Getting better sleep

BANGOR – The Caring Connections bone health information and discussion group will feature an informational talk about getting better sleep at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at the Bangor Y, 17 Second St.

Frank Breznyak of the Sleep Center of Maine will discuss common sleep problems, particularly those associated with older individuals and women. Information on insomnia and sleep apnea will be provided. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call Robin Long at 941-2808.

211 anniversary

BANGOR – 211, Maine’s health and human service information and referral phone service, is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

The 211 Maine RV will pull into Bangor on Tuesday, July 17, for a special anniversary party, in recognition of the thousands of Mainers helped by the statewide resource service.

An ice cream party will be held 11:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, July 17, on the outside lower deck at the Sea Dog in Bangor. The party is sponsored by Sam’s Club.

211 Maine was launched a year ago by the United Way of Maine and Ingraham, a nonprofit human services agency located in Portland, which provides the call service. 211 also is funded partially by the state of Maine. By dialing 211, Maine residents get access to more than 6,000 statewide resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for health and human services.

211 Maine has helped more than 30,000 residents. Maine was the 15th state in the nation to implement 211. For more information, visit www.211Maine.org.

MS Walk results

BANGOR – More than 3,000 walkers statewide raised more than $450,000 during the Manpower MS Walk in April. The walk, sponsored by Manpower of Maine, is the Maine Chapter’s largest fundraising event of the year. It featured 11 sites where participants walked routes that ranged from 3 to 6 miles.

Top team in the Bangor area was Team GE, Brewer and Bangor, which raised $5,562.

For more information, visit www.nationalmssociety.org or www.msmaine.org.

Red Cross assistance

Recent house fires caused by lightning in the Bangor area accentuate the importance of preparing for disaster during the summer months, according to Hillary Roberts, emergency services coordinator of the local Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“Lightning can strike anywhere at any time,” Roberts said. “Your local Red Cross monitors local broadcast news and dispatcher radios. We can be on the scene quickly to help people who lose their home to a lightning-generated fire. Sometimes we are there along with firefighters. But there is a lot that Mainers can do to prepare for and respond to a lightning emergency.”

When you see or hear about an approaching thunderstorm, go to a safe place right away, said Roberts.

“If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning,” she said. Tune in www.noaa.gov, NOAA Weather or commercial radio or television for the latest weather forecasts. Keep your car or house windows closed and draw blinds or sheets to avoid glass injury from objects blown into windows from outside. Don’t run water, but do unplug indoor appliances. It is safe to leave lights on.

If lightning strikes your home or someone in or near it, call 911 immediately. Leave your house as quickly as you can do so safely, and stay away from storm-damaged property or power wires.

Those struck by lightning may be burned as well as shocked. Check for burns where the body was struck as well as where the electricity may have left the body. Be aware that a lightning strike can cause nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing or eyesight. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries.

“And don’t forget that you can learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross course,” said Hillary Roberts. “Call the Pine Tree Chapter at 941-2903 in Bangor for class schedules, fees and more information.”