Derby Public Library to show documentary on city's tercentennial

 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold free hernia screening event

Don't Ignore that Lump!

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free hernia screening event Jan. 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. 

More symptoms of a hernia include:
• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
• Increased pain at the site of the bulge
• Pain while lifting
• Increase in the bulge size over time
• A dull aching sensation
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction
• In the case of hiatal hernias - when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest (diaphragm) - there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation, and chest pain.

The screenings will be conducted by Griffin Faculty Physician surgeons who specialize in hernia treatment. The screening takes about 10 minutes and participants will receive information and referrals if there is a suspected hernia.

Walk-ins are welcome. Spaces are limited, so registration is recommended. 

Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments can be made online at www.griffinhealth.org/hernia-screenings or by calling 203-732-3443.  

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Hope Lives donates $8,500 to Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin

Maria Ammar, second from right, presents a $8,500 donation from the Hope Lives fundraiser to, from left, Griffin Health Director of Radiology, Cardiology & Neurology Kristi Popescu, Griffin Health Diagnostic Imaging Outpatient Manager Cindy Madsen and Griffin Hospital Development Fund Executive Director Kristy Jelenik.

DERBY - The 22^nd Annual Hope Lives event raised $8,500 for breast cancer screening services at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Hope Lives is a non-profit organization associated with Horizon of Hope, a national campaign by Longaberger Baskets to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and local breast cancer services.

Maria Ammar, a Longaberger Stylist Consultant for more than 25 years, has organized the luncheon fundraiser as part of the campaign, raising over $138,000 for the Center.

“Hope Lives is devoted to making a difference in the Valley for breast health, and early detection is the key,” Ammar said.

Hope Lives has been raising funds for the Center for more than two decades, and the Horizon of Hope program has raised over $20 million for breast health, education, awareness. The donation will be used to help local women pay for breast cancer screening services.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011 and primarily serves the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities. 

It combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.  

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two new, state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy. 

The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits. 

For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free prostate cancer screening

DERBY - In recognition of Men’s Health Month, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital and the Health Initiative for Men (HiM) will host free prostate cancer screenings from 3-5 p.m. June 26.

The screening is sponsored by HiM, which encourages men to see their physician annually, and empower them to actively manage their health by being screened for various diseases that respond better to treatment if detected early. 

Ansonia businessman Frank Michaud and his wife, Judy, established the “Health Initiative for Men Fund” at the Valley Community Foundation to promote outreach efforts that would help raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

Every screening participant will also be entered into a raffle for a Yeti Cooler sponsored by HiM.

In addition to the screenings, individuals can come to the Center during the event to get information about men’s health topics, including surgical hernia treatment, bariatric surgery, low-dose lung cancer screening, genetic testing for cancer and wellness visits with a primary care physician.

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. 

Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should be tested at age 40.

“Screening programs are an inexpensive and non-invasive way to identify men who have treatable prostate cancer before they have symptoms,” said Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sanjay Aneja. “Identifying prostate cancer early before patients have symptoms is our best chance to cure their disease. It’s unfortunate that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men because we have excellent treatment options which, if initiated early enough, can provide patients with a cure.”

The screenings will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited; early registration is encouraged. 

To register, call 203-732-1280.

About Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is important to improve chances of cure. 

Screening, although controversial, is important because early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. 

There have been tremendous advances in the treatment of prostate cancer making treatments more effective and causing much less side effects.

For further information on your prostate health, contact your physician or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologists at 203-732-2651 or visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Life Health and Wellness in Ansonia to host mobile mammography coach

 

Griffin fair at Quarry Walk in Oxford to highlight lung health

OXFORD - In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness and National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) months, Griffin Health will host a Lung Health Fair from 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 9 at Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center. 

The Center is at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

The fair will feature information on Griffin’s patient-centered lung health services, including its Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, free tobacco and nicotine cessation program, Respiratory Therapy, and the Center for Sleep Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

According to the 2022 Valley Community Index, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the Valley and the rate of lung cancer death is higher than the state average.

Annual lung screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been shown to save lives by detecting lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. 

Griffin’s Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program is recommended for individuals ages 50-80 who have smoked at least an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. 

Those who currently have symptoms of a lung condition, such as a new cough or shortness of breath, are not eligible. 

Griffin recommends that individuals with lung condition symptoms see a physician as soon as possible. 

For more information about the Griffin Health Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit griffinhealth.org/lung.

The Great American Smokeout is Nov. 21. This annual event encourages people who use tobacco and nicotine products to make a plan to quit for a healthier future. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 deaths each year. Griffin’s free tobacco and nicotine cessation program, That’s It – Learn to Quit, offers education, advice and support to help individuals prepare to quit. Visit griffinhealth.org/tobacco-cessation for more information and upcoming program dates.

Griffin Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed for those living with chronic lung diseases whose symptoms are compromising their quality of life and well-being. This program helps individuals diagnosed with COPD, Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema, Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Lung Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, Sarcoidosis, and Lung Cancer. 

Call 203-732-7106 or visit griffinhealth.org/treatments/pulmonary-rehabilitation for more information.

The Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital is a comprehensive program that offers state-of-the-art sleep medicine. The center specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. 

The four-bed Center incorporates a patient-centered model of care, with beautifully appointed sleep study rooms and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a sleep disorders center. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-732-7571 or visit griffinhealth.org/sleep-wellness.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Center for Cancer Care at Griffin in Derby to hold prostate cancer screenings

DERBY - In recognition of Men’s Health Month, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital and the Health Initiative for Men (HiM) will host free prostate cancer screenings from 3-5 p.m. Sept 19.

