Griffin in Oxford to offer free diabetes prevention program

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a session of Living Healthy to Prevent Diabetes, its free diabetes prevention program this January to help empower individuals to lower their risk for the chronic health condition.

This six-week program helps individuals develop a structured lifestyle change program that can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and, with sustained behavior, continues to lower risk for years to follow. At weekly meetings, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants in learning about healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, coping skills, healthy lifestyle goal setting and stress management.

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.

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

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

 

Safe Kids Worldwide honors Griffin Health for child safety leadership

Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy, center, presents Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs Supervisor Cathi Kellett and Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award.

DERBY – Griffin Hospital was recently honored with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award at the Safe Kids Worldwide International Childhood Injury Prevention Convention (PrevCon) for its outstanding contributions toward preventing childhood injuries.

“Griffin Health is honored to be recognized by Safe Kids Worldwide, which has been an international leader advancing the health and wellbeing of children through its advocacy and programmatic support,” said Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu. “We are gratified by this award and the acknowledgement of the work being done by Griffin’s many caregivers to fulfill our commitment to provide education and services that advance the safety of all individuals in our community.”

The Safe Kids Champion for Children Award recognizes an individual, business, government agency, or organization that has made a significant impact in the field of child injury prevention.

The award was presented at the three-day gathering that convened more than 600 child health and safety professionals from around the world, including academic researchers, community activists, health care providers, manufacturers, public health and injury prevention practitioners, and policy makers.

More than 20 individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in the field.

“Griffin Hospital exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner, combining data, strategy, and compassion to make families safer,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We are honored to work with Griffin’s amazing team to advance our shared goal of reducing the risk of preventable injuries to kids.”

Located in Connecticut’s Greater Naugatuck Valley, Griffin Hospital implements evidence-based initiatives such as their Walking School Bus and safe sleep education programs to meet families where they are. Their ongoing commitment to innovation and outreach is improving health outcomes in the community.

“We're humbled to receive this recognition from the nation's largest injury prevention organization," said Cathi Kellett, Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs supervisor and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coalition coordinator. "As part of Griffin's person-centered care, we truly believe that empowering both children and adults with knowledge and tools in a learning-through-play approach helps keeps kids healthy and safe. Our commitment to our community is at the core of everything we do and we are so grateful that our community is so receptive and supportive.

PrevCon is one of the largest gatherings of individuals and organizations dedicated to childhood injury prevention. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable.

About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Derby Police warn citizens not to leave cars running unattended

 

Derby slates Medication Take Back Day April 22 at Bradley School

DERBY - The Derby Youth Service Bureau is partnering with the Derby Police Department and Naugatuck Valley Health District to hold a Medication Take Back Day April 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event will be held at Bradley School, 155 David Humphreys Road.

This community service initiative is in unison with the National Medication Take Back Day and is in response to the public health crisis concerning the growing number of overdose deaths in our country, which has doubled in recent years.

This effort is intended to take back un-wanted, un-used prescription drugs, which can make their way into the community and in the hands of young people. 

The inappropriate use of these drugs can lead to possible addiction and the desire to move toward a more dangerous illicit drug market. These illicit drugs, which are often tainted with fentanyl and other synthetic chemicals, are dangerous and have caused thousands of overdose deaths. Medication Take Back Day is one-step in helping to prevent these overdose tragedies.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services offers presentations

 

Griffin to offer free 1-on-1 phone calls with cervical cancer specialists

The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is offering free phone calls with cervical cancer specialists Jan. 18./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is offering free one-on-one phone calls with cervical cancer specialists by appointment from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 18.

Griffin’s cancer experts will help individuals gain a better understanding of their personal cervical cancer risk. 

Participants will benefit from trusted information to help them understand risk factors, explore lifestyle enhancements to lower risk, discuss screening options, and create a personal screening timeline. If needed, participants will be able to make an appointment for a cervical cancer test.

Appointment spaces are limited. Call 203-732-1260 to reserve your time to speak with a Griffin Health cancer expert or for more information.

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, which connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. 

Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

This preventive health event is part of Griffin’s commitment to help improve the health and well-being of its community. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women with about 4,280 women dying from cervical cancer each year. To help protect women in its community, Griffin is actively encouraging women to understand their risk factors and to be screened for cervical cancer when appropriate.

Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. 

At least half of sexually active women will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will get cervical cancer.

The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer screening with an HPV test alone every 5 years for women from age 25 until age 65. If HPV testing alone is not available, women can get screened with an HPV/Pap co-test every five years or a Pap test every three years.

Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for each particular woman, such as bleeding after sex. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor.

 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Naugatuck Valley Health District to offer suicide prevention training

 

SEYMOUR - NVHD and Naugatuck Valley Medical Reserve Corps are offering a free, evidence-based suicide prevention training at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Can’t make it in person or prefer to attend virtually?

Call us at 203-881-3255 x108 to get the virtual access information!

“The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.” -https://www.qprinstitute.com

This is shared from the Naugatuck Valley Health District Facebook page.

