In this episode of A Moment with Marley, your local health department would like to offer actionable tips to keep your heart healthy.

First, movement is key. You don’t need to participate in intense workouts—just 30 minutes of walking, dancing, or active chores can improve heart health. At the Meriden Senior Center, members have the opportunity to participate in weekly exercise classes such as strength & tone, weight training, aerobics, and yoga. Meriden Parks & Recreation also offers opportunities for community hikes, yoga, and more at some of Meriden’s beautiful parks. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep, and reduce stress, which can improve and maintain your heart health.

Nutrition matters too. Filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats helps lower your risk of heart disease. Cutting back on salty, processed foods can make a big difference. Locally, we are proud that the Meriden Senior Center offers a daily healthy lunch through their elderly nutrition program. Meriden Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services provides breakfast and lunch to all students following recommended dietary guidelines to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. Quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. The CT Quitline offers several options for beginning your quit journey. Start talking with a Quit Coach today by calling 1-800-784-8669.

And lastly, know your numbers. Meet your heart health goals by keeping track of how much you exercise, your blood pressure, your cholesterol numbers—all of which can impact your heart health—and tell your healthcare provider how you’re doing. Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street offers no-cost blood pressure screenings. To schedule an appointment please call (203) 630-4234.

Heart health is not about perfection. Choose one habit today and build from there. Your heart will thank you. Learn more about Meriden’s initiatives by visiting www.meridenct.gov.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to highlight 2 events we are holding in honor of American Heart Month.

American Heart Month, recognized every February, serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their heart health and take proactive steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases. The initiative encourages people to learn about heart health, understand risk factors, and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, yet many cases are preventable. American Heart Month reminds us that caring for our heart does not require big, dramatic changes. Small daily choices—like moving more, eating better, and managing stress—can make a powerful difference.

Your local health department is kicking off American Heart Month with two upcoming events:

1. Thursday, February 5 our Public Health Clinic staff will be at the Meriden Senior Center at 22 West Main Street from 10:00 to 11:00am offering no-cost blood pressure screenings. This event is open to the public and no appointments are required.
2. Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red Day, a national movement to raise awareness for women’s cardiovascular health. Stop down to our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street for a no-cost blood pressure screenings 9-10am and 12-1pm. Please call (203) 630-4234 to schedule an appointment. And, don’t forget to wear red!

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to discuss Norovirus.

Norovirus is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

Norovirus causes symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps, and
• Sometimes fever, headache, or body aches

Symptoms usually hit fast — within 12 to 48 hours of exposure — and most people recover in 1–3 days. Norovirus is very contagious and spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. It only takes as few as 10 virus particles to make you sick. Some of those ways are:

• Coming into direct contact with an infected person, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, and
• Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days to weeks and resists many common disinfectants.

There’s no specific antiviral medication for norovirus. Treatment is mostly about rest and staying hydrated. Most people recover on their own, but young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people can become dangerously dehydrated and may need medical care.

Handwashing is your best defense to protect yourself from Norovirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Other prevention tips include:

• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before preparing and eating;
• Cooking oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F; and
• Disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based cleaners, following directions on the product label.

If you do get sick, it is important to not prepare or handle food, or care for others. Wait at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop. This is important if you work in a restaurant, school, daycare, long-term care facility, or other places where you may expose people to norovirus.

For more information, please visit our website at www.meridenhealth.com.