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“Nearly 99 percent of all women have relied on contraception at some point in their lives –- 99 percent. And yet, more than half of all women between the ages of 18 and 34 have struggled to afford it. So for all these reasons, we decided to follow the judgment of the nation’s leading medical experts and make sure that free preventive care includes access to free contraceptive care,” said President Barack Obama.”Whether you’re a teacher, or a small businesswoman, or a nurse, or a janitor, no woman’s health should depend on who she is or where she works or how much money she makes. Every woman should be in control of the decisions that affect her own health. Period. This basic principle is already the law in 28 states across the country.”
The President Obama went on to announce that his Administration will implement a policy that accommodates religious liberty while protecting the health of women.
Betsy Sweet tells of the cutbacks proposed by Gov. LePage that could be life threatening to some citizens in Maine.
“I ask you to remember that if you make cuts to the Medicare Savings Program, you are letting 72,000 seniors and disabled adults go without a doctor’s care, without prescription drugs, and we know this will cost us all much suffering and more money in the long run,” said Richard Farnsworth, chair of AARP’s Capitol City Task Force. “If you remember nothing else, please remember that the largest part of our state Medicaid budget goes to long-term care. Nursing home and hospital care is a lot more expensive and not where people want to be or live.”
Over 500 citizens rallied today to send a message to lawmakers that extreme proposals presented by Gov. Paul LePage would hurt thousands of working families, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor and children while also killing more than 4,400 jobs.Public hearings on Gov. LePage’s proposal, which would cut more than $220 million in state funding for MaineCare, the Fund for Healthy Maine, Head Start and other health programs, are scheduled to run through Friday.
“It is overwhelming to think of all of the unsafe chemicals in common products. I feel like I need to behave as an amateur scientist and product detective to protect my kids,” said Julie Wagner, a Portland based mother of two and local leader for the Holistic Moms Network.
A report released today identifies for the first time more than 650 brand name products that contain two hormone-disrupting toxic chemicals. Based on new industry data reported to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the report names plastic toys, such as PLAYMOBIL play figures and Chicco baby rattles, which contain BPA (or bisphenol A), the same toxic chemical already banned in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. The report revealed another toxic ingredient, known as NPEs, in nearly 300 household paints, as well as several cleaners, wood finishes and home maintenance products.
The report, Poison in Paint, Toxics in Toys, summarizes the first chemical use reports submitted by product manufacturers under Maine’s Kid-Safe Products Act.
Dorothea Dix Hospital Psychiatric Hospital in Bangor is under threat of closure
Last November Bangor City Councilor Joe Baldacci called for the city to establish a regional group who would amongst other duties help stop the possible closure of Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Hospital. In December the committee was established.
“There is no question that for many families in eastern and northern Maine there is an urgent need for adequate mental health care. As a vital part of that continuum of care, Dorothea Dix is an essential safety net that serves thousands of families in our region,” said Baldacci. “In order to preserve this important safety net, Bangor needs to take a leadership role to advocate for the Dorothea Dix Hospital.”
Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing. Often they’re organic, and rarely (if ever) should they contain additives. But in some cases, the methods of today’s food producers are neither clean nor sustainable. The result is damage to our health, the environment, or both. So we decided to take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what’s safe–or not–to eat. We asked them a simple question: “What foods do you avoid?” Their answers don’t necessarily make up a “banned foods” list. But reaching for the suggested alternatives might bring you better health–and peace of mind.
Due to mercury contamination, pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under age eight should not eat any freshwater fish from Maine’s inland waters, except for brook trout and landlocked salmon, according to the latest government data outlined in a new report from Environment Maine. The rest of the population should limit their consumption of certain freshwater fish from 18 waterways in Maine.
“Maine parents should not have to worry about serving poisonous fish for dinner,” said Anika James, Federal Field Associate for Environment Maine. “The Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward to protect Mainers health and our waterways from toxic mercury pollution, and we can’t let big polluters stand in the way.”
Beginning last week, a number of more visible elements for the city’s pilot Neighborhood Byway project were installed in the Deering Center neighborhood. A Neighborhood Byway uses local, residential streets to create a comfortable environment for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages. Byways are designed to encourage use by beginner or less experienced cyclists, kids and families traveling to and from local schools, and residents walking or riding to various neighborhood destinations.
The Neighborhood Byway initiative is funded in part by a $1.8 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the City of Portland’s Healthy Portland to prevent obesity by increasing physical activity and improving nutrition within the community.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today she will introduce a bill later this week in Congress that includes provisions that would significantly change the nation’s foodpolicy. The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act would expand opportunities for local and regional farmers and make it easier for consumers to have access to healthy foods. Pingree made the announcement today surrounded by dozens of farmers and local food activists at Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth.
“This is about healthy local food and a healthy local economy. When consumers can buy affordable food grown locally, everyone wins,”said Pingree . “It creates jobs on local farms and bolsters economic growth in rural communities.”
A coalition of nearly 2,500 small businesses from Maine held a press conference at a local retail store on Thursday and issued an urgent call for Senators Snowe and Collins to support legislation that would overhaul the nation’s chemical safety laws and help businesses and their customers get accurate and timely information about dangerous chemicals used in consumer products.
“No business wants toxic chemicals in the products or packaging on our shelves,” stated Nate Libby, Executive Director of the Maine Small Business Coalition, “We don’t want to use them, we don’t want to sell them, and we don’t want our customers to be exposed to them. That’s why Maine businesses are counting on Senators Snowe and Collins to support the Safe Chemicals Act.”
The Treasury Department announced a dozen grants around the country in their Healthy Foods Initiative program—and Maine will receive the largest award of $3 million. The money will go to Coastal Enterprises, Inc (CEI) of Wiscasset, which in turn will provide financing for businesses that bring healthy food to rural communities.
“This money will provide a source of capital for businesses who can make affordable, healthy food available in areas where it isn’t readily available and for families who might not have been able to otherwise afford it,” said Pingree.
“This means that a small grocery story will have access to capital to install a new cooler for fresh food or a company could get the financing to start a mobile farmers market that moves from town to town.”
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