Worksite Wellness Newsletter

Worksite Wellness

Newsletter

March 2012

Volume 5 Issue 4

In This Issue

March Health Observances

Guest Columnist: Stress Management by Sara Dostie

Wellness Team Corner by Amy Wagner, CWWPC

Healthier Entrepreneurs Corner by Bill McPeck

Indoor Walking Opportunities

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.

March Health Observances

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is equally common in men and women. An estimated nearly 147,000 people will be diagnosed this year, and an estimated 50,000 people will die from the disease. With recommended screening, this cancer can be prevented (by removing polyps before they become cancerous) or detected early, when it can be more easily and successfully treated.

At Risk

Men and women age 50 and older
People who use tobacco, are obese or are sedentary
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as long standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer

Risk Reduction

Be physically active and exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.
Consume calcium-rich foods like low-fat or skim milk.
Limit red meat consumption and avoid processed meats.
Don't smoke.
Don't drink alcohol excessively.

Early Detection

If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, start having regular screening at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin regular screening at an earlier age. The best time to get screened is before any symptoms appear. Use this guide to help you discuss screening options with your health care professional. Consider one of the following:

Screening intervals for tests that find pre-cancer and cancer:

Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
Virtual colonoscopy: Every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years
Double-contrast barium enema: Every 5 years

Screening intervals for tests that mainly find cancer:

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Every year
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Every year
Stool DNA test (sDNA): Ask your health care professional

Any abnormal result of a virtual colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema, as well as a positive FOBT, FIT or sDNA test, should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Symptoms
Early stages of colorectal cancer do not usually have symptoms. Advanced disease may cause:

Rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool
Change in bowel habits or stools that are narrower than usual
Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Constant fatigue
Vomiting

Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment. When the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is given before or after surgery.

Dress in Blue Day was March 2nd!
The first Friday of March each year is Dress in Blue Day. The goal is to help raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening by wearing blue on national Dress in Blue Day. Individuals, businesses and community groups are all encouraged to participate. Mark your calendars for next year. Materials are available. To learn more visit www.ccalliance.org/news_events_dress-in-blue.html

Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program offers free colon cancer screenings, to learn more call the toll free hotline at 877-320-6800 or the Program Coordinator at MaineGeneral Prevention Center at 861-5278. For free posters and materials call Amy at 588-5019.

National Nutrition Month

The theme for March 2012 is "Get Your Plate in Shape."

National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. To learn more visit www.eatright.org/nnm/ Other sites of interest include www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov and www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.org. For educational handouts visit www.chosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/ten-tips.html

North Carolina Takes You on an Aisle-by-Aisle Grocery Trip

The North Carolina Division of Public Health, in collaboration with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, is taking the public on an aisle-by-aisle video trip through the grocery store to encourage healthy choices. The series is 12 short online videos offers tips on how to shop, read nutrition labels and understand ingredient lists. The videos are accompanied by pocket-sized shopping tips that can be printed. The effort is part of the state's Eat Smart, Move More Campaign, a partnership of more than 60 organizations. To check out the videos visit www.myeatsmartmovemore.com/AisleByAisle.html

National Sleep Awareness Week, March 5-11

National Sleep Awareness Week™, which takes place March 5-11, 2012, is an annual public education and awareness campaign to promote the importance of sleep. The week begins with the announcement of the National Sleep Foundation's Sleep in America poll results and ends with the clock change to Daylight Saving Time, where Americans lose one hour of sleep. The Foundation's Sleep Care Center members host events in their local communities throughout the week, providing sleep education and screening to the public. To learn more visit www.sleepfoundation.org/event/national-sleep-awareness-week

Companies that Care Day, March 15

Center for Companies That Care is a national, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of employees and communities by educating and inspiring employers to practice employer engagement and integrate the 10 Characteristics of a Socially Responsible Employer into their daily business practices.

Companies That Care value employees and are committed to community service. To sustain these values, Companies That Care consistently demonstrate the following 10 Characteristics in their work environment. These 10 Characteristics are the code of conduct for optimal daily business practices.

Companies That Care ...

