The Paid Leave Podcast

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all ages. 1.6 million people attempt suicide every year in the United States, and 3.6 million made a plan. Suicide is a serious health crisis.
When a person dies by suicide, the effects are felt by family, friends, and communities. Marisa Giarnella is the co-founder of the Jordan Porco Foundation, that was created in the memory of her son Jordan who took his life as a freshman in college. The foundations goals are to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. Marisa says one suicide can affect over 130 people. We talked about Jordan, their flagship program known as Fresh Check Days a sort of mental health check-in at colleges across the country, and how to get through a suicide in the family. Marisa says that mental health needs to be talked about and destigmatized. She also says it's ok to ask for help.

To get in touch with the Jordan Porco Foundation go to: Jordan Porco Foundation Jordan Porco Foundation | Suicide Awareness and Prevention (rememberingjordan.org)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Immediate Help call: 1.800.273.8255

Or Text HOME to 741741

Dial 988

OR DIAL 2-1-1 TO FIND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN YOUR AREA   
OR DIAL 9-1-1 IN AN EMERGENCY

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 In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about healthy aging and falls prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injury for those 65 and older adults. Over 14 million, or one in 4 older adults reports falling every year. The risks and potential consequences of falls increase with age and can lead to injury, loss of independence and are a leading cause of death in the U.S. among the 65 and older age group, according to fall statistics from the Centers for Disease and Prevention. Angela Vasquez is the Healthy Aging Program Coordinator for the Bureau of Aging in Connecticut. Angela has been working in the field of public health and community-based research for more than a decade.  We discuss how to prevent falls, what to do to make a plan to stay in your home as you age, and how prevention can really help you age in a healthy way.

To get in touch with the Bureau of Aging please call: 1-800-994-9422

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In the United States, the month with the largest number of births is typically August, with July a close second. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to the State Treasurer Erick Russell about the Baby Bonds program. Treasurer Russell talks about the fact that Connecticut is the first state in the nation to have the Baby Bond program aimed at curbing racial and generational poverty. He talks about the program, and he highlights the potential to engage families and build long-term economic opportunities for their children. Treasurer Russell talks about his background and emphasizes the importance of teaching financial literacy to children in middle school, and the importance of teaching them about credit history and long-term investments, like a 401k retirement plan. He also touches on Connecticut's progress in stabilizing finances, and the importance of family-friendly policies in the state like the Baby Bonds program, CHET and CT Paid Leave. Treasurer Russell was sworn in as Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer in January of 2023. 

For more information about the Baby Bond program please go to: CT Baby Bonds

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August 4 through august 10th is National Health Center week. Deb Polun serves as the Chief Strategy officer at the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut known as (CHC/-ACT). It is the statewide association that supports the work of Connecticut’s Community Health Centers, which provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to 420,000 people across CT each year. In her role, Deb provides leadership on public policy and advocacy, helps build and strengthen community and corporate relationships, and helps plan for a sustainable community health center network. Deb says that Community Health Centers are beautiful buildings that offer quality health care whether you have insurance or not.
Deb also realizes that CT Paid Leave can benefit her employees and the people they serve t the Community Health Centers with income replacement during a serious health crisis. The program ensures they can take care of themselves without having to worry about paying bills.

To find a Community Health Center near you please go to: Community Health Center Association of Connecticut | CHC/ACT (chcact.org)

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Pets are like family. The dog treat business had a good year in 2024.  The market value exceeded expectations, reaching $8.3 million. The trend is set to continue, with the market projected to reach a whopping $14.2 million by 2034.

Laurie Surprenant and Amy Kenkel are the co-owners of the dog bakery company, Leaps and Bones. They talk about the struggles starting the business in their home, and the hardships and rewards of owning their own business. They have built a family culture in their business with most employees being there at least for 5 years and some have been there since the beginning. They are such big supporters of CT Paid Leave because they want their employees, who are like family, to have real benefits. They have had employees use the CT Paid Leave program and realize the benefits it gives to small businesses and their workers.

To get in touch with Leaps and Bones you can call 860-212-2305, or to find out more please go to: 
All Natural Dog Bakery/Dog Cake Bakery (leapsandbones.com)

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Chris Murphy is the junior United States Senator for Connecticut and has dedicated his career to public service as an advocate for Connecticut families. In the Senate, he is a strong voice for mental health care access, commonsense gun safety laws, and a forward-looking foreign policy.  As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, he fights for policies to support workers and their families, like making childcare more affordable, paid leave, and raising the minimum wage.

 Senator Murphy talked about the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, and social connection, and how the CT Paid Leave program can help.
 
To contact Junior United States Senator Chris Murphy, go to: Contact Chris | Senator Chris Murphy (senate.gov)

For information about his platform of loneliness: ‘I care about it’: Sen. Chris Murphy’s battle against loneliness (senate.gov)

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This is an exciting time for anyone suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease.   A new drug that should get FDA approval by the end of this year, would expand the treatment options for the more than 6 million Americans of all ages who have Alzheimer's. The disease is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults over 65. Donanemab, a drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company, showed promising results in clinical trials. The drug eliminates brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. Studies show the drug could be a breakthrough in treating early stages of the disease, slowing cognitive decline in those with early symptoms.

Joe Montminy is a patient advocate who is living with younger onset dementia and is currently serving on the MA/NH Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors and the New England Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory group. He used to live in CT and was diagnosed at 54 years old, it took 3 years before he could get a correct diagnosis. Joe says he is optimistic that this new drug and exciting new blood testing to get an earlier diagnosis, is going to make a big difference. Joe keeps a very positive attitude and finds comfort in a support group.  Kristen Cusato is the Director of Communications for the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter & she is a New England Research champion. Kristen thinks that education is key and knowing the early signs of the disease, which can lead to an early diagnosis and treatment. She believes people like Joe can help with his advocacy, but more importantly he can bring hope with his story of struggle with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

To get in touch with the CT chapter of the Alzheimer's Association: Connecticut Chapter (alz.org)

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Studies have shown that taking paternity leave helps fathers to feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed. The reason this happens is because of a hormone called oxytocin. When released, it promotes bonding and reduces stress levels. 43 percent of fathers are taking bonding leave through CT Paid Leave. This gives fathers time away from work with income replacement so they can bond with their baby whether by birth, adoption or fostering. 

Just in time for Father's Day which is June 16th, I talked with two fathers for a special podcast. Guest David Sergi lived in a state without a paid leave program when his first child was born, and moved to CT so they could expand their family in a state with a paid leave program with their second child. Guest Charlie Johnson has resided in CT and wasn't able to use CT paid Leave for his first child because it wasn't available yet. He was able to use it for his second child. Both David and Charlie say being able to take bonding leave has been life altering.

David and Charlie discuss the stigma of being a father taking bonding leave, how long they took off from work, how the CT Paid Leave program worked for them and how it changed their relationships with their families.

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Qualifying Reasons (ctpaidleave.org)

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Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector borne infectious disease in the United States. The CDC says more people are infected with Lyme Disease than breast cancer. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases come with a lot of unknowns. Before starting to treat symptoms, you must first get a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosing Lyme disease can be complicated and unclear.  Lyme disease can turn into a chronic health condition if it goes undiagnosed.  CT Paid Leave can help with this by giving you income replacement while you take time away from work for appointments, treatments and flare ups.
 Dr Myriah Hinchey is the medical director of Tao Center for Vitality in Hebron. Dr.  Hinchey is a naturopathic physician and Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), and she is recognized as an expert in the field of Lyme disease and other complex chronic inflammatory conditions, with over 17 years of specialized experience. She has helped thousands of people infected to get effective treatment. 
She says it is tough to get a diagnosis without getting more in depth and accurate testing done. Dr Hinchey says not all Lyme disease tests are created equal. The accuracy of Lyme disease tests can vary widely between testing methods, leaving many people without a reliable diagnosis, or misdiagnosis that can lead to many health complications. Dr. Hinchey also had Lyme disease and treated herself. She believes that prevention is the key and by doing tick checks every time you go outside, can save you years of agony.

For information about Dr. Myriah Hinchey: Natural Lyme Disease Treatment Specialist - Specializing in natural herbal protocols - Dr Myriah Hinchey ND, Medical Director (taovitality.com)

For the 3rd annual  LymeBytes Symposium in CT: LymeBytes™ Lyme Disease Conference & Community Support – LymeBytes!™

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May is Maternal Mental Health Month. During the month, the focus is on increasing awareness about mental health and the well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the time after birth. About 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. Mental health issues are the most common complication of childbirth. Doulas can help alleviate some of the emotional stress and burden from a parent as they help recognize what the parent needs. 
Guests Brittany Needham and Shannon Knox created Golden Radiance Village, a holistic full spectrum doula company. They talked about what they do as doula's and the certifications and training they went through and how their friendship and business partnership grew. Doulas provide support to mothers regarding prenatal care and post-partum care which can include post-partum depression, which can be considered a serious health condition under CT Paid Leave. Shannon and Brittany talk about some of the signs families and friends should be looking for with post-partum depression. They talk about the emotional struggles for single parents, and how doula work can really help parents through trying times.
Shannon and Brittany both think CT Paid Leave is a great service to offer their clients, because it can give new parents a chance to have time away from work, and to focus on their new baby and their own health needs and not worry about finances. 

For more information or to get a hold of Golden Radiance Village go to: About Us — Golden Radiance Village

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