DID YOU KNOW?
Health Tips provided by Plymouth Public Health/Human Services

Federal Law Expands Protection for Tenants in Foreclosure

On May 20, 2009, a new federal law expanding protections for tenants in foreclosed buildings took effect.  The law guarantees that such tenants will have at least 90 days to move after a foreclosure action.  The law is officially known as “Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act”.  It is Title VII of Public Law 111-22, which is called “Helping Families Save Their Homes Act”.  The law will be in effect until December 31, 2012. 

Who should you call if you are a tenant in a foreclosure situation with a problem? 

If your problem is…	Call	Phone number
Foreclosure related	Statewide Legal Services	860-344-0380 or 1-800-453-3320
Cash for keys	Attorney General	860-808-5318
Security Deposit	Bank Department	860-240-8154 or1-800-831-7225 x8154

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The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

SENIORS!
Are your food bills too high?

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly “food stamps”) rules have changed. Many more people qualify.  Low income people with savings or retirement accounts now qualify.

As of July 1, 2009:

SNAP benefits can be up to $200 monthly for one person, $367 for two people. The amount depends on income and expenses.

SNAP benefits are paid on a card that you can use at the grocery store just like a credit or debit card. You do not have to repay this benefit. No lien will be placed on your house.

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN SNAP (formerly food stamps) BENEFITS

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Unemployment Resource Guide

The Plymouth Public Health/Human Services Department has put together an unemployment resource guide for those needing help in this community. The guide covers topics such as:  job training/search, healthcare options, food programs, money management/budgeting and financial assistance. Copies are available at the Plymouth Public Health/Human Services Department.  The guide is also available on the Plymouth town’s website. [Unemployment resource guide] 

Here are some websites that may be helpful to those searching for employment:  
www.careerbuilder.com
www.jobbankinfo.org/
www.monster.com
www.ctjobs.com
www.allcountyjobs.com
www.1.ctdol.state.ct.us/jccstep4.asp

Occupational Information is also available at:  Online.onecenter.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook:  www.bls.gov/oc/

 Helpful resume sites:
http://www.resume-help.org/
http://www.jobstar.org/tools/resume/
http://www.bestsampleresume.com/

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Lose your Job? Not eligible for unemployment? Employment running out?

Remember Temporary Family Assistance:
As families with children lose income from jobs or unemployment compensation, they should consider applying for the state’s family welfare program, Temporary Family Assistance (TFA).   Parents who have not faced unemployment in the past may not be aware of the program. 
Cash assistance is available to parents with children who meet the program’s income guidelines.  There are some limits on the value of your car and other assets (not including your house).  Assistance is available for 21 to 33 months and sometimes longer.  For more information or to pick up an application (assistance to fill out paperwork is also available), please call the Plymouth Public Health/Human Services department @ 585-4028.     

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How to order your free credit report

It is a good idea for every adult to check their credit reports at least once a year for any mistakes or misinformation.  Any discrepancies should be corrected immediately.  You should get your credit reports from each of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian – because the information about your credit history may be a little different in each report. 
According to the Consumer Law Project for Elders, Federal law now allows everyone to obtain a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.  A special website, telephone number and form have been created to allow you to order your free annual reports: 
Official website:  www.annualcreditreport.com (This is the ONLY official website for free annual credit reports!)
Toll-free number:  1-877-322-8228
Be aware that when you contact the credit reporting agencies they may try to sell you additional products, including credit scores.  Most of the time you do not need these additional products and should decline them. 

