Commonwealth Conversations

5 Traditional ways to Pay Respect to Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day

On May 5, 1866, residents of Waterloo, New York held a ceremony to honor local fallen Civil War soldiers. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and Congress declared that ceremony the birthplace of Memorial Day. It wasn’t until an act of Congress in 1971 that Memorial Day, which commemorates the men and women who died while in military service, was made a national holiday. Held on the final Monday in May each year, Memorial Day remains a day of honor and remembrance. Though this long weekend is the unofficial start of summer, on  May 27, consider celebrating with a little tradition.

1. Visit a Massachusetts Veterans’ Cemetery and leave poppies on a grave site.

• While any flowers would be a lovely gesture, poppies have become synonymous with Memorial Day following a World War I poem written by Colonel John McCrae entitled In Flanders Fields. The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs tells the story of the “Flower of Remembrance”.

2. Explore the Vietnam Veterans memorial at Green Hill Park, 50 Skyline Drive in Worcester

• This memorial honors Massachusetts servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam War and all soldiers from the Commonwealth who served from 1955-1975. Learn more about this four-acre park at MassVVM.org.

3. Tour Fort Independence at Castle Island at Day Boulevard, South Boston.

• Castle Island is the oldest continuously fortified site in North America. The first fort on Castle Island was built in 1634 for the coastal defense of Boston. Fort Independence, a pentagonal five-bastioned fort built between 1834 and 1851, is Castle Island's eighth fort and was built with granite from quarries in Rockport. Free one-hour tours of this National Historic Landmark are sponsored by the Castle Island Association in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and are held May 25-27 from noon to 3:30pm.

4. Check out the Veterans History Project online.

• The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is primarily an oral history program that collects and preserves first-hand interviews with America's wartime veterans. You can listen, watch and read first-hand accounts of life in wartime from World War I to today.  

5. Fly the flag

• Did you know that traditional guidelines call for the flag to be displayed in public areas only from sunrise to sunset? (However, it may fly at any time as long as it’s illuminated.) Additional guidelines based on the Federal Flag Code for proper display of the American flag can be found here.

However you plan to celebrate Memorial Day, consider observing the National Moment of Remembrance, with one minute of silence at 3:00 p.m. on May 27, 2013, and check out these additional ideas from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. 

4 Simple Stress-Reduction Tips for Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month and Mental Health America has chosen the theme “Pathways to Wellness” for 2013. Wellness refers to maintaining a balance of healthy physical, mental, and social well-being. Wellness is more than just NOT being sick; having a wellness plan can actually prevent illness and shorten the duration of an illness after its onset.

Stress can wreak havoc on your mental health. Unfortunately, due to work, home, and social obligations, everyone is at risk of being stressed at some point. Managing and reducing stress not only elevates your mood, it can also fortify your immune system. In honor of Mental Health Month, start down your own path to wellness by trying some of the following stress-reduction tips.

• Exercise: Physical activity releases excess tension and breathes much needed oxygen into cells, reducing the overall feeling of stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week) plus biweekly strength training. Mass in Motion offers ideas for becoming more active, and activities for people with disabilities, older adults, and pregnant women. Find an activity that you love.

• Eat Well:  Everyone knows that eating healthy food helps reduce excess weight, but did you know that a healthy diet can reduce your chances of developing diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease? Mass in Motion wants you to “Eat Better” and provides tips on proper serving sizes, how to make healthy choices when dining out, and tips for parents because good nutrition starts at home. Follow @MassinMotion on Twitter for more healthy tips.

• Sleep: According to the CDC, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night and children need even more. Most people don’t get enough, which can lead to weight gain, illness and fatigue, none of which are conducive to good mental health. The CDC and National Sleep Foundation recommend going to bed and waking at the same time daily, maintaining a quiet and relaxing bedroom, and avoiding large meals close to bedtime to optimize sleep. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, keep a sleep diary to help identify patterns. The Department of Public Health blog also offers some tips for better sleep.

• Have fun! Making time to participate in leisure activities may sound like added stress, but research suggests that regularly making time for yourself and what you love makes you better equipped to handle stressful situations. Cook, meditate, call a friend, create or experience art, read a book, listen to music, take a hike in a local state park… whatever makes you happy! You’ll reduce stress and be ready to take on anything that life tosses your way.

Visit www.helpguide.org for additional ways to manage stress.

Join the conversation: What do you do to reduce stress?

