Department of Health | Live Well Lamoille

Improving Health, One Organization at a Time

Feb 13 2018

By: Valerie Valcour

Did you know that where you live, your zip code, is important to your health? Do you think that where you work, play and learn are also important to your health? How about when you stop in that corner market for a quick snack or when you meet for church service, do you think these places impact your health too? The Vermont Department of Health says yes.

The Vermont Department of Health has added two new organizations to the list of 3-4-50 partners. There are new Tip Sheets and Sign-On forms for retailers and faith-communities. Haven’t heard of 3-4-50?

3-4-50 is a simple but powerful way to understand and communicate the overwhelming impact of chronic disease in Vermont. 3-4-50 represents 3 behaviors – lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and tobacco use – that lead to 4 chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease/stroke, type 2 diabetes and lung disease – resulting in more than 50 percent of all deaths in Vermont.

Retail establishments, like the corner markets, can help you meet your goals for good health by displaying healthy snack options like fruit and nuts and they can keep tobacco products out of eye-sight, especially from children.

Faith-communities can set guidelines that make sure healthy foods are made available during coffee hours, potlucks and meetings. They can also create property-wide tobacco-free spaces. Having bike racks or offering physical activity options for gatherings can also help the overall health of the community.

Join the Lamoille Valley 3-4-50 Partners and sign your organization on to good health and wellness today! http://www.healthvermont.gov/3-4-50

Valerie Valcour is a Public Health Nurse and specializes in chronic disease prevention and emergency preparedness at the community level for the Department of Health in Morrisville. Valerie has lived in Lamoille County most of her life. She graduated from People’s Academy in 1983 and worked as a nurse at Copley Hospital for several years. In addition to her work, she volunteers as a board member of both Community Health Services of Lamoille Valley and the Lamoille County Planning Commission.

What Is a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Baby?

Sep 28 2017

By: Valerie Valcour

According to the CDC, in 2016 there were 4.5 infant deaths in Vermont. (CDC, 2017) This is the number of infant deaths (before age one year) per 1,000 live births.

The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) would like to help families not to have this experience. VDH has a web page where you will find 10 tips for making a Safe Sleep Environment for your baby.

VDH is having a discussion group about infant safe sleep. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts with JSI Research and Training Institute (JSI). JSI will be developing a well-researched infant safe sleep education campaign for our Vermont families, professionals and community organizations.

Please join us for a 1.5-hour conversation and snacks!
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Copley Hospital, Stephen’s Conference Room. To thank you for your time, each person will be provided with $50 in cash. Please let us know if you plan on attending. For more information, contact Lauren at 603-573-3352, lauren_smith@jsi.com.

References

CDC, National Vital Statistics System Retrieved from https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/2015-annual-report/measure/IMR/state/VT

PHOTOS BY: Aurimas Mikalauskas/CC BY-SA 2.0, Alick Sung/ CC BY 2.0, Sami Nurmi/ CC BY-NC 2.0, Sharon Mollerus/ CC BY 2.0, Derek Alfonso/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, Kate Williams/CC BY 2.0

Valerie Valcour is a Public Health Nurse and specializes in chronic disease prevention and emergency preparedness at the community level for the Department of Health in Morrisville. Valerie has lived in Lamoille County most of her life. She graduated from People’s Academy in 1983 and worked as a nurse at Copley Hospital for several years. Recently Valerie has volunteered as a board member of both Community Health Services of Lamoille Valley and the Lamoille County Planning Commission.

Sound Advice and Sun Safety

Jun 27 2017

By: Valerie Valcour

How often do you think about your ears? Do you protect your ears from the sun and loud noises? If you do, good for you! I’ve become increasingly aware of my ears after attending a local Farm Health and Safety training sponsored by the Vermont Farm & Safety Task Force.

