Stroke awareness talks slated at 3 senior centers, Derby Neck Library

 

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of stroke awareness talks and free blood pressure screenings for seniors throughout the Valley in October.

The events will feature a discussion of the different types of strokes, the signs and symptoms, and risk factors. 

Griffin Health caregivers will also be offering free blood pressure screenings and consultations.

The events are scheduled for Oct. 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center; Oct. 7 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center; Oct. 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Oct. 24 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 among 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 stroke awareness 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.

Griffin Faculty Physicians recognized for cholesterol control efforts

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians has received the American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold award in recognition of their commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke through improved cholesterol management.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, estimated to cause nearly 2.6 million deaths annually. 

Yet, a survey from the American Heart Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who have high cholesterol don’t think they’re at high risk for a heart attack or stroke.

To help people better understand their risk and learn to manage their cholesterol, the Association launched its Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol. initiative in 2017. Since then, more than 900 health centers and systems have registered to participate.

To help practices achieve their goals, the Association provides all participants with a dedicated website featuring a free, evidence-based improvement program that includes tools and resources to help clinicians improve cholesterol control rates. 

To facilitate easy and seamless adoption of the program, the Association will provide access to trained support specialists within their community who can help identify specific program components to incorporate into clinical practice.

“High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, yet still is undertreated. This program helps physician practices put a spotlight on this important risk factor and help patients achieve and maintain control of it,” said James Langabeer, Ph.D., Chair of the American Heart Association’s Ambulatory Quality Improvement Advisory Group and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School. “We are so glad to see Griffin Faculty Physicians join this initiative to prioritize cholesterol control and ultimately improve heart health across the nation.”

Learn more at heart.org.

About Griffin Faculty Physicians

Griffin Faculty Physicians, a subsidiary of Griffin Hospital, is a multi-specialty physician group providing patient-centered, personalized care at locations throughout the area. 

Specialties include primary care, cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, general and breast surgery, card-thoracic surgery, urology and obstetrics & gynecology. 

For more information, visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

Talk on overcoming stress offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Health Stroke Support Group will host a discussion on overcoming stress from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 

The discussion will cover mindfulness and how attempting to control breathing and to focus on the moment can help manage stress. 

RSVP at 203-732-7445.

The Center for Cancer Care is at 350 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby launches stroke support group

Griffin Hospital is starting a new stroke support group for survivors and caregivers./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting a new support group to help stroke survivors and their caregivers understand the effects and manage their lifestyles.

Starting Oct. 14, the Griffin Health Stroke Support Group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The group will provide education to survivors and caregivers to help them understand physiological and psychological effects post stroke, and provide an emotional outlet through group discussions.

Guest speakers will be invited to discuss various topics, including fatigue, stress, exercise, and local and national resources.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Bike night at Valley Diner in Derby to raise funds for girl with rare disease

Raising stroke awareness

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the nation’s No. 5 killer and a leading cause of long-term disability. 
The Association’s statistics show, on average, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every four minutes someone dies from one. 

I have a friend who suffered a stroke at a young age and as he says he's still feeling the effects years later. 
He urges everyone to be aware and get checked.

Griffin Hospital in Derby receives acute stroke ready certification

DERBY - Griffin Hospital has received an advanced certification as an “Acute Stroke Ready Hospital” by the Joint Commission.

This certification, developed in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recognizes hospitals that have developed and met the standards to deliver better outcomes for stroke. 

Our dedicated stroke program ensures that those suffering from a stroke receive the highest level of care in a safe and timely manner in accordance with national standards. 

Griffin underwent a rigorous onsite review to assess its compliance with the Joint Commission’s Advanced Disease-Specific Care certification requirements, including:

• A dedicated stroke-focused program
• Staffing by qualified medical professionals trained in stroke care
• Collaboration with local emergency management agencies
• 24/7 ability to perform rapid diagnostic and laboratory testing
• Ability to administer intravenous clot-busting medications to eligible patients
• Availability of telemedicine technology

Established in 2015, Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals. 
The certification was derived from the Brain Attack Coalition’s “Recommendations for Comprehensive Stroke Centers” (Stroke, 2005), “Metrics for Measuring Quality of Care in Comprehensive Stroke Centers” (Stroke, 2011) and recommendations from a multidisciplinary advisory panel of experts in complex stroke care.

According to literature from the Brain Attack Coalition, many patients who have an acute stroke live in areas without ready access to a larger primary or comprehensive stroke center.  
Immediate access to a facility such as Griffin Hospital that can provide acute stroke care can help save lives and improve outcomes with use of clot busting medications.  

“This new certification acts as an important bridge and will be a key component in an evolving system of stroke care,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. “A Joint Commission and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospital will be the foundation for acute stroke care in many communities, allowing it to be the first stop on a patient’s acute stroke journey.” 

Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. 

On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

“We are delighted to receive Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification from The Joint Commission” said Kathleen Martin, Vice President of Patient Safety and Care Improvement at Griffin. “This certification demonstrates our commitment to providing a higher standard of care to stroke patients, while also addressing a gap in access to acute stroke services.”

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Life After Stroke Group at Griffin Hospital in Derby to hear talk on volunteering

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Educational Group will feature a free talk on volunteering and how it can improve your health at its next meeting at noon May 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, LNHA, director of Planetree Programs and Services at Griffin Hospital, will present the many volunteer opportunities at Griffin Hospital and talk about the proven health benefits of volunteering.

