Worksite Wellness Newsletter

Worksite Wellness

Newsletter September 2011

Volume 4

Issue 16

In This Issue

September Health Observances

Healthier Enterpreneurs Corner

Wellness Team Corner

Resources

Welcome to HCCA's monthly Worksite Wellness e-newsletter which contains general health and wellness information, community information & subjects specific to worksite wellness programs.

September Health Observances

America on the Move-Month of Action

In September, America On the Move will host STEPtember 2011, their sixth annual, month long celebration highlighting how easy it is to be active and eat healthier. During the event America On the Move will encourage Americans to try its small changes approach to healthier living, allowing hundreds of thousands of Americans to experience the simplicity, power and success of making small changes to live a healthier life.

America On the Move's research proves that small, specific changes in food and physical activity can have a significant impact on health and effectively stop weight gain. The research-based programs encourage people to move more and eat healthier by making two small daily changes:

*Take 2,000 more steps (about 1 mile)

*Eat 100 fewer calories (about 1 Tablespoon of butter)

For great tips on implementing small steps visit www.americaonthemove.org and check out 100 Ways to Add 2,000 Steps amd 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories.

Healthy Aging Month

To learn more visit http://healthyaging.net/ or www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20330

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

To learn more visit visit www.preventblindness.org

Fruit & Veggie Month

Almost everyone needs to eat more fruits and vegetables, a growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical in promoting good health. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, including stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Use September to take the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables each day, to learn more visit:

www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

www.movingtothefuture.org

At Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) take the MyPlate Makeover Challenge and you could win $100 www.pbhfoundation.org/pri_sec/retail/mar_tools/half_the_plate/

USDA MyPlate www.choosemyplate.gov/

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

A national observance that educates Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a substance use or mental disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. The observance's main focus is to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from these conditions, just as we would those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. To learn more visit www.recoverymonth.gov

National Cholesterol Education Awareness Month

September is National Cholesterol Education Awareness Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it, if it is high. This is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals. To learn more visit

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/cholmonth/

National Food Safety Education Month

September is National Food Safety Education Month. Did you know that in the United States each year:

*76 million cases of foodborne illness occur?

*more than 325,000 people are hospitalized for food borne

illness?

*5,000 people will die from food-borne illness?

Food handling safety risks are more common than most people think. Four easy steps-clean, separate, cook and chill-can help prevent harmful bacteria from making your family sick.

Clean: Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards before and after

contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs.

Cook: Use a food thermometer- you can't tell food is cooked

safely by how it looks.

Chill: Chill leftovers and takeout foods within two hours and

keep in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or

below.

Cross contamination is how bacteria is spread. Use one

cutting board for raw meat, poultry and seafood and

another for salads and ready to eat foods.

Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood and their juices apart

from other food items in your grocery cart and bag.

Store raw meat, poultry and seafood in a container or on a

plate so juices can't drip on other foods.

National Pain Awareness Month

Under treated chronic pain is our nation's hidden health epidemic. It cuts across age groups, ethnicities, socioeconomic status and gender. It increases health care costs, results in lost productivity and income, and impairs functional status, sleep, and appetite. There is a high correlation between chronic pain and depression. It affects relationships, families, and the ability to make a productive contribution to society.

During National Pain Awareness month in September, the American Pain Foundation (APF) appreciates the opportunity to highlight the vital role that you can play in helping those living with chronic pain. It comes as we are pushing for final passage of a national pain policy for members of the military and civilians. These pieces of legislation, if passed, would change the landscape of pain medicine in a similar way to other, once neglected conditions, including HIV/AIDS. To learn more visit www.painfoundation.org

National Preparedness Month

Every business should have an emergency plan. It can save lives, company assets, and the entire business. Being prepared means being ready for any emergency-flu, fire, hurricane, earthquake, utility disturbance, violence or manmade disaster.

For resources for individuals, families, worksites, communities or to learn more visit www.ready.gov/, www.mainepublichealth.org/getready.php and www.redcross.org

Whole Grains Month

September is whole grains month and every year the Whole Grains Council celebrates with special events and promotions all month.

To learn more visit www.wholegraincouncil.org

Take a Loved One to the Doctors Day (Sept 20th)

Help someone close to you do the right thing for their health.

