, I'm experiencing pretty regular digestive problems.
Question: Are you suffering from burnout, anxiety disorders or depression?
No. I don't know. Yes.
Question: Are you taking care of yourself?
Yes, I take good care of my body and soul. I don't have as much time for self care as I'd like, but I'm doing okay. No, I rarely take care of myself.
Question: Do you have a supportive social network, and take time for relationships in your life?
Yes. My friends and family help a lot with stress. Somewhat. I have a few close relationships and can talk to people if something's really bothering me, but don't have as much time for relationships as I'd like. No, I have few close friends or supportive family ties, or I don't have time to devote to the people I could be close with.
Question: Are you getting regular exercise?
Yes. I lead an active lifestyle and exercise at least three times per week. Sort of. I get some exercise throughout the day, or I go to the gym a couple times a week. No. I live a sedentary lifestyle and don't go to the gym regularly.
Question: Do you find yourself smoking and/or drinking to excess as a way to deal with stress?
No. I do one of those things, but it's not a big problem for me. Yes, and to be honest, I know it can't be good for me.
Question: Do you often find yourself with tension headaches?
No. I've had them before, but not often. Sort of. I get them once a month or so. Yes, I struggle with them regularly.
Question: Are you having trouble maintaining a healthy weight? Or, are you carrying excessive abdominal fat?
No, I'm within 10 pounds of my 'ideal' weight. To a degree. I struggle with diet like many people, but it's not too much of a problem. Yes: I've put on much more weight than I'm comfortable with / I can't keep weight on / My problem area is my abdomen.
Question: Are you easily irritated lately?
No, I'm pretty even-tempered. It takes quite a bit to get me flustered. Somewhat. I find I have less patience than I'd like, but it's not a problem in my life. Yes. I find myself snapping at people out of frustration, or having a low threshold for dealing with annoyances.
Question: How often have you missed work in the last year due to actual illness?
Maybe once. Two to three times. Four times or more.
Question: How often have you missed work in the last year due to actual illness?
Maybe once. Two to three times. Four times or more.
Question: Do you often feel fatigued at the end of a day?
Not too much. I'm ready for sleep at night, but I do have energy in the evenings. Somewhat. I come home and need to rest for a while before I can do activities in the evenings. Yes. In fact, I'm often fatigued by the MIDDLE of the day.
Question: Do you have a feeling that stress may be affecting your health?
Not really. I'm just taking this test for fun. Possibly. I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be shocked if it were true. Yes. In fact, I'd be surprised if stress WEREN'T affecting my health.
Healthy Lung Month is sponsored by the American Lung Association and seeks to increase awareness of issues pertaining to the maintenance of healthy lungs. Breathing is something most of us don't think about on a daily basis, unless you are one of the 35 million Americans living with chronic lung disease. The most common cause of lung disease is cigarette smoking-exposure to cigarette smoke. That causes irreparable damage to the lung over many years of exposure. Other common causes are infections and such things as pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, those sort of things, as well.
The very sad thing is women are now smoking about as much as men. More women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. There are, of course, children with lung diseases such as asthma, that sort of thing. And then in the middle years, 20 to 30 or 40, asthma is probably the most common lung disease people have. But after the age of about 40, you start to get into things like lung cancer, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-both of which the main cause is smoking.
Smoking us concentrated disproportionally in lower socioeconomic classes, for example the self reported smoking rate for physicians is 1% but 30% in the blue collar population. There are four policies with strong evidence in reducing tobacco use:
1.Raising tobacco taxes
2.Extending laws regarding clean indoor air
3.Running counter marketing campaigns
4.Banning tobacco advertising and promotion
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In 2009, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since its inception a quarter century ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As NBCAM celebrates its 25th anniversary, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence.
The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. In 2010, National Mammography Day will be celebrated on October 15.
Mcgruff the Crime Dog turned 30 this year, check out his website www.mcgruff.org
Every October during Crime Prevention Month, individuals can commit to working on at least on of three levels-family, neighborhood or community-to drive violence and drugs from our world. It is also the time to honor individuals who have accepted personal responsibility for the their neighborhoods and groups who work for the community's common good.
"Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think," focuses on maintaining optimal oral health while leading a busy, active lifestyle. Living a life on-the-go can be difficult sometimes, but keeping a healthy mouth shouldn't be.
The four page resolve from the U.S. House of Representatives includes 14 "whereas" statements, providing the rational for this official recognition of work/family balance.
Notably, the federal government recognizes the following:
Employees who have more access to flexible work arrangements are significantly more satisfied with their jobs, are more satisfied with their lives, and experience less interference between their jobs.
Employees who are able to effectively balance family and work responsibilities are less likely to report making mistakes, or feel resentment toward employers and coworkers.
Job flexibility often allows parents to be more involved in their children's lives, and research reveals that parental involvement is associated with children's higher achievement in language and mathematics, improved behavior, greater academic persistence, and lower dropout rates.
The resolution also includes impact statements regarding the importance of breastfeeding, increased caregiving responsibilities as our population ages, health and safety for our nation's children, and the merits of sitting down to family dinners.
National Red Ribbon Celebration/National Plant the Promise Week, October 23-31 www.nfp.org
Keep ME Well!
Wanted: Volunteers, if you are interested in helping others use KeepMEWell, call Karen at Healthy Communities of the Capital Area at 588-5012 for more information.
To take the free, easy, private, health risk assessment visit www.keepmewell.org
The goals of KeepMEWell are to assist Maine adult residents 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
disease and improve their health 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. To participate fully, you will need a computer, internet access, and a printer.
One great use of the personal results report is to use it as a conversation starter with your health care provider to develop a personal health plan with personal goals to address health concerns
.
New Education Tool for Prescription Drug Safety
A new 9-minute video/DVD that can be used in human resource offices, health care provider offices, classrooms, or social service agencies is available either on You Tube or as a DVD. This tool, developed by the Kennebec County Drug Overdose Prevention Task Force provides viewers with 3 clear messages: 1.Take Medications as Prescribed 2.Don't Share 3.Don't Flush This message is targeted to people who are prescribed pain medications - and their family members. It has already been used to spark meaningful discussion among social service agency staff and among people at high-risk for overdose.
This video is a great addition to your worksite's return to work program
Wellness Council of Maine Training Opportunities
October
Small Business Worksite Wellness Conference.
Bangor, October 19:
This half day conference, designed for employers with under 50 employees, cost $10/person. Join the Wellness Council of Maine for a motivating keynote speaker, a small business case study, an expert on benefits, an authority on wellness initiatives in small and micro businesses, and a tutorial on Well Workplace University for Small Business.
Agenda
7:30-8:00am: Breakfast and Registration
8:00-8:30am
: Working Wellness: Small Company, Big Opportunities, Debi McCann RN, CCRN,
Exercise Specialist ACSM, Director of Wellness Eastern Maine Medical Center
8:30-9:15am
: Small Business Case Study: Northeastern Log Homes, Dan Dauphinee, Operations
Manager
9:15-9:30am
: Break
9:30-10:15am
: Methods are Many, Principles are Few: Creating a Macro Wellness Program in a
Micro Business
, William E. Primmerman, Project Director for the Greater Somerset Public Health
Collaborative
10:15-11:00am
: Maximizing Benefits and Understanding Options as a Small Business, Acadia
Benefits, Inc
11:00-noon
: Well Workplace University for Small Business: 10 Steps for Success, Jaime Laliberte,
Executive Director, Wellness Council of Maine
RSVP to
director@wellnesscouncilofmaine.org to hold your spot
Partner Host
Well Workplace University Certificate Training (Level II), Bangor
10/20, 10/27 and 11/3, 11/10: Four-part Webinar: Well Workplace University-Certificate Training (Level III)
November
TBD (Mid-November): Well Workplace University for Small Business, Bangor
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
&
Amy Wagner, Adult and Worksite Wellness Initiatives Program Manager
Nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant
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.
Welcome 
Have fun. Eat Together!
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
