If you could make a difference to improve the quality of life for countless people in your community, would you? For forty years, Community Health Charities of Connecticut has been the state's only federation of health charities and remains dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the important health causes its member charities represent. Look for us and the 34 health charities we represent this fall in your workplace giving campaign to support treatment for survival today, health education for strength tomorrow, and medical research for a healthier future. Liver Awareness Month
The liver is one of the body's largest organs, performing hundreds of functions every day. It removes harmful substances from the blood, produces bile to help digest fat, and stores energy. Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more, if detected early, can be treated effectively. It is important to make healthy choices in order to ensure liver health. For more information on the liver and how to keep it healthy, visit www.liverfoundation.org.
A Lunch & Learn topic related to the liver is available. Please refer to topic 3 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Liver Foundation, CT Chapter
Hepatitis Awareness Week- October 16-20
Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The three main types are A, B and C. Though there are vaccinations for A and B, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C. Almost 4 million Americans are or have been infected with hepatitis C, which is four times more infectious that HIV and the leading cause for liver transplants. Someone can be infected with hepatitis C for 10 to 20 years before symptoms appear. The only way to know you are infected is to be tested. For information on how hepatitis C is contracted or treatment options, visit www.liverfoundation.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to hepatitis is available. Please refer to topic 3 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Liver Foundation, CT Chapter
Mental Health Awareness Anti-Bullying Day in Connecticut, October 16
With encouragement from the Mental Health Association of Connecticut and other mental health advocates, Governor M. Jodi Rell has declared October 16th Anti-Bullying Day in Connecticut. Bullying, defined as intentional, aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength, is increasing among children. Once thought to be the province of boys only, girls now also exhibit increased bullying behaviors in the form of threats, gossip, isolation, spreading rumors, and e-mails designed to ruin the reputations of others. Studies have shown that children who were bullied at school and outside of school on a weekly basis can develop emotional, health, and academic problems and are four times more likely to bring weapons to school. Bullying also negatively affects bystanders with guilt and shame when they do not know how to respond. Bullying others can be an early sign of serious antisocial or violent behavior among children and youth.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services and the Mental Health Association of Connecticut; for more information on anti-bullying, www.nmha.org.
Lupus Awareness Month
For people living with lupus, the threat of a flare up, everyday fatigue, and pain compounds the daily rigors of life. Simple energy boosters during the day can help. Schedule a ten minute relaxation break. Keep a few nutritious snacks on hand for an energy boost such as low-fat yogurt, handful of nuts, or a protein bar. Drink lots of water. Walk up a flight of stairs to get your heart pumping. For more information on lupus, visit www.lupus.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to lupus is available. Please refer to topic 10 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: LUPUS NOW, Summer 2006
Healthy Lung Month
A recent American Lung Association poll of parents of children with asthma and children with asthma reveal many families are not performing the necessary steps needed to manage their child's asthma while in school. Less than one-third of those parents surveyed make sure their children are under medical supervision, talk to school administrators about their child's asthma, or ensure their child's medicine is available at school. To ensure continuity of care in school and how to prepare your child with asthma for school, refer to the American Lung Association's website at www.lungusa.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to asthma is available. Please refer to topic 36 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Lung Association
National Depression Screening Day, October 5
Depression screenings are offered each year in the community setting because clinical depression is a serious medical illness that can lead to suicide. Often times those with symptoms of depression think it is "normal" to feel like they do. More than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. The Screening Day program has grown from 90 sites in its first year to 3,000 sites nationwide, reaching more than 85,000 people. For information on symptoms of depression, please refer to http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/21.cfm.
The Mental Health Association of Connecticut will be offering depression screening over the phone on October 5th at 800-842-1501 ext. 16. A Lunch & Learn topic related to depression is available. Please refer to topic 41 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: National Mental Health Association
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It is estimated that in 2006, 2,600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Connecticut. Every October, the American Cancer Society raises the awareness of breast cancer with their noncompetitive walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Participating in this event supports the American Cancer Society's lifesaving research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for thousands of patients and their families. In 2005, more than 400,000 walkers across the country collected more than $34 million. For information on how to become a walker or assist in another way, please go to www.cancer.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to breast cancer is available. Please refer to topic 29 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Cancer Society
National Mammography Day, October 20
Have you had your mammogram this year? An estimated 25 percent of women who need the exam (ages 40 and older) have not had one in the past two years. Talk to your mother, sister, friends, and other relatives about the importance of a mammogram. Remind them that annual mammograms lower the number of deaths caused by breast cancer by 30 percent. For more information on breast cancer and mammography, go to www.cancer.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to breast cancer is available. Please refer to topic 29 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Cancer Society
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Congress designates each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Activities and materials focus on increasing the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed. For more information on disability employment awareness, contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy at www.dol.gov/odep. Easter Seals Greater Hartford Rehabilitation Center provides job training and employment services by assisting those with disabilities to learn skills to successfully enter the workforce, or to return to work after an illness or injury. For more information on medical and vocational services to people with disabilities, go to www.hartford.easterseals.com. A Lunch & Learn topic related to disabilities is available. Please refer to topic 33 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
Halloween Safety Month
Some tips to consider for a safe Halloween this year: Avoid costumes with masks, wigs, floppy hats, or eye patches that block vision. Eliminate costumes that drag on the ground to prevent tripping and falling. Wearing pointed props such as spears, swords, or wands may endanger other children's eyes. Avoid cosmetic contact lens that make your eyes look like cat's eyes; they can be harmful. Grownups should inspect all trick-or-treat items before allowing children to have them. Consider a Halloween party instead of trick-or-treating. Do not ride a bike or scooter or roller blade with a costume. Be sure the path and stairs to your front door are well illuminated and clear of obstacles. For more information on how to be safe and have fun on Halloween, refer to Prevent Blindness America at www.preventblindness.org/resources/factsheets/Halloween-safety-MK35.pdf.
Source: Prevent Blindness America
ALS Association, RI Chapter
Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter
Alzheimer’s Association, RI Chapter
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society, RI Chapter
American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association, RI Chapter
American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Northeast Affiliate - RI
American Heart Association, Heritage Affiliate
American Liver Foundation, CT Chapter
American Lung Association of CT
American Lung Association of RI
American Parkinson Disease Association, CT Chapter
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Foundation, Southern New England Chapter
Brain Injury Association of CT
Brain Injury Association of RI
Cancer Research Institute
Children's Tumor Foundation
Children’s Tumor Foundation, RI Chapter
Connecticut CFIDS & FM Association
Connecticut Hospice Institute
Crohn’s And Colitis Foundation Of America
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CT Chapter
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, MA/RI Chapter
Easter Seals Connecticut
Easter Seals Rhode Island
Easter Seals Greater Hartford Rehabilitation Center
Epilepsy Foundation of CT
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, RI Branch
Lea's Foundation for Leukemia Research
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, RI Chapter
Lupus Foundation of America, CT Chapter
Lyme Disease Foundation
March of Dimes, CT Chapter
March of Dimes, RI Chapter
Mental Health Association of CT
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association, RI Affiliate
National Kidney Foundation of CT
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, RI Chapter
Prevent Blindness TriState-Connecticut
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, CT Chapter
Special Olympics Connecticut
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern CT