Naugatuck Valley Health District to hold suicide prevention training via Zoom

 

Griffin Hospital offers Wellness for Life program at Quarry Walk in Oxford

Griffin Hospital is offering its 12-week lifestyle change program, Wellness for Life, starting Aug. 17./ Contributed photo

OXFORD - Griffin Health is helping individuals get a fresh perspective on well-being with a new session of its Wellness for Life program starting Aug. 17 at Quarry Walk.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week lifestyle change program designed to equip individuals who are ready to take ownership of their health with Lifestyle Medicine knowledge and skills. 

Lifestyle Medicine is a unique medical specialty that focuses on using evidence-based approaches in eating healthfully, managing stress, achieving regular physical activity and restorative sleep, and fostering meaningful social connections and support systems to improve one’s quality of life and prevent and manage chronic conditions.

The Wellness for Life program will be held every Tuesday from 4:30-6 p.m., starting Aug. 17 and concluding Nov. 2 at Griffin’s Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

The program offers one-on-one meetings with an internal medicine/preventive medicine physician who has expertise in Lifestyle Medicine, custom fitness evaluation with an exercise physiologist, individual nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian, an activity monitor, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make and sustain healthy lifestyle habits in their day-to-day lives. 

“At Wellness for Life, you’ll learn about your current habits and really look into how you can build healthy lifestyle habits into your routines and get your family, coworkers, and other loved ones in on your journey,” said Wellness for Life Program Co-Director Dr. Victoria Costales. 

“While this is not easy to do, it’s well worth the effort, time, and creativity. It’s been such a joy to see our participants take a hold of the material, make it a practical part of their lives, and see the great changes in themselves and those they love, live with, and work with.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, individual reflection on Lifestyle Medicine concepts, and weekly group educational and physical activity sessions to help each participant establish healthy lifestyle habits that lead to overall health and well-being as well as prevent and manage chronic conditions.

Since the Program’s inception in 2012, Wellness for Life participants who have incorporated these healthy lifestyle habits into their routines have seen increases in their regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, improved sleep, resilience through stress management, better control of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to register.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

 

Marking World Kidney Day to raise awareness of disease risk factors, prevention

About the Day

World Kidney Day - March 11 - is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys.

World Kidney Day comes back every year. All across the globe many hundred events take place from public screenings in Argentina to Zumba marathons in Malaysia. 

We do it all to create awareness. Awareness about preventive behaviors, awareness about risk factors, and awareness about how to live with a kidney disease. 

We do this because we want kidney health for all.

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology  (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).

This info is shared from worldkidneyday.org.

Derby Public Schools, BHcare to host suicide prevention workshop

 

Newsletter highlights Naugatuck Valley Health District info on COVID-19

Naugatuck Valley Health District issues press release on COVID-19

Connecticut offers coronavirus information call center

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.

Support group at Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on diabetic foot care

Talk on proper foot care slated Oct. 8 at Griffin Hospital in Derby./ Contributed photo

 
DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free discussion on proper foot care at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

Wound care specialists from The Comprehensive Wound Healing Center at Griffin Hospital will discuss the importance of proper foot care, screening and hygiene as it relates to preventing diabetic foot ulcers.

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. 

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

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Health and Wellness Fair slated at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Health will host a Health and Wellness Fair Aug. 22 at the hospital./ Contributed photo

DERBY -  Griffin Health invites the community to experience its preventative health, lifestyle management, and support programs with a free Health and Wellness Fair from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The fair will allow the community to see how Griffin is transforming traditional health care by not only focusing on helping people get well, but also helping them stay healthy. 

Griffin actively engages everyone with free and low-cost programs that provide education and support to help prevent or proactively manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, and stress.

Attendees at the fair will be able to learn about Griffin’s community health programs, talk with representatives, and even try out some of the programs’ features, including simple, but effective exercises and healthy recipes. 

There will also be free blood pressure screenings and consultation and information on Griffin’s many free support groups.

Attendees will be able to enter into several free raffles for items and gift cards that promote well being.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

F.A.D.E. to hold 5th annual 5K fundraiser at Shelton Riverwalk

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Fight Against Drugs Everywhere (F.A.D.E.) will hold its fifth annual drug awareness 5k run/walk at 5:30 p.m. June 27 at the Shelton Pavilion and Riverwalk. 

All proceeds will benefit the BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness (APW).

This year’s event will feature guest speaker John Lally and the “Today I Matter Project.” The event will conclude with a candlelight remembrance ceremony. 

Names will be read of loved ones lost to overdose. People can submit names at the event to be read aloud. 

Drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate. More than 120 people die every day in the U.S. from an opioid overdose. Both prescription painkillers and heroin are contributing to this phenomenon. 

The overall drug deaths in Connecticut have nearly tripled over the past seven years, from 357 in 2012 to 1,018 in 2018. 

FADE 5k run/walk is being held to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and overdoses, acknowledge and support the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one, provide hope to families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder, and to provide local prevention and treatment resources. 

Register today at https://bit.ly/FADE2019.

The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, a program of BHcare, is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization for the DMHAS Region II service area. 

APW’s mission is to foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors, and by building resources that promote wellness. 

For more information, visit www.APW-CT.org.

This is a press release from the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness.

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.