Break Bad Health Habits

So now that its officially too late to withdraw my challenge to get healthy
by giving up one bad habit (in case you didn’t read the Point of View I promised to quit smoking by
May 18; did I say what year?), I guess I need to consider just how I am going to manage this no small
task. I’ve been smoking since before I was 16. I’m 52! Darn!!
Did I say that out loud? And it just so
happens that I am not quick to turn to pharmaceutical assistance. So gum, patches and pills are all out.
Hmmm….research is required. GTHN (Getting to healthy now.) TTYL.

Snow shoveling tips to protect your heart and back

Use caution when shoveling snow. Dress warmly and be safe.

I wrote a blog earlier this season about the best way to handle the rage of Old Man Winter. Since he and Mother Nature teamed up to drop mounds of snow on us this week with the seasons first official nor'easter, I thought what better time than now to repeat some handy tools on how to protect yourself from serious health challenges that occur during the winter -- heart attacks, back injuries and frost bite.

Every year, physicians and staff at Baystate Medical Center advise people on the ill effects of improper shoveling, frost bite and other maladies that occur during the winter months. As the area's only and largest trauma center, BMC in Springfield treats an increasing number of patients who incur heart attacks, back injuries and severe frostbite during New England's harsh winter season.

"If you haven't already, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself on how to protect your heart while removing that often beautiful, but heavy white stuff," said Dr. John Santoro, vice chairman, Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, on the Baystate Health news website. "Persons who have coronary artery disease and other illness should avoid exposure to cold weather, especially when shoveling."  Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart attack should be brought to the Emergency Department immediately.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Pressure or pain in the chest, arms or neck
• Nausea.
• Lightheadedness.
• Sweating or feeling clammy.
• Unusual fatigue. 

Unusual exertion from shoveling snow can also cause severe back pain for those with healthy and bad backs, and result in pain in the hips and knees. A standard shovel full of snow weighs about 16 pounds. Shoveling 10 times every minute for ten minutes  alone is equivalent to lifting about 1,600 pounds after 10 minutes of shoveling.

For the elderly and disabled, shoveling snow and experiencing long periods of time in the cold is an even more harmful combination. We need to be neighborly and help them out. Get a youngster in the neighborhood to shovel their walkways, or call the city to inform them that snow removal services are needed. 

Winter and Snow Removal Safety Tips:

• Dress warmly with a hat, gloves, winter coat, scarf and boots. There are many agencies in Greater Springfield that provide free winter outerwear including the Salvation Army, the Springfield Rescue Mission, the Survival Center in Indian Orchard, area Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and area churches.
• Stretch before you begin to shovel. Use the proper technique which means using a medium-sized ergonomically-designed shovel. Pick up smaller amounts of shovel on the blade and lift with your legs, not your arms.
• If you have a driveway, clear the snow build up at the base of the driveway near the street first while your strength is greatest; then clear the snow from the middle of the driveway pushing out to the sides from the middle. It's easier and results in less wear and tear on your body.
• Lastly, if you simply don't have the strength, physical wellness or stamina to shovel snow, then don't. Don't be too prideful to ask for help. It's better to seek help from someone then face a possible life-threatening health challenge because you didn't.

Now, let's all zip our coats and buckle down for Mother Nature's impending season of winter treats.

¡New year -- New you!

Every year on January 1, people across the globe make New Year's resolutions.
Some write a list of the top things they want to change in their lives, set goals for the coming year, or even pick that same one thing they have yet  to master.
Most common among resolutions is to lose weight, eat right and get healthy.
We support that one entirely. Good health is the hallmark for a good life in so many ways.
In the last 25 years, resolutions concerning weight, exercise, better relationships and quitting smoking have been at the top of the list, according to Dr. John C. Norcross, co-author of Changing for Good.
This year, let's not make resolutions a trite statement with no real meaning behind it. Let's actually do it.

Here are some simple tips to get healthier in 2011:

• Eat right.

Make wise choices in the types of foods you eat; add lean proteins, more fruits and vegetables, and monitor portion sizes. Eat food low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate sugars. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Write what you eat down to help you keep track of your intake; a food journal forces you to be aware of what you eat.

• Exercise more.

For exercise to help with weight loss, experts advise regular aerobic physical activity, such as walking, biking or swimming, for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week. If you're a beginner, start slow, but be consistent and determined. Join a fitness center, or take classes at area health centers like the YMCA of Greater Springfield on Chestnut Street.

• Get health exams.

It's important to know the state of your physical health before you begin any exercise regimen. Check with your doctor to see if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. For woman, get annual breast and gynecological exams. For men, get prostrate exams as needed. Regular exams are preventative and proactive measures to minimize health risks.

