February - Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

FSST February 2010 Newsletter FSST February 2010 Newsletter Blizzards hit the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation Wi’ca’ta Wi (Moom of Raccon) ­ Feb­ ruary ­ the word “wica” signifies the raccon, he the one of the first animals to come out of hibernation so this month is named after the “waca”. Pictured above: Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Office between blizzards. Pictured above: Royal River Family Entertanment Center bowling alley beneath the snow.
“Let it snow” seemed to be the correspond with the Flandreau mantra for 2010 so far, along with Public Schools canceling their classes. The pictures above do not let it rain and let it sleet as well. accurately show the extent of the The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal blizzards or the arctic temperatures. community spent the majority of January snowed in and digging out. We would like to thank the With the numerous blizzards, Flandreau Santee Tribal ground blizzards, rain, sleet, and Maintenance Department for wind advisories the Flandreau plowing and shoveling snow for Santee Sioux Tribal Offices were community members as well as all closed due to the weather for these the tribal offices. Another thank you dates: January 7 th snow day, to the Buffalo/Land Management January 8 th snow day, January 20 th Department for working through snow day, January 25 th snow day the blinding snow & frigid and January 26 th 2 hour late start temperatures to care for our buffalo due to snow. All snow days herd. 1 So far in January a record has been set for snow, ice and wind especially since the yearly total to date for snow in our area is 39.7 inches according to Keloland News. Hopefully the worst is behind us and spring will arrive sooner rather than later. FSST February 2010 Newsletter Children Learn What They Live By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal offices fill be closed on the following dates: If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with acceptance, they learn love. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. New Years Day (January 1) If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January) If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with sharing, they Presidents Day (third Monday learn generosity. in February) If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with praise, they learn appreciation. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. Memorial Day (last Monday in May) Battle of Little Big Horn (June 25th) If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn Independence Day (July 4th) respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them. Labor Day (first Monday in September) Native American Day “Formerly Columbus Day” If children live with friendliness, (October 12th) they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. Section 19‐3‐3: Exemption from Physical Residency – Members who are physically residing in Moody County immediately prior to pursuing military service, government employment, higher education, temporary employment or have an illness or physical disability that requires the individual to reside temporarily outside Moody County may request an exemption for military service, government employment, temporary employment or higher education must have been residing in Moody County for one (1) year immediately prior to requesting such exemption. (Amended by Res. 97‐08) (Further amended on March 22, 1999 by Res. 99‐26)
2 Veteran’s Day (November 11th) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) Christmas Day (December 25th) Remembering the 38 in Mankato (December 26th) FSST February 2010 Newsletter Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Newsletter is a monthly publication by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. Editor: Carol Robertson Assistant: Amber Allen Digital photos, text on diskette or other media is encouraged. Deadline for submission of material is NLT 7th of each month prior to publication! Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Attn: Carol Robertson P.O. Box 283 Flandreau, SD 57028­0283 or Call: 997­3891 [email protected] NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER: In preparation of this newsletter, every effort has been made to offer the most current, correct, and clearly expressed information possible. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. In particular but without limiting anything here, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) and its employees disclaim any responsibility for typographical errors and accuracy of the information that may be contained in the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s Newsletter. The FSST also reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice. The information and data included in this newsletter have been compiled by the FSST Newsletter staff from a variety of sources, and are subject to change without notice. The FSST makes no warranties or representations whatsoever regarding the quality, content, completeness, or adequacy of such information and data. In any situation where the official printed publications of the FSST differ from the text contained in this newsletter, the official printed documents take precedence. If inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate information is brought to our attention, a reasonable effort will be made to print a correction in the next available newsletter. We reserve the right to omit submissions if it is felt that the content or subject matter is inappropriate. HERSETH SANDLIN PARTICIPATES IN RURAL VETERANS ROUNDTABLE Washington, DC­Today, Rep. Herseth Sandlin joined with members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials, representatives of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and other stakeholders for a roundtable discussion focused on the health care needs of rural veterans. In particular, the discussion focused on exploring ways to improve veteran access to community­based care, ensuring that proper quality standards for care are upheld, and improving and expanding VA outreach to rural veterans to increase awareness of available benefits and services. “In speaking with veterans, VA officials, and Veterans Service Organizations in South Dakota, it is clear that access to care is the top concern for rural veterans in our state,” Rep. Herseth Sandlin said. “The challenge of providing the best possible care to our rural veterans impacts South Dakotans every day and I look forward to working with my colleagues, Secretary Shinseki and other stakeholders as we continue to try to improve access to care.” Nationwide, approximately 40 percent (3.2 million) of the enrolled veterans population lives in rural areas. ### NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: All information submitted for inclusion in the newsletter must be received NLT than the 7th of each calendar month. We cannot guarantee inclusion of any submissions after that date in that month’s newsletter. Submissions must be made in typewritten (or computer generated) format. They can be submitted directly to Carol Robertson in hardcopy, on disk or via email at: [email protected] The FSST reserves the right to edit submission for content and clarity when appropriate. Addit ionally, submission s not of a time sensitive nature may be delayed for inclusion until subsequent newsletters. Pictured above: Herseth Sandlin meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs General Eric K. Shinseki on 1/21 discussing veterans needs. Notice the picture of the Gordon Weston Indian Veterans Post on the table behind Secretary Shinseki.