The screening is sponsored by HiM, which encourages men to have an annual physical and to raise awareness about men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. 

In addition to the screenings, individuals can come to the Center during the event to get information about men’s health topics, including surgical hernia treatment, bariatric surgery, low-dose lung cancer screening, genetic testing for cancer and wellness visits with a primary care physician.

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should be tested at age 40.

“Screening programs are an inexpensive and non-invasive way to identify men who have treatable prostate cancer before they have symptoms,” said Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sanjay Aneja. “Identifying prostate cancer early before patients have symptoms is our best chance to cure their disease. It’s unfortunate that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men because we have excellent treatment options which, if initiated early enough, can provide patients with a cure.”

The screenings will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited; early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

About Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is important to improve chances of cure. 

Screening, although controversial, is important because early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. 

There have been tremendous advances in the treatment of prostate cancer making treatments more effective and causing much less side effects.

For further information on your prostate health, contact your physician or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologists at 203-732-2651 or visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health offers lung cancer screening program

History of smoking? You may be eligible for lung cancer screening.

If you are between the ages of 50-80 years with a 20-pack year history of smoking or currently smoke, you may be eligible for the Griffin Health Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening program.

Studies have shown that early detection can improve cure rates as much as 20 percent.

Cancer experts are available to help you. Call 203-732-1476 or visit griffinhealth.org/lung to answer your questions and assess if you are eligible.

This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page. 

Griffin Health in Derby offers low dose CT lung cancer screening program

DERBY - If you are between the ages of 50-80 years with a 20-pack year history of smoking or currently smoke, you may be eligible for the Griffin Health Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening program.

Studies have shown that early detection can improve cure rates as much as 20%.

Cancer experts are available to help you, call 203-732-1476 or visit griffinhealth.org/lung to answer your questions and assess if you are eligible.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

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.

Griffin Hospital to offer lung cancer phone consultations Wednesday

In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will offer free one-on-one phone calls with specialists in its Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program Wednesday, Nov. 16. Participants in these phone call consultations will be directly referred to a physician specializing in lung cancer if they are a candidate for the program.  Low-dose CT lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. Annual lung screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been shown to save lives by detecting lung cancer early, when it is more treatable.  This screening program is recommended for individuals ages 50-80 who have smoked at least an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Spaces are limited. Call 203-732-1280 to make an appointment for the pre-screening phone call or for more information. This free medical consultation is part of Griffin’s commitment to help improve the health and well-being of its community.  According to the 2019-20 Community Health Improvement Plan for the Naugatuck Valley, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the Valley and the rate of lung cancer death is higher than the state average. For more information about Griffin's Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit griffinhealth.org/lung. This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby offers genetic screening

Sharing post from Light the Valley CT Facebook page:

"Did you know that the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness [at Griffin Hospital in Derby] teamed with Myriad Genetics to offer genetic screening to high risk patients? 

"If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer you might qualify to speak with a genetic counselor via phone consultation for free!"

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to host movie screening

Sharing from the school's Facebook page:

Join us this Saturday, Dec. 14, for a screening of "The Polar Express" from 5-9 p.m.!
The school is at 14 Seymour Ave., Derby.

Derby Lions Club to host walk at Greenway for Diabetes Awareness

Ansonia podiatrist office to offer free screenings for children

Griffin Hospital in Derby slates prostate cancer screening, party

Hope Lives raises $4K for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness in Derby

Maria Ammar, center, presents staff from The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital with a ceremonial $4,000 donation from the 13th annual Hope Lives fundraiser./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 13th Hope Lives event raised $4,000 for breast cancer screening services at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Hope Lives is associated with Horizon of Hope, a national campaign by Longaberger Baskets to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and local breast cancer services.

For the past 13 years, Longaberger Independent Consultant Maria Ammar of Woodbridge has organized a luncheon fundraiser as part of the campaign. 

The donation will be used to help local women pay for breast cancer screening services and to purchase a lymphedema sleeve for a woman in need.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness 

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011 and primarily serves the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities. 
It combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.  The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two new, state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy.  

The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow-up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits. 

For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby designated lung cancer screening center

DERBY - A national accreditor of radiology services recently recognized Griffin Hospital as a leader in providing safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

The American College of Radiology designated Griffin Hospital as a Lung Cancer Screening Center, an elite distinction that requires accreditation by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module and a rigorous assessment of lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure.

Additionally, Lung Cancer Screening Centers must provide follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

“When we started our Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program two years ago, we wanted to provide the community with exceptional expertise, technology and patient care together to give individuals the best chance possible in finding and fighting lung cancer,” said Margaret Deegan, vice president of Ambulatory Services at Griffin Hospital. “We’re very honored and proud to receive this designation because it shows we are delivering on this mission.

Because the program was not covered by insurance, Griffin Hospital has provided hundreds of free low-dose lung cancer screens to high-risk individuals since launching its program, not wanting lack of insurance coverage to be a barrier to patients receiving this potentially life-saving test.

To date, six instances of lung cancer have been found and treated among the more than 500 individuals who have been enrolled in the program.

In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In recognition of this fact, Medicare and most major insurances now cover the screening for high-risk individuals.

Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

For more information about Griffin Hospital’s Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit griffinhealth.org/lung.

About the American College of Radiology
The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States.

The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.