Category: Quality Of Life

Bird page

Bird enthusiasts can now delve into the world of local avian life through New Hampshire Audubon’s new interactive website dedicated to New Hampshire’s birds. This comprehensive portal, accessible within the New Hampshire Audubon website, provides an in-depth look at the current status of birds in New Hampshire, the challenges they encounter and the actions that can be taken for their conservation. The site allows users to explore information sorted by breeding habitats and species groups, including waterfowl, birds of prey, shorebirds, aerial insectivores and ocean birds. It also offers insights into migration cycles and a resources page filled with bird conservation-related links. Visit stateofthebirds.nhaudubon.org.

QOL score: +1

Comment:“Why pay attention to birds?” the website asks and answers: “New Hampshire’s birds are an integral part of our ecosystem. They can tell us about our environment, and what the birds are telling us may be important, not only to their survival but to ours.”

Jobs!

In a CommercialSearch study, Manchester-Nashua, New Hampshire, was recognized among the top 30 metro areas for career advancement, placing 10th with 56 points. The metrics spotlighting New Hampshire included the second-lowest unemployment rate at 2.3 percent, the fourth-best student-to-teacher ratio with 11 students per faculty, and the fourth-highest job mobility for high-skill workers at 3.9 percent. Additionally, Manchester noted a 7.5 percent growth in the percentage of high qualified jobs, adding 2,120 such positions in one year. The study, aimed at identifying metros with the best career development opportunities, evaluated factors like education and labor market conditions.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Manchester-Nashua was the only metro area from the Northeast that ranked in the top 10 for career development, representing the region amidst a list otherwise dominated by Western metros.

Helping out

The New Hampshire Bankers Association completed its third annual #NHBanksGiveBack month of service in October. According to a press release, the event saw participation from 27 member banks, which engaged in community service activities and financial contributions. This year’s efforts amounted to more than 3,186 volunteer hours across 382 events, with a total of $504,900 in monetary donations. The activities included shred events, food and clothing donations, soup kitchen work, and financial literacy outreach, among others.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “In just three short years, the volunteer efforts of our member banks have contributed more than $1.3 million in financial support to our state and communities, backed by over 5,000 volunteer hours spread out over more than 800 charitable events,” Kristy Merrill, President of New Hampshire Bankers, said in the release.

QOL score: 84

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 87

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Oh no, weather!

As you travel around the area for the Thanksgiving long weekend, WMUR was, as of the morning of Nov. 20, predicting a wintery mix and rain for Tuesday evening and into Wednesday. This weather pattern was expected to impact travel plans Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, particularly in central and northern New Hampshire, according to the reports. Travelers were advised to stay alert to changing weather patterns, with some areas possibly receiving several inches of snow before the transition to rain.

QOL score: -1

Comment: It’s November — messy weather is to be expected, though one of the busier travel/running around to find heavy cream days is not the greatest timing. Luckily, the storm was anticipated to clear by Wednesday evening, paving the way for a dry and cool Thanksgiving Day, WMUR reported

Oh no, kittens!

As you travel around the area for the Thanksgiving long weekend, beware stray kittens. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has identified rabies in two stray kittens from North Conway, prompting a warning for residents to avoid contact with stray, feral or wild animals. According to a press release, the first infected kitten was brought to the Conway Area Humane Society and tested positive for rabies on Nov. 13, after showing symptoms on Nov. 11. A second kitten tested positive on Nov. 16, leading to an ongoing investigation to identify potentially exposed individuals. DHHS advises those who suspect exposure to seek medical attention.

QOL score: -2

Comment: “Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in the release. “Rabies typically circulates in wild animals, and every year, 20 to 30 animals test positive for rabies in New Hampshire. The best way to prevent exposure is to avoid direct contact with stray, feral, or wild animals. If a person is exposed to a sick animal, they may need the rabies vaccine and protective antibodies to prevent disease.”

Oh no, ice cream!

As you travel around the area for the Thanksgiving long weekend, make sure to check your ice cream. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a consumer advisory regarding a recall of Wilcox Ice Cream products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was initiated after the bacteria were detected in a sample, according to a press release. The affected products, with “best by” dates of 9/13/24, 9/14/24 and 9/15/24, are sold at various New England food establishments, including Hanover Co-Op Food Store, Lebanon Co-Op Food Store and Monadnock Food Co-Op. Consumers are urged to stop consuming the product immediately and either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

QOL score: -1

Comment: While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and more severe neurological symptoms. Treatment is available with antibiotics, and anyone who believes they may have been affected should seek medical advice.