3 FSST February 2010 Newsletter FSST Employee January Birthday Party!!! Thursday January 21 st was the Robin Rederth – $20 FSST employee birthday party for all employees with birthdays in Dana Rederth – $70 January. Philip Allen – $50 The employees celebrating their birthdays in January were: Robin Rederth, Dana Rederth, Philip Allen, Kim Brown, Julie Stephens, Craig Shea and Deb Wakeman. Each employee received a chance to spin the wheel for cash. Kim Brown – $110 Julie Stephens –$50 Craig Shea – $80 Deb Wakeman – $10 After the Spinning of the Wheel for Cash all the employees enjoyed a delicious cake made by the staff of the Grace Moore Senior Citizens Center, again one of the best cakes ever. Thank you to Deb Wakeman HR for hosting the party and to the Grace Moore Senior Citizens Center.
Attention Flandreau Santee Sioux On Reservation Tribal Members Effective November 1 st , 2009 On reservation per­capita checks issued on the 1 st and 15 th of every month must be picked up in person and signed by the tribal member the check is issued to. Written slips and notes authorizing other relatives to pick up your check will no longer be acceptable. You must pick up your per capita in person. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter ­FSST Executive Committee 4 FSST February 2010 Newsletter Kindergarten Registration / Pre-school Screening
Kindergarten registration for the 2010-1011 school year will be
held at the Community Center on Wednesday, March 3, from
1:00 – 6:00 pm and Thursday, March 4, from 1:00 – 6:00 pm. To
attend kindergarten from the 2010-2011 school year, children
must be five on or before September 1, 2010. As parents, you can
plan for this registration by obtaining a copy of your child’s
state issued birth certificate and immunization record on file,
only those meeting this requirement will be able to start school in
August of 2010.
In addition to the kindergarten registration, the Well – Baby,
Developmental and Health Check Screenings will also be
available. One of the goals of the state and nation, as well as
Flandreau Public Schools, is that all children will enter school
ready to learn. In an effort to accomplish this goal, several
agencies in Moody County will be available to provide screenings
for all children who are not currently enrolled in school.
To schedule an appointment for the kindergarten registration/
screening, please call the Public Health Office at 997-3779.
These assessments are free to all families.
Staff from the Flandreau Public School,
Moody County Public Health, Moody
County Head Start, Healthy Start, Indian
Health Services and the Interagency
Network/Moody County will all be involved
in the screenings.
