An Introduction to the 2010
Census Counting Everyone
Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place
The foundation of our American
democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In
order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the
people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a
census of the population every 10 years.
The census population totals
determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also
determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over
the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more
than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over
the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished
fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count
everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The
facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the
decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation,
education, senior services and much more.
Reaching an
Increasingly Diverse Population
The goal of the 2010 Census is
to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The
U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in
any of its surveys and census programs. To help ensure the nation’s
increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately
and completely, about 13 million bilingual Spanish/English forms will be
mailed to housing units in neighborhoods identified as requiring high
levels of Spanish assistance. Additionally, questionnaires in Spanish,
Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Vietnamese and Russian as well as language
guides in 59 languages will be available on request.
10 Questions, 10
Minutes to Complete
With one of the shortest
questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age,
race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It
takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete.
Questions about how we live as a nation our diversity, education,
housing, jobs and more are now covered in the American Community Survey,
which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the
Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. Responses to the 2010 Census
questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for
statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. For more
information, visit the 2010 Census Web site at <http://www.census.gov/2010>.
1/21/10
Small Steps to
Health and Wealth™ Online Challenge Press Release
Just in time to keep
those New Year’s resolutions to improve health and personal finances,
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is launching its new online Small Steps to
Health and Wealth™ (SSHW) Challenge Web site with “SSHW Worldwide
Challenge 2010.” This free six-week program, open to anyone who enrolls
online, will be held from Sunday, January 17, through Saturday, February
27. Prizes will be awarded for participants who report the highest point
totals.
To sign up for the SSHW
Challenge, follow the “Challenges” link on the Small Steps to Health and
Wealth™ Web site at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/. Set up a user name
and password and download a simple one-page user’s guide with
instructions about how to proceed. Enroll in the Challenge titled “SSHW
Worldwide Challenge 2010.”
The SSHW Challenge is
part of Small Steps to Health and Wealth™, a national Cooperative
Extension program developed to motivate Americans to take action to
simultaneously improve their health and personal finances. SSHW was
built around a framework of 25 research-based behavior change
strategies. The Challenge was originally developed in a “paper and
pencil” format with printed worksheets and is now available online.
It has been well
documented that, when people monitor their behavior and measure their
how they’re doing, they are often inspired to do better and achieve
positive results. Participants in a SSHW Challenge are “on their honor”
to report their activities accurately. If they “cheat” on reporting
their points, they are only cheating themselves by not following the
recommended daily practices.
The SSHW Challenge is
based on the performance of ten recommended practices on a daily basis:
five that involve health and nutrition and five that involve financial
management. Ten points are given for performing each one for a maximum
of 700 points per week and 4,200 points for the entire challenge. “The
Challenge is a great way to convert ambitious New Year’s resolutions,
like losing weight and saving money, into daily action steps,” noted
Barbara O’Neill, Extension Specialist in Financial Resource Management
for Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
The five daily health
and nutrition practices are: eat at least 4 cups of fruits and
vegetables; get at least 30 minutes of exercise; drink water or
unsweetened beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages; walk 10,000
or more steps with a pedometer; and learn something new about health and
nutrition.
The five daily financial
management practices included in the SSHW Challenge are: save a $1 bill
(or more) and/or pocket change; invest $5 or more per day (including
automated retirement savings plan deposits); track money spent
throughout the day; eat lunch prepared at home; and learn something new
about personal finance. The latter activity, for both health and
personal finances, can be accomplished by visiting Web sites, attending
seminars, or by reading, listening to, or viewing media reports.
As participants enter
their personal data, they will see their point totals for each day of
the week and for each of the ten activities described above. They’ll
also see a bar graph that compares their personal progress to the
average scores of everyone else participating in the Challenge. Daily
motivational messages will also be provided to participants. Paper
tracking forms can be downloaded to keep track of daily activities until
they are entered online.
Doing even one of the
ten recommended daily practices is a great way to get started on the
path to better health and improved financial security. The more SSHW
Challenge activities that are performed by participants, the better. To
sign up for “SSHW Worldwide Challenge 2010,” visit
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/.
If you are not on-line and would like a hard copy of the Small Steps
book we have several here at the office that will be offered free on a
first come first served basis. Call to reserve your copy and then simply
stop by to pick it up.
1/14/10
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The first UK Plaid
Products: will be appearing in stores and available for
online purchase in September! The initial collection includes a
men’s tie, duffle bag, carrier tote bag, two sizes of cosmetic
bags, two sizes of table cloths, napkins, a photo frame, and an
id case. The website
www.ukplaid.com offers individuals an opportunity to
register their email address and receive notification when the
products are available. Later this fall, the Plaid Advisory
Board will be reviewing new product ideas developed by students
in Merchandising, apparel, and Textiles during the 2009 spring
semester and selecting additional products for production.
