Griffin Health cooking demo in Oxford to feature adaptive equipment uses

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road will host a cooking demonstration for individuals who have difficulty cooking due to health conditions such as arthritis and various auto-immune diseases.

Griffin Health Occupational Therapist Jenna Reno and Executive Chef Todd Concilio will lead Adaptive Equipment Uses in the Kitchen April 28 from 5-6:15 p.m. 

This interactive cooking workshop will guide participants through making a fresh and delicious pasta salad while demonstrating adaptive equipment and practical techniques that make cooking safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

Participants will learn how to use tools such as jar openers, rocker knives, non-slip cutting boards, easy-grip utensils, and other adaptive kitchen devices that help reduce strain on the hands, wrists, and shoulders. 

The demonstration will help attendees build confidence and independence in the kitchen by breaking down each step of the recipe into manageable tasks.

This event is ideal for older adults experiencing arthritis, decreased strength, limited mobility, or coordination challenges, as well as anyone interested in learning new strategies for safer meal preparation. 

Additionally, there will be valuable tips on energy conservation, joint protection, and kitchen setup to support everyday cooking at home.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/adaptive-equipment or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin, Agency on Aging to offer presentations for Valley seniors

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut will host an interactive program designed this April to help Valley seniors get ready for spring activities and preserve their independence.

Caregivers from Griffin Health’s Physical Medicine will lead Body Mechanics and Adaptive Equipment, a free presentation on how to prevent injury while raking, shoveling and gardening, and discussion about how supportive/adaptive equipment can help seniors maintain independence. 

Griffin Health caregivers will also offer free blood pressure screenings and consultation. 

The presentations are scheduled for April 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Ansonia Senior Center, April 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Seymour Senior Center, April 9 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Oxford Senior Center, April 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Shelton Senior Center, and April 23 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. 

To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492; Oxford Senior Center: 203-881-5231; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; and Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324).

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

MDA ambassador from Waterbury seeking help to win adaptive bike

Dakota Fortier, 2016 Goodwill Ambassador

WATERBURY - Resident Cheryle Elliott is seeking support from the community so her son Dakota Fortier can participate in The Great Bike Giveaway. Dakota is an MDA Connecticut Goodwill Ambassador.

The prize is a Duet Tandem Wheelchair bicycle. The giveaway was started by Friendship Circle of Michigan, an organization that supports individuals with special needs. 
According to The Great Bike Giveaway Facebook page, The Giveaway is a national contest that gives away hundreds of adaptive bikes to children with special needs. Monetary donations are sought so that 600 children receive bikes. 

According to the Facebook page as of Friday afternoon 84 bikes had been funded through donations.

Elliott said Dakota, 11, needs more than 100 votes by March 30.
I voted for him, and I urge you to do the same. It only takes a few seconds! 
To support Dakota, click here: https://www.friendshipcircle.org/bikes/2016/02/dakota-f-2.The 

I met Dakota at a Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut Lock-up in January at The Original Antonio's restaurant in downtown Ansonia. He uses a wheelchair and cannot speak, yet he has a smile that lights up a room.

Elliott said Dakota loves the outdoors and having the adaptive bike would be great when the family goes hiking. Bike raises funds to awardThe Great Bike Giveaway raises funds to award adaptive bikes to kids with special needs, so they too can experience the joy and inde