For tips to get the most out of your doctor's visit, visit

http://www.aarp.org/health/doctors-hospitals/info-07-2010/mmm_avoid_medication_errors.html

Workout @ Work Day (Sept 8)

What we do at work can have a positive effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Workout @ Work Day is a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's Move for Health campaign, which promotes ways for people to be more active in their daily lives. To learn more visit www.workassist.org

Family Health and Fitness Day (Sept 24th)

The 15th annual Family Health & Fitness Day USA is a national health and fitness event for families, set for Saturday, September 24, 2011. (always on the last Saturday in September.) The event's purpose is to promote family involvement in physical activity, one of the goals of the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health. To learn more visit www.fitnessday.com/family/

National Women's Health & Fitness Day (Sept 28)

This day focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women. The goal of this event is to encourage all women to take control of their health by making healthier choices and devoting time to regular exercise.

Taking control of one's health also suggests taking control of one's mental health. Women should be aware of the signs of depression and anxiety, which can include feeling sad, down or "blue"; being easily frustrated, agitated and/or angry; thoughts of suicide or self-harm or harming others; changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns; excessive thoughts and worry of undone chores, bills and other daily tasks or stressors can all be signs of an underlying mental health issue. Seeking help immediately from a mental health professional or addressing these issues with one's primary care physician can go a long way in taking control of one's mental health and beginning a path of improved health and fitness.

In addition to good mental health, good physical health is important for a healthy life style. Regular exercise has been linked to decreased feeling of depression, anxiety and anger and improved perceptions of self worth and self esteem. Exercise has also been associated with increased production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are thought to promote feelings of euphoria and a general state of well being. Finally, exercise

improves cardiovascular health, improves sleep, promotes weight loss, combats chronic diseases and improves sex.

Healthier Enterpreneurs Corner by Bill McPeck

Don't spend your health now to gain wealth that you will only need to spend later to regain your health.

Question: When and How Often Should I Should I Really Have Certain Screenings?

Because we are all unique, with our own health or potential health issues, the best answer I can give you is that you should follow the recommendations of your own healthcare provider.

That being said, there are general guidelines you probably should be aware of.

Screenings accomplish a couple of things. Screenings measure bodily functions that help to identify health risks or issues that may need attention. Examples here would be health risk assessments (HRA), blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It is important for you to know and track these basic numbers. In fact, many worksite wellness programs include a "Know Your Numbers" type campaign.

Screenings are also used to detect diseases early in their development. Examples here would include mammograms, pap tests and PSA tests, (prostate specific antigen) though there are some issues associated with using the PSA as a screening test.

The best source of screening guidelines comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The USPSTF is an independent panel of non-Federal experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine who conduct scientific evidence reviews of a broad range of clinical preventive health care services (such as screening, counseling, and preventive medications) and develop recommendations for primary care clinicians and health care systems.

The USPSTF recommendations for adults are generally driven by gender and age. You can review the complete list of recommendations for adults here:

www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/adultrec.htm

If you have health insurance, the new federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to make USPSTF A and B rated screening recommendations available to you for no out-of-pocket costs.

If you do not have health insurance, low cost or no cost screenings may be available through community health clinics or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Here is a list of FQHCs in Maine: www.mepca.org/locationsHC.php

The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program in the Department of Health and Human Services offers free breast and cervical health services. You can learn more about their program and eligibility requirements here: www.maine.gov/dhhs/bohdcfh/bcp/index.htm

As we head into fall, don't forget to get your flu shot.

Got a question? Send it to Bill at william.c.mcpeck@maine.gov. Bill McPeck is a health, wellness and safety expert with training as a social worker and personal coach, as well as holding professional certifications in worksite wellness and work-life balance. Bill is currently Director of Employee Health and Safety for Maine State Government.

Wellness Team Corner by Amy Wagner, CWWPC

The Benefits of Worksite Wellness in Difficult and Unpredictable Times

Not sure that your company would benefit from a wellness program?

Worried it would be too expensive or difficult to establish and maintain?

Don't know where to start?

There is no question that we are in challenging times economically with so much uncertainity in the future but it is still a good time to implement a quality worksite wellness program. Regardless of size, there are many benefits of worksite wellness. This month we will look at the reasons to do so and some of the resources.