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• T19                                                    
• Food stamps
• SAGA
• ConnPACE
• HUSKY
• Charter Oak
• Medicare Savings Plans
• Medicare Part D
• Healthy Start
• WIC
• Lifeline
• Resident VISAS 
• NuStart
• Furnace rebate program
• Housing Rehabilitation Program

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Blood Pressure

About High Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Monitoring
Everybody has and needs blood pressure.  Without it blood can’t circulate throughout the body.  It’s important to know about blood pressure and how to keep it within a healthy level. Normal blood pressure falls within a range; it’s not one set of numbers.   Your blood pressure can change from minute to minute, with changes in posture, exercise or sleeping.  It should normally be less than 120/80 for an adult.  According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension and above this level 140/90 or higher is considered high (hypertension).
What do blood pressure numbers indicate?
The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is beating.
The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
Home monitoring of high blood pressure
You can’t “sense” that you have high blood pressure.  According to the American Heart Association, home monitoring of your blood pressure should only be done under your doctor’s supervision and your healthcare professional should help you select a home monitor, make sure it’s accurate, and show you how to use it.   The American Heart Association recommends an automatic cuff-style upper arm monitor.  Wrist monitors are not recommended because the brachial artery in the upper arm gives a more reliable reading than the wrist artery.

Before using it, take it to your healthcare provider’s office to check your technique as well as the instruments accuracy.  And have it rechecked once a year. People with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmia's may not be good candidates for home monitoring because the recommended oscillometric – method devices may not be able to give good measurements. 

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A Child's Early Development

Understanding Brain Development in Young Children
A child’s first words, the grasping of a spoon, and the turning of a baby’s head in recognition of its mother’s voice.  What do these things have in common?  All of them are examples of a young child’s developmental “steps forward”.  
How does the brain develop?
A number of factors influence early brain development. These important factors include:  genetics, food and nutrition, responsiveness of parents, daily experiences, physical activity and love.  
What are the critical periods of brain development?
According the North Dakota State University, brain development proceeds in waves with different parts of the brain becoming active “construction sites” at different times.  The brain’s ability to respond to experience presents exciting opportunities for a child’s development. 
Though learning continues throughout life, there are “windows of opportunity” when the brain is a kind of “super sponge”, absorbing new information more easily than at other times and developing in major leaps.  Providing children with the best opportunity for learning and growth during the periods when their minds are most ready to absorb new information is important. 
Visual and auditory development:  the “prime time” for visual and auditory development, or a child’s capacity for learning to see and hear is from birth to between 4 to 5 years. It is very important for children, especially babies, to perceive and interact with the world around them.  During the first few months, especially, babies need to see shapes, colors and objects at varying distances and movement for the brain to learn how to see.  Exposure to a variety of sounds is important so their brains can learn to process information and allow for responsiveness by hearing something.  
Language development:  “Prime time” for language development and learning to talk is from birth to 10 years of age.  Children need to hear you talk, sing and read to them during these early years.  Respond to their babbling and language efforts.
Physical and motor development:  “Prime time” is from birth to 12 years of age.  Children become physically ready for different aspects of motor development at different times.  Large motor skills, such as walking, tend to come before the refinement of fine motor skills such as using a crayon. 
Emotional and social development:  “Prime time” is birth to 12 years of age. Different aspects of emotional and social development, which incorporate higher capacities, such as awareness of others, empathy and trust are important at different times.  For example, the real “prime time” for emotional attachment to be developed is from birth to 18 months, when a young child is forming attachments with critical caregivers. Such development provides the foundation for other aspects of emotional development that occur as children grow.   Emotional intelligence is critical to life success.  The part of the brain that regulates emotion, the amygdala, is shaped early on and forms the brain’s emotional wiring.  Early nurturing is important to learning empathy, happiness, hopefulness and resiliency.  Social development which involves both self-awareness and a child’s ability to interact with others also occurs in stages.   A parent’s efforts to nurture and guide a child will assist in laying healthy foundations for social and emotional development.

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Budget Crisis Affects Prescription Coverage

Notice to all ConnPACE recipients:
I have received word from our North Central Area Agency on Aging that as of June 1, 2009 no new prescriptions for non-formulary drugs will be covered under the ConnPACE program; regardless of the Medicare Part D plan you have chosen.  Only prescriptions for non-formulary drugs written before June 1, 2009 will continue to be covered.  All ConnPACE recipients are encouraged to speak with their physicians about any new prescriptions to be sure that they stay on formulary if at all possible or you will run the risk of paying out of pocket.  If you have any questions or need information on alternatives, please call Abigail Egan, Human Services @ 585-4028 or our Area Agency on Aging @724-6443.  I will post updates as I receive them from NCAAA.     

