October Health Observances 

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.

To download a tool kit visit http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/toolkit.html

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the First Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domesic Violence.  The intent was to connect battered women advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.

• 1 in 3 women experience domestic abuse between the ages 18 and 65.
• 71% of human resources and security personnel surveyed had an incident of domestic violence occurring on company property.
• Victims of domestic abuse miss on average 3 days of work per month.
• 94% of corporate security directors rank domestic violence as a high security problem at their company.
• 74% of women reported that their abusive partner harassed them at work.

• 78% were using company resources including company car, telephone, cellphone, email, internet, etc  to check up, harass, and threaten their victims.
• 75% of supervisors knew of offender's arrest, 18% bailed out the offender.
• 74% reported easy access to their victim's worksite.
• 48% reported difficulty concentrating due to perpetration.
• 19% of offenders had a workplace accident or near miss.
• 15,221 hours of work time were lost to Maine employers due to arrests of 70 men in study, equalling over $200,000. (Family Crisis Services/Maine Department of Labor Workplace Violence Study 2003).

• Provide education to all employees to create awareness of domestic violence and how to find help for themselves and how to reach out to co-workers.
• Train managers, including human resources, security/safety and other employee service department about domestic violence to identify the signs of abuse and how to respond appropiately to abused employees.
• Adopt or adapt exisiting policies that provide flexible opportunities.  Maine Law states in the Employment Leave for Victims of Violence "Employers must grant reasonable and necessary leave from work if an employee or employee's daughter, son, parent or spouse is a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking" Title 26, subchapter VI-B, § 850. 
• Offer and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and refer employees for help.
• Refer employees for help to local domestic violence services, like Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 430-8334 or www.mcedv.org 
• Post throughout the worksite the National Domestic Violence Helpline information (1-800-799-SAFE), 1-866-834-4357 and the MCEDV member project in your area.
• Have an organized response to direct threats as part of your preparedness and safety programs. 

Domestic violence is not a private family matter, it is a community problem, be part of the solution.  For more strategies and how to make a difference visit www.mcedv.org or call 430-8334. 

The local project is Family Violence Project, to learn more about its programs for individuals, families, schools and worksites visit www.familyviolenceproject.org  or call 623-8637.  The Augusta Crisisline is 623-3569 or 1-877-890-7788

Other resources:

Hardy Girls, Healhty Women www.hardygirlshealthywomen.org

Silent No More www.silentnomore.org

Maine Department of Labor call 623-7900 or visit www.maine.gov/labor for copies of the Responding to Domestic Violence Abusers in the Workplace toolkits, video toolkits, training opportunities and other resources.

Health Literacy Month

To learn more visit www.healthliteracymonth.org/

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

National Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct 2-8

World Mental Health Day  Oct 10

   See Wellness Team Corner

National Work and Family Month

To learn more visit www.awlp.org

Talk About Prescriptions Month

To learn more visit www.talkaboutrx.org

International Walk to School Day Oct 5

International Walk to School Day is a global event where communities from over 40 countries walk and bike to school on a single day. Join families, schools and communities around the globe as they walk and bicycle to school in celebration of Walk to School Day every October. Learn more about the day, who is participating in your area at www.walktoschool.org. 

National Fire Prevention Week Oct 9-15

It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!" This year, the campaign is all about keeping you, your family, and your community safer from fire. You'll find educational material and tip sheets on the leading causes of home fires, information about protecting your home and families with life-saving technologies, and the importance of home escape planning byvisiting www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=2017&URL=Safety%20Information/Fire%20Prevention%20Week

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day  Oct 10

To learn more visit www.brakesonfatalities.org

Resources: www.trafficsafety.org; www.nsc.org; www.safetyworksmaine.com/videos-pubs/videolst.shtml

International Infection Prevention Week Oct 16-22

Infection Prevention Week, October 16-22, is health care's largest annual effort to promote safe, hygienic hospital practices. Thanks for helping spread the word.  To learn more visit www.apic.org

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 

Oct 17

According to the US Census Bureau in 2010, nearly 13% of Mainers lived in poverty.  While the holiday is about poverty worldwide, it is a real issue in Maine.  There are a couple of events locally to help those in need.

See Save the Date section and check out the fund raisers for Augusta Food Pantry and Maine State Credit Union's campaign to End Hunger in Maine. 

National Mammography Day  Oct 21

To learn more visit www.nbcam.com, www.cancer.org, www.komen.org; www.cancer.gov

Make a Difference Day  Oct 22 

Celebrating people helping people

To learn more visit www.makeadifferenceday.com and www.pointsoflight.org

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.

This Month's Question: How Do I Stay Motivated When Work Becomes Work and No Longer Fun?