Reasons to Implement a Worksite Wellness Program

1. Reduce presenteeism-at work but not working at full capacity

due to illness, distraction, etc.

2. Reduce absenteeism-average 27%

3. Reduce benefit costs-health care-average 26% , disability and

workers compensation-average 32%, etc.

4. Decrease turnover rates

5. Retain hard working employees

6. Improve morale

7. Attract healthy, productive employees

Regardless if you are a worksite of one or of thousands many of the steps to get started are the same, we are here to help you and there is no fee for our services. Returns on investment for worksite wellness programs typically range in the $3-6 saved for every dollar spent.

Higher health risk levels are directly correlated with higher costs and lower risk levels are associated with lower costs. At least half of all pre-mature deaths are preventable and due to lifestyle choices. Employees with just one chronic disease risk factor generally have health care costs twice the amount of those without. Healthy employees are more productive employees and they can handle stress better.

We offer a web based software program called Healthy Maine Works that will help you with collecting baseline information on employee health status, practices and willingness to change and allow your organization to compare it over time. The software is also a workplan generator preloaded with hundreds of evidence based strategies that is easily exported to Excel to accommodate other programming ideas.

The initials CWWPC after my name stand for nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant and due to this training I can work with you to develop, implement, maintain, evaluate, etc your wellness program. To learn more call me at 588-5019.

Resources:

Tobacco Cessation:

Maine Tobacco Helpline - It is Free - It is Confidential and it Works!

HelpLine

quitlink

Website - www.thequitlink.com

Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/QuitLink

Twitter page - http://twitter.com/quitlink

Tobacco Intervention Basic Skills Trainings and Other Trainings:

Sept 21, 2011 Helen's Resturant, Machias

Oct 4, 2011 Presque Isle Inn, Presque Isle

Oct 14, 2011 Fireside Inn and Suites, Portland

Nov 2, 2011 Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn

Mar 13, 2012 Spectacular Events, Bangor

Apr 2, 2012 Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland

Level 1 Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Steve Andrew, LCSW, LADC, BCD

Feb 28, 2012 MaineHealth, 110 Free Street, Portland

Webinars: Supplemental training to the Basic Skills Trainings

(web-based trainings 11:00 am to 12:00 pm)

Dec 7, 2011 E-Cignarettes Facts and Fiction

Jan 4, 2012 The E-Referral: Maine Tobacco Helpline Update

Feb 1, 2012 CTI Treatment Center Case Studies

Mar 7, 2012 Smokeless Tobacco

Prerequisite: Completion of the Tobacco Intervention: Basic Skills Training

Intensive Tobacco Treatment Training and Conference

Apr 30-May 3, 2012 Wyndham Airport Hotel, South Portland

Prerequisite: Completion of the Tobacco Intervention: Basic Skills Training

Maine Helpers Program Train-the-Trainer

Training provides practical skills and information for both nonclinical professionals and nonprofessional lay helpers who have a desire assist Maine residents with quitting tobacco.

Oct 24, 2011 MaineHealth, 110 Free Street, Portland

Mar 14, 2012 Black Bear Inn, Orono

For more information on any of these trainings, call Becky Hendrix at 662-7122 or visit www.tobaccofreemaine.org

8th Annual International Symposium on Safe Medicine

October 2-4, 2011

Holiday Inn by the Bay

Portland, Maine

To learn more visit http://benzos.une.edu/documents/2011_08_05_program.pdf

Our own Neill Miner and Karen Tucker, along with Jayne Harper of MaineGeneral Prevention Center, Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty and Karen Hawkes of Healthy Sabasticook Valley Coalition will present on the very successful Bi-County Safe Collection and Disposal of Rx Drugs Program.

Medication Drop Boxes:

The following law enforcement agencies have secure medication drop boxes and accept unwanted and outdated personal and veterinarian medications for disposal from the public any day their lobby is open:

Augusta Police Department, 33 Union Street

Gardiner Police Department, 6 Church Street

Winthrop Police Department, 15 Town Hall Lane

Kennebec Sheriff's Office, 125 State Street, Augusta

Hallowell Police Department is accepting medications to be disposed but the site does not have a drop box.

If you are unable to get to any of these sites to safety dispose your unwanted medications Kennebec Sheriff's Office will pick them up. For more information call KSO at 623-2270.

