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.Great American Smokeout - November 16
Would you consider quitting smoking for a day? This could be the beginning of giving up cigarettes - forever! The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout celebrates its 30th anniversary of challenging Americans to stop using tobacco on November 16th, while raising awareness of the many effective ways to quit permanently. Research shows that smokers trying to quit do so more successfully when they have support such as nicotine replacement products, counseling, prescription medicine to decrease cravings, and support from family and friends. To learn how you can quit smoking or to get involved in Great American Smokeout activities, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or go to www.cancer.org. More information on quitting smoking can also be found on the American Lung Association's website at www.lungusa.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to smoking cessation is available. Please refer to topic 19 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Cancer Society and American Lung Association
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The most predictable cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, it is a myth that it cannot happen to someone who has not smoked. In 2006, it is expected that 2,000 individuals in Connecticut will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 1,860 will die from it. Lung cancer is the most common cancer related death in both men and women. Since 1987, more women across the country have died yearly from lung cancer than from breast cancer. To find out more about lung cancer, go to www.cancer.org or www.lungusa.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to smoking cessation is available. Please refer to topic 19 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org and American Lung Association
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used that refers to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by the flow of air being obstructed, which interferes with normal breathing. Because both of these conditions frequently co-exist, they are often referred to as COPD. COPD does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma. Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. The quality of life for a person suffering from COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. Those with COPD may eventually require supplemental oxygen and may have to rely on mechanical respiratory assistance. For more information on COPD and other lung related diseases, go to www.lungusa.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to smoking cessation is available. Please refer to topic 19 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Lung Association
National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Month, the month when the American Diabetes Association's focus is on those people with diabetes and their families. The campaign's goal is to raise awareness that serious diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed. The more carefully people with diabetes manage the disease, the more likely they are to reduce their risk for other serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and blindness. For information and tips on how you can take care of your diabetes call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2382) or visit their website at www.diabetes.org. Lunch & Learn topics related to diabetes are available. Please refer to topics 12 and 39 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Diabetes Association
National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Eye problems are among the most common complications that those with diabetes face. Almost one third of people with diabetes are at risk for vision loss because they do not know they have the disease. Diabetic retinopathy, a degenerative disease of the retina, is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can usually prevent permanent vision loss. Yearly dilated eye exams are crucial for protecting vision in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and would like to know how to protect your eyes, go to the Prevent Blindness America website at www.preventblindness.org or the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website http://www.aao.org/aao/patients/eyemd/diabetic_eye_disease.cfm. A Lunch & Learn topic related to diabetes is available. Please refer to topic 39 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Prevent Blindness America and American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Epilepsy Month
Epilepsy and seizures affect 2.7 million Americans of all ages, with an estimated annual cost of $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs. Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year. Did you know that the incidence is highest under the age of two and over 65? An estimated 326,000 school children through age 14 have epilepsy and 570,000 persons over the age of 65 have epilepsy. Seventy percent of those with epilepsy can be expected to enter remission, defined as five or more years of being seizure free and on medication. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut provides information and referral, educational and family education sessions, and, a parent and family telephone network. For more information, contact www.efa.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to epilepsy is available. Please refer to topic 37 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Epilepsy Foundation
National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Sometimes the hectic schedules we keep can cause us to be forgetful. However, for someone at the beginning stage of Alzheimer's disease, being forgetful is not the only early sign of dementia. Difficulty performing familiar tasks or forgetting simple words, making speech difficult to understand, can be a warning sign. Other signs may include being disoriented to time and place, poor or decreased judgment like wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. Someone with Alzheimer's may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks. Misplacing things in unusual places can be another indicator as well as changes in mood or behavior. These are only a few examples of the signs of Alzheimer's disease. For more information, go to www.alz.org. Lunch & Learn topics related to Alzheimer's disease are available. Please refer to topics 18 and 21 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Alzheimer's Association
National Hospice Month
Hospice care can be delivered in the home or an inpatient setting by a medically directed, nurse-coordinated, interdisciplinary team. Connecticut Hospice, located in Branford, Connecticut, started the hospice movement in America. Hospice programs continue to increase. In 1974, there was one location which has increased to 3,650 in 2004. Over one million people were admitted into hospice programs around the United States; an increase of about 110,000. Cancer is still the main diagnosis of those in hospice programs, at 46 percent of admissions. The other four diagnoses in the top five categories are: end stage heart disease, dementia, debility, lung disease, and end stage kidney disease. For more information on Connecticut Hospice visit www.hospice.com or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at www.nhpco.org for more information on hospice and palliative care.
Source: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Connecticut Hospice Institute
National Family Caregivers Month
Every November, family caregivers are recognized, drawing attention to the challenges they face, whether it is the need for a stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues or to raise awareness about the community programs that are available. National Family Caregivers Month is also a time to thank, support, educate, and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country. The National Family Caregivers Association encourages family caregivers to take three steps every day to make their lives easier: believe in yourself, protect your health, and reach out for help. For more information on family caregiving, go to www.thefamilycaregiver.org.
Source: National Family Caregivers Association
Recipes for Healthy Living
Healthy diets and exercise have been known to lower your risk of many diseases including certain types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, to name a few. Incorporate some of these free healthy recipes sponsored by Community Health Charities' member agencies and enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving. Click here for a complete listing of recipes.
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