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Br.193 President:
Laurie Duarte
__________________
Br. 193 Vice President:
Bill Cunningham
_________________
Br. 193 - 2nd Vice
President:
Ernie Arranaga
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NALC BRANCH 193 PAGES
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BRANCH 193
OFFICERS
Laurie Duarte
...................... President
Bill Cunningham...........Vice President
Ernie Arranaga...... 2nd Vice President
Pat Mulligan .......Recording Secretary
Sharon Epp ..........Financial Secretary
Laurie Lykim Halfacre......... Treasurer
Guillermo Martinez ..........Sgt at Arms
Guillermo Martinez-Legislative Liaison
Kelvin Kamachi .......................Trustee
Vince Ramirez............. ...........Trustee
Jim Miller ................................Trustee
Joe Rosa .................................Trustee
Lin Zhou ..................................Trustee
Jackie Lanto .................HBP/MBA
Rep
Steve Munyon ...........................Editor
BRANCH 193
SHOP
STEWARDS
Almaden Valley -- Pam West
Bayside
------------- Bob Foster
R. Ernie Arrañaga
Berryessa------------ Henry Semillano
Lorie Nikitin
Blossom Hill --------Steve
Miller
Tom Cerna
Cambrian Park --- David
Martinez
Ray Gauthier
Campbell -----------
Rosie La’auli
Station D -----------
Al Lopez
Foothill ------------ Art Parrilla
Gilroy ----------------
Joleen Masten
Hillview -------------
Manny Aguilar
Victor Barrientos
Los Gatos ---------- Kevin Janton
Los Gatos Dell ---- Ian Davies
Milpitas --------------
Joel Baclig
Morgan Hill -------- Angel Montelongo
Parkmoor ------------David
Judd
Sean McArthur
Robertsville -------- Mike
Cisneros &
Theresa Hernandez
St. James Park ---- Chris
North
Maria Marquez
Saratoga --------------Robert
Vanderpool
Seven Trees -------
Jason Davalos
Ronnie Hodges
Westgate ------------- Tommy
Rivera
JoAnn Francisco
Willow Glen -------- Jack
Dusthimer
Bob Krauth
Collection
Officer
Vera Martinez-Krauth
_______________________
|
SAFETY & HEALTH
NALC HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN
INFORMATION
Open Season Nov. 14 - Dec. 12, 2011
Here are some important numbers to
keep for reference:
PPO Network Providers/Cigna HealthCare
1-877-220-6252
(To confirm your provider’s participation or to locate a hospital)
Pre-certify a Hospital Admission
1-877-220-6265
(Prior to your medical hospitalization, pre-certify to avoid a
penalty)
24-Hour Nurse Help Line
1-877-220-6265
(To speak with a registered nurse regarding medical needs)
Prescription Services / CVS / CareMark
1-800-933-6265
(To locate network retail pharmacies, request mail order
refills or to check the status of an order)
Please Note: Open Season dates for 2011 are tentatively schedule for
November 14 - December 12.
______________________________________________________________________________________
8 Self-Exams for Optimal Men's Health
Don't let your health suffer from
neglect. Use these self-exams to uncover early warning signs of men's
health issues, from heart disease to testicular cancer.
According to a
men's health
survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP),
more than half of all men have not seen their primary care physician in
the past year. "Neglecting men's health is one reason why men have a
higher age-adjusted death rate than women," says Bruce B. Campbell, MD,
a men's health specialist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. If
you are one of those men who need to pay more attention to their health,
start by scheduling a regular physical with your doctor. You can also do
these quick self-exams at home between check-ups — but they should
supplement your professional care, not replace it.
Heart Rate Check
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in
the United States — and men may be even more at risk than women. Data
from the CDC show that as many as 89 percent of sudden cardiac events
(such as
heart attacks) occur in men.
One quick self-exam to gauge the health of your heart is to check your
pulse when you’re at rest. Place the first two fingers of one hand on
the area at the base of the wrist on your other hand. Count your pulse
for 10 seconds and multiply by six. A normal pulse (heart rate) for a
man should be between 60 and 100. Anything outside that range could be
a sign of cardiovascular problems. You should also pay attention to
the space between beats. An irregular pulse could be a sign of atrial
fibrillation or other serious heart issues. Repeat this self-exam at
least once every month.