Educational Resources:

Wellness Council of Maine

Save the Date: October 13 and 14

Annual Workplace Wellness Symposium

Sunday River, Bethel, Maine

For a full listing of Wellness Council of Maine training opportunities visit: www.wellnesscouncilofmaine.org

For more information contact Willow Sherwood

email: director@wellnesscouncilofmaine.org

Telephone: 207-947-0307

Southern Maine Wellness Council

September 20, 2011

Depression in the Workplace Cost and Solutions Conference

8:30am-4:30pm

Augusta Civic Center

To register online visit conferences@usm.maine.edu

A Certificate Course in Fundamentals for Worksite Wellness

6 week course - Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm

October 11 - November 15, 2011

Maine Medical Center

5 Bucknam Road, Falmouth

For more information or to register, contact Tom Downing at 781-1545 or email downit@mmc.org

For a full listing of Southern Maine Wellness Council training opportunities visit www.mmc.org/lifeline_body.cfm?id=7119

For more information contact Thomas Downing, Director

Lifeline Workplace Wellness Program

Maine Medical Center

Division of Community and Prevention Medicine

Falmouth, ME 04105

P: 207-781-1545

E: downit@mmc.org

W: www.mmc.org/lifelinewellness

Kennebec Valley Entrepreneurial Network

KVEN is a regional effort supported by entrepreneurs, service providers, educational institutions, business organizations and individuals who believe that entrepreneurship is the key to prosperity for Kennebec and Somerset Counties.

In additon to regular meetings that take place every six weeks, you are invited to join the online community on 'LinkedIn.' Just go to www.linkedin.com and register to become part of the LinkedIn online community. Once you are registered, go to the top of the menu bar and click on 'Groups.' Type in Kennebec Valley Entrepreneurial Network and become a member of the group. For more information about events or to learn more about KVEN, please contact Ken Young, 453-4258, ext 16, kyoung@kvcog.org or Shelley Payne, 453-4258 ext 19, spayne@kvcog.org

Other Resources:

Women, Work and Community's 60 hour intensive business class, New Ventures, for more information email jenn.dobransky@maine.edu

Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov

Western Kennebec County Economic Development Alliance www.wkeda.com/

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments www.kvcog.gov

Maine Department of Economic & Community Development www.maine.gov/decd/

Institute for Family-owed Business http://fambusiness.org/

Husson University's Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business www.husson.edu/index.php?cat_id=296

Webinars, Webcasts, Reports and White Papers

Bucks Consultants www.bucksconsultants.com

Fisher and Phillips www.laborlawyers.com

Health Promotion Live healthpromotionlive.com

Human Nature @ Work David Lee www.humannatureatwork.com

Institute for Health and Productivity Management www.ihpm.org

National Wellness Institute www.nationalwellness.org

WELCOA www.welcoa.org

Wellsteps new.wellsteps.com

Learning Resources Network (LERN) at MSAD #11 (RSU #11) For more information or to register, contact Diann Bailey, Director MSAD #11 Adult Education, Telephone 207-582-3774,

email: dbailey@msad11.org

Safety Works!

SafetyWorks! can help you prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths and reduce related costs. Our services are free and confidential and we don't issue fines or citations.

Safety Works! help keep workers safe and healthy. And we help businesses thrive, because you will save 4-6 dollars for every dollar you invest in safety. The old adage is true - it pays to be safe!

SafetyWorks! specializes in practical solutions to help make workplaces safer and healthier. They want your workplace to be as safe and healthy as possible. To learn more visit http://safetyworksmaine.com/

84th Annual Maine Safety & Health Conference

September 20-22, 2011

Augusta Civic Center

Safety & Health Council of NNE

email: melissaw@shcnne.org

website: www.shcnne.org

Healthy Lifestyles Resources:

SparkPeople

A FREE online site site that offers free nutrition and exercise trackers, recipes, shopping lists, online communities to join, and health information. Members set goals and can receive online support. To learn more or join visit www.sparkpeople.com

Live Strong

This FREE online site tracks daily food intake, using MyPlate for Diabetes and non-diabetes, exercise and weight, includes detailed exercise routine, calculates body mass index (BMI) and recommended daily caloric intake based weight, height, weight loss goals, activity levels, etc for FREE. To learn more or to join visit www.livestrong.com

