Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Friday, March 1, 2024

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

"A review of research involving almost 10 million people has found a direct association between eating too many ultra-processed foods — those breads, cereals, snacks and frozen meals that have been industrially manufactured with flavors and additives to make them more palatable — and more than 30 health conditions, including heart disease, anxiety and early death.

The facts
  • In recent years, dozens of studies have found that people who consume a lot of ultra-processed foods have higher rates of weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
  • Now, a team of international researchers has undertaken a comprehensive review of the evidence on adverse health outcomes to date — examining 45 “pooled meta-analyses” from 14 review articles involving nearly 10 million people. All were published in the past three years, and none was funded by companies making ultra-processed food.
  • The researchers’ findings, published in the British medical journal BMJ, “show that diets high in ultra-processed food may be harmful to many body systems.”

Direct link to research study -> https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"
Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

Friday, February 16, 2024

Franklin Dept of Health: #GreatAmericanSpitOut

The #GreatAmericanSpitOut occurs every February. Smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, has over 28 cancer causing substances that can typically lead to cancer of the mouth, esophagus, & pancreas. 

For more information on the effects of smokeless tobacco and how to quit today, visit: www.cdc.gov/tobacco 

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success

"The numbers are in! 
This year Franklin Community Gardens grew more than 1,650 lbs. of produce for The Food Pantry, which equates to approximately $14,000 of fresh-grown, local, and organic vegetables and herbs. 
The group also donated 100 flower arrangements to neighbors in need. 
We are grateful for our community of dedicated volunteers."

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success
Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success


Friday, December 1, 2023

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Reminder: Town of Franklin Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Health Department's
Fall Health Fair

An event for the whole family to enjoy!

•  Local Vendors • Health Services •
•  Refreshments • Free Health Screenings •
•  Face Painting • Activities • Raffles & Giveaways • Kids Zone 
• And Much More!

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 3 PM - 6 PM

Franklin Public Library
118 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as (1) a reminder and (2) to share ->

Reminder: Town of Franklin Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM
Reminder: Town of Franklin Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM

Monday, October 16, 2023

Get ready for the Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Health Department's
Fall Health Fair

An event for the whole family to enjoy!

•  Local Vendors • Health Services •
•  Refreshments • Free Health Screenings •
•  Face Painting • Activities • Raffles & Giveaways • Kids Zone 
• And Much More!

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 3 PM - 6 PM

Franklin Public Library
118 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as (1) a reminder and (2) to share ->

Get ready for the Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM
Get ready for the Fall Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - Nov 8 from 3 to 6 PM

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Franklin Public School lunch improvements to highlight

Via the Franklin Public School's Facebook page, we share a couple of recent posts to highlight how creative the delivery of school lunch can be within the budget. Delivering healthy, locally sourced, and cost effective meals to students.

"Don't mind us, we're just reminiscing on last week's delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice. Our Food Services team sources beef locally to ensure the highest quality is available to our students. This steak was sourced from MeatWorks out of Westport, MA.
The farms were Twin Willow Farm (Westport, MA), Howard’s Farm (West Bridgewater, MA), and Sunny Knoll Farm (Westminster, MA)"
delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice
delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice


"The Food Service team does it again! Yesterday’s lunch at every school featured local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA. The fisherman was Captain Scott MacAllister on his boat, the Carol Marie fishing vessel. Thank you Red’s Best for the great traceability!

You can read more about Captain Macallister in this article: https://capecodfishermen.org/a-young-man-carving-out-a.../"

local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA
local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Children’s Health Insurance Program: Spot the scam

Finding and keeping health insurance for your family can be stressful and expensive. During the pandemic, your state’s Medicaid Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) might have helped — but with the end of the pandemic, states may be reaching out to update your family Medicaid enrollments. Except scammers might try to get to you first. So how can you spot them?

First, while the process to renew may differ from state to state, nobody legit will ask for your personal information over the phone or demand that you pay to renew. Medicaid won’t. CHIP won’t. But scammers will.


Children’s Health Insurance Program: Spot the scam
Children’s Health Insurance Program: Spot the scam

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Town Council hears about Dean College, views Fire promotions, gets updates on Tri-County & migrant status (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday evening, Sep 6, 2023. All nine members participated, one remotely, so all votes were via roll call.
APPOINTMENTS
a. Design Review Commission - i. Andrew Pratt
b. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - i. Jayaprabha Vijayaraghavan 

Both appointments were approved via 9-0 votes 

c. Fire Department - New Employee - i. Jack Lennon: Firefighter/Paramedic
d. Fire Department - Promotions
Thomas Konieczny: Battalion Chief
Paul Molla: Captain
Laurie Kaye: EMS Captain
Matthew Kelly: Lieutenant
Michael Berthiaume: Lieutenant
Jonathan Chalk: Lieutenant 

The Fire Dept had a bunch of promotions and one new hire to swear in and recognize. The promotions are competitive and occurred over time as other members left or retired creating a domino effect, hence they were batched to be all done at once. Photo album of the ceremony can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/j98XmZmpzjsg5vGZ6

Dean College Update - Ken Elmore, President of Dean College 

President Elmore provided a brief update with highlights from the past year, work underway, and still working on better integration of the college within the community and the community within the college. 