Blood Pressure Check
According to research from the AAFP, about 28 percent of men have been
diagnosed with
high blood pressure.
The National Stroke Association estimates, however, that as many as 32
percent of people who have it don’t know it. You should see your
doctor for an official reading, but you may also want to keep tabs on
your blood pressure at home between check-ups. "A good investment is
to pick up an easy-to-use blood pressure monitor at the pharmacy and
learn how to check your own pressure," Campbell says. "Be sure to sit
and rest for about five minutes before using it." Blood pressure can
change from day to day, so write down your readings and look at the
average over about 10 readings. Let your doctor know if the high
(systolic) number is consistently above 120 or the lower number is
consistently above 80. Repeat this self-exam every few weeks.
Skin Cancer Check
Once a month, you should do a total body self-exam to look for new
moles or changes in old moles.
Skin cancer
is the most common cancer among men and women, affecting
millions of Americans every year. Approximately 2.2 million people
are diagnosed with basal or squamous cell skin cancer annually, and
an additional 70,000 are diagnosed with melanoma, according to the
American Cancer Society. Men are twice as likely as women to have
basal cell cancers and three times as likely to have squamous cell
cancers — but they’re less likely to do monthly self-exams
or go to the dermatologist, according to data from the American
Academy of Dermatology. Partly because of this, they make up more
than half of all melanoma deaths. To do a self-check for skin
cancer, look for moles that change size, shape, thickness, or color.
Let your doctor know about any growths that bleed, itch, burn, or
crust over. Get naked and look everywhere, including in your scalp
and on the soles of your feet. "The back is a common area for
melanoma," Campbell says. "Have a partner help you check those areas
that are hard to see." Also examine your ears: Research from the
Skin Cancer Foundation found that many skin cancers are found on
sun-exposed areas where you often don’t think to put sunscreen. Ears
are particularly vulnerable for men because of shorter hairstyles
and poor sun protection.
Belly Fat Check
"Measuring the fat around your belly could be the most important
self-exam for most men," says Dr. Campbell. "More than other fat,
belly fat produces hormones that increase men's risk for heart
disease and
diabetes."
To do this self-check, simply wrap a tape measure around your
waist at the level of your belly button. If you measure more than
37 inches, you're at risk for potentially serious health problems.
If you need to lose some inches around your middle, ask your
doctor to help you come up with a plan to attack that belly fat.
Repeat this exam about once a month.
Oral Health Check
Oral cancer and gum disease are important men's health
issues. According to the American Cancer Society, 34,000
people will get oral cancer this year — the majority of
whom will be men. Research shows that oral cancer is twice
as common in men as in women, possibly because of
cancer-causing HPV infections, which account for 72
percent of all oral and throat tumors. Cervical cancer is
currently the most common cancer associated with the
virus, but experts estimate that by 2020, the incidence of
HPV-linked oral cancers
in men may outnumber that of HPV-linked cervical cancers
in women. Oral cancer may show up as a sore or lump that
doesn't heal on the lips or in the mouth. To check for
potential tumors, open wide and look and feel for any
abnormalities, running a finger around and under your
tongue. White or red patches in your mouth can be early
warning signs of oral cancer. Always let your doctor or
dentist know about these findings. Repeat this check
monthly.
Gum Disease Check
Every time you brush and floss your teeth, be on the
lookout for swollen, painful, bleeding gums or loose
teeth. Also check for a receding gum line; it will
make your teeth look longer.
Gum disease,
or periodontitis, is a serious risk to men's health
and also may be a warning for more serious health
concerns. Studies show, for example that people with
periodontitis double their risk for heart disease. If
your oral self-exam suggests gum disease, get to your
dentist soon. Breast
Cancer Check
That's right:
Men get breast cancer,
too. It's relatively rare — about 2,140 cases are
diagnosed annually, compared with 230,480 cases
among women — but because men don't get mammograms,
breast self-exams are a good idea after you turn 60.
The best time to do one is after a shower. Look for
any change in the size of your breast and feel each
breast for lumps. Also squeeze both nipples to look
for signs of discharge. You should do this about
once a month.
