The economy continues to hit emergency food agencies hard. Food banks typically see a jump in services in the summer and again during the holidays, when money is tight. The harsh reality is that 2010 is a tough year for everyone, especially the vulnerable populations such as seniors, children and people with physical and mental health issues. Adding to difficulties, Montana is heading into the holiday season and the cold weather and it’s attending hefty heating bills.
During the holidays, many potential donors also have less disposable income. There are rising bills to pay, special meals to prepare and gifts to buy! Making a contribution that gives the most benefit for the buck is smart.
These tips may help:
• Give cash, plain and simple so that your food bank can buy in bulk at a discount. You might consider putting a small can or jar on your desktop or dresser and empty your spare change on a daily basis. You may be surprised at how it can add up by the end of the month.
• Buy one, get one free is another way to donate foods to the food bank without over-spending your food budget. Especially welcome are traditional holiday foods. Start a special bin at work or at home for collections. Plan a family trip to the food bank. Practicing charity during the holidays can teach children empathy and kindness.
• Use Holiday $ Wisely: Keep Healthy Foods in Mind
o Frozen turkeys and hams are special gifts for your food bank
o Canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon or turkey provide protein for hungry families
o Shelf-stable milk and dairy products provide needed calcium
o Chunky soups, stews and chili (low sodium if possible) have a long shelf life and are nutritious
o Whole grain cereals both cold and hot are always appreciated
o Brown rice, whole grain pasta, dried beans, lentils and peas are a welcome staple
o Canned or dried fruits and canned vegetables help families meet recommended quota
• Some community members become volunteers when they lose their jobs. Volunteering at their local food bank lifts their spirits, while benefiting their community. They don’t have money, but they do have time. Whatever your ability, wherever you live, give a little, mean a lot!
Courtesy of the Missoula City-County Health Department, Eat Smart Newsletter.
Eat Right Montana also has great information on food insecurity and our neighbors. Check out more at: http://www.eatrightmontana.org/PDF/ERMNewsletter2010-11.pdf
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Great American Smokeout
Hi Everyone,
The Great American Smokeout is November 18: http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/index.
What a great time to remind everyone of our Tobacco Cessation Benefit! Check out more here: http://benefits.mt.gov/tobaccocessation.mcpx. Basically, we work with the existing resources available through the Montana Tobacco Quit Line and then build on them to defray costs of prescriptions and medical services - so our members can concentrate on getting quit and staying quit! Pass the word if you know someone who could benefit...
The Great American Smokeout is November 18: http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/index.
What a great time to remind everyone of our Tobacco Cessation Benefit! Check out more here: http://benefits.mt.gov/tobaccocessation.mcpx. Basically, we work with the existing resources available through the Montana Tobacco Quit Line and then build on them to defray costs of prescriptions and medical services - so our members can concentrate on getting quit and staying quit! Pass the word if you know someone who could benefit...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
For effective weight loss, count every crumb
This excellent article was forwarded to me this morning, and I thought it was worth sharing with you for a quick read. As my addition - I can't even tell you how many studies I've read that show that the food diary/journal is KEY to successful weight loss. Everyone knows it's a pain - but everyone should also know THAT IT WORKS. So if you've been thinking that you need to lose weight, or are stuck, thinking "I hardly eat anything and I still can't lost weight," read on...
http://helenair.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_edf9a8ec-dc10-11df-b459-001cc4c03286.html
P.S. I especially liked the study that she cited about dieters who kept a food journal during the holidays - since the holidays are just around the corner!! And don't forget the deadline for annual change benefit elections: October 27, 2010.
http://helenair.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_edf9a8ec-dc10-11df-b459-001cc4c03286.html
P.S. I especially liked the study that she cited about dieters who kept a food journal during the holidays - since the holidays are just around the corner!! And don't forget the deadline for annual change benefit elections: October 27, 2010.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Annual Change Deadline is October 27
Annual Change for this year’s State of Montana health care plan elections is currently underway. Please plan to attend one of the presentations, either in person, or via Webinar. The full schedule is available here: http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx.
The due date for 2011 elections is October 27. For complete instructions, please see your annual change booklet on page 4-5 or http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx. Remember you must re-enroll every year if you want to participate in Vision or the Flexible Spending accounts.
If you have already submitted your elections, great! Take this time to go for a quick walk and refresh your mind – but make sure and attend one of the presentations anyway – you may find new information that will change your elections (which you can do, online until October 27).
The due date for 2011 elections is October 27. For complete instructions, please see your annual change booklet on page 4-5 or http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx. Remember you must re-enroll every year if you want to participate in Vision or the Flexible Spending accounts.
If you have already submitted your elections, great! Take this time to go for a quick walk and refresh your mind – but make sure and attend one of the presentations anyway – you may find new information that will change your elections (which you can do, online until October 27).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
$5 Premium Discount
Dear State of Montana Health Care Plan Members,
As you look forward towards fall, remember that in addition to the benefit of a FREE health screening, State of Montana health care plan participants who attend a health screening during 2010 will also get a $5 discount off each month’s health care premiums in 2011. All you need to do is attend a FREE health screening!