Related articles

3 Avenues for Celebrating National Bike Month

7 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

New Englanders are finally shedding their heavy winter coats, and skirts, shorts, and sunbathing are just around the corner. With temperatures on the rise, more skin is being exposed to the sun which increases the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. According the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans per year. Fortunately, it is also the most preventable! This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, learn how you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by adhering to these tips:

1. Limit your time in the sun.

• Especially minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is shining strongest.

2. Use a waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when you’re outside.

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow it to be absorbed.
• Re-apply often: At least once every 2 hours.
• Sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming or sweating. Moisture can wash away even “waterproof” sunscreen, so reapplying is very important.

3. Wear hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your body from UV rays.

4. Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

5. Limit your use of tanning booths, tanning parlors or sunlamps. Opt for spray tans or sunless tanning creams instead.

6. Avoid the sun when taking drugs which make your skin more sensitive to light including antibiotics such as tetracycline, tretinoin (Retin A), sleeping pills and diuretics.

7. Get regular check-ups with a dermatologist.

For additional information on skin cancer and to learn how to recognize symptoms, visit the National Cancer Institute website or read this pamphlet from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

 

Related articles

May is Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services indicates stroke as the third leading cause of death in the United States. National Stroke Awareness Month, initiated by former President George Bush in 1989, is designed to encourage awareness of stroke, its warning signs and tips for prevention. Read on, because the life you save could be your own.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. Most strokes (about 80%) are caused by a sudden blockage of arteries leading to the brain (ischemic stroke); others are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Because a stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, it is also referred to as a brain attack. A stroke has many consequences, including brain damage or even death. Learn more with this Stroke 101 Fact Sheet from the National Stroke Association.

Identify the Warning Signs

Early detection of stroke symptoms is paramount to recovery. A great trick to remembering the signs of a stroke is the pneumonic FAST which stands for: face, arm, speech, and time.

• Face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile
• Arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms
• Speech: Does the speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a phrase
• Time: If you observe these symptoms act FAST and call 9-1-1

Additional symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs
• Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding others
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance/coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause 

Prevention

Some risk factors for strokes are out of your control, but according to Stroke.org, up to 80% of all strokes are preventable. Below find tips to reduce your risk, and of course, always consult with a healthcare professional. 

• Prevent or control high cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • Read this article from the Department of Public Health for tips on controlling blood pressure.
• Prevent or control diabetes
• Avoid tobacco and second-hand smoke
• If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet

Consider spreading awareness of stroke this May with ideas from the National Stroke Association.  

Related articles

National Nurses Week - May 6-12

3 Avenues for Celebrating National Bike Month

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride,” U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said.  This month, experience the joy he experienced by hitting the road during National Bike Month. Bicycling is not only a fun leisure activity, it is also an excellent way to commute, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your cardiovascular health. Try one of the following suggestions or share your favorite way to celebrate National Bike Month in the comments below.

Participate in Bay State Bike Week (May 11-19)

• In conjunction with National Bike Month, the Department of Transportation teams up with MassRIDES and MassBike to present Bay State Bike Week from May 11-19. Events including road races, safety demonstrations, and free bike rentals take place across the Commonwealth; find an event near you. Also, anyone can plan an event for Bay State Bike Week and submit it to the online calendar. Check out this event planning guide for suggestions and instructions.

Bike to Work Day (May 17)

• Studies show that active people take fewer sick days and are more productive. On May 17, skip the car and cycle to work. Did you know that you can take your bike on the T? The MBTA encourages commuting via bicycle and understands that you may need to spend a portion of that commute on public transit. They’ve issued a pamphlet called “Bikes and the MBTA” to help you reach your destination safely.

Explore new places to ride

• The Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains many popular bike trails throughout the Commonwealth. Spend some time getting to know Massachusetts on two wheels along one of the state’s many rail trails, old train tracks that have been converted to bike paths. Find a trail near you or go further afield for a mini “day-cation.” Discover your options at MassVacation.com.

Be sure to obey all traffic laws and wear a helmet when cycling. Wearing a helmet will help protect you from serious injuries in the event of an accident and is required by law for anyone under the age of 16 operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, scooter, in-line skates, skateboard, or other manually propelled vehicle. For tips on sharing the road with motorists, take a look at “Same Roads. Same Rules.” from the Department of Transportation.

Join the conversation: Where do you like to ride?

Related articles

Spring Fun

National Nurses Week - May 6-12

The American Nurses Association (ANA) describes nursing as “an art and a science;” it takes a unique blend of dedication, compassion, and understanding to comfort the sick and make people feel good when they’re ill or in pain. Anyone who’s spent time in the hospital can recognize the special role nurses play for their patients. National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6 through Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12, is meant to show appreciation for these angels of the health care world.  