Testicular Cancer Check
According to the National Cancer Institute,
testicular cancer
is the most common cancer among men ages 20 to 35.
It affects some 8,290 people across all age
groups, but fewer than 400 die of it. The American
Cancer Society calls it “one of the most curable
forms of cancer” — it has a five-year survival
rate of 95 percent — but the earlier you find it,
the better your prognosis is likely to be. "A
self-exam of the testicles is a good way to find
this cancer at an early stage when it is very
treatable," says Campbell. The best time to do a
testicular self-exam is after a shower, when your
scrotum is relaxed. Check your testicles for any
lumps or changes in size, and let your doctor know
if you find anything. Repeat this about once a
month.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
More than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year
and over two million more suffer disabling injuries, according to the National
Safety Council. The triple threat of high speeds, impaired or careless driving
and not using occupant restraints threatens every driver—regardless of how
careful or how skilled. Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility
for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other guy."
The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines
to help reduce your risks on the road.
Always wear your safety belt when driving and insist that your passengers
wear a safety belt, too. Wearing a safety belt is required by law in every
state, except New Hampshire. In some states, passengers also are required by law
to wear a safety belt.
- Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol slows
your reaction time, blurs and distorts vision, and impairs your judgment about
distance.
- Never use illegal drugs.
- Read the labels on all prescription medications for warnings; consult your
physician about how your medications or over-the-counter drugs could affect
your driving.
Speed
- Never exceed the posted speed limit. Weather conditions permitting,
always maintain the legal speed limit.
- To maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead, keep a
following distance of at least two seconds. Add one second for each adverse
driving condition such as bad weather.
Intersections
- When approaching a green light, be prepared for it to turn red. It may
have been green for a long time.
- When stopped at a red light and it turns green, proceed slowly. Look
left and right before you drive through the intersection.
- Yellow lights mean proceed with caution, not speed up to get through the
intersection before the light turns red.
- Turning right at a red light is not permitted in every state. Even in
states where it is permitted, turning right is not allowed in some
intersections. Watch for signs at the intersection.
Passing
- Make sure you are in a passing zone.
- Be certain that there is no oncoming traffic.
- Look at all mirrors carefully before you make a lane change.
- Look behind you for any vehicles that might be trying to pass you.
- Be aware of any blind spots. Once the lane is clear, signal your move.
- Move into the passing lane, and accelerate to pass the car in front of
you.
Know Your Environment
- Never look directly at an approaching car's headlights. Use the right
edge of the pavement as a lane guide until the other car has passed.
- Be aware of any potential road hazards. Watch for cars that suddenly
swerve from their lanes to avoid pot holes, construction barriers, or
stalled vehicles.
- Bad weather such as rain, snow, or fog can make driving difficult.
Always watch for difficult conditions and be prepared to take defensive
action. Follow these bad weather tips:
- The tires on your car can lose traction on wet roads. Slow down if the
roads are wet.
- Snow and ice can make roads slippery. If your car goes into a skid, do
not push down hard on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and
turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Do not turn
sharply. Use moderate turns of the wheel until you come out of the skid.
- Slow down as you approach shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses in
winter. These areas freeze first and stay frozen longer.
- When driving on a highway, always be prepared for drivers to changes
lanes suddenly in order to exit.
- Do not let your emotions dominate your driving.
- Do not drive when you are tired. If you feel tired, pull off the road
for some exercise and fresh air or a cup of coffee.
Maintain Your Vehicle
- Cooling system (radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and hoses)
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Belts (fan, alternator, and air conditioning)
- Tires
- Engine fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant)
- Lights
- Wiper blades
Source: Defensive Driving: The Best Offense, National
Safety Council
______________________________________________________________________________________
Can You Spot Heart Disease Symptoms?
Sometimes initial heart disease symptoms can be
extremely serious, such as an actual heart attack. But if you know the
more subtle signs to look for, you can take steps to help avoid a
cardiac event.