5 FSST February 2010 Newsletter Family wants apology from B.C. for hanging of ancestor in front yard of his home By Quintin Winks, Canwest News ServiceJanuary 13, 2010
PORT ALBERNI — In 1869 a First Nations man was hung in the front yard of his home by the province of British Columbia for a crime his descendants say he did not commit. Now the Amos family wants an apology from the government of British Columbia and the name of their great, great grandfather exonerated. Anyitzachist, a Hesquiaht chief living with his family in Homis Bay in the 1800s, made a practice of burying the dead that were shipwrecked along the west coast near his home. He did so to protect the bodies from wild animals, said Richard Lucas, Anyitzachist’s great, great grandson. But when the bodies of two shipwrecked sailors turned up headless and mutilated the government became suspicious. Then the newspaper of the day got hold of the story, and overnight it became a sensationalized tale of murder, Lucas said. When the Hesquiaht didn’t offer up any suspects the Royal Marines sailed up the coast and fired on Hesquiaht homes and canoes. Then they arrested Anyitzachist. the aid of an impartial translator, Where the president’s gift of $200 Lucas said. His family today calls it went is unclear, but the gold medal a brutal miscarriage of justice. was passed down from Anutspato to his son, Alec Amos. It stayed In the hours before he was to be with the family until the tsunami of hanged, Anyitzachist sang a song 1964 floated away Amos’ house. about his innocence. He said that song wo uld be sung by his The house eventually turned up descendants and that his family about a mile up the coast, next to would multiply. It was and they Art Clark’s general store. By the did. Today the family, now more time Amos found his home again, than 30 strong, wants the medal and most of the home’s Anyitzachist’s name cleared. contents had vanished. “We’ve always been dealing with the attitude that we’re some sort of ship wreckers, but we’re not,” he said. Despite the brutal public hanging, Aim? Anutspato ,, Anyitzachist’s son, resumed burying the dead that washed ashore from shipwrecks. It was a grisly job and likely dangerous. By the 1880s, the United States government chose to recognize the humanitarian work being carried out by Anutspato. Then President Chester A. Arthur sent him a gold medal and $200 in recognition of his work along wit h the note: To Aim? Anutspato, Chief of t he Hesquiaht Tribe, British Columbia, for his humane services t o the crew of t he wrecked American ship Malleville. The date was October 1882. The court that found Anyitzachist guilty did so without expert medical testimony and without 6 Last week, more than 45 years later, that gold medal resurfaced. Concerned he wouldn’t live much longer, Clark told the Amos family that he had the medal and wanted to return it to its rightful owners, Lucas said. Doing so has provided the family with an essential piece of evidence in their quest to get the provincial government to apologize for hanging Anyitzachist. “The medal is evidence that our government didn’t recognize us, called us dirty savages, while the U.S. president honoured us,” said Victor Amos, chief of the Amos house. “We called our family together so our children will remember their fathers talking about this.” The Amos family wants an apology from the newspaper that sensationalized the story and an apology from the provincial government. And it wants the name of the family’s ancestor to be exonerated. FSST February 2010 Newsletter VICKS VapRub ‐ INTERESTING
So far the family’s efforts have been unsuccessful, but they’re not giving up. The Amos family have approached the B.C. Union of Chiefs for political support. Stewart Phillips, the union’s president, said the family has it. “We’re supportive of the family and willing to do whatever we can within our power to see a major reconciliation and exoneration take place,” Phillips said. “It’s been ongoing for quite some time now. It’s been going on too long.” Source:www.vancouversun.com Reminder to Parents & Guardians to FSST Minor Members Please make sure your child (ren)’s address is kept current on the minors trust account. Please call or write to Judy Allen – FSST Payroll Personnel Specialist at 997‐ 9389 or mail to FSST Attn: Judy Allen, P.O. Box 283, During a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can ‘taste’ it. of using Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet was found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bed time. In addition it seems to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children Some of us have used Vicks who then went on to sleep VapoRub for years for everything soundly. from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. My wife tried it on herself when But I’ve never heard of this. And she had a very deep constant and don’t laugh, it works 100% of the persistent cough a few weeks time, although the scientists who ago and it worked 100%! She discovered it aren’t sure why. To said that it felt like a warm stop night time coughing in a blanket had enveloped her, child (or adult as we found out coughing stopped in a few personally), put Vicks VapoRub minutes.So she went from; every generously on the soles of your few seconds uncontrollable feet, cover with socks, and the coughing, she slept cough‐free heavy, deep coughing will stop for hours every night she used in about 5 minutes and stay it. stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time If you have grandchildren, pass and is more effective in children this on. If you end up sick, try it than even very strong yourself and you will be amazed prescription cough medicines. In at how it works. Do not use on addition it is extremely soothing small children !!! and comforting and they will DON’T SHUN THIS ONE.. TRY IT sleep soundly THE NEXT TIME YOU GET A BAD Just happened to tune in A.M. COLD. Radio and picked up this guy THE ONLY THING YOU CAN LOSE talking about why cough IS YOUR COUGH.. medicines in kids often do more harm than good, due to the chemicals in them This method Flandreau, SD ‐57028‐ 7 FSST February 2010 Newsletter SDAC ANNOUNCES MARCH 1 GRANT DEADLINE
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota
artists, arts organizations and
other nonprofit groups are
invited to seek grant support
from the South Dakota Arts
Council to assist in funding arts
projects throughout the state,
SDAC Director Michael
Pangburn announced today.
