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Sue Ann Says Column

March: Obesity During Pregnancy

 

February: Dementia 

 

January: Pursue Healthy Habits in the New Year 

Comings and Goings
The following nurses have retired/resigned from their volunteer service in the GrapeVine Project:
 
Laurie Anderson, Waukesha
Rosann Geiser, Appleton
Amy Haas, Waukesha
Mary Mauer, Delafield
Leann Panek, Milwaukee
Jean Pirkey, New Berlin
Sue Schmitz,
Fond du Lac
Jennie Soika, Milwaukee
Wendy Treptow,
Brookfield
 
Thank you all, you will be missed.
Save the Date
15th Annual Spring Gala
Saturday, May 3, 2014
State Capitol Rotunda
Madison, WI
  
13th Annual Gathering
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014
Saint Joseph's Hospital
Marshfield, WI
Use of Information
  
If you use the Sue Ann Says column, we ask that you include the following:  "This column is reprinted with permission from the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation (WWHF). WWHF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help Wisconsin women and their families reach their healthiest potential. For more information, please go to www.wwhf.org.
 
If only using part of the column, use the words "in part" after the word reprinted in the above sentence.
March 13, 2014
 
St. Patrick's Day is next Monday and Spring is only a week away, though it seems hard to believe with the snow that was flying around here in Madison yesterday.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting outside on the days above 40. I was finally able to take Gus, my yellow lab on long walks, which is something I really haven't done since December. The only problem is that with the melting snow and his love of mud puddles, he looks more like a chocolate lab by the time we get home and needs to be rinsed down. Of course I'll take the mud over the smell of the skunk he tried to play with in the back yard the other night. I don't think he'll try that again.
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Program Updates
GrapeVine Sessions
In January, two sessions were held reaching 10 women.  They were:
  • Sauk County - Lori Rudolph
  • Green County - Kris Wisnefske

Thank you for educating individuals in your communities!

 

If you presented in February, please be sure to send in your paperwork so participants will receive their follow-up survey and that the information is available for future newsletters.

GrapeVine Website

Several individuals have checked out the updated GrapeVine website. If you haven't, please do so.

Please note that there is a page specifically for you, as partners of the GrapeVine Project.

At this time, we have loaded copies of the participant group log, report form, participant surveys and order forms.  You can also find copies of the previous GrapeVine newsletters.

Later this year, we will add presentations and training webinars/videos to this site.

If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let me know.

Participant Comments from January 21 Healthy Aging Brain Session

 

Have you taken any action or made changes to improve your health?

 

"To keep busy and socially active."

 

Have you taken any action or made any changes to help others who need assistance or resources related to dementia?  

 
"I shared the handout materials with daughter of a friend."
Health Information
Organ Donation April is National Donate Life Month and more than 120,000 individuals are awaiting organ transplants in the United States. Click here for an article on organ donation that you are free to use as you educate about this important topic.

Alzheimer's Disease - New Blood Test? - Researchers say they now have a blood test that can spot patients likely to develop Alzheimer's 2-3 years ahead of time. Read the complete story.
 
Heroin and other Opioid Use  - Opioid use has been on the rise over the last 10 years and recent numbers show an alarming increase in heroin use and heroin related deaths in the last few years. The State Department of Justice has a website with brochures, fact sheets and presentations.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has a free toolkit to equip communities and local governments with materials to develop policies and practices to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The toolkit addresses issues for first responders, treatment providers, and those recovering from opioid overdose.
Health Observances

April Observances

 

Please see last month's newsletter for information on the following April observances or click on the links below: 

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May Observances

 

Click on the observance to go to a website with more information: 

 

Arthritis Awareness Month - Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation can help you learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease.

 

Better Hearing and Speech Month -  Raises awareness about communication disorders and has many resources.

 

Healthy Vision Month - Raises awareness about eye health, exams, and safety. Toolkits will be made available.

 

Hepatitis Awareness Month - Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

  

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month - The American Academy of Dermatology has tools and information to help educate your community to prevent and detect skin cancer.

 

Mental Health Month - This observance began in 1949. Toolkit with resources, an article and press release will be made available.

 

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month - May is peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.

 

National Celiac Disease Awareness Month - Learn about the differences between Celiac Disease, wheat allergies and gluten intolerance and why it is important to get the proper medical diagnosis.

 

National Mediterranean Diet Month - The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods (and drinks) of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

 

National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month - A toolkit with downloadable materials will be available to help raise awareness of osteoporosis and the importance of bone health among women and men of all ages and backgrounds.

 

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month - The United States Department of Health and Family Services has a toolkit for this observance.

 

National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month - Help educate teens with the knowledge, skills and services they need to prevent unintended pregnancy.

  

Preeclampsia Awareness Month - Help pregnant women understand and appropriately respond to the warning signs of preeclampsia which can affect both the mother's and baby's health.

 

Ultraviolet Awareness Month - Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can burn eye tissue and increase your risk of cataracts and cancers of the eye.  Learn how to protect your eyes. 

 

Please note that there is a GrapeVine Project unit on both Mental Health and Osteoporosis.  Plan ahead to hold a session on one of these topics during May! 

Thank you for all you do for the GrapeVine Project. 
  
Sincerely, 
 
Nora Miller
Program Manager, EveryWoman's Journal/GrapeVine Project
Grants and Awards Coordinator
Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation | 800-448-5148 
2503 Todd Drive, Madison, WI 53713

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