SVMC Wellness Connection: Aug. 16

Print Story | Email Story

August 16, 2024

Back-to-School: Tips for a Successful First Day and Beyond
?

Kids and their caregivers are counting the days until school starts again—some with more joy than others. Returning to school can prove challenging for kids as they face meeting new teachers and friends, and, if they’re changing schools, there’s the added stress of learning a new routine and navigating unfamiliar hallways. Try these tips to help make the return to school go smoothly.
?
READ MORE
?

?

Are your Child's Eyes 'School Ready'?

 

Vision accounts for up to 80% of a child’s learning. Even the tiniest vision problems can impact academic performance and prevent children from reaching their full potential. It’s up to you to make sure your child’s eyes are school ready. ?

 
READ MORE

Stay Protected with the Power of Vaccines

 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and a good time to reflect on and appreciate the crucial role vaccines play in preventing disease, reducing the severity of illness and preventing hospitalization for people of all ages. 
READ MORE
?

Easing the Challenges of Psoriasis

 

For approximately 7.5 million Americans, living with psoriasis is a daily challenge that can significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding what it is, recognizing the triggers, and knowing how to manage it are key to living a fulfilling life with the condition. 

 


Tags: svhc,   SVMC,   
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Fish and Wildlife Department: Take Down Birdfeeders, Secure Food from Bears

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens and is urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer.
 
"Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit," said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Bear Biologist.  "You need to act now to head off bear conflicts over the spring and summer, even if you have never had a bear visit your property before."
 
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.  Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont's healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations.  Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont's bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years.
 
Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring.  In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March.  This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of "bear-aware season" in northern New England.
 
"Preventing bears from having access to human-related foods is key to successful coexistence with these long-lived and intelligent animals," said Comeau. "Bears can be found in every corner of Vermont other than the Champlain islands.  Put bluntly, most Vermonters live in bear country."
 
The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears: 
 
  • Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.
  • Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not enough.  
  • Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country. 
  • Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe. 
  • Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler. 
  • Feed your pets indoors. 
  • Never feed bears, it is illegal.
 
"Deep snow may delay some bears from emerging from winter dens until April, but mid-March is the time for Vermonters to prepare for the early risers by taking down our birdfeeders, making sure garbage is secure, and protecting backyard chickens and bees with an electric fence," said Comeau.  "This will help teach bears that our yards and neighborhoods are not good places to search for food, but it will only work if everyone does their part."  Taking these precautions will also help reduce the chance of attracting other wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks and rodents.
View Full Story

More Vermont Stories

Sports
image description

Hoosac Valley Wins Back-To-Back State Crowns

Sports
Sports
image description

Dupuis, Fillio Earn Individual State Titles

Sports
Sports
image description

Monument Mountain Wins Disputed State Bowling Title

Sports
Sports
image description

Mullen Repeats as Dual State Champion

Sports
Sports
image description

Monument Mountain Second at Western Mass Meet

Sports
Sports
image description

Greylock Locks Up Two State Titles

Sports
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?