Nurses play such an important role in our society that the State House features “Nurses Hall” in honor of the Civil War Army Nurses Memorial statue that was erected there in 1914. Nurses Hall was originally called Senate Staircase Hall since it contains one of two grand stairways which lead to the legislative chambers. After the memorial statue was installed, it began to be known as Nurses Hall but wasn’t officially renamed until an act of legislature in 1985. Take a virtual tour of the State House to see this beautiful room.

Are you considering joining the profession?

Massachusetts requires the completion of collegiate courses of study in nursing as well as the successful completion of nationwide standardized tests for nurses. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) website outlines board-approved practical and registered nurse education programs, as well as information on obtaining a nursing license. Nurses and other health professionals, who choose to work at an approved health care organization for two years, may be eligible for the Massachusetts Loan Repayment Program. Read about one nurse practitioner’s experience with this program in this blog post from the Department of Public Health.

Nurses (and doctors) want you to be as healthy and happy as possible, so don’t be afraid to ask them the tough questions. Use these tips on how to talk to your doctor or nurse to help you get started, and next time you have an appointment, remember how important your nurse is, give them a big smile and thank them for the hard work they do each day!

For additional information on nursing in Massachusetts, visit Mass.gov. 

3 Things to Consider as a First-Time Homebuyer in Massachusetts

Spring is a popular time to think about purchasing a home, and as a first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts, you may have questions about the process. Luckily, there are state and federal programs to help you through it, including assistance with down payments – being a low- to moderate-income household does not necessarily mean you can’t own the home of your dreams – seminars and more. The information below outlines some of the first steps on the road to homeownership:

• Know your credit score
  • Having a good credit score makes buying a home easier and will often result in a lower mortgage rate.

• Shop for an affordable mortgage
  • Although the Department of Housing and Community Development does not provide mortgages directly to first-time homebuyers, there are many resources available. Check the following sites for information on a number of state and federal mortgage products for first-time homebuyers:
    • Massachusetts Housing Partnership - The Soft Second Program
    • MassHousing
    • Fannie Mae
    • Freddie Mac
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture (for rural development opportunities only)

• Find a first-time home buyer assistance program
  • First-time homebuyer education courses are offered throughout the Commonwealth and are required for most first-time homebuyer programs and loan programs. The following organizations offer courses on home buying, including advantages of ownership, finding a real estate agent, details of the Soft Second mortgage program and more:
    • CHAPA Homeownership Education Workshops
    • MassHousing Homebuyer Counseling
    • Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance
    • Housing Consumer Education Centers
      
      

For additional information on home buying and selling regardless of income or having previously owned a home, visit Mass.gov. 

Let Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Centers Help You Land the Job of your Dreams

Making it in today’s job market requires preparation and perseverance. With a little hard work, dedication, and help from Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Centers, you can be well on your way to the career of your dreams!

What services do the One-Stop Career Centers offer?

• Job search assistance and coaching
• Online search
• Career planning and counseling
• Access to resources including computers, reference materials, resume-building software, and economic data
• Workshops and Job Fairs
  • Upcoming Events:
    • May 7 – Veterans & Community - Career & Benefits Fair in Lynn
    • May 10 – Federal Employment Workshop
    • May 15 – Job Fair in Devens
    • May 15 – Veterans Job Fair in Braintree
• Networking advice and groups
• Unemployment insurance walk-in services

Find a One-Stop Career Center near you, and in the meantime explore these tips on creating an effective resume and cover letter.

Join the conversation: What is your dream job?

 

Related articles

5 Ways to Build Community During National Volunteer Week

5 Ways to Build Community During National Volunteer Week

Last week, the people of Boston, the Commonwealth, and our nation were stunned by the tragedy that struck the Boston Marathon. In the wake of these events, people throughout Massachusetts and around the world united to support those affected by the bombings: people who had just finished running 26.2 miles continued on to hospitals to donate blood, residents opened their homes to stranded runners and their families, and donations flooded in to the One Fund Boston. The power of community and volunteering to make the world a better place was a beacon of hope in a difficult situation. National Volunteer Week (April 21-27) provides another opportunity to make a difference in your community and improve the lives of others. Some ideas:

 
1.       Volunteer to help with  disaster relief
Volunteers constitute about 95 percent of the American Red Cross workforce. Volunteers make it possible to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, including those like the Boston Marathon Tragedy. Find out about the needs in your area by searching for current volunteer opportunities.
   