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Clean Hands

Clean Hands are a very important step to good health! It’s best to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20-30 seconds. If water is not available, use alcohol-based products (hand sanitizers). Keeping your hands clean helps you avoid getting sick.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing or eating food.
• After going to the bathroom.
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom.
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick.
• After handling uncooked foods, especially raw meat, poultry or fish.
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• After handling an animal or animal waste.
• After handling garbage.
• Before and after treating a cut or wound.
• After handling items contaminated by flood water or sewage.
• When your hands are visibly dirty.

How to use a hand sanitizer:

• Apply product to the palm of one hand.*
• Vigorously rub hands together.
• Rub product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

*Amount of product needed varies by brand, so read manufacturer’s directions and recommendations for proper amount necessary.

Proper hand washing with soap and water:

• Place your hands under running water (warm if possible).
• Rub your hands together vigorously with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash your hands thoroughly including wrists, palms, back of hands, and under the fingernails.
• Clean the dirt from under fingernails.
• Rinse the soap from your hands.
• Dry your hands completely with a clean towel if possible (this helps remove the germs).  However, if towels are not available it is ok to air dry your hands.
• Patting your skin to dry helps prevent chapping and cracking.
• Use towel to turn off faucets.
• If you are using disposable towel, throw it in the trash.

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Preventing Window Falls

According to CT Safe Kids, every year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in falls from windows.  To help prevent these tragedies, take the following steps especially for bedroom windows.Safe guard your windows with window guards or window stops.

• Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can easily open in case of fire.)
• Whenever possible, open windows from the top-not the bottom.
• Be aware that screens will not keep children from falling out of windows.  
• Keep furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing out.

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Sun Protection for Babies and Toddlers

A baby’s pink cheeks from the sun may look cute but that glow is a sign of sun damage no matter how healthy you may think it makes your child look.  And the damage accumulates, day after day, throughout childhood.  Sunlight triggers many changes in the skin.  Some show up quickly – suntans, sunburns, freckles; others take years to appear – wrinkles or splotches.  The most serious change is skin cancer.  According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, experts know that at least 90% of all skin cancers are a result of excessive sun exposure.  In fact, one blistering sunburn in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer. 
Of course, children, like all people, need light and air to grow and thrive.  How to balance?  Follow good sun protection habits including the following at all times throughout the year:

Outdoor precautions:

• Make sure your babies stroller or carriage provides adequate shade, with a hood or other shade-providing structure. 
• Your baby should have fresh air and light, but ideally, not at peak times of the day. Schedule your baby’s stroll around the neighborhood in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less powerful. 
• Your baby should wear a bonnet or sun hat with a wide brim whenever he/she is outside.  Remember, baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave the neck, ears and lower face exposed.      
• When outside find a shady place.
• Make sure your baby’s arms/legs are covered.

Choosing a sunscreen:     

• Look for an SPF of 15 or greater.
• Follow the directions and always do a “patch test” by putting a small amount on the inside of your child’s wrist the day before you plan to use it to test for irritation or allergies. 
• If an irritation or rash develops at any time, try another product.  Ask your child’s doctor to suggest a product.

Applying sunscreen:

• Sunscreen should not be used on babies under six months old.  Babies under six months old should be exposed to the sun as little as possible. 
• Coat your child’s liberally and evenly.  Rub in well. 
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.  If your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot, reapply more often.
• Don’t forget baby’s hands, ears, nose, lips, and area around the eyes.  An SPF 15 lip balm should be applied to the lips.  UV – blocking sunglasses will protect the vulnerable eye area.

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Food Safety Tips for the warmer weather

The warmer weather offers many opportunities for picnics and barbeques and outdoor fun with friends and family.  But these warm weather events also present the opportunities for food- borne bacteria to thrive.  As food heats up in the summer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly.

To protect yourself, safe food handling when eating outdoors is essential. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, following these simple food transportation rules will help keep your food safe from the refrigerator/freezer to the picnic table.   Keep cold foods cold.  Place cold foods in a cooler with ice/gel packs.  Cold food should be stored at 40 degrees or below to prevent bacterial growth. 