You may be familiar with some of the classic
signs of heart disease or a heart attack, such as chest pain, dizziness,
and fatigue. But heart disease symptoms can vary between men and women — and
signs of
heart disease in women are often subtle, and not what you might
associate with a heart problem. In fact, because certain heart disease
symptoms in both sexes can be easy to overlook, the first indication that
you have heart disease can be an actual heart attack, explains Alfred Bove,
MD, PhD, professor emeritus at the Temple University School of Medicine and
past president of the American College of Cardiology. One of the most
common and noticeable
heart disease symptoms is angina, or chest pain, says Dr. Bove. But this
classic symptom is more prevalent in men than women. In the case of angina,
chest pain is not limited to the heart area. Both men and women may
experience heart pain under the breastbone, in the neck or jaw, and in the
left shoulder and arm, says Bove. Unfortunately many people — both men and
women — don't recognize these signs as heart attack symptoms. Women,
especially, may not recognize that certain symptoms can indicate heart
disease or a heart attack.
Heart Disease Symptoms in Women
While some heart disease symptoms (and heart attack symptoms) affect both
men and women, it’s important to be aware that some symptoms are more common
to heart disease in women. "In women, angina may be felt in the back more
often than in men," says Bove. Pain may also strike women differently during
a heart attack, he adds, causing pain in the upper abdominal area in
addition to the back. Women shouldn’t be quick to dismiss any unusual pain
in the body, particularly if it's accompanied by other heart attack
symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, or chest pain.
Before a heart attack occurs, some women may experience a number of
symptoms that may not seem related to the heart. In addition to pain in the
chest, arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen, other symptoms of heart
attack in women include:
- Feeling particularly fatigued
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling anxious
- Breaking out in a sweat
- Dizziness
According to one study, nearly 80 percent felt at least one of these
symptoms for a month or more before they had a heart attack. And only 30
percent noticed any chest pain. Keep in mind that heart disease and heart
attacks in women often don't strike until a later age, around age 55 and
up — often 10 years later than in men, when women may already have other
medical problems as well.
Heart Disease Symptoms in Men
The most common heart disease symptom in men is chest pain, or angina. It
may feel like a tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, or even a
burning sensation that can seem like indigestion.
Other common heart disease symptoms in men can include:
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Discomfort fullness, pressure, or burning in the chest
- Feeling short of breath
- Feeling tired
- Swelling in the legs
- Fainting
If you experience chest pain or any of the other heart disease warning
signs for longer than a few minutes, these may be heart attack symptoms and
you should call 911 immediately.
What Puts You At Risk?
While heart disease symptoms differ between men and women, many of the
main factors that increase risk of heart disease are the same, including:
- Being a smoker
- Having high blood pressure
- Having high cholesterol
- Having diabetes
- Having a family member who developed heart disease before the age of
60
Even simply getting older can be a heart disease risk factor, particularly
in women.
Could It Be Heart Disease?
If you're asking yourself this question or if you have any of the risk
factors for heart disease, call your doctor for an evaluation. If a check-up
reveals that you do indeed have heart disease or a risk factor for heart
disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, start taking steps
for a healthier heart and to help prevent heart disease from becoming more
serious.
________________________________________________________________________
Heart Attack Warning Signs
That Could Save Your Life!
The NALC joins the Postal Service in asking Letter
Carriers to the know and heed the warning signs of heart attacks.
NALC Director of Safety & Health Brian Hellman urges letter carriers
to,
"Know the warning signs, because being alert to the symptoms can
save your life and the lives of your coworkers. Too many victims
wait too long to seek help, so please don't ignore the telltale
signs."
Three simple facts you should know:
1. Heart Disease is the nation’s number one cause
of death, half caused by a heart attack.
2. Half of all heart attack victims wait more than
two hours before seeking help.
3. If you feel a warning sign(s),
seek medical attention immediately.
Warning signs:
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
Chest or abdominal discomfort or pain spreading
to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw
Chest discomfort, pressure or burning
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Anxiety or nervousness
Dizziness or fainting
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
ACT IMMEDIATELY !
Warning signs can hit everyone differently, so
don't take any chances.
CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW
__________________________________________________________________________________
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
MILLION MILE AWARD
RECIPIENTS!
On Friday June 12th the Postal Service
recognized eleven Branch 193 members and
Driver Instructor Bob Neitro as the newest
members of the National Safety Council's
Million Mile Club. These members have driven
postal vehicles for over thirty years
without an
"at fault" accident. They have demonstrated a commitment to their safety
and the safety of those around them as they went
about the delivery of the mail.