To answer this question, you should first ask yourself whether your current decreased level of motivation might be permanent or temporary. Do you still believe in what you are doing? Are you still passionate about what you are doing? If your answer is yes, then chances are your current dip in motivation is temporary, rather than permanent.

We are driven by two types of motivation: external/extrinsic and internal/intrinsic. I believe both are responsible for our level of motivational strength, with intrinsic motivation playing a larger, more important role. It is not unusual, therefore, for our level of motivational strength to fluctuate or change over time.

Extrinsic motivation comes from a source outside the individual and can take the form of money, grades, coercion or other type of external pressure, competition, trophies and other types of rewards, audience applause, or a threat of punishment. Intrinsic motivation is motivation that arises from within the individual and is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself or some other type of internal reward.

Since intrinsic motivation is internal, it is subject to the complexities of the mind and the mind-body connection. Our intrinsic motivation is therefore subject to our physical and mental activities. Our motivation is impacted by our thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, values, goals, expectations, emotions, relationships and the level of our psychic energy. Our motivation is also impacted by our level of physical energy, the energy we use to take action.

In simple terms, energy is about the ability to do work. Our capacity to work is based on our level of energy which can and does fluctuate during the course of the day. Today's do more with less, fast paced, rapidly changing, increasingly demanding high performance workplace challenges our capacity to perform. The good news is that more energy equals more capacity.

Tony Schwartz, a leading expert in the area of human performance, has identified four sources of energy that fuel us: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

• Physical energy is about nutrition, fitness, sleep and rest. The quantity of your energy.
• Emotional energy is about how we feel, our sense of well-being. The quality of your energy.
• Mental energy is about our attention and focus and having the freedom to put our unique skills and talents to effective use. The focus of our energy.
• Spiritual energy is about being significant. Living our values, feeling purposeful and having meaning.

With all four types of energy, it is important to keep in mind that you can take deliberate steps and actions to renew and even expand your energy. You can refuel your energy tank. According to Schwartz, great performers work intensely, without interruption, for no more than 90 minutes, followed by a period of rest and refueling.

To help you renew your physical energy, take a look at:

• USDA Food Plate at http://www.chosemyplate.gov
• Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate - http://www.health.harvard.edu/plate/healthy-eating-plate 

To help you renew your emotional, mental and spiritual energies, take a look at:

• Dr. Dan Siegel's The Healthy Mind Plate - http://healthymindplatter.com/

Next steps:

Measure your energy levels by taking a free energy audit at The Energy Project - http://www.theenergyproject.com/tools/the-energy-audit#step1 

Questions to Ponder:

1. Since I had a high level of energy in the past, what has changed since then that might account for my low level now?

2. What am I doing differently now that might be impacting the strength of my motivation?

3. How well am I meeting my four energy needs?

4. How much of my workday do I spend working without breaks?

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 Pink Elephant in the Worksite Wellness Program...

                      ... Behavioral Health

Stress   Depression    Anxiety    Mental Health   Addiction

The Facts:

• One in five people in Maine will experience depression at some point in their lives
• Stress related issues account for 90% of all doctor visits, 75% of health problems, 9.5 million visits annally to counselors and mental health practitioners and why some people are sick 3 to 5 more often.
• Nearly 20% of Mainers are addicted to nicotine
• at least 20% participate in unhealthy drinking behaviors
• Maine tops the nation in prescription drug abuse

Each year behavioral health costs Maine millions in lost productivity, treatment costs, medical costs, disability costs, etc.  Below is a list of a few strategies proven to help reduce the cost of behavioral health, improve care and reduce the stigma:

Resources:

Tobacco Cessation:

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

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:

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

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

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 

Register by Friday, October 7, 2011

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 Entrpreneurial 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/

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

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.

 Still looking for a resource check out 211

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

Healthy Maine Works

Farmers Markets

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

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

Celebrating 30 Years of Service

Augusta Food Bank

October 15 at the Calumet Club

Doors Open at 5:30 pm

Buffet Dinner starts at 6:00 pm

Live Auction starts at 7:30 pm

Silent Pie Auction, Live Auction and 50/50 Raffle

Tickets are available at Harvest Time, Aubuchon Hardware, Town of Manchester Town office or by calling Marcella at 623-9232

Tickets are $30 each

For a full list of auction item visit www.augustafoodbank.org 

End Hunger in Maine

a Campaign of the Maine State Credit Union

2011 Spagetti Dinner and Auction

Friday, October 14

5:30-9:30 pm

Le Club Calumet

334 West River Road, Augusta

Tickets: $6 per person

For ticket or more information call 623-1851

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

Maine Obsolete Pesticide Collection 

October 2011

Preregistration required by September 30, 2011

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

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