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9/10/09
Physical activity
is beneficial
Recent reports in the media
question the effectiveness of exercise for weight loss and weight
management. However, physical activity and exercise do provide many benefits
for individuals including lower disease risks, mental health improvements
and weight control.
Numerous studies show
exercise and physical activity help prevent chronic diseases such as heart
disease, osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes. Also, people who exercise
generally feel better mentally. This is because during exercise your brain
releases endorphins, hormone-like substances that are the body’s own
“natural pain-killers.” This release can help prevent and treat mild cases
of anxiety and depression. In fact, research shows regular moderate exercise
to be as effective in treating moderate depression as antidepressant
medication.
The problem is most of
us don’t get enough exercise and physical activity every day. In 1973,
Americans could eat around 2000 calories per day and still maintain
their weight. However, from 1973 to 2003, Americans decreased their
daily amount of physical activity by 25 percent, which would mean it
takes 500 calories less to maintain weight! During the same time, the
amount of calories we consumed rose by 300 calories a day. Those two
numbers combined show many Americans consume an excess of 800 calories a
day. Consuming this many excess calories can cause weight gain of at
least one pound per week.
It’s easy to incorporate
more physical activity in your day. Here are some ways you can become
more physically active:
1. Incorporate more
physical activity while at home and work. Household duties such as
climbing stairs, carrying laundry, running the vacuum, cleaning closets
and moving boxes can help you stay in shape. When at work, take the
stairs instead of the elevator or park farther away and walk to your
building. Get up and move from your desk at least once every 30 minutes
even if it’s only to make a copy or go to the restroom.
2. Find ways to
incorporate more walking into your day. Walking can provide you with
physical activity, as well as help you clear your head, listen to music
or spend time with friends and family.
3. Build and maintain
strong muscles. You can do this without purchasing expensive exercise
equipment or weights. Utilize your available resources. For example,
canned goods make good hand weights. Stretches and muscle toning are
also things you can do while watching television.
While physical activity
and exercise do have benefits, it may not lead to weight loss on its own
for everyone. If you want to lose weight, it’s important for you to make
healthy changes to your diet in addition to more physical activity. Once
you reach your weight loss goal, physical activity and exercise can help
you keep the weight off.
We have free Second
Sunday Tee Shirts available for any group/family that is planning to be
physically active on Sunday, October 11! We have 75 that will be given
on a first come, first serve basis. We also have several pedometers,
some water bottles, lunch bags and frisbies that will be provided to
those indicating they plan to participate!
10/1/09
Preventing falls
is key for older adults
and September 22 is Fall Prevention Day!
Falls are a serious concern
for older adults. The consequences can be life-changing or even life-ending,
especially when head injuries are involved.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, one third of Americans 65 and older have
serious falls every year. In Kentucky, more than 150 older adults die every
year from the consequences of falls, often after extended hospital stays and
nursing home care. Some 17,000 older Kentuckians have fall-related emergency
department visits, and nearly 5,000 are hospitalized every year.
Falls have wide-ranging
human and economic costs. There is a well-documented tendency for people who
have been injured by falls to restrict their activities, thus losing
important social and emotional support. Family members might need to give up
paid employment to care for a relative injured by a fall, or the relative
might lose the ability to live independently. moving in with caregivers.
While most of the
hospital cost for Kentuckians older than 65 is covered through the
federal Medicare program, subsequent nursing home and home health
coverage under Medicare is limited. Kentuckians who need extended care
are likely to exhaust their resources and become eligible for Medicaid,
a program that is second only to public education in its share of
Kentucky's state budget. Thus, fall prevention in older adults is
important for all Kentuckians, not just those at high risk of falling.
The Kentucky Injury
Prevention and Research Center is part of a statewide effort to design a
coordinated fall prevention program for older adults. With our partners
in the Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, we're working
to identify possible funding sources.
The evidence supporting
fall prevention is strong, and many measures can be implemented at low
cost. To prevent falls:
■ Exercise moderately to
strengthen muscles and maintain balance.
■ Keep frequently used items within reach without the use of
stepladders.
■ Clear the home of obvious risks such as trailing cords and loose rugs.
■ Screen during health visits for risk factors such as sensory deficits,
medication usage or environmental dangers.
Everywhere we turn we
hear about the benefits of exercise and how it can help our health and
the quality of our life. But the question for many people, especially
sedentary individuals, is what kind of exercise is safe for me to do and
where can I find it. One of the important aspects of starting any
exercise program is starting off slowly and gradually building up your
exercise level. The Henry County Extension Service will again be
offering a proven, tested method of easy exercise that is designed
especially for the over 50 bunch. The program is called Body Recall, a
lifetime fitness program for the “living longer” population. As the name
indicates, Body Recall is a call back, a revival, a renewal of the
movements learned or experienced in youth. Class runs from Oct. 5
through December 23 and is held from 10:30 to 11:30 at the Extension
office-generally on W-W-F but call for a complete schedule. Stop by and
see if Body Recall is for you. New participants pay $30.
