Learn about health-care planning at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on planning for future health care decisions./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on planning for future health care decisions Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Lynn Aiksnoras, Griffin Hospital Advanced Care Planning Coordinator, and Maggie Sessa, RN, from Griffin Hospital Community Outreach & Parish Nursing, will lead a discussion on Advanced Care Planning. 

This is a process of understanding, reflecting on and discussing an individual's values, goals, and preferences to determine a person’s health care wishes, should a time come when he or she cannot make them for him or herself. 
ACP ensures that those wishes are respected by loved ones and healthcare providers. This process also gives comfort and reassurance to healthcare representatives, enabling them to clearly understand and make decisions in accordance with patients’ end-of-life preferences.

Both presentations will be in Childbirth Education Classroom A. 

There will be free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. presentation.

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.

Recuperation journey: Sleepless in Ansonia

Sorry I had to do that ... truth be told I've never seen the romantic comedy/drama Sleepless in Seattle.

The meds I take continue to mess up my sleep patterns. 
I hope it's part of my recuperation period and not a permanent part of life.

On a happier note, I was able to get these beautiful sunrise photos at about 7 a.m. today. 

An ominous looking cloud.

I took this one a minute later using a different camera exposure.

Have a great Tuesday!

CT Family Day anniversary celebration slated Sunday in Hartford

Road work to start Tuesday on Rte. 34 in Derby, Seymour

Sharing a release from state Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia:

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a nighttime milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 34 (Roosevelt Drive) in Seymour and Derby, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 4.34-mile segment of Route 34 (Roosevelt Drive) in Seymour and Derby.

This project is scheduled to occur from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, to the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 34 (Roosevelt Drive) between Route 188 (Squantuck Road) and Bridge Street.

The regular work schedule for this project is 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday).

Recuperation journey: PKD Awareness Day

I received an email this morning that reminded me today is PKD Awareness Day, so of course I had to post about it.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic, life-threatening illness that affects about 600,000 Americans. There is currently no cure.

I inherited PKD from my father's side of the family. I've named the disease "the curse of the McDonalds."

In addition to my father, four of his siblings and many of my cousins have suffered with PKD.

A cousin and a first cousin once removed have had successful transplants, and since May I've become part of that exclusive family club.

I was extremely fortunate on May 9 to have received a kidney from an altruistic donor and lovely person, Robin Gilmartin.

As I've said more than a thousand times, I can't thank her enough! 

What the? Sharing this photo just for fun

Parenting is not for everyone, it would appear.  😕

Happy Labor Day from Snoopy and friends

If you have a day off from work today, enjoy!