Sustain a work environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees
Make employees feel their jobs are important
Cultivate the full potential of all employees
Encourage individual pursuit of work/life balance
Enable the well-being of individuals and their families through compensation, benefits, policies and practices
Develop great leaders, at all levels, who excel at managing people as well as results
Appreciate and recognize the contributions of people who work there
Establish and communicate standards for ethical behavior and integrity
Get involved in community endeavors and/or public policy
Consider the human toll when making business decisions

To learn more visit www.companies-that-care.org/

National Poison Prevention Month

National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-22

National Youth Violence Prevention Week, March 18-24

Kick Butts Day, March 21

American Diabetes Alert Day, March 27

The American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up" call asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Risk Test

                      Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?
                                 Take the Test, Know your Score

Write in the points next to each statement that is true to you, statements that are not true for you receive zero points. Then add your total score.

1.  I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth

    Yes 1 ___
2.  I have a sister or brother with diabetes   Yes 1 ___
3.  I have a parent with diabetes    Yes 1 ___
4.  My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart (see below) Yes 5 ___
5. I am under age 65 and get little or no exercise   Yes  5 ___

6. I am between 45 and 64 years of age Yes 5 ___
7. I am 65 years old or older Yes 9 ___

Total _______

Scoring 10 or more points - You are at high risk of having diabetes. Only your health care provider can check to see if you have diabetes. See yours soon and find out for sure.

Scoring 3-9 points - You are probably at low risk of having diabetes now. But don't just forget about it. Keep your risk low by losing weight if you are overweight, being active most days and eating low fat meals that are high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

                                                 At-Risk Weight Chart
                 Height              Weight                    Height              Weight
                 4' 10"               129                          4' 11"               133
                 5' 0"                138                          5' 1"                 143
                 5' 2"                 147                          5' 3"                 152
                 5' 4"                 157                          5' 5"                 162
                 5' 6"                 167                          5' 7"                 172
                 5' 8"                 177                          5' 9"                 182
                 5' 10"               188                          5' 11"                193
                 6' 0"                 199                          6' 1"                 204
                 6' 2"                 210                          6' 3"                 216
                 6' 4"                 221

Stress Management

by Sara M. Dostie

Everyone experiences stress and distress on some level throughout their lives. This can impact on our overall well-being. Our nervous systems are made to respond to situations as they arise sporadically over time, however people constantly under high pressure experience health conditions that have a negative impact on their overall well-being.

The key to successful quality of life is discovering the best ways to cope with stress. The answers to the following questions may play a role in how well you navigate life's challenges, good, bad or otherwise:

Do you have an attitude of gratitude?

Are you more inclined to wear the poor me mask?

Can you find the positive in life's lessons?

Ever notice that many of the scenarios in our life are similiar, like a broken record stuck in a groove playing the same phrase over and over again? By allowing ourselves to be present of our consciousness we find meaning to this. It may be a lesson of life we have not yet mastered. A few emotions that commonly arise in all of us: fear, anger, hope, dispair, sorrow, grief, distrust and faith. We have different backgrounds and have learned different skills that determine how we cope. Finding faith and grace through experiences will help affirm that we are never given more than we can handle.

A few lifestyle choices will help us have the mental and physical energy in our reserves to handle anything. Adequate rest, exercise and nourishing food will help create a strong foundation within. Support of family, friends and community helps with stress management. Hopefully you find at least one of these areas to be abundant and develop the ones you can recognize need work. People who enjoy hobbies, outlets, mediation, breathing techniques, self-care and physical activity tend to cope well with stressful situations. Finding time for what nourishes our being helps us cope with stress. Massage therapy will provide the space to restore and rejuvenate. The power of compassionate touch helps with cellular healing.

Through life experiences we gain skills that enhance our ability to weather life's storms. Sometimes connecting with resources can support our process through tough times by opening doors to skill development and growth. People such as counselors, life coaches, pastors, physical therapists, health care practitioners, alternative medicine practitioners, and massage therapies are among these resources. Adjusting our view or perspective of a situation can impact our attitude and allow life to flow with more ease and less stress. Knowing what you value in life can help you live in a way that honors your truth, eliminating the stress of judgement from others.

