Showing posts with label heart health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart health. Show all posts

Monday, August 17, 2026

Cardiologist joins Griffin Faculty Physicians in Derby


Griffin Faculty Physicians is pleased to welcome João Fontes, MD, MPH, an exceptionally skilled and experienced cardiologist, to its multi-specialty medical group.
Dr. Fontes joins Griffin Faculty Physicians Cardiology after leading the Lenox Hill Hospital Department of Cardiovascular Medicine in New York City as Director of Inpatient Cardiology Services and Director of Innovation and Technology. He also served as staff cardiologist at Montefiore Medical Center and was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

With an extensive background in caring for patients for a wide range of heart conditions using advanced diagnostic technologies, Dr. Fontes also specializes in compassionate, personalized support.
“I care for adults at all stages of heart health, whether it's prevention, breathing problems, valve disease, or managing things like a past heart attack,” Dr. Fontes said. “Today, we use leading-edge technology like AI, specialized blood tests, and advanced imaging to move beyond just treating heart disease. We are predicting it. We catch conditions earlier, and we treat them more precisely. That means our patients can live longer, more active lives.
“These innovations don't replace the need for human touch. My approach always starts with listening to your story. I want to get to know you, answer your questions, and help you feel more at ease. I believe health isn't just the absence of disease. It's about being happy, independent, and active.”
Dr. Fontes received his medical degrees at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and Harvard University School of Public Health.
He completed an internal medicine residency and fellowships in Cardiology and Heart Failure at Boston University School of Medicine. A prolific researcher, he has been published in 40 peer-reviewed articles. He is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Dr. Fontes will also serve as Griffin Hospital Chair of Medicine.
Dr. Fontes is currently seeing patients at the Griffin Faculty Physicians Cardiology office at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Floor 1, East Wing, Derby. For more information or to make an appointment, call 203-732-1257.

Griffin Faculty Practice provides patient-centered, personalized care with primary care locations in Ansonia, Naugatuck, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury and Oxford. In addition, the practice provides specialized care in allergy/immunology, urology, rheumatology, OB-GYN, cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, breast surgery, general surgery, and endocrinology. 
For more information, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

Monday, January 19, 2026

Griffin, Agency on Aging to host heart-health bingo for seniors in February


Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut will host fun and educational programs on heart health for Valley seniors this February.

Griffin Health Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Richard Le Pera, MPH, CCRP, will lead Boost Your Heart Health, a free discussion of the basics of heart health followed by games of heart-healthy bingo. 

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

The presentations are scheduled for Feb. 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Feb. 5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Feb. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Feb. 26 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; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).


This is a press release from Griffin Health.


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free heart health workshops


DERBY - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will offer free workshops to help individuals manage heart conditions this February.

The Heart Health Workshop is a free, three-week workshop that provides health education on heart disease with an emphasis on the management of hypertension and elevated cholesterol.

There will be a workshop session on Thursdays Feb. 5, 12, and 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. and another on Thursdays Feb. 26 and March 5 and 12 from 4-5:30 p.m. at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.


Based on guidelines by the American Heart Association, this program educates and empowers individuals to care for their hearts through nutrition, exercise, body composition, and stress reduction education. 

Weekly speakers include a certified diabetes care and education specialist.


To register or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/heart-health-workshop or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This free heart health program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its community through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and in promoting overall wellness. 

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.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold free heart health workshop

DERBY - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will offer a free workshop to help individuals manage heart conditions starting Oct.16.

The Heart Health Workshop is a free, three-week workshop that provides health education on heart disease with an emphasis on the management of hypertension and elevated cholesterol.

The workshop will be held on Thursdays Oct. 16, 23, and 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Griffin Hospital.
Based on guidelines by the American Heart Association, this program educates and empowers individuals to care for their hearts through nutrition, exercise, body composition, and stress reduction education. 

Weekly speakers include a certified diabetes care and education specialist.

To register or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/heart-health-workshop or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This free heart health program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its community through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and in promoting overall wellness. 

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.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

 


Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host workshop on heart health


DERBY - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will offer a free workshop to help individuals manage heart conditions starting Aug. 7.

The Heart Health Workshop is a free, three-week workshop that provides health education on heart disease with an emphasis on the management of hypertension and elevated cholesterol.

The workshop will be held on Wednesdays Aug. 7-21 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Griffin Hospital.

Based on guidelines by the American Heart Association, this program educates and empowers individuals to care for their hearts through nutrition, exercise, body composition, and stress reduction education. 

Weekly speakers include a certified diabetes care and education specialist.


To register or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/heart-health-workshop or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center study to examine eggs as part of DASH Diet



DERBY – The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital has recently received funding for a study to examine how adding two daily eggs to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan will affect diet quality and heart health.


The DASH eating plan features fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products. It is recommended by the American Heart Association for people at risk for cardiovascular disease.


The study team plans to enroll 45 adults with high blood cholesterol, including men 18 years or older and post-menopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy. Study participants will receive monetary compensation along with nutrition guidance to follow the DASH diet for 28 weeks and a supply of eggs to eat daily during eight of those weeks. 

The study team will examine the effects of adding eggs to the DASH eating plan on their diet quality, blood vessel function, blood lipid and glucose levels, and other measures of cardiovascular health.


This study is funded by the Egg Nutrition Center, the science and nutrition education division of the American Egg Board that sponsors health-related scientific research that is primarily focused on eggs.


For more information, please call Rocky at 203-732-1125.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.



Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center in Derby seeks adults for study



Help Us Crack the Health Benefits of Eggs

DERBY - The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital is looking for adults to join a study comparing how the DASH diet, with or without eggs, affects heart health. 

The DASH diet features fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products. It’s recommended by the American Heart Association for people at risk for cardiovascular disease.

You could qualify for the study if you:
• Are 18 years or older
• If a woman, must not currently be on hormone replacement therapy
• Have high blood cholesterol, but are not on any medication to control it

Volunteer roles during the study:
• Follow the DASH diet for 28 weeks
• During 8 of these weeks, you will also eat 2 eggs per day
• Visit Griffin Hospital in Derby 5 times for study assessments

Benefits of being in this study:
• Free nutrition guidance to follow the DASH diet
• Free 8-week supply of eggs
• Free bloodwork and blood vessel ultrasound tests
• Results provided to you upon request
• $600 payment over the course of the study

For more information, please call Rocky at 203-732-1125.


This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.


Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers healthy living courses

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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.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Support group at Griffin Hospital in Derby to discuss diabetes, heart health



Griffin Hospital to host presentations on how diabetes self-management can improve heart health./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about how diabetes self-management can improve heart health March 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

Since February was heart month and diabetes is closely linked with heart disease, Griffin’s Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead an open discussion on “Being Heart Smart.” 
Everything people diagnosed with diabetes do to manage their diabetes helps reduce cardiac risk factors, so the presentation will discuss steps to better manage diabetes as well as being more heart healthy. 
There also will be discussion of medications for diabetes that also have cardiovascular benefits.

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Room 1.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.
No registration is required. 

The hospital is at 130 Division St. For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.