Archive for the ‘News’ category

CSHC Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program Kickoff Tomorrow

August 11th, 2010

Codman Square Health Center, a DotWell partner, starts their pilot fruit and vegetable prescription program tomorrow and you’re invited to join Mayor Menino and the New York Times at the kickoff!

CODMAN SQUARE HEALTH CENTER

637 Washington Street
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12TH

AT 1:00 PM

The program allows at-risk consumers to exchange healthcare provider-generated “prescriptions” for local fresh fruit and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets.  It is designed to measure how increased consumption of fresh produce affects blood pressure, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI); blood sugar levels in pre-diabetics; and weight gain in pregnant women.

Read more:

Renovate Right – new deleading rules go into effect April 22, 2010

February 3rd, 2010

Beginning on April 22, 2010, federal law will require contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978, to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Renovation work like window replacement, sanding & demolition can create lead dust & chips, which can harm children and adults. To protect against this risk, EPA is requiring new lead-safe renovation practices.

The New Lead-Based Paint, Renovation and Repair Painting Program (RRP) is a federal regulatory program affecting contractors, property managers & others who disturb painted surfaces.

• It applies to residential houses, apartments & child-occupied facilities such as schools & day-care centers built before 1978.

• New training, certification & work practice requirements become effective April 22, 2010. Firms are required to be certified, their employees must be trained in use of lead-safe work practices & lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards must be followed.

For the more on the new RRP requirements click here
or call 800-424-LEAD (5323)

EPA Strengthens Air Quality Standard for Nitrogen Dioxide

January 25th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010

EPA Strengthens Air Quality Standard for Nitrogen Dioxide
First new NO2 standard in 35 years will improve air quality for millions

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a new national air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This new one-hour standard will protect millions of Americans from peak short-term exposures, which primarily occur near major roads. Short-term exposures to NO2 have been linked to impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections, especially in people with asthma.

“This new one-hour standard is designed to protect the air we breathe and reduce health threats for millions of Americans. For the first time ever, we are working to prevent short-term exposures in high risk NO2 zones like urban communities and areas near roadways,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Improving air quality is a top priority for this EPA. We’re moving into the clean, sustainable economy of the 21st century, defined by expanded innovation, stronger pollution standards and healthier communities.” » Read more: EPA Strengthens Air Quality Standard for Nitrogen Dioxide

Bike Friendly Business: Dorchester House

April 23rd, 2009

On April 16, representatives from Dorchester House received an award from Mayor Menino at a ceremony at the Childrens Museum. Seen in the photo flanking Mayor Menino (center) are Ira Schlosser, Director of Planning and Community Affairs, and Joel Abrams, CEO, with Rosanne Foley of the Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition, who applied on behalf of Dorchester House, and Matt Barry, Sustainable Dorchester House team, back row, far right.

bikeDorchester

DEHC newsletter

February 9th, 2009

dehcwinter2009_newsletter