Community Announcements

 

Are You At Risk for Diabetes?
Posted 1Diabetes1/24/2011—With nearly 26 million children and adults in American living with diabetes, and another 79 million at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Yet, most Americans don’t consider diabetes a serious matter. They feel it is someone else’s responsibility; someone else’s problem. More information + pumpkin pie recipe >>

 

Breast Cancer Awareness
Posted 10/4/2011—We at HBreast Cancer Awareness Monthudson Health Plan are staunch supporters of the fight to end the epidemic of breast cancer in this country. The greatest weapon in the fight is early detection, and getting regular mammograms might save your life or help you save a breast. 

Your doctor uses mammography to screen you for breast cancer. A mammogram is a special kind of breast X-ray that will usually find signs of cancer before symptoms show up. Mammograms are the best way to find breast tumors early, when they are smaller and easier to treat. Many tumors that are too small to be felt during a breast self-exam are found by mammograms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women ages 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years. But the American Cancer Society suggests yearly screening for all women 40 and older. If you are a woman over 40 years old, have you had a mammogram this year? If not, call your doctor today to ask if you need a mammogram now. Your doctor can help you arrange for a mammogram. If you, your mother, sister or daughter have had breast cancer, your risk of getting breast cancer is higher and it is even more important for you to get your mammogram.

For more information, visit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. You can also get involved by joining the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Hudson Valley Region.


Federal Disaster Center Now Open at  Westchester County Center
Posted 9/15/2011—Last week, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino formally opened the FEMA disaster center at the Westchester County Center's Little Theater. The center is for individuals, households and businesses to get help filing for Hurricane Irene disaster aid. The Disaster Recovery Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. (Parking fees have been waived.)


Enjoy the Bounty of Summer at Your Local Farmers’ Market
Posted 6/1/2011—For true vegetable lovers, there’s grocery store produce, and then there’s real produce. Real produce is the kind found in local farmers’ markets: tomatoes, bright green beans, tangy sweet peaches, and more. Summer is peak season for locally grown produce and a great time to check out your community farmers’ market.

Why buy local?

People everywhere are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. Here's why:

  • It is fresher than anything in the supermarket. That means the fruits and vegetables are tastier and more nutritious.
  • At the farmers’ market, local farmers sell their products directly to the public. Buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business. So your food is good for you and good for your local economy.
  • Finally, buying locally is good for the planet. It saves fuel and emissions from shipping food long distances.

To find a farmers’ market near you, visit www.localharvest.org.

Japan Society

 

Donate to Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
Posted 3/28/2011—Japan Society has created a disaster relief fund to aid victims of the Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Over the years, Japan Society has partnered with several Japanese and American non-profits working on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery. 100% of your generous tax-deductible contributions will go to organization(s) that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. Donations may be made online here.

Helping Haiti

 

One Year Later, Haiti Still Needs Our Help
Posted 1/5/2011—Nearly one year ago, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake that tore the very fabric of that country. Conditions are worse than ever, with a rampant cholera epidemic, shortages of food and drinking water, homelessness and unemployment. Many events are taking place in our area to honor this sad anniversary, including the following:

  • Wednesday, January 12: Join Mayor Bloomberg, the Reverend Al Sharpton, Diaspora Community Services, and many others for New York City's Haiti Solidarity/March for Change. The march starts at 1:30 p.m. at Times Square (42nd & 7th), stops at the Haitian Consulate (39th. & Madison Ave.), and ends at the United Nations (47th & First Ave.). Participants are asked to wear blue and red, and to dress warmly. Visit Diaspora for more information about how you can join the march and pledge your financial support.
  • Friday, January 14: The United Way of Rockland County is hosting the Rockland County Haiti Relief Summit, along with several other local organizations. Admission is free, and it’s being held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Ellipse Conference Room of the SUNY Rockland Community College Technology Center, in Suffern, NY. For more information, and to register, please call (845) 358-8929, or email taustin@uwrd.org.

Give the Gift of Good Health

 

Give a Gift of Good Health!
Posted 10/21/2010—This holiday season, instead of just wishing for good health and happiness, why not give a gift of good health? Hudson Health Plan is making it easy to learn about public health insurance for you and your loved ones as you do your holiday shopping. Hudson will be at two malls this holiday season to answer questions, and—if you or your children qualify—start the enrollment process. You’ll find Hudson representatives right next to Santa at the Newburgh Mall and Poughkeepsie Galleria every Saturday, from November 13th to December 18th, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, Hudson’s Community Outreach Vehicles will be parked outside the Newburgh Mall November 13th and December 18th, and the Poughkeepsie Galleria November 20th and December 18th, ready to offer health insurance information or start the enrollment process.

Open Door Medical Center

 

Open Door Medical Center Opens Location at Port Chester School
Posted 10/13/2010—Open Door Family Medical Centers has opened its fifth school-based health center at the Park Avenue School in Port Chester. "Over half of Park Avenue School's students are already enrolled with the center," said Ellette Hirschorn, director of clinical services and programs for Open Door and a registered nurse. 

Known as school-based health centers, such clinics provide primary health care services at the school, where and when they need it. With parents' permission, students are enrolled with the centers which provide numerous services, from physicals to immunizations. Students are also able to receive wellness visits, chronic disease management and hearing, vision and mental health screenings. Find out more about Open Door Family Medical Centers.

Make the Healthy Switch to Brown Rice

 

Make the Healthy Switch to Brown Rice
Posted 10/1/2010—What color is the rice in your cabinet? If it's brown, congratulations! A new study shows that eating two or more servings of brown rice each week cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Brown rice is a whole grain. It is high in fiber and important nutrients, such as magnesium, which helps blood sugar stay stable. White rice is brown rice that has been refined to remove the bran covering. Removing the bran also takes out most of the fiber and nutrients. According to the study, just switching a third of one serving from white to brown rice can reduce your risk of diabetes by 16 percent. f you’ve never cooked brown rice, check the package for directions. Because of the outer bran coating, brown rice usually needs more water and a longer cooking time. In addition to being healthier, brown rice is chewier and more flavorful than white rice. Make the switch to brown rice today!