QOL score: 88
Net change: -4
QOL this week: 84

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Lung health

The 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report by the American Lung Association highlights New Hampshire’s notable performance in managing lung cancer. The state ranks 5th nationally in surgical treatment rates for lung cancer and 9th in survival, with a 28.9 percent survival rate, surpassing the national average of 26.6 percent. In early diagnosis, New Hampshire is 10th in the nation with 28.4 percent of cases diagnosed early, compared to the national average of 26.6 percent. The state also ranks 14th in lung cancer screening, with a 7 percent screening rate, significantly higher than the national rate of 4.5 percent.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the state and nationally, and New Hampshire ranks 36th for the rate of new lung cancer cases, with 61 cases per 100,000 people.

Mental health

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire has announced an initiative to improve access to behavioral health care by reducing member copays for both in-person and virtual behavioral health visits, effective Jan. 1, 2024. According to a press release, these reduced copays will be equal to or lower than those for primary care visits. The company has also expanded its network with new providers who offer bundled services at a single monthly copay, instead of billing separately, making multiple or concurrent treatments more accessible and affordable for members. The reduced copay initiative applies to all of Anthem’s health plans in the fully insured large group, small group and individual markets in New Hampshire, and is also offered to self-funded plans.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health and high cost shares should not be a barrier to getting on the path to recovery and good health,” Maria Proulx, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire, said in the release.

Beware the scams

Eversource is alerting customers to be wary of scammers during the holiday season, when scam activities often rise. Scammers, posing as Eversource representatives, are using advanced tactics to extort money and personal information through threatening calls, emails, and fake websites. Eversource emphasizes that its representatives never demand payment through prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin ATMs or by arranging meetings at stores, and they do not solicit for third-party energy suppliers. Customers should verify any suspicious Eversource representative, as legitimate employees have photo IDs and wear company-branded clothing. Disconnection notices are always sent in writing. If uncertain about the legitimacy of a call or visit, customers should contact Eversource directly, using contact information available on their bills.

QOL score: -2

Comment: For additional safety tips, customers can visit the Utilities United Against Scams website at utilitiesunited.org.

QOL score: 88
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 88

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Paying the bills

Doxo’s latest report, featured on CNBC and titled “Which Largest U.S. Cities are Most Expensive for Household Bills in 2023?,” found that the average household in Manchester spends $2,276 monthly, or $27,306 annually, on the 10 most common household bills — an amount that is 11.2 percent higher than the national average of $2,046. The report, which includes cost of living data for more than 4,000 U.S. cities, reveals that Manchester households allocate 44 percent of their annual income, which averages $62,415, to these bills.

QOL score: -2

Comment: Looking statewide, Manchester places as the No. 13 most expensive city in New Hampshire; Bedford takes the No. 1 spot.

Housing shortage

New Hampshire faces a severe housing shortage, NH Business Review reported, ranking fourth in the nation according to Up for Growth’s report, which highlights the state’s critical need for both owned and rental properties. The report cites a requirement for 31,000 housing units in New Hampshire, significantly higher than local estimates. This issue is exacerbated by restrictive zoning and construction challenges, as detailed in the Zoning Atlas by the Center for Ethics in Society at Saint Anselm College and other state agencies. The Atlas reveals the extensive limitations in New Hampshire’s zoning regulations, impacting the development of affordable workforce housing.

QOL score: -2

Comment: This housing crisis is further underscored by data from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, showing a drastic decline in housing affordability, with the state’s median household income now only 59 percent of what’s needed to afford a median-priced home.

A smooth election day?

For the Nov. 7 election, which had just begun at press time, the City of Manchester implemented several initiatives to encourage voter participation. According to a press release, electronic voter checklists, successfully trialed during the September municipal primary, were used in all city wards to streamline the voting process, reducing check-in times to an average of 13 seconds per voter. Additionally, the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) offered free rides to and from the polls on local fixed bus routes. To use the free service, residents informed bus drivers that they were commuting to or from the polls, a benefit exclusive to local routes and not applicable to intercity buses.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Similar free Election Day transit services were also provided in neighboring communities such as Dover, Rochester and Portsmouth through the COAST public transit system.