(SCHEDULE)
9/17/09
Upcoming/Ongoing Programs
& Opportunities:
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The Second Wind Dreams program is working
on providing individual shadow boxes for each resident at Homestead Nursing
Center. They will be hung at the resident’s door and will include a small
life history of the resident letting visitors and staff know a little more
about the individual. Pictured are Helen Davis, Pat Gray, Saundra Smith and
Alvin Roberts working to stain the 64 boxes that were purchased thanks to an
anonymous donor. For information on how you or your group can participate in
Second Wind Dreams contact Vicki Atha or Don Dalger at Homestead, Sue
Barnett-Second Wind Dreams Chairman or the Henry County Extension Office.
MORE...
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Your chance to
help Second Wind Dreams: Many of you know about the Second Wind
Dreams program that grants dreams of residents of nursing homes! Here is
an easy one! Homestead would like to have some CD’s and DVD’s donated
that the residents might enjoy(they do not want VCR or cassettes). Music
from the 30’s through the 70’s would be great (ex; Frank Sinatra, Big
Band, Dean Martin, perry Como, Old time Country, Semi-Classical, Old
Standard Blues). And movies that might be appropriate! If you have any
you can either drop by the Extension Office and we will get them to
Homestead or take them directly there! Vicki Atha (activity Director at
Homestead) needs some volunteers to assist residents when they play
Bingo-right now they are playing at 2:30 on Mondays, 10:30 on
Wednesdays, and 10:30 on Saturdays. Vicki also needs some volunteers to
help residents remember how to knit and crochet give her a call
at 845-2861. In the 1940's, everyone pitched in to win the war, so
fulfilling dreams for elders nationwide is our way of thanking the
Greatest Generation.
Flu season
is starting. Get ready now!
The flu season is starting and will
last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be
spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu so here
are some recommendations from CDC. If you get the flu, you can get sick and
can spread the flu to others at home, at work, and in the community.
Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In
addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache,
tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
We are asking that you plan to stay
home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a
fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very
warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined
without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains
ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
You need to prepare in advance
for a potential outbreak:
- Make plans to care for sick
household members or for children if schools dismiss students or
child care programs close.
- Be prepared in case you get
sick and need to stay home. Have the following items on hand: a
supply of fever-reducing medicines that contain acetaminophen or
ibuprofen, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues, and other items
that may be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in
public while you are sick.
- Learn about the flu and
what you can do. To find out more about preparing for the flu, go to
www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636).
- Be collecting a supply of
food that would last 3-10 days.
Important Actions to Take to
Stay Healthy
- Every time you cough or
sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw used
tissues in the trash.
- Wash your hands often,
especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Wash with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand
cleaners if soap and water are not available.
- Wash your hands before
and after preparing food or eating, after using the restroom,
before and after touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, and after
touching items that may have been exposed to bodily fluids
- Avoid touching your eyes,
nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Get vaccinated for seasonal
flu. For more information about seasonal flu vaccination, visit
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.
Get
the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available, if you are at
higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications. People at higher risk for
2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with
chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).
For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm
- If you are at higher risk
for complications from the flu, talk to your doctor about what you
will need to do if you get sick. People at higher risk for flu
complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical
conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).
And review the
information we distributed in MAY.
More Links concerning the flu:
8/28/09
May
1, 2009 Flu Information Update
Swine Flu and You: Last
year Extension Homemakers Studied the potential for an Avian Flu
Pandemic and this year we are hearing about Swine Flu. Here is some
question and answer information from the Center for Disease Control.
What is swine flu?
HIN1 Influenza is a
respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that
causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine
flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have
been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this
transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Where is H1N1 flu in the U.S.?
Updated case counts
of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States are available
on the CDC website. CDC and local and state health agencies are
working together to investigate this situation. To see case counts
of swine flu in Kentucky go to:
http://healthalerts.ky.gov/
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1
flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and
include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated
with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and
respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu
infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a
worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this H1N1
influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that
seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to
person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.
Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza
viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from
eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked
pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may
be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and
up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be
able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are
sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most
important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get
plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink
plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces
that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact
with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends
the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or
prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral
drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that
fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in
your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness
milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent
serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best
if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others?
People with H1N1
influenza virus infection should be considered potentially
contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7
days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children,
might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread
when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and
then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough
or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be
spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another
person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes,
mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some
viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like
cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will
help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these
common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine
available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday
actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to
protect your health:
• Cover your nose
and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue
in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home
from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from
infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through
coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick,
limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go
to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from
getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your
cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands,
and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the
flu?
Washing your hands
often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or
clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you
wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15
to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find
them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your
hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the
alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. Educational programs of
the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people
regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin.
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