2.       DCR Park Serve Day
This Saturday, join Department of Conservation and Recreation staff, park partners and friends in a statewide volunteer service day to clean and beautify a park near you! Click here to find a location and register to participate.
 
3.       Work with Veterans
You can make a difference in the life of a soldier. Opt to volunteer at Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke, which provide quality health care to honorably discharged wartime veterans, or work with organizations such as the New England Center for Homeless Veterans or Volunteers of America.
 
4.       Assist individuals supported by the Department of Disability Services (DDS)
Direct personal involvement between people with and without disabilities can deepen and strengthen community life for everyone. Visit the DDS website for more information on volunteer opportunities, or check out Best Buddies Massachusetts and the Special Olympics.
 
5.       Elderly Persons
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs maintains a list of ways to get involved in the lives of the elderly.  For those of you with a car, consider joining a volunteer driver program to provide a ride to elderly persons who would not otherwise have transportation.

This is not a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, but hopefully will prompt you to think about how to get more involved in your community. Visit Mass.gov to learn more about volunteering, and explore Connect and Serve to find opportunities tailored to your interests and talents.

Related articles

The Boston Marathon Tragedy

The Boston Marathon Tragedy

The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an official statement; our thoughts go out to all.

For Residents and Businesses of Back Bay

Full public access to Boylston St. and affected areas was restored as of 3AM on Wednesday, April 24.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced plans for re-entry to the Back Bay area. Details can be found here. 

The business and resident resource center at Hynes Convention Center will be open 8AM-5PM 4/24 or call the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.

For additional resources, information, or to make a donation visit the City of Boston's One Boston website.

Resources for families trying to reach loved ones:

Call the Mayor’s Hotline 617-635-4500

Red Cross Safe and Well - 1-800-REDCROSS or redcross.org/safeandwell

Person Finder – Boston Marathon

For crisis counseling:

Events of mass violence can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger or fear. The Department of Mental Health has identified a number of resources to help you cope with the trauma, grief and aftermath of this incident.

The Federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990,can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.  This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is also available via SMS (text TalkWithUs to 66746) to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event.  Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network.  The Helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

You can also visit the Federal Disaster Distress webpage on distress and coping with incidents of mass violence 

Visit the American Red Cross website

Claiming Property from the Scene:

Items not taken as evidence by the FBI will be turned over to Boston Police. Items can be collected in three ways: 

1. Visit in person at One Schroder Plaza, Media Room – 8am to 8pm beginning Tuesday 4/23 to Friday 4/26.  Bring proper identification. Parking will be available on Tremont St. Please follow direction of officers.
2. Email lostproperty.bpd@cityofboston.gov with name, phone number, email address and description of items lost (as detailed as possible). You will be contacted if the item is in possession of BPD.
3. Call the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500 with a description of lost items.  You will receive a follow up call from BPD.

Police will also attempt to personally deliver items to owners if the items contain owner information.

How to help: 

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. Visit onefundboston.org to donate.

Traffic and Commuter Information:

Expect delays and increased law enforcement presence throughout the city and the transit system. For additional information visit the Department of Transportation Blog

TRANSPORTATION CLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS

• The MBTA Copley Station is reopened

A crime scene perimeter was established in Back Bay.

If you have any photos or knowledge of the events or persons involved, please contact the Boston Crime Tips Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS or the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (Prompt #3).

For more information, visit the City of Boston website and be sure to follow organizations listed below on Twitter for real-time updates:

Boston Police - @Boston_Police

Massachusetts State Police - @MassStatePolice

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - @MassEMA

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick - @MassGovernor

City of Boston Emergency Notifications and Alerts - @AlertBoston

City of Boston Office of Constituent Engagement - @NotifyBoston

MBTA - @mbtaGM

And utilize the hashtags #BostonMarathon or #BostonHelp to join the Twitter conversation with any information or offers of assistance.  

AGENCY ACTIONS

American Red Cross:

• The American Red Cross will be conducting canteen operations to support responders in several locations in Boston today. These will include The Public Garden, Arlington Castle, and in the vicinity of the crime scene perimeter.
• ARC is working with DPH and the Dept. of Mental Health to support mental health needs.

Department of Public Health (DPH):

• DPH is working with The Dept. of Mental Health, Boston Public Health Commission, and US Dept. of Health and Human Services to coordinate resources and needs for crisis counselors.