La voz february 2016 english

F A R M L A B O R I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N

Voice of the Fields California

February 2016

FREE

Volume 26, Number 2

California Earned Income Tax Credit

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n 2016, California launched its first Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to benefit California’s working families and increase the accessibility of free tax preparation services. In an effort to increase awareness, CalEITC4ME launched an awareness campaign along with its website: www.caleitc4me.org.

What is CalEITC? CalEITC is a cash back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. It is available for the firsttime this tax season.

You may be eligible for CalEITC if you meet ALL of the following requirements: • You have an earned income that meets criteria (see chart below), • Your children, spouse, and yourself each have a social security number, • You do not use the “married/filing” space when filling your status, Number of Children

• You lived in California for more than half the tax year.

Review the chart below to see if you may be eligible and how much you may qualify for.

CalEITC Website CalEITC’s website provides invaluable information on tax services and tax return qualifications. At www. caleitc4me.org you can: sign up to receive tax updates via email, find out how much money you could be saving through EITC, easily locate the nearest tax preparer, learn important tax terminology, and much more.

Maximum Income

CalEITC

Navigating CalEITC’s Website: • To access the site in Spanish, click the “Spanish” tab in the upper right hand corner.

• To accesses the EITC Calculator, click “Earn It.” • To locate a free tax preparer near you, click “Get It.” • To learn important tax terminology, click “Resources” and then “Words to Know.”

All resources provided on www. caleitc4me.org will help ensure you have a successful tax season.

Federal EITC

None

$6,850

$214

$503

1

$9,880

$1,428

$3,359

2

$13,870

$2,358

$5,548

3 or more

$13,870

$2,653

$6,242

Information adapted from CalEITC4ME.org

Healthy Living

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gricultural work is one of the most labor intensive jobs, making it vital that you take care of your body and try to maintain maximum health. Listed below is information on current common diseases, how to identify these diseases, and how to stay healthy.

Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Insulin is an essential protein that maintains your blood’s sugar levels and keeps your body functioning properly.

When your body fails to produce and/ or properly absorb insulin, you are diagnosed with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is estimated that over 29 million people in the United State have some form of diabetes, which is around 9 percent of the population. There are two common types of diabetes, diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. Both types of diabetes are incurable, but can be regulated.

Diabetes Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys needed cells for insulin production. Type 1 diabetes is generally a result of genetics. Symptoms include, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue.

Individuals typically develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th year, and more commonly during their teenage years. According to the American Diabetes Association, out of all diabetes cases, only 5% are type 1 diabetes.

If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it is important that you eat a balanced diet and understand how physical activity impacts your health. If diagnosed with type 1 diabetes you will also need to work closely with a physician and regulate your insulin levels with medication.

Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 diabetes produces similar symptoms as type 1 diabetes and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not respond to insulin. In the United States, 90% of diabetes cases are type 2. People of Hispanic and Latino origin are at a

higher risk than other ethnic groups for developing type 2 diabetes, but the risk is dependent on other factors as well.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, older age, and race can all play a risk factor in developing type 2 diabetes.

Overweight and obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a healthy body weight. People with a lot of visceral fat, also known as central obesity, belly fat, or abdominal obesity, are especially at risk. Being overweight/ obese causes the body to release chemicals that can destabilize the body’s cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

On page 5 you can find additional information on healthy dieting and exercising habits, which can help reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it is important to keep an eye on your weight, eyesight, kidney function, and circulation. Having type 2 diabetes can increase your risk for other health conditions such as poor circulation, kidney disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood circulating through your body. It is often related to the force and rate of your heartbeat. If you have a too low or too high blood pressure you may face further health risks in the future.

Although low blood pressure is typically not considered a health risk, it is important to notify your doctor

pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle Normal less than 120 and less than 80 contracts.

Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89 The bottom High Blood Pressure 140-159 or 90-99 number, comStage 1 monly referred to as the “diaHigh Blood Pressure 160 or higher or 100 or higher Stage 2 stolic” number, measures the Hypertensive Crisis higher than 180 or higher than 110 pressure in the “Mm HG” stands for the measurement of milimetters of mercury. arteries between heartbeats. The chart above provides a if you experience chronic dizziness, general overview of low to high blood fainting, dehydration, blurred vision, pressure ranges. nausea and fatigue.

If your blood pressure is high, it can Cholesterol Levels have a negative impact on your body.

What is cholesterol?

High blood pressure puts an extra strain Cholesterol is a substance within on your arteries and heart. Arteries are your body that helps you digest fat the muscular walled tubes that circulate and is vital for neurological functions. blood from your heart to all parts of Although your body needs cholesterol your body. Over time, strain on your to function, too much can rearteries may cause them to become narsult in fatty build up in your rower and less efficient. If your arteries arteries. There are two types become too narrow, it is more likely for of cholesterol: them to become clogged, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.