Author: Sara M. Dostie, owner of Healing Hands Holistic Wellness, LLC in Winthrop, Maine. Offering Movement with Purpose. Massage sessions by appointment Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm, on-site chair massage and professionally guided trips in nature, uniting mind, body and spirit.

Wellness Team Corner

by Amy Wagner, CWWPC

Over the last couple of months I have fielded a number of questions in regards to justifying wellness programs and the related expenditures. With the media storm over expenditures that funded a local organization's wellness program, it is no surprise. The costs associated with of poor health, a poorly trained workforce, turnover, disengagement, stress, lack of resiliency, absenteeism and presenteeism cost the same regardless of the type of employer. The costs and the rates are the same whether the employer is a religious organization, the government, quasi government, not for profit or for profit, small or large. Since illness and disengagement does not discriminate by employer type, why should we?

A recent Gallup Poll released stated that for 2011 the employee engagement rate was only 56% or 1.83:1 which costs employers $300 Billion in lost productivity. The engagement rate is a productivity calculation, engaged employees are more productive, more profitable, more customer-focused, safer, and more likely to withstand temptations to leave. Numerous studies report the true cost of poor health includes 61% for presenteeism, which is being at work but not working at full capacity. Stress reduces productivity by 40%, is the root cause of 75% of all health problems, and accounts for 90% of doctors appointments. Turnover costs average $60,000, the range is from $2,500 per person, per position turnover for low end service related positions to hundreds of thousands dollars for top management level positions.

Wellness programs are powerful and proven tools used to reduce the costs and incidence of poor health, work related accidents and injuries, turnover, stress, absenteeism and presenteeism while increasing resiliency, decision making capacity and engagement. Worksite wellness refers to the educational opportunities, activities, policies, skill building and learning opportunities, environments and culture that a worksite has that promotes healthy lifestyles to employees, their families and sometimes retirees and clients. The most effective programs look at the whole person, the Dimensions of Wellness Programs are as follows:

Physical includes initiatives that support general health through physical activity, nutrition, tobacco cessation, substance abuse prevention, self care initiatives for diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, blood pressure control, cholesterol management, lung disease prevention, wise health consumerism, etc.
Emotional includes initiatives that support employee morale, stress reduction, financial wellness initiatives, and other staff engagement and retention strategies.
Mental includes initiatives that support mental/behavior health and sense of well-being.
Spiritual/Social includes initiatives that support finding one's meaning and purpose, the connection to the human existence and the contribution to one's environment/community initiatives. These strategies are important for staff retention and engagement.
Occupational includes initiatives that focus on satisfaction of work-life balance, work safe, and live safe and activities that help protect "company brand".
Intellectual include initiatives that expand and stimulate employee creativity, mental skills, and knowledge, educational achievement, career development and employee engagement. This is important because according to the US Department of Labor 70% of employment is in service and knowledge based.

Everyone deserves to work in a safe and healthy work environment and rewards and appreciation build a motivated and committed workforce. An investment in a wellness program is an investment in the future earning power of a business, by supporting employees to live healthier lives while work safely in safe environments saves money. Healthy employees are more productive and more committed to the goals of the organization, which should include the well-being of the employees. Worksite wellness programs can reduce health plan costs, sick leave, disability and workers' compensation by 25% and generally have a return of investment between $3 and $6. Many companies are averaging a return of investment of $14.50 for every dollar spent on worksite health improvement.

Need strategies to better position your wellness program with senior management or your board? Is it time to evaluate your program? Are you ready to write your strategic plan for your organization's health, safety, wellness and employee well-being? Call Amy at 588-5019 for assistance.

Healthier Entrepreneurs 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: I do not have health insurance. How can I participate in wellness type activities without having health insurance?

I recently delivered a Webinar for HR.com on the topic of Low Cost - No Cost Worksite Wellness Programming. You can access the free Webinar here: www.hr.com/en/webcasts_events/webcasts/archived_webcasts_and_podcasts/worksite-wellness-on-a-shoestring-budget-low-cost-_qpzxtuad.html (free registration required). As I built out the presentation, it dawned on me that this information was as applicable to the entrepreneur as it was to the corporate worksite wellness coordinator.