Regarding hearing loss, the Farm Health and Safety training emphasized that hearing loss is preventable. I did not realize that being exposed to noises above 85 decibels such as noise from a lawnmower, shop tools or a chain saw for more than 2 minutes can cause permanent hearing loss. Check out these fact sheets for more information about protecting your ears:

Have You Heard? https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-176/pdfs/2007-176.pdf
They’re Your Ears – Protect Them https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-175/pdfs/2007-175.pdf
Hearing Loss Prevention http://www.agrisafe.org/hearing-loss-prevention-resources.

Sun safety is another way to protect your ears. I am getting better at putting on sunscreen before going outside, but I still have to remind myself to apply it to my earlobes! According to the Vermont Department of Health Cancer Control Program, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and Vermont. Melanoma is the least common, but most serious, form of skin cancer. Vermont has one of the highest rates of melanoma incidence in the United States. Most cases of skin cancer are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increases an individual’s melanoma risk. It’s important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, even in the winter – and don’t forget your earlobes. Here are more Sun Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe from sunburns.

For more information about health promotion and disease prevention visit the Office of Local Health, Morrisville District website.

What to Do About the Flu?

Feb 07 2017

By: Valerie Valcour

Live Well Lamoille - flu shot

Sometimes I wait until the last minute to get things done. I hate to admit it but I was late getting my flu shot this year, but thankfully not too late! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical flu activity, or influenza season, peaks between December and March. It would have been best if I got my vaccine before the end of December, but one can still get the vaccine throughout the influenza season, while supplies last of course. It is best, however, for individuals who have a compromised immune system, older adults, or children to get the vaccine as soon as it is available. To learn more about the flu vaccine and other vaccinations, check out the Health Department’s immunization website.

What else can I do to prevent the flu? Washing my hands frequently with mild soap and warm water is the best defense. Using an antibacterial hand sanitizer is helpful, in a pinch. It’s important to keep my hands moisturized to prevent cracks and dry skin is also helpful. Keeping surfaces clean and avoiding touching my eyes, nose and mouth, are all ways to try and limit my exposure to the influenza or cold virus. The CDC has a tip sheet on Everyday Ways to Prevent the Flu. Here you can learn how to prevent the spread of flu and cold viruses at home and at work, and there are tips specific for kids too.

Fortunately, I have not had a cold or the flu (yet) and I hope not to get the flu! I will do my best to drink plenty of water, get my servings of fruits and vegetables every day and try to get in my 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Now if I do get sick, I will plan to stay home and away from public places to prevent further spreading of the influenza virus.

The Vermont Department of Health has several posters and fact sheets to help you understand more about the flu and cold. Check them out!

For more information, you can always call your doctor or the Vermont Department of Health at 802-888-7447. Stay healthy!

Create a Winter Safety Plan

Nov 08 2016

By: Valerie Valcour

winer preparedness We have had our first reality check of the coming winter season. With the first snow of the season, I am reminded of the importance of creating my winter safety plan for this year.

What always comes to my mind first is getting my car ready for the winter. When will I put on my snow tires? Do I have a blanket, water, granola bars, window scraper and shovel in the trunk?

What about my house? What will I do if I lose power for an extended amount of time? What if I get snowed in? Are my older family members set up for an extended power outage?

These are all things we need to plan for now and communicate with our family and friends. The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has a website with helpful tips to creating your Winter Safety plan. Check it out here.

Planning is the key to being prepared. Creating a plan with your family and workplace is the first step. This plan can include:

what to do in various situations, such as an extended power outage or deep snow or ice,
what you will do about your pets,
which important documents should be protected from floodwaters,
what medications you should have with you, and
where you will store non-perishable foods and water.

You can find a checklist for your planning here.

Communicating your plan is the next step. Be sure all the people who need to know your plan have a copy of it and know how to reach in you in an emergency.

Vermont Emergency Management has many ways to help us stay informed about all hazard or emergency events:

You can sign up for emergency alerts at www.vtalert.gov
You can download the Vermont 2-1-1 mobile app at www.vermont211.org
For folks with special medical or physical needs, they can register on the Citizens Registry in Case of Emergency (CARE), here: www.vermont211.org/disaster-preparedness-temp-page.