• High-density lipoprotein While less likely, a clogged artery can (HDL) is considered eventually result in the artery bursting. good cholesterol that There are various ways you can reduce helps keep your arteries blood pressure risks, including healthy clear and prevent heart eating and dieting. disease.

• Low-density lipoprotein What is normal (LDL) is considered blood pressure? bad cholesterol that may Blood pressure is normally recorded build up in your arteries as two numbers written as a ratio. The making you more susceptop number, commonly referred to as tible to blood clots, heart the “systolic” number, is the higher of attack, and stroke. the two numbers and measures the Blood Pressure Category

Systolic mm Hg (upper number)

Diastolic mm Hg (lower number)

Having too high of cholesterol levels is bad for your health. High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors of heart disease and heart attack.

If you smoke, have high blood pressure, or diabetes, your risk for heart problems increase even more.

Typically, there are no symptoms of having high cholesterol, which is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly by your health care provider. Gender, age, genetics, and diet can all impact your cholesterol level.

Men have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. For many men, the risk of high cholesterol starts in their 20’s and increases with age. Activity and body weight also affect cholesterol levels. According to physicians, everyone over 20 should get a cholesterol test at least once every 5 years.

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Healthy Living Continued from previous page

To keep your cholesterol levels low, it is important to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. High fiber foods, such as beans and nuts, can also help decrease bad LDL cholesterol levels. Healthy protein, such as fish and leaner cuts of red meat should also be preferred. If your cholesterol levels do not drop through healthy dieting and exercise, your doctor may further prescribe you medication.

Heart Health Heart Disease

Heart disease is a term used to describe numerous conditions that affect your heart. It is when one or more of your coronary arteries is narrowed, causing a range from minimal to complete blockage of blood supply to the heart muscle. When complete blockage occurs, it is called a heart attack.

How to prevent heart disease: • Eat healthy and exercise, • Keep you body weight in a healthy range, • Stop smoking and eliminate secondhand smoke intake, • Maintain a healthy cholesterol and blood pressure range, • Drink alcohol in moderation, • Manage your stress levels through meditation, stretching, or other calming activities.

Heart Attacks A heart attacks occurs when the blood flow to part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. Blood clots may oc-

cur when buildup narrows the arteries, blocking oxygen and blood flow. Heart attacks occur more frequently in people who are overweight, diabetic or have high blood pressure.

Symptoms of a heart attack include the following: • Rapid or irregular heartbeats • Discomfort or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone • Fullness, indigestion, or a choking like feeling • Sweating and dizziness • Nausea and vomiting • Extreme weakness • Anxiety or loss of breath It is important to note that a heart attack may occur without any of the former symptoms being present. At the first sign of a heart attack, call 911 for emergency assistance rather than drive the person to the hospital. It is imperative to treat a heart attack within one to two hours of the first onset of symptoms – waiting longer can increase heart damage. Often times individuals are unsure if they are having a heart attack and stall seeking medical attention. If you have the slightest inclination that you are having a heart attack it is important you receive proper treatment as soon as possible.

If you are having a heart attack you should sit or lie down and stay calm. If you are not allergic to aspirin, it is recommended that you chew a baby aspirin rather than swallow it whole in order to digest it quicker. If you are a bystander to someone having a heart attack and they

stop breathing, you or someone qualified should preform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

CPR is a lifesaving technique that is used when someone has stopped breathing or their heart has stopped beating.

It helps individuals regain their breathing and or heart beat. If no one around the heart attack victim is certified, you may call 911 and have them guide you through the CPR processes. Beginning CPR early when someone has stopped breathing can help increase his or her chance of survival.

Voice of the Fields

California Circulation: 45,000 copies

www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916.388.2220 Fax 916.388.2425 This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

The opinions expressed in this product are exclusive of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/ or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a fullservice strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, public affairs services, and expertise into the growing Latino market.

Healthy Dieting and Exercise

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healthy lifestyle encompasses many choices including diet, hydration, and exercise.

Diet

Healthy eating is all about balance.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, a healthy eating plan is as follows: • Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products • Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts • Low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars • Is within your body’s calorie needs Unless your doctor advices otherwise, you can enjoy your favorite foods, even if they are deemed unhealthy, as long as you only eat them occasionally and balance them out with healthier foods and physical activity.

Sodium Intake Sodium intake, also know as “salt” intake, has increased dramatically in America’s diet as processed foods have become more commonly consumed.

According to health officials, 90% of Americans consume too much sodium.

The average daily sodium intake for Americans is 3,400 milligrams per day, when consumption should be limited to an upper safe limit of 2,300 milligrams a day. An excessive amount of sodium raises blood pressure and the chances of diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

You can reduce your sodium intake by

following the listed: • Limiting processed food intake, • Skip adding extra salt to meals, • Replace salt with other spices such as garlic, • Choose frozen and fresh vegetables over canned vegetables, • When using canned vegetables, drain and rinse the food well to remove as much sodium as possible.