Research has determined that an individual's health is based on three determinants:

1. A person's individual characteristics and behaviors

2. The social and economic environment

3. The physical environment

More often than not, we generally only think of health in terms of just physical health. Generally speaking though, accepted models of wellness incorporate multiple dimensions. One such example is the wellness model developed by Bill Hettler, M.D. which has been endorsed by the National Wellness Institute. This wellness model consists of six dimensions:

Occupational
Physical
Social
Intellectual
Spiritual
Emotional

When it comes to physical health, research has determined that our physical health is based on:

20% genetics
40% personal behaviors
40% environment

Even if you do not have health insurance, as part of your personal physical health strategy, you should have a relationship with a primary care healthcare provider. Do not be bashful about negotiating cash payment terms with your healthcare provider.

One tool for assessing our physical health risks is commonly known as a health risk assessment. Maine State Government offers individuals a free health risk assessment at: www.keepmewell.org Once you are aware of your health risks, you can take steps to mitigate or lessen those risks through screenings, awareness, education, and changes to your behavior.

An important aspect of evaluating your health status is determining your various biometric numbers and completing age and gender appropriate health screenings. The best source of age and gender appropriate screening s is the recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force at: www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/index.html Your biometric numbers include such numbers as height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels. You can obtain free or low cost biometric numbers and screenings through:

Community screenings
Community health fairs
Income eligible screenings through public health departments such as the Maine Center for Disease Control www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/index.htm

Once you have identified and understand your risks, you should shift into risk reduction or risk mitigation mode. Risk mitigation involves awareness, education and behavior change interventions. A great source of awareness information is the National Health Observances Calendar at: www.healthfinder.gov/nho/nho.asp

Thanks to the Internet and World Wide Web, a ton of educational and behavioral change resources are available to you. They include such Web sites as:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
U.S. National Institutes for Health http://nih.gov/icd
National disease specific non-profits such as the American Heart Association, American, Cancer Society and the American Lung Association
Maine Cooperative Extension Service
Healthcare resources such as WebMD, Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins

Health and wellness coaching has established itself as a valuable behavior change tool. One way to avail yourself of free coaching is to link up with coach training schools and programs where coach trainees need practice clients while they undergo their training. Another way would be to check the postings on the various coaching groups on LinkedIn. Trainee coaches often post in these groups that they are looking for practice clients. A third coaching strategy might be to identify recently graduated coaches who might be willing to accept reduced fees while they gain experience and build their coaching practices.

Despite your best efforts to live a healthy lifestyle, you can still be injured in an accident or experience an acute illness. Investing in a medical self care guide can help you become a more informed healthcare consumer. Medical self care guides can be purchased through the American Institute of Preventive Medicine and the Wellness Council of America, to name just two the medical self care guide publishers. Online symptom checkers are also available at the Websites of AARP, WebMD and the Mayo Clinic.

Lacking health insurance does not mean you cannot participate in wellness activities or live a healthy lifestyle. Having no health insurance means you will just need to be more creative and innovative and to show greater perseverance. Always keep in mind that your health is important and worth the effort.

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.

Indoor Walking Opportunities

The following locations are open to the public for walking now through April 1, 2012

Gardiner Area High School 2:30-4:30pm, school days
Gardiner Regional Middle School 6:00-7:00am, school days
Laura E. Richards School, Gardiner 7:00-7:30am, school days
Longfellow's Greenhouses, Manchester 8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon-Sat
Marcia Buker School, Richmond 3:00-5:00pm, school days
Pittston Consolidated School 6:00-7:00am, school days
River View Community School, S. Gardiner 6:00-7:00am, school days
T.C.Hamlin School Gym, Randolph 6:00-7:30am, school days

Resources:

Tobacco Cessation:

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

HelpLine quitlink

Website - www.thequitlink.org

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

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

Tobacco Intervention Basic Skills Trainings and Other Trainings:

Mar 13, 2012 Spectacular Events, Bangor

Apr 2, 2012 Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland

Webinars: Supplemental training to the Basic Skills Trainings

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

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.