Don’t let this winter take you by surprise. Be prepared. You can always contact your local Vermont Department of Health, 802-888-7447 for more information.

Is It That Time of Year Again?!

Sep 14 2016

By: Valerie Valcour

back-to-school

Recently I received, in the mail, a 15 X 12 colorful back-to-school flyer advertising a wireless internet offer. The flyer tells me how I can save money and help my student get more homework done, all by just signing up for this online offer.

This made me think about other back-to-school strategies that should be promoted, for example, getting your tween or teen in to see their doctor for a regular comprehensive physical exam once a year. This annual exam is an opportunity for your child to talk to another trusted adult and build a relationship that will last throughout their school years and beyond. We also know when students are healthy they learn better.

Your son or daughter’s physician welcomes being part of the back-to-school routine. They will take the time to talk with your child about things that matter to them such as relationships, peer pressures, and sports. Your doctor will also talk about other issues such as healthy weight, substance use and smoking, among other things. To see what to expect during a routine visit, read through the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures pre-visit questionnaires.

Even after all the required school entrance vaccines have been met, and even if your child doesn’t play sports, they will benefit from seeing their doctor once a year. Read more about why visits with your child’s doctor are important here.

Your school nurse is another member of your child’s healthcare team. School nurses help ensure kids have health insurance and access to health care, and they work with parents and other school officials to help keep children and youth as healthy as possible. For more resources, see Vermont School Health’s website.

So consider this your back-to-school reminder to make a doctor’s appointment for your tween or teen. If you would like more information about talking with your child about making healthy choices check out the Vermont Department of Health’s Parent-Up website.

e-WIC is Live in Morrisville!

Jul 19 2016

By: Valerie Valcour

Vermont eWIC

The USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is now up to 21^st century standards in Vermont! Since 1973, the program has provided income-eligible families with nutrition education and counseling as well as food prescriptions with nutrients targeted to improve health outcomes. Over 800 families are enrolled in the program through the Morrisville District of the Vermont Department of Health which includes Lamoille County as well as Hardwick, Greensboro, Craftsbury, Stannard, and Woodbury. In February 2016, the Morrisville District Office began the transition from home delivery of foods to an electronic debit card to use at the grocery store, known as e-WIC.

Perhaps the most exciting advantage of the transition has been the increase in the variety of foods available to families. With home deliveries, families used to receive only one or two brands of each kind of food. Now, there are more gluten-free, whole grain and cereal options; and some organic foods including soymilk and tofu, legumes, pasta, yogurt, infant cereals, fruits and vegetables. Local foods such as La Panciata bread from Northfield, Vermont Soy tofu, and yogurt from Butterworks Farm are included. Families also receive foods when they need them instead of on a twice-per-month fixed schedule, increasing convenience. Because each participant receives a prescription of a specified quantity of food, families do not need to worry about the costs of most their WIC-eligible foods while they are shopping. Anne Farley, mother of two from Wolcott said, “It’s nice to have choices and to be able to purchase things as I need them, rather than having to store larger quantities from the delivery. I have to go to the grocery store anyway, since WIC is supplemental, and I am able to get more of a variety in the store.” Rather than foods being left on the doorstep, many families appreciate being able to shop with a card. Farley said, “If you’re at all sensitive to others knowing you receive WIC benefits…now that most of the bugs are worked out at the stores, it’s not too conspicuous with the card.”

The WIC card may be used at major supermarkets in Vermont and some smaller stores including Sterling Market in Johnson, Tops in Hardwick, the Eden General Store, and Mac’s Market in Stowe. Families may identify WIC-eligible foods multiple ways. A smartphone app called WIC Shopper allows a quick scan of any UPC code to determine eligibility. There is also a user-friendly food guide booklet available at grocery stores and WIC offices listing the brands and sizes. For spur-of-the-moment shopping trips, the labels on store shelves with the WIC symbol identifying allowed foods are helpful. Staff are dedicated to educating families so that they may have positive experiences while shopping for their WIC foods.