Portion Control

The United States is known for its super size portions and overeating, which poses potential health risks. The amount you eat every day is dependent on a few things such as, age, height, gender, activity levels, and your weight objective. To get a better idea on how many calories you should be consuming a day it is important to speak with your doctor or a dietitian.

Some general tips to avoid over eating: • Eat slowly: It takes 12-20 minutes for your stomach to signal to your brain that you are no longer hungry.

• Be aware: Be conscious of what you are eating rather than blindly eating while watching TV or sitting in front of the computer.

• Chew: Fully chewing your food can help you feel more full quicker.

• Spice things up: Using spices in your food can help fulfill cravings, just make sure to avoid using too much salt.

• Hydrate: Drinking water can help curve cravings and keep your stomach feeling fuller.

Some general tips when eating un-

healthy food: • Still enjoy them but eat them less often.

• When you do have them, have smaller portion servings.

• Try eating something healthier beforehand, that way you don’t over indulge.

Water Staying hydrated plays an extremely important roll when leading a healthy lifestyle. Staying hydrated not only helps your body’s essential functions, it also keeps your skin looking healthy and can help you lose weight.

A general rule of thumb for adults is to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day, but this may vary based on your size and physical activity. You should try and drink between half an ounce to an ounce of water for each pound you weigh (if you weigh 200 pounds you should try and drink 100-200 ounces of water). Depending on the climate and exercise you will want to drink on the lower or higher side.

Tips for staying hydrated: • Keep water with you throughout the day.

• If you don’t like drinking water, try adding fruit such as lemon juice or cucumbers.

• Hydrate before and after working out.

• When you are hungry try drinking water, as you body often confuses feeling thirsty for feeling hungry.

• Try drinking a glass of water before every meal.

• Order water when you go to a restaurant.

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Diet & Exercise Continued from prvious page

• Make sure to drink water right when you wake up in the morning, since your body has been deprived of fluids over night. Also try to drink a glass of water before having a cup of coffee in the morning, since the caffeine in the coffee can contribute to further dehydration.

Exercise With computers, smartphones, and other modern technology, our lifestyles have become more sedentary. Although working in agriculture often requires physical activity, it is important to keep moving and try to get cardio exercise throughout the week. Cardio exercise is exercise that elevates your heart rate.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the average healthy adult does 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise 3 to 5 times a week, plus strengthening activities at least two days per week. If you have any health problems, it is important to consult your doctor before conducting any strenuous activities.

Zika Virus What is Zika Virus?

The Zika Virus is a virus spread through mosquitos and is in the same family as yellow fever, West Nile and dengue fever, but there is no medication to prevent or treat those infected with Zika.

Although health officials have known about the virus for at least 70 years, it has not gained much attention until recently. Over the past months Zika outbreaks have spread across South and Central America, making individuals ill and causing birth defects.

In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of pregnant women giving birth to babies with unusually small heads and brain damage. In response to the impact the virus is having on babies, the CDC has issued a travel warning for pregnant women traveling to impacted areas (see map above).

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

The virus usually causes mild symptoms, if any at all, lasting from several days to a week.

People who get sick generally recover within seven days. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat the Zika infection, but you may treat symptoms by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and take fever-relieving drugs. Do NOT take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue can be ruled out.

How is the virus transmitted?

Although the virus is typically transmitted through mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through sex. Health officials have recommend that men returning from infected regions use condoms for 28 days to be safe they do not infect their partner. The CDC also advised pregnant women who have a male partner that has spent time in an infected region to abstain from sex or use condoms during their pregnancy.

Agricultural Jobs available to U.S. workers under H-2A contract

You may apply for these jobs by phone or in person at your nearest Employment Development Department (EDD) field office CalJOBS Number

Job Title

Pay Rate

Contract Dates

Positions

City of Job

Employer’s County

14699511

Farmworkers Strawberry, Lettuce, Cauliflower FarmworkersStrawberry

$11.89 Hr.

4/15/16 - 11/5/16

175

Salinas

Monterey

America’sJob Center of California (AJCC)

Salinas AJCC ( 831) 796-3601 14697395 $11.89 Hr. 4/11/16 - 6/10/16 131 Santa Paula, Oxnard, Ventura Oxnard AJCC ( Camarillo, Ventura 805) 204-5100 14674288 Farmworkers Onion $11.89 Hr. 4/15/16 - 6/01/16 144 Holtville Imperial El Centro AJCC (760) 337-5000 14682795 Farmworkers Iceberg $11.89 Hr. 4/04/16 - 11/01/16 55 Santa Maria,Lompac, San Luis Obispo & Santa Maria AJCC Lettuce Oceano Santa Barbara (805) 614-1550 13898523 Farmworkers Sheepherder $1777.98 Mo. on-going 206 California and California and Selected AJCCs Western States Western States WSB Offices The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A employers must demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified U.S. workers before employers are allowed to bring in foreign workers under the program.