• Organize cooler contents.  If possible, place beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another.  Beverage coolers are usually accessed more frequently than food coolers which mean the cooler is being opened more often making maintaining temperature more difficult.  So, separate coolers allow for safer storage of the perishable food products.
•  Keep coolers closed.  Limiting the numbers of times the cooler is opened helps keep the contents cold longer.
• Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, seafood and poultry securely wrapped.  This helps keep their juices from contaminating other foods such as fruits and vegetables.
• Clean your produce including those with skins or rinds that are not eaten.

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Are you eligible for Medicare Part D low-income Subsidy

There are thousands of CT residents that are eligible for the low-income subsidy in Medicare Part D that are not receiving "extra help". This subsidy provides financial assistance for some Medicare Part D beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Those who are eligible will get help paying for 75% or more of their monthly premium, yearly deductible, prescription coinsurance and copayments and will have no gap in coverage. For more information or to obtain an application for this program, please call Abigail Egan at 860-585-4028. 

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How to prepare for the job interview?

Preparing for a job interview should be taken seriously.  The competition is fierce.  Preparation helps you keep your cool and not slip up in what most of us consider an uncomfortable position-the dreaded interview process.  An interview is the key before a company hires, so discover how to sell yourself before meeting with the prospective employer.   Nothing compares to being prepared. 

• Research the company’s profile and background. 
• Relax and be yourself. Remember that you’re interviewing the organization as much as they are interviewing you.
• Learn to listen and answer questions completely.  Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something.
• Be honest.
• Know your resume. Stress your best qualities and experience.
• Be aware of your posture.  Sit/stand upright. Don’t slouch.
• Be on time and don’t munch on junk food while waiting to be seen.
• Don’t chew on gum or have candy or any food in your mouth during the interview.
• Ask questions about the company, the job specifics (hours, advancement opportunities) and show interest.
• Be positive about yourself, the company, former employers etc.
• If you’re asked about prior employment: Don’t exaggerate or underestimate your past experience, don’t cover up your past record and don’t complain about previous employers or their practices. 
• Dress appropriately for any position.  Women: don’t wear open-toed shoes, backless shoes or mules.  Go easy on the jewelry – one or two rings are OK, no nose rings, ankle bracelets or earrings or bracelets that jangle.  Nails should be neatly groomed; no extremely long nails or loud colored nail polish.  Men:  choose dress shirts with a collar and wear a tie.  Nails should be neatly groomed. 
• Be aware that when you enter the potential workplace to pickup an application, you are already being screened, so dress/act appropriately even when picking up an application!!!

After the interview:  Send a note.  A follow up or thank you note while optional is a very good idea.  Remember, the competition is fierce- you want to stand out as a cut above the rest of the applicants!  Use it to ask additional questions or simply to thank the interviewer for their time.  Keep the note brief.  Address it to the interviewer.  

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Cobra Subsidy

COBRA SUBSIDY FOR THOSE LOSING JOBS BETWEEN 9/1/08 AND 12/31/09

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was signed by President Obama on 2/17/09 includes a subsidy of COBRA premiums for up to nine months for employees involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.  (This does not include employees who were terminated for “gross misconduct”).  The subsidy will pay for 65% of the COBRA premium for the employee and their dependents.  

This bill also allows eligible employees who did not elect COBRA prior to the effective date (2/17/09), or who elected it and then dropped it, to now elect it.  Employers are required to notify employees who were terminated on or after 9/1/08 of their ability to elect continuation of COBRA.  The employee will have 60 days after the employer’s notification date to enroll.

To read more please go to:  the U.S. Department of Labor’s FAQ’s about this program @ http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html

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Do you know about Safety Net Services?

Do You:

• Have little or no income?
• Have at least one child under 18?
• No longer receive cash assistance?
• Want help for your family?

What can Safety Net Services do?
Safety Net Services can help you:

• Keep a job
• Find housing
• With rent, food and utilities
• Find child care
• Find transportation
• Learn new skills
• Meet your goals

The Safety Net Services program is funded by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and provided by the Connecticut Council of Family Services Agencies and the Connecticut Association for Community Action.  For more information call:  1-800-505-9000.

