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National Epilepsy Month
By age 20, one percent of people in the United States can expect to develop epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, you can learn to take charge of your life by educating yourself with epilepsy facts and fallacies, working closely with your healthcare practitioner, and understanding your treatment and resource options. You can become empowered to live the fullest life possible despite the challenges of epilepsy. For more information on referrals, educational and family education sessions, as well as other resources available to you, 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
Prematurity Awareness Month
Premature birth is the number one obstetrical problem in the nation and has become a national and somewhat silent health crisis. Premature babies are babies that have not finished developing before birth. Premature births are also a major financial drain on the healthcare system. Eleven percent of newborns covered by employer health plans are born prematurely. The direct healthcare costs to employers for a premature baby average $41,610 which is 15 times higher than the $2,830 for a healthy, full-term delivery. Prematurity can happen to any pregnant woman. As a result of prematurity/low birthrate, 13 babies die daily. A Lunch & Learn topic related to premature birth and pregnancy is available. Please refer to topic 7 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.com
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to 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. Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Those with COPD may eventually require supplemental oxygen. The quality of life for a person suffering from COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. 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
Do you know that an estimated 22 percent of individuals in the United States aged 20 and younger have diabetes? One in six overweight adolescents aged 12-19 have pre-diabetes. Complications of diabetes include heart disease and stroke (the leading cause of diabetes related deaths), high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, amputations, and pregnancy complications. Some symptoms of diabetes can include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision. For ways to help you and your family reduce your risk of diabetes, go to www.diabetes.org or www.jdrf.org . Lunch & Learn topics related to diabetes are available. Please refer to topics 12 & 39 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
As we age, our ability to think, reason, problem solve, and judge changes. For someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, these cognitive-function changes are likely to occur, happening gradually and affecting the ability to drive safely. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's or other dementias is not necessarily a reason to take away a loved one's ability to drive. Families need to look at warning signs that may indicate their loved one should not be driving. Examples of warning signs to look for are: difficulty in navigating turns, confusion at exits, inappropriate parking, delayed responses to unexpected situations, getting lost in familiar places, confusing the brake and gas pedal, stopping in traffic without a reason, etc. It is important that family members observe, over a period of time, the driving of someone with any form of dementia and to keep track of these observations. A single case of poor driving does not necessarily mean that one's ability to drive should be taken away. Knowing when to prevent someone from driving becomes a delicate balance between safety and independence as well as pride, dignity, and control. For more information on the perils of driving and dementia, warning signs for drivers with dementia, and transitioning to being a non-driver, visit www.thehartford.com/Alzheimers or more information on Alzheimer's go to www.alz.org. Lunch & Learn topics related to Alzheimer's disease and the elderly are available. Please refer to topics 18 and 21 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., the MIT Age Lab, and Connecticut Community Care, Inc. At the Crossroads. A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia & Driving
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is the time when increased attention is given to lung cancer issues. It is the perfect time to stop smoking because the most predictable cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, it is a myth that lung cancer cannot occur in someone who has never smoked. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In 2007, it is expected that there will be over 2,700 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer in Connecticut, over 5,000 in Massachusetts, over 1,000 in New Hampshire, over 900 in Rhode Island, and over 400 in Vermont. In these states, it is projected that over 7,200 people will die from this disease. To find out more about lung cancer, go to www.cancer.org and 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 the American Lung Association
Getting Through the Holidays
When you think of the holidays, do you imagine a period of time when there is harmony among family members and images of love and peace? Do you expect your holidays to be perfect? If so, you are unknowingly creating stress for yourself. And you are not alone! Each year, millions of people suffer from increased stress and tension during the holidays. Much of this stress can be avoided. Ways to enjoy the holiday season:
- Understand that not everyone may be in a celebratory mood. It is okay if you are not either. Accept whatever frame of mind you and others are in.
- Watch out for unrealistic expectations.
- Be careful not to over commit; be realistic about what you can handle.
- Delegate
- Avoid trying to control others. Family members are the same people before, during, and after the holidays.
- Beware of going into debt during this season. Plan ahead for gifts, etc.
- Avoid last minute shopping and the last minute planning of how you are going to spend the holidays.
- Make healthy food and drink choices.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes each day.
- Try to sleep at least eight hours each night.
- For those who are grieving losses such as the death of a loved one or divorce, the holidays can seem to accentuate those losses.
Source: M.C. Orman, M.D, FLP Holiday Stress Report: How to Keep Stress and Tension from Ruining Your Holiday Season. TRO Productions, Sparks MD.1994
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