Applicants have until March 1 to
apply for projects and activities
that will occur July 1, 2010 ‐ June
30, 2011.
• Artist Collaboration Grants
encourage South Dakota artists
to collaborate among themselves
or with an out‐of‐state artist in
the creation of a joint project or
activity that will significantly
benefit the artists and the state.
A maximum of $6,000 may be
requested.
•
Traditional Arts
Apprenticeship Grants promote
the continuation of folk and
traditional arts and culture by
South Dakota artists may apply providing up to $4,000 in
for funding through four grant support of a master folk artist to
programs, two of which were teach qualified apprentices.
recently created to better serve
the needs of artists throughout South Dakota nonprofit
organizations may also seek
the state.
funding support through four
• Artist Fellowships of $5,000 grant programs:
are awarded to South Dakota
Project Grants assist non‐
artists of exceptional talent in •
any discipline or medium to profit organizations in the
recognize
past
artistic presentation of a single arts event
achievement and encourage or a series of similar and related
arts activities that benefit the
future artistic growth.
general public.
•
Artist Project Grants
Importation of Musicians
between $1,000 and $2,000 are •
awarded to talented South Grants enable small South
Dakota artists in any discipline Dakota orchestras that don’t
or medium to fund specific arts‐ receive funding in another grant
related projects that not only category to improve the quality
further the artist’s career but also of their performance seasons by
benefit the public in some way. importing musicians from
outside their local communities
8
to supplement local orchestra
personnel.
•
Arts Challenge Grants and
Small Organization Season
Support Grants provide general
operating support to large and
small arts organizations,
respectively. These grants are
multi‐year
awards,
and
applications
from
new
organizations are not being
accepted this year. In order to
secure continued funding,
organizations
presently
receiving Challenge or SOSS
grants must submit a financial
summary of their most recently
completed fiscal year and a
current operating budget.
Complete guidelines and
applications for each of these
grant opportunities are available
on the SDAC Web site,
www.artscouncil.sd.gov
Applications must be submitted
online through the South Dakota
Arts Council’s new E‐grant
system on or before March 1.
Hard‐copy
applications
submitted through the mail will
not be accepted.
FSST February 2010 Newsletter The SDAC staff will be glad to help
assess specific needs and assist in
the development of grant proposals
for nonprofit organizations and
artists. Contact the South Dakota
Arts Council by calling 605‐773‐
3301
or
by
e‐mailing artists, arts institutions, schools
[email protected] with any and other nonprofit organizations
questions.
throughout the state with funding
from the National Endowment for
The mission of the Arts Council is
the Arts and the State of South
to provide grants and services to
Dakota.
