Learn to manage chronic disease in workshop at Derby Senior Center

 

Griffin in Oxford to host 6-week diabetes self-management program

OXFORD - Living Healthy with Diabetes is a free, six-week diabetes self-management program that engages participants in learning and discussing clinical and lifestyle self-management behaviors to improve their health, blood sugars, emotional wellness, and quality of life. 

The program integrates trusted information from the National Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Curriculum to empower individuals diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to manage their health and well-being.

There will be a session on Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Health Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Road.

At weekly meetings, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants to manage their well-being with insightful education on healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, medication, glucose technology, health-related risk management, and coping with a chronic condition.

This free wellness program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improve community wellness through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease.

Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

Register at griffinhealth.org/living-healthy-with-diabetes or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information. 

Shared from a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers healthy living courses

To Register for all programs: Call Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

Eating Smart, Being Active: Weight Loss Toolkit (FREE)

Eating Smart, Being Active © Weight Loss Toolkit is an evidence-based healthy eating and active living curriculum for adults. Curriculum content is based on the latest research findings from the American Dietary Guidelines and was written by educators at Colorado State University. The lesson content emphasizes tools for sustained weight loss, such as creating individualized meal plans and viewing weight loss exercises. The program is designed to ensure participants learn what it means to lead a healthy life, including concepts like physical activity, food preparation, cooking & shopping skill development, and food safety. Nutrition education for chronic disease management is integrated into every class. Weight Loss Toolkit FREE 6 Class Course Jan. 31 – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar 7 Tues. 9:30 -11 a.m. In-Person Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby-Dining Room 1

Heart Health Workshop FREE 3 Class Course

Heart Health Workshop (FREE) Heart Health is a 3-week workshop that provides information on heart disease with an emphasis on the management of hypertension and elevated cholesterol. American Heart Association curriculum covers nutrition, exercise, body composition, and stress reduction education. Class meets once a week for 90 minutes. Weekly speakers include a Griffin registered nurse, exercise physiologist, nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Heart Health Workshop (FREE) February 2, 9, 16 Thursday Offering (2) Sessions 10-11:30 a.m. OR  4-5:30 p.m. Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby-Childbirth Center A That’s it—Learn to Quit – Smoking Cessation (FREE) That’s It—Learn to Quit is a 4-week behavioral change program designed to help any tobacco/nicotine user, including those who may be unsure about wanting to quit, to specifically address ambivalence about quitting. Participants will learn techniques and obtain resources on how to stop smoking. Facilitators assist participants in creating a quit plan and provide the necessary tools in managing smoking triggers. Educational materials, small group sessions and a supportive environment provides a welcoming space to learn the skills to help you quit smoking. Find comfort in coming together with like-minded individuals enduring their own attempts to quit; satisfaction ratings are over 98%. All ex-smokers also welcome if looking for support to stay quit. Smoking Cessation FREE 4 Class Course Feb. 8, 15, 22 Wed 7-8 p.m. Griffin Health Zoom Registration Call 203-732-1369 This information is shared from a Griffin Hospital newsletter.

Griffin Health to offer Wellness for Life program at Quarry Walk in Oxford

Griffin to offer 12-week Wellness for Life program in Oxford./ Contributed photo

OXFORD - Spring is right around the corner and Griffin Health is helping individuals get a fresh perspective on well-being with its Wellness for Life program.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity and emotional health.

Held at Griffin’s Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road, Wellness for Life will meet every Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m. from March 24 to June 9.

The program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy – it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. “This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, health coaching, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

Since its start in 2012, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high satisfaction scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Amanda Fowler at 203-732-1369 to register.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free talk on diabetes, fall risk

Griffin Hospital will host a discussion Feb. 11 on diabetes and fall risk./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free discussion on diabetes and fall risk at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the hospital.

Studies have shown that older adults diagnosed with diabetes have a higher risk of falling and fall more often. They are also more likely to suffer a serious injury from a fall, including a broken hip.

Lifeline Program Coordinator at Griffin Hospital Vanessa Shimer will talk about why individuals diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher fall risk and what they can do to help protect themselves from debilitating fall injuries.

No registration is required. 

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend. 

The support group is part of Griffin’s ongoing effort to transform health care by not only treating illness, but also helping people stay healthy. 

Griffin actively empowers individuals to play an active role in their health and well being by providing them with information, tools and support to prevent, or proactively manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression and stress.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers 8-week Wellness for Life program

Griffin Hospital is offering Wellness for Life program starting June 25./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals make this summer a sensational start to a healthier life with a special, condensed eight-week version of its popular Wellness for Life Program starting June 25.

