Category: Family Health & Hearing

Family Health and Hearing Committee and Information

Multiple Sclerosis Awarenss Month

Reprinted from an enewsletter by Maine Representative James White, District 30.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness of the current state of research on multiple sclerosis, including new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression and cognitive issues, and various levels of impaired mobility. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis is estimated at nearly one million people nationwide and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Researchers continue to learn more as they look for both a cause and a cure.

To learn more about MS and available support options for you or a loved one, please visit the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Web site.

Cold Weather Tips for Farms

Based on an email from the MDACF.

Take Care in Extreme Temperatures

Farmers and animals need the same basic care in very cold weather. These reminders are for farmers of all experience levels and for those who support them.

  • Stay dry and dress in warm layers; keep skin covered.
  • Take regular breaks to warm up when working outside.
  • Check on farming friends and neighbors. Severe weather can add tasks and disrupt normal routines.

Signs of frostbite: red or painful skin; white or grayish-yellow patches; skin that feels hard, waxy, or numb.

Signs of hypothermia: shivering, extreme fatigue, confusion, trouble using hands, or slurred speech. If hypothermia is suspected, check body temperature and seek medical help immediately if it is below 95°F.

Reduce Stress and Plan Ahead

Pace yourself and plan ahead to reduce stress for both people and animals.

  • Make sure drinking water is unfrozen when animals need it; provide a safe alternative if repairs take time.
  • Focus first on essential tasks, such as animal care. Less-urgent work can wait until after the storm.

Ten Tips to Stay Safe Farming during Maine Winters.

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Image is AI-generated

And snowy! Not that you needed to be reminded. But we will remind everyone to check on their neighbors (not just when it’s cold and snowing). A phone call, text, or social media message can mean a lot!

Let’s stay safe together!

The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.

Hubert H. Humphrey

Heating Assistance

MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) are open and accepting applications for the 2025-2026 heating season.  Apply online through the HEAP online application.  Applications are accepted through May 29, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

HEAP helps eligible homeowners and renters with heating costs, emergency fuel delivery, and utility assistance.  Weekly benefit payments have already begun.

Households facing an energy emergency should also contact their local community action agency.

A “community action agency” that may assist is your local Grange–some around the state participate in different ways. One common approach is to provide funds to local oil dealers to assist customers who are struggling.

South Sangerville Grange Challenge

As an example, South Sangerville Grange has challenged other Granges to participate by purchasing at least 100 gallons of fuel from a local dealer. You can reach South Sangerville Secretary Barbara Hatch by email to report your efforts or for more information.

Community Service/FHH – December 2025

By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193

Every Grange has started the Community Service Projects. Please keep an individual form for each project. I am waiting on National Grange as to whether book reports will be sent to National or if they will just be sent to the state report.

Family Health and Hearing

Plan or help with family things to do in the community

  • sponsor a blood drive, mittens, hats and scarves for community,
  • sponsor a workshop on hearing. Check with the community about free hearing tests.

Enjoy the rest of Autumn and the upcoming Winter. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2026!

Community Service/FHH – November 2025

By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193

Thank you for your entries in the Community Service and Family Health and Hearing Contests. Keep up the good work. Thank you to the judges who worked on the entries.  

I want to encourage you to go through the Community Service Program Book.  Do what you can to help people during Thanksgiving, and keep up with the Heirloom and Substance Project. Keep good notes about your activities and refer to your Community Service reports to see what we are looking for when judging at the end of the program year.  

For Family, Health and Hearing — It is flu season, so please take precautions.  

Thank you all for your calls, cards, and prayers for me at this very challenging time. Your encouragement is appreciated.

Winter Heating Guide Released

Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the recently formed successor agency to the Governor’s Energy Office, released its updated winter 2025-2026 Heating Guide earlier this month. The updated guide includes practical home heating and weatherization tips for Maine residents who use all types of heating systems. It also links to several online resources, including the latest energy prices and information about how to access emergency heating assistance if needed. The guide also summarizes energy efficiency and home heating programs available through MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine, Community Action Agencies and other partners.

Track heating fuel prices
DOER maintains a heating fuel prices web page to help consumers make informed energy decisions. The page features an interactive dashboard that compares the operating costs of different heating systems and fuels. Prices are updated each week during the heating season.

Review electricity rates
View Maine electricity rates on the DOER electricity prices page, or find information about competitive electricity providers through the Office of the Public Advocate or Maine Public Utilities Commission. Higher usage households may qualify for alternative rates from Central Maine Power (CMP) or Versant Power. Contact your utility for details.

To view the full winter heating guide, visit DOER’s winter heating resources webpage.

National Fire Prevention Week

October 5-11, 2025

Fire departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, take a look around your home — it’s essential to identify which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products.

  • When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, take the time to research it thoroughly. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

  • Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, purchase one from the manufacturer or one that has been approved by the manufacturer.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in your town/city, please get in touch with your town/city Fire Department. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

Family!

Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Today, our knowledge about suicide has evolved, as have conversations about mental health. We know that we save lives when we work to #EndTheStigma around seeking help. In September and always, we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose

During the month of September, the MSG Communications Department will be featuring brief weekly resources for suicide prevention. We’re Grangers. We help each other.

National Farm Safety Week

Maine State Grange Communications Logo

This week, the week of 21-27 September, is being observed as National Farm & Ranch Safety and Health Week. This year’s theme is “Safety First. Avoid the Worst.”

There were 1,604 reported agricultural injuries in Maine between 2008 and 2022, according to a recent study. In 2022, Maine recorded one agricultural fatality. 

Note that these statistics may not accurately reflect the total number of incidents, as many small family farms are not required to report injuries. 

One excellent resource to help “avoid the worst” is the University of Maine Cooperative Extension AgrAbility Program. Resources range from a tractor driving video to a list of items to include in a farm first aid kit. Think safety. Always.

Safety First. Avoid the Worst.