Fit Day

A FREE online site where members can calculate and record daily food intake and exercise, track weight loss and monitor goals. To learn more or join visit www.fitday.com

CDC Physical Activity Planning and Tracking Tools (also FREE)

www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/tools/index.html#Physical%20Activity%20planning

My physical Activity Diary

Meals Matter

Small Steps.gov

MyPyramid Tracker

MyPlate

The President's Challenge

Heart 360

Heart 360 is a convenient and secure location for you to track and manage your heart health. Record your health data with Heart 360 online trackers, access additional information and resources on how to be heart healthy, and even share your results with your healthcare provider. To learn more visit www.heart360.org

Start!

Start! is the American Heart Association's program to get Americans walking to improve heart health. To learn more visit startwalkingnow.org

America On the Move

America On the Move (AOM) is an evidence-based nonprofit dedicated to help you take small steps and make small lifestyle changes for a healthier way of life. This site contains health information, eating, walking, healthy lifestyle tracking programs and health assessments. To learn more visit www.americaonthemove.org

Couch to 5K

Many of the sites I work with are promoting Couch to 5K, a beginner's running schedule has helped thousands of new runners get off the couch and onto the roads, running 3 miles in just two months. To learn more visit www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

My Fitness Pal

This free resource lets you track the food you eat and the exercise you participate in on their website or with free mobile apps: www.myfitnesspal.com

Nutrition Education

Learn more about portion size, balanced meals, and get healthy eating tips at www.choosemyplate.gov

Trail Finding Resources:

Healthy Maine Walks www.healthymainewalks.org

Move More www.movemore.org

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area www.healthycommunitiesme.org

Maine Trail Finder www.mainetrailfinder.com

Maine State Parks Trails www.trails.com/state-park-trails.aspx?keyword=state%20park&state=ME

Kennebec Land Trust www.tklt.org

Kennebec River Rail Trail www.krrt.org

Viles Arboretum www.vilesarboretum.org

Trails www.trails.com

Substance Abuse Resources:

Does Someone You Know Have an Opioid Addiction?

Free monthly meetings to learn about addiction, medication-assisted treatment and recovery

Augusta:

Meetings are held the third Tuesday at noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 69 Winthrop Street. For more information call Jayne Harper at 621-3740 or Helen Pare at 266-8881

Waterville:

Meetings are at 12:30 pm at the Eskelund Center at the Maine Children's Home, 93 Silver Street, Waterville. The meetings dates are September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7, for more information call Jayne Harper at 621-3740 or Brenda Radel at 872-7272

All Recovery Support Meetings

Sponsored by the Maine Recovery Communities Coalition. All Recovery Support Meetings welcome people from every addiction recovery pathway. Meetings are free of charge.

When: Thursdays

Where: Green Street Methodist Church, 14 Green Street, Augusta

For more information call Deb Dettor at 458-4366 or Peter Wohl at 626-3448

Find a Meeting Near You:

To find Alcohol Anonymous, Al Anon, Cocaine Anonymous, Co Anon, Narcotics Anonymous and Narcotics Anon meetings near your visit www.usrecovery.info/AA/Maine.htm

Mediation Services

Find out how you can take advantage of low cost mediation and conflict coaching services. Mediation Services is a program of Volunteers of America Northern New England. Please contact Nancy Markowitz, Program Director at (207) 373-1140 ext 229, mediate@voanne.org or www.voanne.org

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence

430-8334 or www.mcedv.org.

National Domestic Violence Helpline

1-800-799-SAFE, 1-866-834-4357

Family Violence Project

www.familyviolenceproject.org or call 623-8637.

The Augusta Crisis Line

623-3569 or 1-877-890-7788

Hardy Girls, Healthy Women www.hardygirlshealthywomen.org

Silent No More

www.silentnomore.org

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Grandest Parents of All

A support group and series of workshops for grandparents and other relatives raising young children. Meetings are held the third Thursday each month, 5-7 pm at Educare, 56 Drummond Ave, Waterville, for more information call Samantha Thibodeau at 626-3497

Health Risk Assessment Resource:

KeepMEWell

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 for disease and improve their health

*Link uninsured and underinsured residents to healthcare services at no cost or slide 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 primary healthcare provider to develop a personal health plan with personal goals to address your health concerns.