Wellness for Life is an evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 

Meeting on Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m. until Aug. 13 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

According to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity, and emotional health.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy - it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. “This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, health coaching, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

Since its start in 2015, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high satisfaction scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org/wellnessforlife or call Program Director Eunice Lisk, 203-732-7107.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Learn health management in free workshop at Shelton Senior Center

Griffin Hospital will host a free Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop starting April 1 at the Shelton Senior Center./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting April 1 at the Shelton Senior Center to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshops will be held on Mondays April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 8 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.

To register or for more information, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program at 203-732-1523.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital to hold annual Gala at Quarry Walk in Oxford

DERBY - The 2018 Griffin Hospital Gala offers a unique look into the future along with lavish food, tantalizing auction items, and lively music and dancing from 6-11 p.m. Sept. 29 at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road, Oxford.

Held under a spacious tent at Oxford’s burgeoning new “Towne Center,” the Gala will feature one-of-a-kind décor highlighting the natural elements of fire, water, and stone. Guests will dine on exquisite and alluring cuisine by OnTheMarc Caters and enjoy the invigorating and eclectic sounds of La Blanc Entertainment to finish the evening. 

There will be a silent auction for guests to bid on exciting prizes, including vacations and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

The location of the Gala highlights the emerging Quarry Walk, an innovative multi-use development that brings together residential and retail properties, walking trails, and a community green and amphitheater that will serve as a center for activity in the growing town of Oxford. 

Quarry Walk will also be the site of an advanced medical office campus designed for Griffin’s vision of a “new generation of care,” focusing on preventative services, chronic disease management and care coordination to enhance the health and well-being of individuals that live and work in the region.

Proceeds from the Gala will help Griffin advance the development of this next-generation population health approach.

Alan Mathog, Chairman of the Breaking New Ground Capital Campaign that funded the development of Griffin’s Center for Cancer Care, will be honored with the 2018 Presidents Award at the Gala.

Tickets start at $185 per person. Black tie suggested.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista, 203-732-7384, or email lnista@griffinhealth.org, or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Learn to manage health conditions at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital will host a free Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop this summer./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop this summer to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshops will be held at the hospital, 130 Division St. Dates and times are being finalized.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.

For more information, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers disease management workshop

Griffin Hospital is hosting a Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting Dec. 6 to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshop will start from 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. 

Following sessions will be on Wednesdays Dec. 13, and 20 and Jan. 3, 10, and 17 at the Center for Cancer Care.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program at 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host workshop on living with chronic disease

Griffin Hospital will host a Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop in November./ Contributed photo  

DERBY- Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop in November to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshops will be held at the hospital, 130 Division St. 
Dates and times of the workshop are being finalized.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services' Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program at 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Raising awareness on 5-week birthday of new kidney

Five weeks ago today I received a kidney transplant, for which I will always be grateful. I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. 

I hope to meet the wonderful person who generously donated his or her healthy kidney to a stranger (i.e. me).

March is National Kidney Month, and in March, 2016 I posted 31 days of a PKD challenge to raise awareness of the disease that may not be that well known.

I want to continue raising awareness of the genetic disease that causes cysts to grow in the kidney, eventually leading to renal failure.

There are two types of PKD: autosomal dominant (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive (ARPKD). 

According to the PKD Foundation website, ADPKD is the more common type and affects more than 600,000 Americans and 12.4 million people worldwide. 
ARPKD is a rare form of the disease that occurs in 1 in 20,000 children worldwide.

The website says a typical kidney is the size of a human fist and weighs about a third of a pound. PKD kidneys can be much larger and weigh up to 30 pounds.

The disease is prevalent on my late father's side of the family. 
He suffered with PKD as did four of his five siblings. My two oldest cousins have passed from complications of the disease. 
After having an ultrasound in my 20s I learned I had cysts on my kidneys. 
My maiden name is McDonald, and I've dubbed PKD "the curse of the McDonalds," and I'll always think of it as that.

An older cousin had a transplant in 2001 and thankfully he is doing well, and we recently learned that a first cousin once removed had a successful transplant about 13 years ago. 
So that makes me the third recipient in our extended family. 

All I can say is organ donors are awesome. 

Learn chronic disease management at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital is hosting a Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop starting June 8./ Contributed photo

DERBY- Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting June 8 to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 8 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Learn chronic disease self-management at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital will host a free Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop from March 22-April 26./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting March 22 to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshop will be held from 3:30-6 p.m.Wednesdays starting March 22 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.