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

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

Contact Willow Sherwood

email: director@wellnesscouncilofmaine.org

Telephone: 207-947-0307

Southern Maine Wellness Council

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/

TDES-Telephonic Diabetes Education & Support

Offers individuals with diabetes another option in managing their diabetes without the hassle of transportation issues. Worksites looking to offer TDES as a benefit or to learn more call Jo-Anne Bushey at 622-7566 extension 223 or visit www.tdes.me

Healthy Lifestyles Resources:

SparkPeople

A FREE online 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

USDA SuperTracker

The USDA has created a tool for tracking food intake, physical activity and balancing the two. To learn more visit www.choosemyplate.gov

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

Overeaters Anonymous

OA is a twelve step program for people with problems related to food. To learn more or to find a meeting near you visit www.oa.org

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, 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

Resources from Past Articles

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.

211 Logo Still looking for a resource check out 211

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

Call Today to Get your

Healthy Maine Works

Account

Healthy Maine Works is a FREE online tool designed to guide Maine employers in developing an effective worksite wellness plan. Supporting employee health can reduce absences, boost productivity and improve morale and performance.

How can Healthy Maine Works work for you?

The program offers Maine employers a variety of resources, including:

* Employee surveys and an organizational assessment to identify health-related priorities

* Detailed strategies and resources

* A wellness action plan

Already have a plan in Action?

The wellness activities combined with the expertise and resources by the Healthy Maine Partnerships staff will give any wellness program a boost!

Support is provided by a Nationally Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant, call Amy at 588-5019 to schedule a demonstration today.

Check Out This Youtube Video on Inspiring Exercise...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012

Children's Center Free Parent Education Series

Why Won't Johnny B. Goode at Home Tues, Mar 6

Nutrition: The Importance of Healthy Eating for Families and Children Tues, Apr 3

4 Step Parenting: Cycle Method

Tues, May 8

Classes are held at the Children's Center 5:00-7:00 pm

For more information contact Samantha Thibodeau 626-4397 ext 125

These workshops are funded by the Maine Children's Trust.

Farmers Markets

Gardiner:

November 2-April 18

Johnson Hall Water Street 2-6 pm First and Third Wednesdays

Other Options:

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

KLFI Online Buying Club is an online ordering system that allows shoppers to purchase a variety of farm-fresh foods from Maine producers, in cooperation with the Gardiner Farmers' Market, Crown O' Maine Organic Cooperative and local vendors. If you need a username and password, please call 712-9734 or email klfi@gardinerfarmersmarket.org.
The fee to join is $12 annually. To learn more visit www.klfi.buyingclubsoftware.org

Ordering Cycles

#2 Order from 5 pm March 4 through 11 pm March 7 and pick up on March 16 at 339 Water Street, Gardiner (times to be determined).

#3 Order from 5 pm March 18 through 11 pm March 21 and pick up on March 30 at 339 Water Street Gardiner (times to be determined).

Save the Date:

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

Book Your Reservations at State of Maine Parks online

To learn more visit www.campwithme.com

Mail reservation requests to Bureau of Parks and Lands, ATTN: Reservations, 2 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333

Drop off completed reservation forms during business hours at the Augusta office.

Call to make your reservations by calling 1-800-332-1501 between 9am and 4pm Monday through Friday.

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

Order your free tobacco and secondhand smoke educational materials, brochures, signs, etc at the PTM Store

www.ptmstore.org

Kennebec Land Trust

(KLT) will be hosting its annual Lyceum this month. The theme of the 2012 Lyceum is Aquatic Biodiversity. All KLT Lyceum presentations will take place on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Ladd Recreation Center in Wayne and are free and open to the public.

March 15: Aquatic Biodiversity:

Dave Courtemanch, Maine Department of Environmental Protection

March 22: Appreciating Maine's Wetland Diversity: Eric Doucette, Botanist and President, Josselyn Botanical Society

March 29: Wild Brook Trout Habitat: the Past, Present, and Future of Maine's Sentinel Fish Species: Merry Gallagher, Research Fishery Biologist, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Learn more by about the 2012 Lyceum and other KLT activities and events by visiting www.tklt.org.

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.