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Childhood Obesity

According to the CT Department of Public Health recent studies indicate that obesity is now causing health problems in children that were inconceivable 20 years ago:

• 60% of overweight children already exhibit at least one risk factor for heart disease, the #1 cause of death.
• Type 2 diabetes – once referred to as “adult-onset” diabetes- represents up to 45% of new pediatric cases compared with 4% a decade ago.
• Adolescents who are overweight have an estimated 80% chance of being obese as adults; and, if overweight begins before age 8, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.
• Obesity kills more Americans each year than AIDS, cancer and injuries combined.  At this rate, the current generation of children will not live as long as their parents.

Contributing Factors:  Genetic, biological, psychological, socio-cultural, behavioral & environmental factors all contribute to the obesity epidemic.  Eat breakfast daily and share family meals.  Unhealthy food choices and eating behaviors are major factors contributing to overweight and obesity.  Today’s youth are considered the most inactive generation in history.
Key Recommendations:
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others, endorse the following key recommendations to reduce the prevalence, and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in childhood obesity: 
Dietary Intake:

• Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Limit the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Limit the consumption of high-calorie and high-fat foods.
• Eat a diet rich in calcium, high in fiber and other nutrients.

Physical Activity:

• Participate in 60 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity each day.
• Limit TV and other screen time to no more than 1 or 2 hours of quality programming.
• Remove TV and computers from children’s bedrooms.

Eating Behaviors:

• Eat breakfast daily and share regular family meals.
• Limit portion sizes and learn to read nutrition labels.
• Limit eating out, especially at fast food restaurants.
• Avoid using food as a reward, especially foods high in sugar, fat and calories.

Emphasize healthful food choices rather than restrictive eating patterns.

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Mandatory blood test for lead poisoning

  Effective January 1, 2009 Public Act 07-2 requires all primary care providers to perform annual blood lead screening of all children less than 3 years of age and screen any child between the ages of 36 and 72 months who has not been previously screened. 
  Lead poisoning is frequently unrecognized because it can occur without symptoms.  A blood lead test is the only way to know whether a person has lead poisoning.
For more information, contact your primary physician or visit the CT Department of Public Health website at  http://www.ct.gov/dph.

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CT Pro Bono Network

The Office of CT State Treasurer is partnering with the Financial Planning Association of CT to develop the CT Pro Bono Network which will provide a free half hour session and work on an individual basis with you to find answers to your most pressing financial issues, how to manage your financial resources, set goals and determine how to achieve them. To qualify for the program, household incomes must not be greater the HUD median income standards for CT in the fiscal year 2008.  For a one person household the income must not be greater than $43,050, 2 person $49,200 and 3 person limit is $55,350. Call 860-721-7526 (the FPA Pro Bono Network) for more information.

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Charter Oak Health Plan

The new Charter Oak Health Plan began taking applications on July 1st, 2008 with coverage to beginning August 1st.  The three participating health plans are Community Health Network of CT, Aetna Better Health and AmeriChoice (Unitedhealthcare). 
Charter Oak covers hospital care, doctor or clinic visits, X rays and lab tests, prescriptions and some mental health and substance abuse treatment.  There is no pre-existing condition exclusion and subsidies in premiums and deductibles are based on income.  

While Charter Oak is an important new option for CT’s uninsured, it may not be right for everyone.  As with all insurance, consumers need to do their homework. 
Charter Oak may not be right for consumers who:

• Have insurance now –you may not be eligible if you’ve had insurance in the last six months
• Don’t have money in the bank available for health costs ($900 deductibles plus 10% of hospitals stay)
• Have high prescription needs (prescriptions are limited to $7,500/yr)
• Need to see a specific doctor (the provider panel is likely to be very limited)
• Dental and vision care are not covered
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment is limited

Consumers who want more information or to sign up can call the Plymouth Human Services Department @ 860-585-4028 or go to http://www.charteroakhealthplan.com/ or call 1-877CTOAK.