Tri-County Regional Vocational School Financing

The MSBA provided formal approval of the building project committing about $90M towards the $283M total cost, leaving approx. $200M to be funded by the 11 communities sending students. The 11 communities will vote as one entity n Oct 24 to approve the project. A 50+1 percent is required for approval. The funding for the Franklin portion of the project is likely to be $2.1M per year for 30 years, so it will likely be a separate vote for a debt exclusion, possibly as early as the November election. Stay tuned for additional info. The Tri-County School Committee will be sharing info on the project advocating for it's passage.

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading 
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Second Reading 

Both the second readings of the above bylaws were approved with 9-0 votes 

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-901: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map 

This measure was referred to the Planning Board and will come back to the Council for further action at a future meeting

d. Resolution 23-49: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Plymouth for County of Plymouth to Provide Parking Ticket Computerization and Processing Services to Franklin 

The intermunicipal agreement was approved by a 9-0 vote. An interesting way to combine services and save money in so doing. 

e. Resolution 23-50: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of Prospect Hills Estates with Access Road Off Prospect Street 

The private road covenant was approved by a 9-0 vote. This means the Town of Franklin will not maintain the road. 

f. Resolution 23-51: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,525) 
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT -  Migrant Housing Update 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update. This audio segment of the meeting was shared separately. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/lUOJJj5hec8?si=IUzMbo_9nNGYa59y&t=194

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Go0RhESjzP4F3KWutGqZ-kxO3-Fdn0l/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_9.6.23.pdf


Ken Elmore, President of Dean College
Ken Elmore, President of Dean College



Friday, September 1, 2023

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a flu clinic at the Franklin Senior Center on September 28th, 2023 from 12 PM - 3 PM. 

Sign up for your flu shot today: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2023-franklin-senior-centerflu-clinic

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM
Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

Monday, August 21, 2023

Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023

Please save the date for the 2023 Fair, taking place Saturday, October 14, again at Keefe Tech School in Framingham.   

 

We look forward to seeing you on October 14, 2023.


RSVP online at -> https://karenspilka.com/fair2023


Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023
Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023


Friday, August 18, 2023

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

August 21 is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly 200 people die every day in the U.S. from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like illegally made fentanyl. 

To learn more browse the resources below:

Fentanyl Facts

Fentanyl Test Trips: A Harm Reduction Strategy

Lifesaving Naloxone

What You Should Know About Xylazine

Stop Overdose Website

Know The Signs and Get Help for Opioid Addiction 

 

Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21
Franklin Health Dept: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day - Aug 21

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Tick borne disease creates meat allergy; raises need for reminders on tick bite prevention steps

"Up to 450,000 Americans may have been affected by a potentially life-threatening red meat allergy caused by ticks as many doctors remain unaware of what it is or how to treat it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In new reports released on Thursday, the CDC found that between 96,000 and 450,000 Americans since 2010 may have been affected by alpha-gal syndrome. The syndrome, also known as a red meat allergy or tick-bite meat allergy, stems from alpha-gal, a sugar molecule not naturally present in humans. Instead, it is found in meat including pork, beef, rabbit, lamb and venison, as well as products made from mammals including gelatin and milk products.

“Because the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome requires a positive diagnostic test and a clinical exam, and some individuals with alpha-gal syndrome may not get tested, it is estimated that as many as 450,000 people might have been affected by AGS in the United States,” the CDC said, adding. “Of those aware of AGS, knowledge about diagnosis and management is low.”
Continue reading at The Guardian (subscription maybe required) ->

Other news outlet's provide coverage as well


Original report from CDC ->

Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about ticks and insect borne diseases in this podcast ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html

From 2017 to 2021, there was an annual increase in positive AGS test results across the country, the CDC report said. Photograph: Jason Ondreicka/Alamy
From 2017 to 2021, there was an annual increase in positive AGS test results across the country, the CDC report said. Photograph: Jason Ondreicka/Alamy

Friday, July 28, 2023

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month. 
Group B Strep can be transmitted during birth. Babies may have long-term problems, such as deafness and developmental disabilities, due to having GBS disease. 
Get tested & take preventive measures. Learn more: cdc.gov/groupbstrep
Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep
Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

 

Monday, July 17, 2023

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID test kits available

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Sun, Jul 16, 2023:
Residents are reminded that the Franklin Health Department has COVID-19 self test kits available. Residents can call the Public Health Nurse at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. https://t.co/rLrMz5RuUZ 
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1680578209543225344

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID test kits available
Town of Franklin, MA: COVID test kits available

Friday, June 23, 2023

Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month

June is Men's Health Month! Men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. Many diseases that disproportionately impact men, like heart disease and cancer, are preventable through regular doctor's visits and healthy lifestyle choices. 

During Men's Health Month, men are encouraged to:
  • Exercise
  • Get screened
  • Eat a healthy meal
  • Get regular medical checkups
  • Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Manage stress

Learn more: https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/mens-health


Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month
Town of Franklin: Wellness Update - Men's Health Month

Friday, June 16, 2023

Franklin, MA: Wellness Update - June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month

June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month

The WHO places migraines as one of the 10 most disabling medical illness but fewer than 5% of suffers have been seen by a health care provider. Consult with your primary care provider if your headaches are increasing in frequency or severity, or are interfering with your usual activities so they can help create a treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.

Seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing the worst headache you've ever had, lose vision or consciousness, have uncontrollable vomiting, or if your headache lasts more than 72 hours with less than 4 hours pain-free.

For more information visit: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine 

Franklin, MA: Wellness Update - June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month
Franklin, MA: Wellness Update - June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 


Quick Recap:

  • Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

  • Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

  • Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

  • Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening


The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23



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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 


Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/view?usp=drive_link 



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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM
Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM