A Moment with Marley

Meriden DOH
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Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. A Moment with Marley provides expert insights on disease prevention, family wellness, and updates from our Public Health Clinic. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

  1. 2d ago

    Health Literacy

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about health literacy.  October is Health Literacy Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are 3 main types of health literacy: Personal health literacy is one's ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make decisions about health and well-being. Examples include understanding instructions from your healthcare provider, understanding medication labels and prescription instructions, or being able to navigate the often complex healthcare system.  Organizational health literacy is how organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Examples include simplifying the process to schedule appointments, using the Teach-Back method to ensure patient comprehension, and providing communications in the appropriate language, reading level and format. Digital health literacy, as defined by the World Health Organization, is the ability to seek, find, understand, and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained to address or solve a health problem. Examples include accessing an electronic health record, communicating electronically with your health care team, discerning reliable online health information, and using health and wellness apps. An article from the National Library of Medicine notes that nearly 9 out of 10 adults struggle with health literacy. Even people with high literacy skills may have low health literacy skills in certain situations. For example, someone who is stressed and sick when they’re accessing health information may have trouble remembering, understanding, and using that information. Health literacy involves more than reading — it also includes specific skills, like calculating the right dose of a medicine, following directions for fasting before a surgery, or checking a nutrition label to make sure an item is safe for someone with a food allergy. People with low health literacy skills may have trouble doing these things. People with low health literacy skills are more likely to: Have poor health outcomes, including hospital stays and emergency room visits Make medication errors Have trouble managing chronic diseases Skip preventive services, like flu shots People with higher health literacy skills are more likely to make informed health decisions. That means they’re more likely to be healthy — and even to live longer. Here at your Department of Health and Human Services, we take pride in communicating clearly with people to help them find and understand health information to better inform their decision making. We also create and provide plain language health materials in a minimum of English and Spanish, and review health materials (like vaccine information sheets) with community members to help make sure they understand the information and any actions they need to take. Questions? Give our Public Health Clinic a call at 203-630-4234 or speak with your healthcare provider. If you like this podcast, please subscribe to "Meriden Health Talk" our second podcast with additional public health messages.

  2. Oct 13

    Meriden Early Start - Upcoming Events

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we have two of our Parent Ambassadors from Meriden Early Start talking about some upcoming opportunities for families in our community!  First, we’re hosting our Growing Together Parent-Child Workshop on October 31 from 10:00 to 11:30am at the Meriden Public Library. Growing Together is a fun and welcoming opportunity for caregivers and their little ones to learn, play, and grow together. The program is geared toward families with children under the age of five, but older siblings are always welcome to join us too! Our Parent Ambassadors will be there to meet families, share what they do, and talk about how we support the community. We’ll also have information about Meriden Early Start programs and other helpful resources. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required, so be sure to visit the Meriden Public Library website to reserve your spot. We hope to see you there! We also want to invite you to our Meriden Early Learning Connection Community Table Meeting. This is an inclusive forum where community organizations, parents, and other local stakeholders come together to share ideas, listen to one another, and work toward common goals that support children and families in our community. Our next Community Table Meeting will be held on October 27 at 10:00am at the Meriden Public Library. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, community organization, or someone who wants to learn more about supporting families in Meriden, we would love to have you join us. We hope to see you at one, or both, of these upcoming events! From all of us at Meriden Early Start, thank you for being part of our community.   Primero, tendremos nuestro Taller para Padres e Hijos “Growing Together” el 31 de octubre, de 10:00 a 11:30 de la mañana, en la Biblioteca Pública de Meriden. “Growing Together” es una oportunidad divertida y acogedora para que los padres, cuidadores y sus pequeños puedan aprender, jugar y crecer juntos. El taller está dirigido a familias con niños menores de 5 años, pero los hermanos mayores también son bienvenidos. Nuestros Embajadores de Padres estarán allí para conocer a las familias, compartir lo que hacen y hablar sobre cómo apoyamos a la comunidad. También ofreceremos información sobre los programas Meriden Early Start y otros recursos útiles. Habrá refrigerios ligeros. Es necesario registrarse, así que asegúrese de visitar el sitio web de la Biblioteca Pública de Meriden para reservar su espacio. ¡Esperamos verlos allí! También queremos invitarlos a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria de Meriden Early Learning Connection. Este es un espacio inclusivo donde organizaciones de la comunidad, padres, cuidadores y otros miembros de la comunidad se reúnen para compartir ideas, escucharse unos a otros y trabajar juntos para alcanzar metas que apoyen a los niños y las familias de nuestra comunidad. Nuestra próxima reunión será el 27 de octubre a las 10:00 de la mañana en la Biblioteca Pública de Meriden. Ya sea que usted sea padre, cuidador, represente a una organización comunitaria o simplemente quiera aprender más sobre cómo apoyar a las familias de Meriden, ¡nos encantaría contar con su participación! Esperamos verlos en uno ¡o en ambos! de estos próximos eventos. De parte de todos nosotros en Meriden Early Start, ¡gracias por ser parte de nuestra comunidad!

  3. Sep 29

    Flu Shots Available for Everyone

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about flu shots!  It’s that time of year again – it’s time to get your annual flu shot! The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends everyone 6 months of age and older to get a yearly flu vaccine with rare exceptions. The best time to get the flu shot is before the end of October, because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body. Flu vaccination has many important benefits. It can reduce your chances of getting the flu, decrease visits to the doctor due to illness, and help prevent missed days at work or school. And, if you do get sick after being vaccinated, the vaccine can help make your illness less severe and reduce the risk of serious complications, like pneumonia and flu-related hospitalization. At our Public Health Clinic flu shots are FREE for Meriden residents, 18 and younger, regardless of health insurance status. We also have flu shots for adults. New this year, through the Connecticut Vaccines for Adults Influenza Pilot Program, we are able to offer free to flu shots to adults 19 years and older who are underinsured or not insured. For those with insurance, we accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare and Medicaid. Please note that FluBlok is not part of the adult influenza pilot program; this vaccine is $40 and is payable by cash or check. Regular hours of our Public Health Clinic, located at 165 Miller Street, is Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. We know life can get busy, so we are extending our hours until 6:00pm on the following dates: October 13 and 27 November 10 and 24 December 8 and 29 To schedule an appointment please call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  4. Sep 15

    Flu Shot Clinics for Meriden Businesses/Organizations

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are offering free flu shot clinics at Meriden businesses/organizations!  Every year, influenza - commonly called the flu - affects millions of people across the country and can lead to missed workdays, decreased productivity, and added stress for employees and their families. Employers can make prevention easier and more accessible by bringing flu vaccination opportunities directly to the workplace. This year, our Public Health Clinic is offering the opportunity to hold on-site flu shot clinics at Meriden businesses and organizations. Offering a flu clinic at work is important because convenience matters. Even employees who intend to get a seasonal flu shot may put it off because of busy schedules, difficulty finding an appointment, or simply forgetting. Offering a clinic at the workplace can remove many of those barriers. Employees can receive their vaccination without having to make an extra trip or take significant time out of their day. Workplace flu shot clinics can also help support a healthier workforce by taking a proactive approach to employee well-being. This can be especially valuable during flu season, when illnesses can spread quickly through workplaces and communities. Through our Department, vaccines are administered by Public Health Nurses, and we will work with your business or organization to schedule a clinic that fits your needs. We can offer clinics Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm.  We accept select health insurance plans including ConnectiCare, Cigna, Medicaid, and Aetna. For adults who are uninsured or underinsured, our Clinic is part of the Connecticut Vaccines for Adults (CVFA) Influenza Pilot program that provides free flu shots for those who are eligible. If you would like FluBlok, the cost is $40 and is payable by cash or check. If your business or organization is interested, please contact Michelle Barberino, Public Health Clinic Supervisor, at 203-630-4224.

  5. Sep 8

    Fair Season Safety

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about fair and festival season here in Connecticut!  September starts a busy fall fair and festival season in Connecticut. Many are excited for all the delicious food, live music, carnival games, and seeing all the adorable pigs, cows, chickens and other animals in the exhibits!  But while fairs and festivals are a great way to get outside, enjoy our communities, and make memories with family and friends, they can also mean large crowds, lots of walking, changing weather conditions, and close contact with animals. That’s why it’s important to keep health and safety in mind before you head out. Here are a few simple tips from your local health and human services department to help you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable fair season. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses and avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks as these can cause you to become dehydrated. Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen throughout the day, wearing sunglasses and protective clothing. Consider taking breaks throughout the day and seek shade when needed. If you are not feeling well, it is best to stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others. Wash hands often with soap and water especially after visiting animal exhibits. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, avoid bringing food into areas with animals or touching your mouth or eyes. To keep everyone safe in the animal exhibits, keep personal items such as toys, pacifiers, cups or other items away from the animals. Always closely supervise young children around animals, follow posted safety instructions, and listen to event staff. By following these guidelines, we can collectively ensure the well-being and safety of all participants and animals at the fairs.

  6. Aug 18

    Back to School Reminder

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are counting down the days to the new school year!  It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and the first day of school is right around the corner. Our Public Health Nurses are back in their school health offices and our Clinic is busy getting ready for another successful school year. As we prepare for the start of school on August 26, we want to remind families to make sure all required health forms are up to date. Please bring your paperwork, such as physical exams and proof of immunizations, to our Public Health Clinic before the first day of school. This documentation is necessary for your child to be medically cleared to start school on time. We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment in advance to help reduce wait times, as the Clinic is especially busy during this time of year. Health forms, such as medication authorizations, must be dropped off directly to your child’s school health office along with their medication. Medication orders are required for all medications, including over-the-counter medications. Students are not allowed to carry medications to school. Please contact your child’s school health office to schedule a time to meet with the Public Health Nurse and drop off any necessary forms and medications. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our Clinic at (203) 630-4234. We are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. We are here to help make sure all students are healthy, prepared, and ready for a smooth start to the new school year.

  7. Aug 4

    National Immunization Awareness Month

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are highlighting National Immunization Awareness Month! August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance is designed to remind everyone that staying up to date on vaccinations is an important way to protect not only their health but the health of everyone around them. Vaccines are a public health success story. Today, we are fortunate to have a broad spectrum of safe and effective vaccines, which if received on schedule, protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. Current vaccines protect against childhood diseases including chicken pox, measles, and whooping cough, while protecting adults from the flu, Tdap, and shingles. Vaccines have also eradicated or nearly eradicated life-threatening diseases, such as smallpox and polio. At the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services we are proud to offer both child and adult immunization services to our community through our Public Health Clinic. Vaccines have helped prevent countless illnesses and have saved millions of lives. They protect against diseases that can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications, and even death. When more people are vaccinated, we also help protect those who cannot receive certain vaccines because of age or medical conditions. This community protection helps reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and helps Meriden stay healthy and safe. Our Public Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm, and we are committed to making vaccines more accessible for our community. We are part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program and are able to offer no cost vaccines to children under the age of 18 regardless of their health insurance status. We also accept Connecticare, Cigna, Medicaid, and other select insurance plans. We provide vaccine education and information to individuals and their families in their preferred language to help them make informed health decisions and, Make referrals when additional healthcare services are needed. Our knowledgeable public health staff is here to answer your questions in a respectful, judgment-free environment. We understand that parents and community members may have questions about vaccines, and we are happy to provide reliable, evidence-based information so you can make informed healthcare decisions. Together, we can build a healthier and stronger Meriden. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

  8. Jul 21

    Back to School Reminder: School Required Vaccines

    In this episode of A Moment with Marley, our Public Health Clinic staff would like to remind families that they are here and ready to help parents and guardians ensure their child has their school required vaccinations and physicals in order to start the new school year on August 26. We are proud to be a part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program, which is Connecticut’s expanded pediatric vaccination program. The Connecticut Vaccine Program is state and federally funded and allows us to provide vaccines at no cost to all children under the age of 19 years, regardless of insurance status. Note we do accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans. When you come to our office, Clinic staff will review your paperwork to ensure that your child meets the State of Connecticut’s health requirements to attend school. Students entering Kindergarten will need a physical dated on or after August 26, 2025. Part of the physical must include lead and hemoglobin levels, and students must be up to date on school required vaccines. Students entering seventh or tenth grade will need a physical dated on or after June 1, 2025. If your child is entering seventh grade they must have their Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Remember, we highly recommend that you bring your child's paperwork, including physical exams and proof of immunizations, to our Public Health Clinic before the first day of school so your child can be medically cleared to start on the first day. And, we highly recommend making an appointment to reduce wait times. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Clinic at (203) 630-4234.

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About

Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. A Moment with Marley provides expert insights on disease prevention, family wellness, and updates from our Public Health Clinic. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    Meriden DOH
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Moment with Marley