Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - save the date for Feb 7, 2024

Save the date .… the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Our speaker Owen Folsom, a financial advisor, will share his expertise on topics like Long Term Care, 529 college funds, the importance of life insurance and more. We meet at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street in Franklin at 7:00 pm. 

Come early and shop at this gem of a bookstore . . . in addition, you’ll meet new friends, learn new things and have fun. We provide light refreshments from Franklin restaurants.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Look for us on social media for more information: 
https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends/ https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - save the date for Feb 7, 2024

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

Weekly Wellness Update - World No Tobacco Day

Today (May 31, 2023)  is "World No Tobacco Day"! The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year -tobacco kills up to half of its users! 

Find out tips and steps to quit smoking: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ 

Weekly Wellness Update - World No Tobacco Day

 

Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM 

Join us for Local Vendors • Petting Zoo • Farm Stand • Refreshments • Health Services • Face Painting • Raffles & Give-a-ways • Kids Zone • Activities • Education for all ages • and More!

The Petting Zoo is by registration.  RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share with friends and neighbors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEKt7sJjUDdK76sTeJYipGXLDqnkyOE5/view?usp=share_link

Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

We talk about asking "Why?" along the health care supply chain in this Making Sense of Climate episode (audio)

FM #957 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 957 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, February 21, 2023.  We were joined by Avery Palardy, the Sustainability Program Manager at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  

You’ll also hear that there is a family connection that I need to disclose as a procedural matter. Avery and her team were recognized for their accomplishments and as you’ll hear, we had a great discussion.

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

• Steve & Ted exchange greetings

• Steve sets the stage, we are joined today by a family connection, his niece Avery Palardy 

• Avery shares her ‘short story’ on how she got to this position at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

• 

  spotlight on the cover for Avery Palardy

  We get into some of the insights on the work she is doing inside a ‘corporate / heath environment’ to bring about sustainability

• Supply chain (Scope 1, 2, & 3)

• Single use equipment, tools

• The Cool food pledge 

• anesthetic gases, and reducing loss through leaks

• We reveal an ongoing learning opportunity in the course of the discussion

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

Our recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and Avery 

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-957-making-sense-of-climate-25-03-14-23

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Links to articles referenced

Avery’s LinkedIn profile page -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/averypalardy/

Article that caught my attention to start this discussion -> https://healthtrustpg.com/thesource/workplace-trends/sustainability-workplace-trends/avery-palardy-receives-the-healthtrust-2022-social-stewardship-award/ 

Cool Food Pledge site ->  https://coolfood.org/pledge/

Article related to Cool Food Pledge discussion - food greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and factors  https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions-food

Background on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for healthcare 

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01247

See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Board of Health hears guidance on tobacco regulation revisions, planning for next Health Fair, etc. (audio)

FM #952 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 952 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. All three board members participated, all 3 in the 3rd floor training room along with the Health Dept staff members.

Quick Recap:

• As reported in prior meeting, tobacco license holder checks mostly resulted in violations, primarily regarding paperwork and signage required. The first 40 or so minutes of this session was spent with Sarah McColgan who participated via remote to help walk through the checklist of what State regulations Franklin would change to increase (can’t go lower than the State but can go more restrictive). 

• The regulations will be drafted by the Health Dept based upon the discussion and brought to the Board for further review and discussion. Depending upon timing likely would need to schedule a public hearing before making the changes official. 

• Part of the regulations needs to make clear the role of the Police (assuming they continue to assist with enforcement) vs. the Health Dept

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major. Decline in COVID cases, clinics held at Central Park Terrace, Tri-County RVTHS, etc. 

• Chair Sweet took time to thank the individuals for the work they are doing, they are expanding the awareness and having a positive  impact on the community

• Next Health Fair is scheduled for May 24 at the Library. Given the May date, Dean students would be off campus for the session, to help with parking and space concerns, maybe see if it can be held there.

The meeting runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-952-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-01-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-1-23_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpTDdk8OmzKvAMUdw7SoJIQkyOyapC7Y/view?usp=share_link 

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM

Franklin Health Department: Children's Dental Health Month

"It's Children's Dental Health Month. More than 40% of children have tooth decay by Kindergarten.  

For information on dental prevention visit: www.cdc.gov/oralhealth"

Franklin Health Department: Children's Dental Health Month

 

 

Franklin Health Department: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

It is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It is a common cancer in women and is prevented with vaccinations and screening.  

Learn more: www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Franklin Health Department: Healthy Skin Month

"November is Healthy Skin Month. 

Wear at least SPF 30 all year long. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate skin in any kind of weather. 

Learn more: www.americanskin.org"

American Skin Association

The TED Interview: "A future without pandemics? with Mark Smolinski"

"In 2011, when medical doctor and epidemiologist Mark Smolinski was working as a science advisor for the blockbuster film “Contagion,” the film ran a campaign that asked communities: “What are you gonna do to prepare for the next pandemic?” 

A decade later, as the president of Ending Pandemics–a social venture that aims to predict, detect, and prevent disease outbreaks on our planet– Mark is still thinking about how we can rid the world of pandemic disease. 

In this episode, Mark shares why we use big data to track disease, explains how our interconnected ecosystems shape public health, talks about why ending pandemics is an achievable goal, and argues that local communities are the ones who can lead the way in understanding–and preventing–the spread of illness."