Indians urged to get vaccine H1N1 flu twice as deadly to Native Americans By: Jon Walker [email protected]
H1N1 flu has been more than twice as deadly for Native Americans than South Dakotans as a whole because of other risks the tribal population faces. The state’s 23 deaths to the virus this flu season include six Native Americans, or 26 percent. Tribal people make up less than one­tenth of the state’s population. “That’s over double what it should be,” said Lon Kightlinger, the state epidemiologist. The discrepancy is greater on a national scale. “The rate of American Indian deaths was four times the rate of the general population,” Kightlinger said. “Most of the American Indians were people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease.” The virus targets people if they have other health problems, regardless of race. The higher death rate among Native Americans indicates a higher incidence of the other diseases or a lack of access to care, Kightlinger said. National health officials began a campaign of public service
announcements Tuesday to urge the nation with a 49.2 percent tribal people to get H1N1 shots. vaccination rate for seasonal flu. The national rate last year was 36 Carla Schweitzer, a nurse percent. practitioner at the Family Center in Residents fill out a form to receive Eagle Butte, said the problem has the shot, but the forms do not been vaccine supply, not lack of specify race. int erest among the native population. “When it was all scary and in the news big­time, we didn’t have it in our clinic,” Schweitzer said. Now vaccine is abundant. “We do have doses available and still have people interested. But the big scare has passed. People are slacking off,” she said. “We don’t have race data on who received what,” Kightlinger said. South Dakota received federal accolades for work in sending mobile vaccine units on Pine Ridge. “The vaccine has been available on the reservations as it has been in Sioux Falls or Rapid City or anyplace else,” he said. A first wave of H1N1 began nationally in spring 2009. A second deadly wave rose in the fall. H1N1 activity was widespread then in South Dakota but now is sporadic. Specialists predict a third wave early this year, but Kightlinger is not among them. “We have no science to stand on that. That’s theory. It could happen. That figure would match results a This virus is not going away. If it’s year ago, when South Dakota led not going into a third wave, we’ll see it next fall and winter,” he said. Kightlinger said that frustration was similar for the whole state. Still, the state shows a high vaccination rate. His office has distributed 400,000 doses as it arrived from the federal government. If that number matches people receiving the vaccine, that would be 49.2 percent of the state’s 812,000 people. 9
The state lists clinics with free vaccine at http://h1n1.sd.gov. FSST February 2010 Newsletter Memory Lane. . .
Can you identify the woman in the picture above? If so we would like to know who this woman is. Thank you. Pictured above: Lt. to rt.Edna Weston, Gloria Lovejoy, ??, Catherine Robertson, Marie Allen, children: Nancy Robertson­Herrick & Eleanora Robertson­Boutwell. Happy Birthday Eleanora “Ellie” Boutwell on February 28th! Love, your sisters Wanda, Nancy, & Carol Happy Birthday Ida Redwing‐Hasvold on February 3 rd !
Love, Your friends, Carol & Rudy & Marie (Carol’s great‐ grand dogs) (Picture taken at Lawrence, KS Thanksgiving Holiday 2009) Minors Trust Accounts Attention: FSST Parents, Grandparents & Guardians Ron N. Meeker a licensed agent with New York Life Insurance Company will be available to discuss the minors trust accounts and the advantages of financial planning. Mr. Meeker will be in the FSST Tribal Office on February 10th & March 10th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 pm or call Mr. Meeker at (605) 373 ­ 1450 to schedule 10
an appointment FSST February 2010 Newsletter Memory Lane...
Pictured above: Ted Taylor DOB January 9th, 1909 holding daughter Betty
Taylor at the City Park during the 30’s.
Four Generations
Pictured above: Leah Fyten, Angie Holybull (holding Rihanna Holybull) & Betty Taylor
11
FSST February 2010 Newsletter Birthday Wishes...
Mi cun K’si
Rihanna Rita Holy Bull
Tunpi anpetu waste yuha
Happy Birthday - My Daughter
Micunski tunpi anpetu kin dehan tu
Wi’tehi wi, anpetu ake sohdogan
Omaka ketopanwinge numpa sum
sahdogan
January 18, 2008
Wakan Tanka - tunka sida
Nitunpi anpetu kihe, yuwaste ye/do
The creator, The great spirit has given
you a blessing on your Birthday
Ohiniya Cante Un ‘ niyapi k’te
Ate - Ina, Nakun wotakuye nitawa ki
We will always Love you,
Mom Dad and all your relatives
Happy Birthday to Melissa Fyten
Mandan who turns 25 on February
13th & Sheila Eastman who turns 24
on February 21st.
May Tunkashida walk with you always!
Love your family.
12
Happy Birthday to our Beautiful
Kunsi Betty Taylor who turns 73
on February 16th. Wopida Tanka
for all that you’ve given to us!
