Fighting fat genes

A researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health says even people with fat genes can control their weight. Qubin Qi looked at data on about 12,000 people. He and his colleagues calculated, based on what’s known about genes, the predisposition toward weight – and looked at lifestyles that affect weight. People with a predisposition added weight if they were sedentary – lots of TV, for instance. But the equivalent of brisk walking for an hour a day cut the predisposition effect in half. So Qi advises more activity and less sitting: “Overall, these are very important in prevention of obesity, particularly in people with a high genetic risk.” The study presented at an American Heart Association meeting was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Daily HealthBeat Tip for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

HHS launches national campaign to educate older adults on registering as organ donors

People in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can save lives by becoming donors

An effort to educate adults 50 and older about the importance of registering to be organ, eye, and tissue donors was launched today in observance of Older Americans Month.  The campaign was developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in partnership with the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging and the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. …Continue reading

HHS Press Releases for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Asleep?

Eight hours is supposed to be the sleep magic number. But researchers say there really is no magic number – that your body knows when it has enough sleep. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Daniel Chapman: “It’s actually quite serious. Drowsy driving was implicated in about 16 percent of fatal crashes and about 13 percent of crashes resulting in hospitalization.” (10 seconds) Chapman says sleep is as important to health as eating right and getting enough physical activity. And research has been finding that lack of sleep – like poor diet and lack of physical activity – has been associated with weight gain and diabetes. Chapman also notes insufficient sleep’s special risks, like falling asleep at the wheel.

Daily HealthBeat Tip for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Secretaries Duncan and Sebelius remind graduating students of new health coverage options under health care law

Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are reaching out to campus leaders to remind graduating high school, college and university seniors about their new health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act – the health care law. …Continue reading

Honoring EMS Professionals During National EMS Week 2012

National EMS Week 2012 is May 20 – May 26.

During National Emergency Medical Services Week, we recognize the tremendous role that EMS practitioners make to improve health in communities across the nation. The around-the-clock dedication to providing emergency care is evident with one statistic: more than 36 million patients were cared for by EMS professionals in 201 alone.

read more here: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

THE CHALLENGE OF SLEEP

THE CHALLENGE OF SLEEP: A DUAL APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING & PLANNING A STRATEGY TO ASSIST YOUR CLIENT Presented By Parmenter’s Ann Wissinc, N.P. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Suzanne Reitz, R.N. Certified in Healing Touch & Holistic Nursing Come be educated about sleep assessment, sleep hygiene and medications, as well as aromatherapy and other alternative therapies and their role in meeting the challenges of sleep.

When: Wednesday May 30th 8:00am Breakfast 8:30am Program                        Where: Traditions of Wayland 10 Green Way, Wayland, MA 01778                      RSVP To: Traditions at 508-358-0700 or Reception@traditionsofwayland.com

The Food Pantry is open Year Round!

Even though school will soon be out and many of us go away in the summer, there is still a tremendous need for food. Please, before you head off to the beach or the mountains, or just get caught up in your summer routine, put the Food Pantry on your to-do list. And, you can support the Food Pantry from a distance, too. Writing a check rather than shopping actually allows us to purchase fresh food and produce for our clients. Thank you very much for keeping us on your list!

Parmenter Hospices HEART play SPRING WORKSHOP

Parmenter Hospices HEART play Workshops offer a creative arts experience to children and teens who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. In HEART play, participants can express feelings of grief in a nurturing environment and continue healing in their own unique ways.  With the guidance and support of an Expressive Arts Therapist Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in bereavement, children and teens will use visual expression, music, movement, writing and story-telling to help give meaning to their experiences.  The opportunity to share with their peers in creative and sensitive ways will enable children and teens to build a deeper understanding about death and life.

     SPRING WORKSHOP

For children and teens grieving the death of a relative or a friend.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

• Preschool-Kindergarten:  9:00-9:45 AM.
•  Grades 1-6:  10 AM-12 noon.
• Teen Group:  1:00-3:00 PM.

Group size is limited.  Early pre-registration is encouraged.  Acceptance into the group or wait-list status will be confirmed by phone the Monday, June 4, 2012. The HEART play  Workshops are held at Parmenter Offices, located at 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27) in Wayland, MA.  These programs are offered FREE OF CHARGE by the generosity of financial support from grants and donations. For information and to register, please call Jennifer Wiles, MA, LMHC, BC-DMT, HEART playSM Director at (508)358-3000, ext. 244 or email at jwiles@parmenter.org.

Helping young hearts heal

Seniors vaccinations

Things that wear down as we get older include our vaccinations. But Dr. Andrew Kroger of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many older people dont realize this: “Adult immunizations are an excellent way to prevent many diseases that can be deadly. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Some of the protection you got from childhood vaccines may have worn off.” Consider the chickenpox vaccination you got as a kid. Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, but shingles is more common among people over 60. If you’re over 60, you may need a shingles vaccination. And you might want the vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis – known as Tdap.  The parts about diphtheria and pertussis could keep you from infecting the grandkids.

Source: Daily HealthBeat Tip for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

National Womens Health Week

Starting with Mothers Day, May 13, we are observing National Womens Health Week; the theme this year is Its Your Time. We can all celebrate the women in our lives during National Womens Health Week by encouraging them to make the time to address their own health. Healthy, strong women are essential to having healthy strong children and communities, but too often women place the needs of others before their own needs.  Full Story: HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Women’s Health Week