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.

Recuperation journey: Looking back to 1994 ~ again

Another one of my favorite Christmas morning photos! Happy times.

Recuperation journey: Looking back to 1994

One of my favorite Christmas morning photos.

Recuperation journey: Christmas sunset

Merry Christmas!

Recuperation journey: Sunrise on Christmas morn

 Wishing all a peaceful Christmas Day.

Recuperation journey: Christmas Eve sunset

Chef at Crosby Commons in Shelton presented Humanitarian Award

Chef Hector Velez of Naugatuck, center, recently was recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Chef Hector Velez from Crosby Commons at Wesley Village recently rceived the 2019 Humanitarian Award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association at its annual meeting.
“We are so fortunate to have Hector at our Community,” said Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons. “He exhibits a high level of customer service. Hector is always striving to meet the residents' and their loved ones' needs and recommendations. He truly is the poster child for the best customer service.”

Velez, a Naugatuck resident, was recognized for “filling the hearts and souls” of the residents at Crosby Commons with his meals and culinary creations, the nomination submission said.
According to CALA, the Humanitarian Award is presented each year to “an individual whose personal integrity, decency, and contributions to the elderly best exemplify the ideals of our member organizations and who serves as an inspiration to all.”

Some of the reasons Velez was selected for this award include his commitment to making the culinary experiences of the Crosby Commons’ residents personalized and memorable. 

From his authentic brick oven pizzas, pig roasts, and paella, Velez has been touted by residents and family members as “Five tar.”

During the award presentation, special moments were highlighted like the surprise lobster dinner dock side after residents returned from a Lighthouse Tour in New London and his “table for two” dinner with a resident who was struggling with health issues.

Velez has been a chef at Crosby Commons for nearly seven years. He often joins with other staff and residents to do cooking demonstrations at area senior centers and participate in community cooking events. 

Velez received the Values in Action Award from the community in 2016 for his commitment to serving residents with respect and excellence.

Crosby Commons is an independent and assisted living community located on the Wesley Village
campus. Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers assisted
and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.