If you have not already taken advantage of your free health screening this year and don’t yet have an appointment, PLEASE don’t wait to make your appointment – the last health screenings of the year are coming up quickly and will end the first week in November (which is closer than it seems) - appointments are going fast! If you have already attended a health screening, you will automatically receive the discount.
For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions about the discount and instructions for registering for a health screening at www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx.
To Register:
Visit www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx and click on “Register for Health Screenings.” If you have not already created an account in 2010, you will need to create a new account, but don’t worry, it’s quick and very easy. You will need to have a copy of your insurance card handy, and know the company code, 3711786.
For assistance with registration please contact
It Starts With Me
(866) 932-6467 (10 AM – 4 PM MST)
info@itstartswithme.com
As you look forward towards fall, remember that in addition to the benefit of a FREE health screening, State of Montana health care plan participants who attend a health screening during 2010 will also get a $5 discount off each month’s health care premiums in 2011. All you need to do is attend a FREE health screening!
If you have not already taken advantage of your free health screening this year and don’t yet have an appointment, PLEASE don’t wait to make your appointment – the last health screenings of the year are coming up quickly and will end the first week in November (which is closer than it seems) - appointments are going fast! If you have already attended a health screening, you will automatically receive the discount.
For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions about the discount and instructions for registering for a health screening at www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx.
To Register:
Visit www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx and click on “Register for Health Screenings.” If you have not already created an account in 2010, you will need to create a new account, but don’t worry, it’s quick and very easy. You will need to have a copy of your insurance card handy, and know the company code, 3711786.
For assistance with registration please contact
It Starts With Me
(866) 932-6467 (10 AM – 4 PM MST)
info@itstartswithme.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
2010 Flu Shot Clinics
Flu Shot Clinics - 2010
Mark your calendar for your flu shot! Please read this information thoroughly. The State of Montana Healthy Employees Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP) is pleased to provide flu shot clinics for Helena-area, listed below. The clinics are open to all that are 18 or older. Flu shots will be $20 this year. No appointment is necessary. If you are outside Helena or cannot attend on these dates, please attend a public clinic in your area (stores with pharmacies, hospitals or local health centers commonly have one) or make an appointment with your doctor.
Please Note: The vaccine provided at these clinics is the regular seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine.
Date, Location, Time
September 9
Cogswell Building Rooms 205/207
11:30am-1:30pm
October 6
Cogswell Building Rooms 205/207
11:30am-1:30pm
October 12
Fish, Wildlife & Parks Conference Room
1420 E. 6th Ave.
11:00am-5:00pm
October 13-October 14
Montana Department of Transportation
6:30am-12:00pm
October 18
Fish, Wildlife & Parks Conference Room
1420 E. 6th Ave.
11:00am-5:00pm
October 20-October 21-October 22
Capital Hill Mall 7:00am-6:00pm
This year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that everyone over 6 months old get the influenza vaccine. The “flu shot” is for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, but especially pregnant women, people age 50 and older, healthcare workers, or those in contact with adults/children at high risk for flu complications. For more information on flu shot safety, efficacy, or necessity, please contact your doctor. For general information about the influenza visit http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/influenza/index.shtml.
For more information on State of Montana clinic times or locations:
State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP)
(406) 444-7462 or toll free (800) 287-8266
benefitsquestions@mt.gov
Mark your calendar for your flu shot! Please read this information thoroughly. The State of Montana Healthy Employees Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP) is pleased to provide flu shot clinics for Helena-area, listed below. The clinics are open to all that are 18 or older. Flu shots will be $20 this year. No appointment is necessary. If you are outside Helena or cannot attend on these dates, please attend a public clinic in your area (stores with pharmacies, hospitals or local health centers commonly have one) or make an appointment with your doctor.
Please Note: The vaccine provided at these clinics is the regular seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine.
Date, Location, Time
September 9
Cogswell Building Rooms 205/207
11:30am-1:30pm
October 6
Cogswell Building Rooms 205/207
11:30am-1:30pm
October 12
Fish, Wildlife & Parks Conference Room
1420 E. 6th Ave.
11:00am-5:00pm
October 13-October 14
Montana Department of Transportation
6:30am-12:00pm
October 18
Fish, Wildlife & Parks Conference Room
1420 E. 6th Ave.
11:00am-5:00pm
October 20-October 21-October 22
Capital Hill Mall 7:00am-6:00pm
This year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that everyone over 6 months old get the influenza vaccine. The “flu shot” is for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, but especially pregnant women, people age 50 and older, healthcare workers, or those in contact with adults/children at high risk for flu complications. For more information on flu shot safety, efficacy, or necessity, please contact your doctor. For general information about the influenza visit http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/influenza/index.shtml.
For more information on State of Montana clinic times or locations:
State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP)
(406) 444-7462 or toll free (800) 287-8266
benefitsquestions@mt.gov
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Our Friend, the Bee
Always interested in ways to make my garden better - check out this great site: http://nature.berkeley.edu/urbanbeegardens/index.html and related material from a Missoula, Montana gardener: http://montanawildlifegardener.blogspot.com/2010/08/native-bee-nesting-update.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)