We love you always, your
chilcdren, grandchildren & great
grandchildren.
FSST February 2010 Newsletter Happy Birthday Isaiah Fisherman
will celebrate his 6th birthday on
February 24th!!!
Happy Birthday Addison
Fisherman who will turn 2
years old on February 11th!!!
Happy 24th Birthday to Shelia Eastman on
February 21st!!!
13
Happy Belated Birthday
Betsy who celebrated her
22nd birthday on January
24th!!!
FSST February 2010 Newsletter Happy Birthday to
Gerald Roy who will turn
21 years old on February
26h!!!
Happy Birthday to
Happy Belated Birthday
to Mike Roy Jr. who Patrina Roy who will turn
turned 18 on January 22 years old on February
19th!!!
24th!!!
Happy Birthday to Kenny Anderson
Weston who will turn 29 years old
on February 28th!!!
Attention: Pictured above l to r: Renae Anderson held by Kenny
Anderson Weston Scott Anderson Sr., (holding) Scott
Andersen Jr.
14
FSST Tribal Members the FSST Monthly Newsletter deadline to always five (5) working days before the first of every month. The March 1st, 2010 news­ letter deadline is February 22nd. Please have your submis­ sions, and/or pictures sub­ mitted to your newsletter staff before the deadline.
FSST February 2010 Newsletter We would like to wish a Dear young
Lady a very happy 15th Birthday on
February 28th !!!
Happy 3rd Birthday on February 28th
to a lil man whos growing up fast !!!
With Love Always,
Mom, Nee, Uncle & Brothers & Lil Cuz.
With Love Always,
Dad, Nee, Auntie & Cousins
Devin Allen Drapeau
Graduate of Flandreau Public High School
December 2009
We are so proud of you and all
your hard work more that any
words can ever express!
Love Mom, Nadine and
Grandma and Grandpa & your
Uncles and Auntie
We will be having a honoring for
Devin on June 6th, 2010 to celebrate. Please look for information forthcoming in the next few
months.
15
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 16
FSST February 2010 Newsletter Guess Who!!!
Guess Who!!!
Happy Belated 50th Birthday!!!
Love Mom
This demure young lady loves
answering phones all day every day. Pictured above: Julie Stephens Pictured above: Nicole Nelson
Just a reminder to On and Off Reservation Tribal members: Quoted from Section 19‐3‐2 of Tribal Gaming Ordinance “Qualification for on Reservation Per‐Capita Payments” In order to fairly satisfy the needs of Tribal members who contribute to the advancement and self‐ determination of the Tribe by residing on the Flandreau Santee Sioux reservation within Moody County, and to provide incentives to members to return to the reservation community to further the advancement to Tribal self‐determination and to enhance the reservation community socially, economically and culturally. Quoted from Section 19‐3‐4: INCARCERATED PERSONS. Any qualified members who is incarcerated in a penal institution or otherwise pursuant to a conviction under any criminal law for more than thirty (30) days shall lose qualified status. However, such member shall regain qualified status upon his/her release from incarceration, provided he/ she thereafter satisfies the definition of physical residence in Moody County Submitted by: Per‐Capita Committee 17 FSST February 2010 Newsletter 18
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 19
FSST February 2010 Newsletter STEPS TO A HEALTHY HOME
Asthma
KEEP IT . . . DRY SAFE
CLEAN
PESTFREE
V E N T I L A T E D
M A I N T A I N E D
CON TAMINANT ­FRE E
Asthma is a lung disease. It
causes people to wheeze,
cough, be short of breath, and
sometimes even die. People
with asthma can suffer from
frequent periods of difficulty
breathing called “asthma
attacks.” During an attack, the
airways swell, the muscles
around them tighten, and the
airways produce thick,
yellow mucous. Asthma is
not contagious, but it does
run in families, so if parents
have asthma, their children
are more likely to have it, too.
Each person is different, but
many things (called asthma
“triggers”) can cause asthma
attacks.
Because there is no cure for
asthma, it is most important
to work on preventing
attacks.
• Keep a clean home.
• Keep people with asthma
away from dust, dust mites,
and smoke.