QOL score: 91
Net change: -3
QOL this week: 88

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Volunteer spirit

Seventy volunteers and nonprofits were honored at Volunteer NH’s 20th Spirit of NH Awards in Concord for their exceptional community service, according to a press release. Hosted by WMUR’s Sean McDonald and Erin Fehlau and streamed by ConcordTV, the ceremony recognized individuals and groups in various categories. Notable awardees included Sophia Day from Girl Scouts, Dana Hedrick from the Animal Rescue League, and the Concord Hospital End of Life Volunteer Program. Special mentions included Justin Vanasse, who received the Spirit of NH Award for resource work at Southern New Hampshire University, Doug Moorhead with a Lifetime Achievement Award for 30 years of service to Special Olympics, and Kari Karwedsky, the People’s Choice Award recipient for her work with FIRST Robotics. Volunteer NH, based in Concord, champions community-building through volunteerism in New Hampshire.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” said Gretchen Stallings, Executive Director of Volunteer NH, in the release.

Future teachers

Bedford Academy is joining forces with Southern New Hampshire University to offer its students an enhanced educational experience and pave the way for future educators, according to a press release. Aspiring teachers from SNHU will join Bedford Academy’s classrooms, acquiring hands-on experience. This partnership give teacher candidates a chance to develop their skills in a real-world setting.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Bedford Academy, a private STEAM-inspired elementary school.

Safe walking

In observance of October’s Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month, a study by Bumper highlighted the rise in pedestrian fatalities across the U.S. However, New Hampshire stands out, reporting the lowest death rate of the 50 states with 0.58 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population in 2021, making it the safest state for pedestrians in the country. Additionally, the Granite State has seen a reduction in fatalities over recent years, from 10 in 2019 to 8 in 2021, marking a 39.58 percent decline.

QOL score: 0 (because while NH is in a good position comparatively, any pedestrian death or injury is too much)

Comment: Experts emphasized a few key precautions to prevent pedestrian accidents: pedestrians should use crosswalks, don reflective gear at night, and avoid distractions like texting. Drivers, especially those in SUVs, should yield to walkers, obey speed limits, and avoid alcohol and device distractions.

Clock o’clock

Sunday, Nov. 5, marks the end of daylight saving time. We all officially “fall back” at 2 a.m.

QOL score: –2

Comments: Because “yay” for the extra hour of sleep on Sunday but “boo” for having to remember how to access the clocks on your non-smart appliances, for the general approaching-winter post-work-day darkness and for changing clocks twice a year at all.

QOL score: 91
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 91

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Increased fatalities for motorcyclists

In 2023, New Hampshire experienced its highest number of motorcycle-related deaths in almost two decades. Since Jan. 1, the state has recorded 39 fatalities: 35 motorcycle operators, three passengers and one moped operator. A breakdown of these figures indicates 31 victims were men and eight were women, with 31 of the deceased being New Hampshire residents. Historical data from the Division of Motor Vehicles’ Fatal Crash Unit shows that on average 22 riders typically die in crashes each year, with the last peak in fatalities occurring in 2005 with 43 deaths. Geographical data reveals Rockingham County had the highest count with 11 deadly crashes, followed by Hillsborough with six, and both Merrimack and Grafton counties with five each.

QOL score: -3

Comment: The New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization has since emphasized the importance of responsible riding practices. Traci Beaurivage, president of the NHMRO, has urged riders to embrace the “RideSMART” philosophy, emphasizing safety, awareness and informed decision-making on the road.

Otherwise … safe in NH

WalletHub recently published its 2023 report on the Safest States in America, which ranked New Hampshire as the third safest state. The ranking was based on 52 key metrics, from assaults per capita to climate disaster losses per capita. In the report, New Hampshire notably ranked third-safest when it came to murders and non-negligent manslaughters per capita, second-safest in assaults per capita, seventh-safest when it comes to loss amounts from climate disasters per capita, 16th-safest in fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 full-time workers and fourth-safest in fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (despite the above, perhaps).

QOL score: +1

Comment: All six New England states made the top 10, with Vermont securing the top spot.

Job help

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), a part of Dartmouth Health, was honored for its role in the Project SEARCH program, an internship initiative that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities develop job-related skills, according to a press release. Since 2011, DHMC has hosted the program, recently gaining recognition for achieving a 100 percent job placement rate for its 2021-2022 interns. The acknowledgment came during Project SEARCH’s 16th Annual Conference in Milwaukee. Interns at DHMC undergo intensive training through three 10-week internships within the hospital, alongside classroom learning. These internships foster technical and soft skills, preparing participants for a variety of job positions. Local institutions such as the Hartford, Vermont, school district, and New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation collaborate to administer the DHMC Project SEARCH program.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Starting from a single site at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996, Project SEARCH has expanded to more than 600 locations worldwide.

QOL score: 92
Net change: -1
QOL this week: 91

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].