Paying attention to your surroundings and
focusing on safety were the main reasons
given for their
success. Congratulations to all who received this award. We are proud of you.
- Danny Laffan, Branch 193 President
.jpeg)
Top Row: Danny Laffan Branch 193
President , Mel Taira, Ben Navarrete, Bonafacio Yabut & Roger Hanson
Bottom Row: Sammy Vasquez Postmaster San Jose, Mike Francisco, Joe
Rosa, Joe Lozano
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Bonafacio Yabut & Mike Francisco - Westgate Driver Instructor Bob Neitro Former Branch 193 member
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Trustee Joe Rosa & Manager Mark Cole
- Foothill
Awards Winners not at Ceremony
Glen Nakamatsu - Willow Glen
Patricia Packer - Hillview
Henry Kung - Parkmoor
Michael Hughes - Retiree
___________________________________
DOG BITE AWARENESS
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Dog attacks and bites start rising in February,
peak in June |
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NALC joins the Postal Service in calling
attention to one of the nation's most commonly reported public health
problems: Dog Bites.
The National Dog Bite Prevention Week in mid-May provides an
opportunity for all NALC and Postal Service leaders to remind letter
carriers, customers, and community representatives of our joint
responsibility to do everything possible to prevent animal attacks.
But don't wait until May to be on the
lookout for dangerous animals. Be sure to
carry dog spray and use dog letters and dog warning cards as the
weather turns warmer. |
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Why it's important to you |
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An average of 10 letter carriers suffer
from dog-related injuries every delivery day. |
NALC Director of Safety & Health Brian Hellman urges NALC branches
to alert members that as spring arrives, dogs are outside more often.
Now is the time to include dog bite awareness information in your
safety and health awareness program.
Hellman says the members need to be reminded that
preventing dog bites is important to
the safety and health of every letter carrier, every day. As soon
you get out on the street, you are immediately exposed to potential
harm from dangerous animals. Remember, in many instances, carriers
are badly wounded despite pet owners' insistence the their dog would
never bite anyone.
The Humane Society of the United States reports that small
children, the elderly, and USPS Letter Carriers — in that order — are
the most frequent victims of dog bites. In fact, recent statistics
show the annual number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances
of measles, whooping cough, and mumps combined. Dog Bite victims
account for up to five percent of emergency room visits.
Medical expenses, workers' compensation, legal costs, delivery
curtailment, carrier replacement, and other costs associated with dog
bite accidents are estimated to exceed $25 million annually for the
Postal Service. The cost in employee pain and suffering cannot be
measured. |
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Helpful Tips to Prevent
Dog Bites |
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Tips to help letter carriers:
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How to avoid being
bitten |
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Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and
catch prey. |
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If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact.
Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away
slowly until the dog is out of sight. |
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Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or
confined. |
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While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people
who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them
before petting the animal. |
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Tips for dog owners:
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How to be a responsible dog owner |
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Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners
control their dog in any situation. |
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When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside,
away from the door, in another room, or on a leash. |
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Don't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the
presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the
family. |
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Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
HSUS statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or
neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a
biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs. |
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Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little
attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of
time frequently turn into biters. |
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Click Photo for
Bio
NALC President:
Fredric V. Rolando
______________________
Executive Vice President
Timothy C. O’Malley
___________________
Vice
President
George C. Mignosi
___________________
NATIONAL LINKS
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Postal Record
Contact National
Click on Carrier Guide to Read
______________________
Click on Postal Record
to read cover story.
Feb, 2011
March, 2011
April, 2011
May, 2011
June, 2011
July, 2011
Aug, 2011
Sept, 2011
Oct, 2011
Nov, 2011
Dec, 2011
Jan, 2012
______________________
Be Politically Active & Sign
Up
Today! Click on Picture.
_______________
Contact Your Local
Representative
Find
and Contact Your
Local Congressperson
U.S. Senate
___________
"NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN
NOR HEAT NOR GLOOM
OF NIGHT, STAYS THESE
COURIERS FROM THE
SWIFT COMPLETION
OF
THEIR APPOINTED
ROUNDS."
---
HERODOTUS
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_________________
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