• Get medical advice and
follow
the
doctor’s
instructions.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/
asthma
Mold
Molds reproduce by means of
tiny spores; the spores are
invisible to the naked eye and
float through outdoor and
indoor air. Mold may begin
growing indoors when mold
spores land on surfaces that
are wet. There are many types
of mold, and none of them
will grow without water or
moisture. You cannot
eliminate all mold spores
from a home, but you can take
the following steps to prevent
and get rid of mold.
• Prevent: keep your house
clean and dry following steps
to prevent and get rid of
mold.
• Identify: find mold that
might be growing in your
home.
• Respond: fix any water
problems immediately and
clean or remove wet
materials, furnishings, or
mold. For more information
visit: http://www.epa.gov/
mold
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas
that cannot be seen, smelled,
or tasted and is found
naturally
around
the
country.When you breathe air
containing radon, the
sensitive cells in your airway
are irritated, increasing your
risk of getting lung cancer.
Radon is found in the dirt and
rocks beneath houses, in well
water, and in some building
materials. It can enter your
house through soil, dirt floors
in crawlspaces, and cracks in
foundations, floors, and
walls. All houses have some
radon, but houses next to
each other can have very
different radon levels, so the
only way to measure your
particular risk is to test your
20
own house. Radon is
measured in “pico Curies per
liter of air,” abbreviated
“pCi/L.” The amount of
radon outdoors is usually
around 0.4 pCi/L, and
indoors is around 1.3 pCi/L.
Even though all radon
exposure is unhealthy, radon
at levels below 4 pCi/L are
considered acceptable. If
your home has more than 4
pCi/L, you should take
action to lower this level.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/radon
Smoke­Free Homes & Cars
Program
Secondhand smoke affects
everyone, but children are
especially
vulnerable
because they are still
growing and developing.
EPA has created a national
Smoke­Free Home Pledge
Initiative to motivate parents
to protect their children.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/
smokefree
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, colorless and toxic
gas. Because it is impossible
to see, taste or smell the toxic
fumes, CO can kill you before
you are aware it is in your
home. At lower levels of
exposure, CO causes mild
effects that are often mistaken
for the flu. The effects of CO
exposure can vary greatly
from person to person
depending on age, overall
FSST February 2010 Newsletter health and the concentration
and length of exposure.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
is caused by:
• Operating fuel­burning
products such as electrical
generators without proper
ventilation. Look at the
manufacturers’ instructions
before operating any fuel­
burning device in your home.
• Car exhaust entering the
home from the garage.
• Combustion equipment
such as furnaces or hot water
heaters that are not working
properly or have blocked
exhaust systems.
Lead
In late 1991, the Secretary of
the Department of Health and
Human Services called lead
the
“number
one
environmental threat to the
health of children in the
United States.” There are
many ways in which humans
are exposed to lead: through
air, drinking water, food,
contaminated
soil,
deteriorating paint, and dust.
Airborne lead enters the body
when an individual breathes
or swallows lead particles or
dust once it has settled.
Before it was known how
harmful lead could be, it was
used in paint, gasoline, water
pipes, and many other
products. Old lead based
paint is the most significant
source of lead exposure in the
U.S.
today.
Harmful
exposures to lead can be
created when lead based
paint is improperly removed
from surfaces by dry scraping,
sanding, or open­flame
burning. High concentrations
of airborne lead particles in
homes can also result from
lead dust from outdoor
sources,
including
contaminated soil tracked
inside, and use of lead in
certain indoor activities such
as soldering and stained
glass making.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
lead.html
Mercury
Some household items may
contain mercury. If a spill
occurs in the home, children
and adults may be exposed to
mercury vapor. There are
steps that parents can take to
protect themselves and their
children from exposures to
mercury:
• Learn which products may
contain mercury and avoid
buying products that contain
mercury whenever non­
mercury alternatives are
available.
• Recycle or otherwise
properly dispose of the
mercury containing products
you have in your home. •
Handle products containing
mercury carefully to avoid
breakage or spills.