211 Logo Still looking for a resource check out 211

Call 211 or go online at www.211maine.org

red Responsible Beverage Server Training

September 13, 2011

8:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)

Bridge Street Tavern

Augusta

For More Information

or to register

Contact Neill Miner

588-5027

Healthy Maine Works

Healthy Maine Works is a web based software program available only through your local Healthy Maine Partnership and it is free.

This software program:

1. Collects baseline and evaluation data on the worksite

* demographics

* employer interests

* basics of benefits packages

2. Collects baseline and evaluation data on employees

* health status

* health risk factors

* interests and preferences

* readiness to change

3. Collects data for population level health risk reduction, ensures confidentialty

4. Generates a comprehensive workplan

Call Amy at 588-5019 to schedule a demonstration today

Farmers Markets

Augusta:

Viles Aboretum:

Fridays 2-6 pm

Turnpike Mall:

Wednedays and Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm

Mill Park:

Tuesdays 2 - 6 pm

Gardiner:

On the Common

Wednesdays 2 - 6pm

Hallowell:

On the River Bank

Saturdays 11 am - 3 pm

Wayne:

Main Street, Village Center

Saturdays 9 - 11:30 am

Winthrop:

Main Street

Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

For worksites looking to create their own mini farmers market, Crown of Maine Organic Cooperative's buying

clubs may be just what

you need. To learn more visit www.crownofmainecoop.com

My Fresh Maine, your local online farmers market www.myfreshmaine.com, orders are shipped directly to the customer through next-day delivery

Visit the Gardiner's Farmers Market website to download your free $1 token coupon http://gardinerfarmersmarket.org

Save the Date:

Chemicals, Obesity and Diabetes How Science Leads Us to Action

Friday, Oct 14, 2011

Colby College, Waterville, Maine

To learn more contact Michelle Surdoval, Project Manager 207-650-8704 or email msurdovsl@preventharm.org

DEA Medication TakeBack Saturday, October 29, 2011

Heels to Healing

Maine's Fashion Night Out October 8th, 2011

River Back Dance Club

Augusta

For more information visit

www.healstohealing.com

Kennebec Local Food Initiative

Harvest Potluck and Auction to benefit KLFI

October 9, Oaklands Farm to learn more email klfi@gardinerfarmersmarket.org

Maine Indoor Air Quality Conference March 20-21, 2012 to learn morevisit www.maineindoorair.org

84th Annual Maine Safety & Health Conference

September 20-22, 2011

Augusta Civic Center

To register or learn more visit www.shcnne.org or email

melissaw@shcnne.org

Maine Obsolete Pesticide Collection

October 2011

Preregistration required by September 30, 2011

Call 207-287-2731 to learn more visit www.thinkfirstspraylast.org

8th Annual International Symposium on Safe Medicine

October 2-4, 2011

Holiday Inn by the Bay

Portland, Maine

To learn more email gressitt@gmail.com

Our Board of Directors

Mary Frances Bartlett

Rebecca West Dick

Dick Dyer

Rob Gordon, Treasurer

Patricia Hopkins

Kala Ladenheim

William McPeck, Vice Chair

Emilie van Eeghen

Frederick A. White, PhD

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

HCCA has FREE signs: metal, corrugated plastic, window clings and laminated, Call Amy at 588-5019

new tobacco free signs

plastic tobacco signs

smokefree signs

Outdoor Dining

Breathe Easy!

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 for which the employer is responsible

* In common areas

* In private offices

* In employee 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 (ie windows, air exchanges, etc)

* In DHHS licensed residential facilities

* 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

To report violations www.tobaccofreemaine.org/train_take_action/report _a_violation.php

If you do not feel your issue has 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

Maine law makes common areas in our state parks and historic sites smoke-free. These areas include:

* Beaches

* Playgrounds

* Snack Bars

* Picnic Shelters

* Business Facilities

* Restrooms

* Public Spaces

Smoking is prohibited in outdoor eating areas. Outdoor eating areas are defined as a patio, deck or other property that is particially 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 request all persons within the outdoor eating area to comply with the law.

Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being 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 & Worksite Wellness Initiatives Program Manager

Nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area

awagner@mcd.org ~ 207.588.5019

Visit us online www.healthycommunitiesme.org

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.