Free classes on oral health, nutrition, or physical activity are offered each month, often via partnerships with local programs and organizations such as Head Start, Building Bright Futures, Copley Hospital, and the Lamoille Family Center. Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 enrolled in Medicaid insurance in Vermont are automatically eligible for WIC. For more information, visit www.healthvermont.org/wic or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vdhmorrisville. Interested in applying? Simply call 1-800-649-4357.

3-4-50 Lamoille

Jun 07 2016

By: Valerie Valcour

Vermont has ranked as the number 1 and number 2 healthiest state for the past 7 years. That’s good news! Yet according to the Department of Health, 55% of all deaths in Vermont result from chronic diseases caused by 3 behaviors: lack of physical activity, poor diet and tobacco use. These 3 behaviors can lead to 4 diseases: cancer, heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes and lung disease. These 4 diseases lead to more than 50% of all deaths in Vermont.

3-4-50 is a new prevention campaign to support the health of Vermonters. The 3-4-50 concept is a helpful tool when supporting families to live longer, healthier lives, in safe and vibrant communities.

3-4-50

So what is our local Department of Health doing to help families live healthier lives? One example is helping local businesses become Breastfeeding Friendly Employers. Check out the list of employers here. Another example is helping the Lamoille Regional Planning Commission include health, recreation and healthy food practices in the regional plan. Yet another example is the creation of the Healthy Lamoille Valley coalition, which is made possible by a grant from the Vermont Department of Health and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

You may recall, I recently wrote about the benefits of walkable communities. Celebrate summer and get out to enjoy the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, sidewalks, backroads, and other local resources in your communities. Bring a friend or family member for added support, safety and fun. Grab an apple or banana instead of that candy bar the next time you shop for a snack. Go to 802 Quits for resources to help you or a loved one quit smoking.

Visit 3-4-50 to learn more about active living, healthy eating and tobacco prevention. Live Well Lamoille!

Walkable Communitites

May 18 2016

By: Valerie Valcour

Is your neighborhood or community walkable? What does walkable mean, anyway? Walkable or wheelchair roll-able means that anyone of any ability can get around by walking or using their wheelchair. Getting around can mean getting to a grocery store or the post office, or being able to exercise and have fun. Did you know that the average person who lives in a walkable community can weigh 6-10 pounds less? You can check your community’s Walk Score here.

walkable community

If your community is walkable and you feel safe walking or wheelchair rolling, here are a few helpful tips to get started on your journey:

Set a realistic goal for yourself.
Take a look around you and figure out what you can do every day to add more walking or wheelchair rolling to your routine.
Track your progress and celebrate your success!

Find more health tips by going to the Health Department’s mymoment web page. You can also check out Copley’s Wellness Resources here.

Some communities do not have sidewalks, or there may be safety concerns. There are ways you can get involved to make your community more walkable and wheelchair roll-able. You can reach out to your Town Clerk and ask about your town’s plan regarding walking, biking and recreation. You can start a conversation by asking your town to conduct a walking audit. Walkable communities are not just healthy, they are also attractive and fun. The Vermont Department of Health’s Active Living guide can give you some ideas to help make your community more walkable.

Live well! Promote walking and walkable communities for all ages and abilities. Learn how by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/walking/call-to-action/pdf/infographic.pdf .

It is essential that you seek professional advice for all issues concerning your health. Do not take any of the information in this blog (either in posts or comments) as professional advice or official communication from Copley Hospital or any of the blog authors. Posts and comments on this blog are not intended to be professional advice, unless implicitly indicated in the blog post, and do not necessarily reflect Copley Hospital policy or corporate opinion. The opinions and/or views expressed on Live Well Lamoille represent the thoughts of the individual bloggers and commenters, not those necessarily of the organizations they represent or organizations affiliated with the blog.

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Tag - Department of Health