The Life after Stroke Educational Group at Griffin Hospital is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 
This group provides information from health experts, resources and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at (203) 732-7445.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Learn about benefits of Reiki at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting Jan. 12. It will feature a discussion on the ancient healing practice of Reiki./ Contributed photo


DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will feature a free talk on the ancient healing practice of Reiki at its next meeting from noon-1 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Certified Reiki Master Nancy Corvigno will present “Reiki after Stroke.” 

Corvigno will explain and demonstrate Reiki, and discuss the relaxation benefits for stroke survivors.

Reiki is a complementary healing method based on ancient healing practices that involves the conscious direction of healing energy through the practitioner's hands. 

When channeled properly, this energy relieves energy blockages to the body and bring balances to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

The Life after Stroke Support Group at Griffin Hospital is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. This group provides information from health experts, resources and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. 

Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services, 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Stroke support group to meet at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will meet Dec. 8./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The Life after Stroke Support Group is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 

This group provides information from health experts, resources, and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Stroke support group to host presentation at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host a free presentation about exercising at home. / Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host a free presentation about exercising at home on from noon-1 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Griffin Hospital Physical Therapy students will discuss and demonstrate a home exercise program that includes seated and balance techniques for individuals of different levels of independence and strength.

The Life after Stroke Support Group at Griffin Hospital meets monthly and is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 

This group provides information from health experts, resources and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on vocational counseling

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host a free presentation Oct. 13 on job placement and vocational counseling for people to re-enter the work force after an illness or disability./ Submitted photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host a free presentation on job placement and vocational counseling for people to re-enter the work force after an illness or disability from noon-1 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Representatives from the Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services will discuss vocational counseling, job search assistance, supported employment services and services to assist in restoring or improving a physical or mental impairment.

The Life after Stroke Support Group at Griffin Hospital meets monthly and is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 
This group will provide information from health experts, resources and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Heart association recognizes Griffin Hospital in Derby for commitment to stroke care

DERBY - Griffin Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

To receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.

These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. They focus on appropriate use of guideline-based care for stroke patients, including aggressive use of medications such as clot-busting and anti-clotting drugs, blood thinners and cholesterol-reducing drugs, preventive action for deep vein thrombosis and smoking cessation counseling. 

“A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute stroke treatment is delayed. This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced stroke treatments to patients quickly and safely,” said Greg Boris, DO, chair of Emergency Services at Griffin Hospital. “Griffin continues to strive for excellence in the acute treatment of stroke patients. The recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke further reinforces our team’s hard work.”

Griffin Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center or as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize Griffin Hospital for its commitment to stroke care,” said Paul Heidenreich, M.D., M.S., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. “Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program.”

Get With The Guidelines®-S puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping hospital care teams ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal to save lives and improve recovery time, Get With The Guidelines®-S has impacted more than 3 million patients since 2003.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes, and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines. 

Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 6 million patients since 2001. 

For more information, visit heart.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Diabetes support group to host free talks at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about risk factors for stroke in those with diabetes, stroke warning signs, prevention, and how to take action at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 10.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of serious, long-term disability. 

This presentation will teach the importance of acting “F.A.S.T.” in the event of a stroke.

Both presentations will be held in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom B. Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session.

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. 

Anyone with diabetes and their families 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.

Crisco to host biomedical research trust funds awards event

State Sen. Joseph Crisco Jr.

HARTFORD – Four state medical researchers who have received nearly $1 million in state biomedical research grants will talk about their work in stroke prevention, heart disease, and colorectal cancer research when state Sen. Joseph Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, hosts the 2015 Biomedical Research Trust Fund Awards at 11 a.m. Friday. 

The event will be held in Room 1-A of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The Biomedical Research Trust Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2000 to fund biomedical research into tobacco-related illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. 

In 2010, the legislature expanded the scope of research to include Alzheimer's disease and diabetes research.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Heart association recognizes Griffin Hospital in Derby

For high quality care to stroke patients

DERBY - Griffin Hospital was recently recognized by the American Heart Association for providing high-quality care to stroke patients.

Griffin was awarded the Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement, which recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

The Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program helps Griffin Hospital’s staff provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based care with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. 
The guidelines focus on appropriate use of care for stroke patients, including aggressive use of medications such as clot-busting and anti-clotting drugs, blood thinners and cholesterol-reducing drugs, preventive action for deep vein thrombosis and smoking cessation counseling. The quick and efficient use of guideline procedures can improve the quality of care for stroke patients and may reduce disability and save lives.

“We are pleased to recognize Griffin Hospital for their commitment to stroke care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee. 
“Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow Get With The Guidelines quality improvement measures can reduce length of stay and 30-day readmission rates and reduce disparities in care.”

To receive the Silver Plus Quality Achievement award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for at least 12 consecutive months and during the same period achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.

Griffin Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and this award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring patients receive care based on nationally-respected clinical guidelines,” said Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel. 

“Griffin Hospital is dedicated to making our care for stroke patients among the best in the country. The Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program is helping us reach this goal.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. 

Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 5 million patients since 2001.  

For more information, visit heart.org/quality or heart.org/QualityMap.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.