• Know how to clean up a
spill properly; never use a
vacuum cleaner.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/
mercury/
21
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally
occurring mineral fiber that
has been used commonly in
a variety of building
construction materials for
insulation and as a fire
retardant. Today, asbestos is
most commonly found in
older homes, in pipe and
furnace insulation materials,
roofing and siding shingles,
millboard, drywall joint
compound, textured paints,
sprayed on ceiling texture,
resilient sheet flooring, and
floor
tiles.
Elevated
concentrations of airborne
asbestos can occur after
asbestos containing materials
are disturbed by cutting,
sanding or other remodeling
activities. Improper attempts
to remove these materials can
release asbestos fibers into the
air in homes, increasing
asbestos
levels
and
endangering people living in
those homes.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
asbestos.html
Pesticides
Pesticides used in and
around the home include
products to control insects
(insecticides),
termites
(termiticides),
rodents
(rodenticides),
fungi
(fungicides), and microbes
(disinfectants). They are sold
as sprays, liquids, sticks,
powders, crystals, balls, and
foggers. EPA registers
pesticides for use and
requires manufacturers to put
FSST February 2010 Newsletter information on the label about
when and how to use the
pesticide. It is important to
remember that the “cide” in
pesticides means “to kill”.
These products can be
dangerous if not used
properly. An alternative
approach to pest control is
Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). IPM is a common sense
approach that:
• Denies pests food, water,
shelter and a way to enter the
home.
• Uses baits and powders,
such as gel baits, traps and
borate powder. IPM does not
use as many harmful
pesticides as traditional pest
control. Children are among
those most vulnerable to
exposure. IPM strategies
apply pesticides only as
needed and use the least
hazardous pesticides to
control pests.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
pesticid.html
• Adopt a holistic approach promote energy efficient
to pest management
products
to
reduce
• Practice natural lawn care
greenhouse gas emissions.
Computers and monitors
For more information visit: were the first labeled
http://www.epa.gov/osw/ products. The ENERGY
conserve/rrr/green scapes/ STAR label is now on over 50
owners.htm
product categories including
major appliances, office
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
equipment, lighting, and
home electronics.
The best place to start making The typical household spends
a difference is at home. Learn $2,000 a year on energy
how you can reduce, reuse, bills.With ENERGY STAR,
and recycle materials to you can save more than 30%
decrease household waste, or more than $700 per year,
including food, paper, with similar savings of
electronics,
cleaners, greenhouse gas emissions,
pesticides, motor oil, and without sacrificing features,
lawn and garden materials.
style or comfort. ENERGY
Avoid or Reduce waste ­ You STAR helps you make the
can save money AND create energy efficient choice.
less waste through changes in If looking for new household
purchasing or use of goods. products, look for ones that
For example, rather than have earned the ENERGY
buying bottled water, use a STAR. They meet strict
refillable bottle. Choose energy efficiency guidelines
products that can be used set by the EPA and US
most efficiently, recycled in Department of Energy. You
your area, and have minimal can identify them by the blue
packaging.
ENERGY STAR label.
GreenScaping
Reuse ­ Reuse containers, For more information visit:
packaging or waste products. h
t
t
p
:
/
/
Our yards are our outdoor Recycle ­ Recycle waste www.energystar.gov/
homes: fun, beautiful, great materials so they can be
spaces
for
relaxing. remade
into
useable Questions, or want to learn
GreenScaping encompasses a products.
more?? Visit www.epa.gov/
set of landscaping practices
region07 or call us at (913)
that can improve the health For more information visit: 5517003,
tollfree
at
and appearance of your lawn http://www.epa.gov/osw/ 1(800)2230425. The Region 7
and garden while protecting conserve/rrr
office serves Iowa, Kansas,
and preserving natural
Missouri and Nebraska, and
resources. Start with these Less Energy = Less Air 9 Tribal Nations.
five easy steps:
Pollution
For information in your area,
• Build and maintain healthy
visit
www.epa.gov/
soil
In 1992, the EPA introduced epahome/whereyoulive.htm
• Plant right for your site
ENERGY STAR as a
• Practice smart watering
voluntary labeling program
designed to identify and
22
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 23
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 24
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 25
FSST February 2010 Newsletter 26