Listen to this episode online here or search for it in your favorite podcast app

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5mZWVkYnVybmVyLmNvbS9UZWRJbnRlcnZpZXc/episode/MTAwMDU4MjMzNDk4NQ?ep=14

The TED Interview: "A future without pandemics? with Mark Smolinski"

Health Department: Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Over ⅓ of US Adults have prediabetes & more than 8 in 10 of them don't know they have it. 

Lean more: diabetes.org

American Diabetes Association

Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)

Patients in Massachusetts will have better access to a wider array of medications after Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy’s step therapy bill was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker last week. Roy filed the bill in the House with Rep. Marjorie Decker (D- Cambridge). The bill will curtail the policy of insurance providers insisting on lower-cost treatments before approving coverage of more expensive medications.

"We've heard countless stories of patients being forced to take drugs that their health insurers want as opposed to what their doctors think is best," said Rep. Roy. "This is a great, common-sense measure to help patients get the care that their physician believes they need. It removes needless insurance protocols that delay necessary treatment and access to medication and removes the barriers that interfere with sound medical judgments made within the confines of the physician-patient relationship.”

The new law requires insurance providers to approve or deny step therapy exemption requests within three business days, or 24 hours in an emergency, meaning faster access to the more expensive drugs. It is a win for patients who would otherwise have to go through a lengthy authorization or review process.

Roy further noted the old "Fail First" practice was untenable for obvious reasons. “Adding to patient stress by delaying access to the medicine they need is unacceptable,” he added. “We live in a state that has some of the best healthcare in the world and this legislation restores access to that great system for all patients. I thank the many volunteers and advocacy groups who shared stories and pushed for this bill.”

Patients will be eligible for an exemption from the step therapy process if the cheaper drugs would harm them, if they have already tried and failed to improve on the drugs, if the treatment would be ineffective or if they're already stable using their preferred medication.

Advocates opposed to step therapy had been working for years to convince Beacon Hill leaders to limit or ban the practice.

Rep. Roy’s floor remarks on the bill are available at https://youtu.be/6zYy_HgR8Ag

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.

Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker signs bill curbing step therapy"

"A PATIENT who is stable on a medication then switches insurance plans can no longer be kicked off that medication by their insurer, under a new law Gov. Charlie Baker signed Tuesday that limits the insurance practice of “step therapy.” 

Patient advocacy groups have been trying for years to restrict when insurers can use step therapy, or fail-first therapy, in which the insurance company requires a patient to try a less expensive drug before switching to a more expensive one. After years of negotiations between patient advocates and insurance companies over language, a bill was finally passed during informal legislative sessions last month. Baker signed it Tuesday evening over the objections of some in the insurance industry who worried that it would raise costs. 

“This law puts treatment decisions back in the hands of doctors and patients where it belongs,” said Marc Hymovitz, government relations director in Massachusetts for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, who led the coalition pushing for the bill. “It ensures patients will get the necessary medicine in a timely manner.” 

While earlier versions of the bill would have effectively banned step therapy, this bill allows it but creates a number of exemptions, circumstances under which insurers cannot require step therapy. It also requires timely rulings on appeals when patients believe they were incorrectly denied coverage for a drug. "

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-signs-bill-curbing-step-therapy/

 

Direct link to the signed legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4929

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker signs bill curbing step therapy"

Health Department: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

To get help or resources call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.  

Learn more: thehotline.org

Health Department: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Senator Becca Rausch and I had a wide ranging conversation on education, health care, elections & voting, and more (audio)

FM #857 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 857 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this post pandemic period.

We have a wide ranging conversation on education, health care, elections & voting, and of course climate. Links to the Senator’s pages as mentioned during our conversation are provided in the show notes.  

Our recording runs about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-857-state-senator-becca-rausch-10-03-22

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Senator Becca Rausch home page:   https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 

Her issues page:  https://www.beccarausch.com/issues    

Constituent engagement opportunities

• Youth advisory council  https://www.beccarauschma.com/youth-advisory-council 

• Small business advisory council  https://www.beccarauschma.com/small-business-council 

• Virtual office hours   https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours 

Newsletter archive  https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=09452b4d597ce95fe20563af4&id=c427233b9b  

Hey Sam - support line -> https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/24-7-helpline/ 

From the audio archives: 

The conversation recorded in March 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-492-senator-becca-rausch-031121-audio.html 

The conversation recorded in August 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-331-senator-becca-rausch-81420-audio.html 

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

what is your voting plan?

Health Department: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

There is a 1 in 8 chance a woman will develop breast cancer. 

Learn more: cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Board of Health gets updates on September activities, new health resources page, Health Fair (Oct 19) and more (audio)

FM #856 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 856 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. One board member was absent, the remainder of the Board and all Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

• Metacomet Shared Service grant regional inspector report

• Metacomet Shared Service grant Public health nurse report

• Metacomet Shared Service grant Epidemiologist report

• Health fair discussion

Brief view of new page to share mapped info on health resources in the area  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258 

Current issue with a local restaurant who had started expanding their operation into additional space without proper permits or inspections from Building or Health Depts. They can still operate but not in their expanded space until properly permitted.

The meeting runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Oct 5, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-856-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-10-05-22

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Agenda document ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_10052022.pdf   

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WFxBpFfQB0co4vcN-MJ7tj56cFbIdmQG/view?usp=sharing

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

mapped info on health resources in the area  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258