• Get support.

Find a friend, family member, co-worker or someone else with similar "get healthy" goals to serve as an accountability partner, to offer support when you're feeling unmotivated. Programs such as Weight Watchers or working with a dietitian, nutritionist or personal trainer are also effective ways to garner support and learn new ideas and strategies to getting and staying healthy. Use the many online tools and websites available to give you a framework for getting and staying healthy, such as WebMd's diet assessment tool. Also, regularly visit the Mason Square Health Task Force website.

Now, start your new year right. Stay focused. Stay positive. And remember: Take one step at a time.
Happy New Year!

MOCHA selects new coordinator, launches new events to raise men's health awareness

Trevis Wray and Coach Dee Brown

The Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) campaign has hired  a new coordinator in its efforts to steadily raise awareness about health issues and disparities that effect men of color in Greater Springfield.

Trevis Wray, program officer and community leadership coordinator of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, will also serve as coordinator of MOCHA.

"For me, the health disparities facing men of color are real. I'm living with this and seeing it in my community and in my life everyday," Wray said, noting that statistics on morbidity and mortality rates of men of color are markedly higher than for whites. "Even in my own family and extended outward, I can see the currents of the typical illnesses that plague our community heavily - diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, alcoholism and more."

Wray said to keep the conversation about health and health awareness on the tips of every one's tongue, the initiative will host an on-going speaker series with leaders in the area of health, wellness and the community. The first speaker in the series is Coach Dee Brown, former NBA star and coach of the Springfield Armor.

Brown will speak about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and exercise on Wed., Dec. 15, at the Springfield YMCA, 275 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

We encourage everyone to attend MOCHA events as a means to get men of color in our community healthy and informed.

The Mason Square Health Task Force is part of a community collaborative working with MOCHA that includes Baystate Health, Black Men of Greater Springfield, the YMCA of Greater Springfield and others. The YMCA will facilitate a variety of wellness classes ranging from food and fitness to financial literacy.

The Mason Square Health Task Force applauds MOCHA and encourages all men to get and stay healthy!

Old Man Winter is peeking around the corner: Are you ready for his arrival?

This may be a hard pill to swallow right now, but the fact is we live in New England, and in New England winter means snow.

"Oh but the leaves are just starting to fall; we're still having a bit of an Indian Summer," you may say. That can change in an instant. What that means is be prepared. Protect yourself from the harshness of Old Man Winter in a variety of ways - from the clothes you wear to the tools and technique you use in shoveling snow.

Every year, physicians and staff at Baystate Medical Center advise people on the ill effects of improper shoveling, frost bite and other maladies that occur during the winter months. As the area's only and largest trauma center, BMC in Springfield treats an increasing number of patients who incur heart attacks, back injuries and severe frostbite during New England's harsh winter season.

"If you haven't already, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself on how to protect your heart while removing that often beautiful, but heavy white stuff," said Dr. John Santoro, vice chairman, Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, on the Baystate Health news website. "Persons who have coronary artery disease and other illness should avoid exposure to cold weather, especially when shoveling."  Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart attack should be brought to the Emergency Department immediately.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Pressure or pain in the chest, arms or neck
• Nausea.
• Lightheadedness.
• Sweating or feeling clammy.
• Unusual fatigue. 

Unusual exertion from shoveling snow can also cause severe back pain for those with healthy and bad backs, and result in pain in the hips and knees. A standard shovel full of snow weighs about 16 pounds. Shoveling 10 times every minute for ten minutes  alone is equivalent to lifting about 1,600 pounds after 10 minutes of shoveling.

For the elderly and disabled, shoveling snow and experiencing long periods of time in the cold is an even more harmful combination. We need to be neighborly and help them out. Get a youngster in the neighborhood to shovel their walkways, or call the city to inform them that snow removal services are needed. 

Winter and Snow Removal Safety Tips:

• Dress warmly with a hat, gloves, winter coat, scarf and boots. There are many agencies in Greater Springfield that provide free winter outerwear including the Salvation Army, the Springfield Rescue Mission, the Survival Center in Indian Orchard, area Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and area churches.
• Stretch before you begin to shovel. Use the proper technique which means using a medium-sized ergonomically-designed shovel. Pick up smaller amounts of shovel on the blade and lift with your legs, not your arms.
• If you have a driveway, clear the snow build up at the base of the driveway near the street first while your strength is greatest; then clear the snow from the middle of the driveway pushing out to the sides from the middle. It's easier and results in less wear and tear on your body.
• Lastly, if you simply don't have the strength, physical wellness or stamina to shovel snow, then don't. Don't be too prideful to ask for help. It's better to seek help from someone then face a possible life-threatening health challenge because you didn't.

Now, let's all zip up our coats and buckle down for Mother Nature's next season of treats.

National Health Observances: Let's get on board and support them

Sept. 29, 2010

Did you know that September is Fruit and Veggies-More Matters Month and Baby Safety Month, or that Sept. 29 is National Women's Health & Fitness Day? If you're like many of us, probably not.

While some of the authors of national health observances are quite successful at marketing their cause (think National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, World Aids Day and even the Great American Smokeout each November) others such as these awareness efforts go largely unnoticed by the general populous.

There are reasons why community groups, health professionals, teachers and residents should support organized local and national health observances: They educate the public about health risks,  help organize successful health promotion events and campaigns, and get news and information out about vital health topics and resources in the community. On a personal level, use them as a launching pad to implement healthy changes into your own life.

So lets start with National Women's Day of Health & Fitness. The day is sponsored as a public/private good health partnership by the Health Information Resource Center as a way to promote the importance of health awareness and regular physical activity for women of all ages. to According to sponsors, over 100,000 women will participate in events throughout the U.S. In Mason Square, we can host events in small groups, among girlfriends, co-workers or family members. Arrange to meet for a walk around the Springfield College or Blunt Park tracks, or workout at a local gym. The bottom line - establish a fitness regimen and continue to use that regimen in your daily lifestyle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & Produce for Better Health Foundation is the sponsor for Fruit and Veggies-More Matters Month. The month promotes health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.

Click to see the food Pyramid

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet that can help protect you from:

• Heart disease
• Bone loss
• Type 2 diabetes 
• High blood pressure
• Some cancers, such as colorectal cancer

Simple steps you can take to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables is:

1. Seek out healthy recipes with fruits and/or vegetables and implement into your daily diet.

2. Share your research on the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables with family and friends

3. Teach your children that fruits and vegetables are not just good for you, but also GOOD!

Baby Safety Awareness Month is a campaign launched by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, an agency that works with the Consumer Protection Agency to establish guidelines for juvenile products, to help educators and caregivers understand the importance of using safe products for babies. The month has been observed since 1991.

This year, the JMPA is focusing on safe sleeping environments. According to the JMPA, every year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed in a sleep environment not specifically designed for infants, such as in a toddler or adult bed, couch or unprotected space. Children must be placed in properly assembled, safe and secure cribs, cradles, bassinets or the like. For tips on creating safe environments for babies click here.

As a result of national campaigns like these, Americans are raising their awareness about health risks and safety issues and implementing strategies for change. Let's jump on the bandwagon and do the same right here in Mason Square.

Teatro V!da brings arts and culture to Greater Springfield and offers resources to youth and adults

Teatro V!da presents "Rumors of a New Day" on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.,
affords arts and culture opportunities to youth and adults.

When we think of societal plagues like substance abuse, depression, violence and assorted health ailments as a result of diet and stress, the cures we most often reach for are medicinal, believing it provides a quick fix. Though medicines are  important treatments in many cases, we should not overlook the role of intervention and prevention strategies, especially when it comes to our youth.

Intervention means attacking a problem at the first sign of trouble by changing mindsets and behaviors. Prevention seeks to stop the issue in advance prior to becoming a health disparity. So how do we do that?

• Get our youth involved in positive activities to steer them away from the trouble zones.
• Help our adults overcome the daily challenges of life by balancing the struggle with hope and compassion.

Greater Springfield is fortunate to have a wealth of organizations in our backyard who espouse the same beliefs as the Mason Square Health Task Force; agencies that consider whole health and intervention as necessary goals in serving the people in our community. We need to do more to support them and help them flourish and grow.

Teatro V!da, the city's first Latino theater group is one such agency. Teatro V!da is the brainchild of Magdalena Gomez, a teaching artist for more than 35 years. In 2006, Gomez rallied the support of key leaders in Springfield's Latino community. One year later, Teatro V!da was born with funding from the Latino Breakfast Club, Hispanic Resources Inc., MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Health and other community supporters. Since its founding, Teatro V!da has produced over 20 events, including four original full productions with music composed by artist, musician Heshima Moja, the theater's current Music Director.

"We offer the community an opportunity to build up our young people, and fill in the gap that's left vacant as a result to cuts in public education in the area of arts and culture," said Moja, an independent artist whose recent cd release has been getting national airplay. "We give them a chance to discover theater, acting, dance, but we also focus on issues like literacy, and health, and wellness and compassion. We take a whole health, holistic approach using artistic expression."

 

Their latest production, "Rumors of a New Day," is a  multi-media performance celebrating Springfield and the arts. It will be held  Monday, September 13 at 7 p.m., at City Stage. The performance was written and directed by Gomez. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the show. For more information call the City Stage box office at (413) 788-7033.

"This performance piece is about the issues we face right here in Springfield, the criticisms, the stereotypes, the 'isms, the things we care about and face in our everyday lives in Springfield," said Moja, noting the theme of "Rumors." The production uses a variety of artistic mediums including acting, dance and music.

The production has more than 100 people involved, including cast and crew. At least two dozen youth are tied to the play, either as performers or as apprentices under Daniel Jaquez, an acclaimed choreographer from New York City, Moja said.

"This show offers solutions woven throughout the fabric of the piece offering steps to emotional wellness, emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion," Moja said.

The Mason Square Health Task Force encourages you to support the show, and support Teatro V!da in its efforts to keep our city culturally diverse, artistically rich, healthy and well.

With sports related concussions rising, parents should be aware of issues, signs and risks

File photo from The Republican

Football season has arrived and New England has a rich history of  fans who embrace the sport, cheering at little league games for Mason Square's 5A players to braving rain and cold to support  area high school and college teams.

So how does football and health care news relate? In recent weeks, the spotlight has been placed on the safety of football, particularly for our young people, with breaking news on the rising rate of sports-related concussions.

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a study that appears in the September issue of Pediatrics examining sports-related concussions in children and adolescents revealed that the number of young children treated in hospital ERs for concussions occurred while playing on sports teams has doubled within the past decade.If that's not alarming enough, researchers say the rate among younger athletes, as early as 8-years-old, is significant and rising.The study represents the first attempt to document the national incidence of sports-related concussions among children in elementary and middle school, according to national news reports.

The study looked at an analysis of data from hospital emergency departments across the nation and revealed that:

• Roughly half a million ER visits for concussions occurred among 8- to 19-year-olds between 2001 and 2005.
• About half were sports-related, and 40% of sports-related concussions involved children between the ages of 8 and 13.
• Football and ice hockey were the organized sports with the most concussion injuries, and snow skiing, bicycling, and playground iinjuries accounted for the most concussions occurring from non-team-related activities.

So exactly what is a concussion and what are its symptoms? A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by an impact or jolt to the head. The symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Memory or concentration problems

While many of us in this area are big football fans and want to support our young athletes, we have to be mindful that their health and well-being take precedent over the game.Parents and caregivers need to be proactive about making sure their child has the right sports gear, from helmet to cleats. Equally as important, parents need to make sure their child's coach has our youth's best interest at heart, on and off the field.

Mason Square Farmers' Market a great place to buy fruits and veggies

Eat well, live longer

Who says you can't find fresh greens, tomatoes, berries, beets, fruits, figs, corn and more in the heart of Mason Square?  If so, they must not be aware of the Mason Square Farmers' Market, an outdoor market held every Saturday at the square on Wilbraham Road.


The farmers' market is in its fourth year and is working hard to expand its presence and the traffic flow of shoppers there.


Organizer Tasha Moultrie-Phillips, project coordinator for Target Hunger, has described the market as a welcome relief to Mason Square's "food desert" issues that arise because of its limited supply of fresh food vendors in the area. 


The Mason Square Health Task Force is a supporter of the market, recognizing that people need healthy food to live and stay healthy. With increasing obesity and diabetes rates in our Mason Square community, we need to pay closer attention to how we eat and what we eat.


Our diet is an important health issue and shouldn't be overlooked. What better way to increase the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet than to buy them right here in the heart of our community at the Mason Square Farmer's Market.


See you on Saturday!

Men of Color Health Awareness kicks off campaign

Health disparities between men of color and whites are alarming: men of color have the highest rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and are more frequently the victims of violent crimes.

That's why the Mason Square Health Task Force is so excited about the Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA), a program aimed at improving the health of men of color in Greater Springfield.

The Task Force is part of a community collaborative working with MOCHA that includes Baystate Health, Black Men of Greater Springfield, the YMCA of Greater Springfield and others. The YMCA will facilitate a variety of wellness classes ranging from food and fitness to financial literacy.

Earlier this month nearly 150 people, mostly black and Latino men, joined on the steps of Springfield City Hall to announce that MOCHA had received a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Public Health.

The Mason Square Health Task Force applauds MOCHA and encourages all men to get and stay healthy!