Valley Senior Health Fair Becomes Drive-Thru Event

 

Help Feed Those in Need During Health Crisis

Volunteers Needed for Plant-Based Diets Study

DERBY – The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is looking for adult volunteers to take part in a study looking at how a vegan diet, with or without eggs, affects diet quality and heart health.

Study participants will eat a plant-based diet for approximately five months, including eggs for six weeks. 

The study team plans to enroll 35 adults in this study, including men who are 25 to 75 years old, and women up to 75 years of age who have gone through menopause, but are not on hormone replacement therapy. Those who qualify must be non-smokers, and have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes based on certain criteria for this study.

Benefits for those who participate in this study include free study-related dietary counseling from a dietitian, free health testing, free eggs, grocery store gift cards to purchase vegan foods, and a total of $600 for completing the study.

For more information and to be considered for this study, please call Rocky at 203-732-1265 extension 300.

This study is funded by the Egg Nutrition Center, the science and nutrition education division of the American Egg Board that sponsors health-related scientific research that is primarily focused on eggs.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Health Hosts 'Ask a Pharmacist' on March 4

DERBY –The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, invites the community to bring their medication questions to Griffin’s expert pharmacists on Wed., March 4 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Griffin Health Director of Pharmacy Services Lisa Jaser, Pharm D, and other members of the Griffin Pharmacy staff will lead a casual Q&A for any and all medication questions.

Medication errors injure hundreds of thousands of people every year in the United States. However, most medication errors can be prevented with open communication between the pharmacist and patient as well as the patient’s caregivers. Important information individuals should ask their pharmacist includes the name of the medication, what it is supposed to do, how to take or use the medication, what to do if a dose is missed, and what activities, foods, or other medications to avoid while taking the medication.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Become A Certified Nursing Assistant

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering classes for its fall Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

The School of Allied Health Careers is offering a day session for its CNA program with classes on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting Nov. 4.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule. Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. The program’s clinical experience is at a long term care facility and Griffin Hospital for a total of 40 hours. 

After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, liability insurance and the 40 hour clinical rotation.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is 

encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to set up an entrance interview, call 203-732-1276.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Senior Fair Oct. 16

Health & Safety Fair

Griffin Offers Summer CNA Course

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 in Derby, is offering a summer session of its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course starting July 15.

The School is also taking applications for its Certified Clinical Medical Assistant course starting in the fall.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 

The program’s clinical experience is at a long term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The Medical Assistant program prepares students to become multi-skilled healthcare professionals that specialize in outpatient settings. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties and assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Graduates of this program may find entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices. This program also provides the diversity of other job options in the hospital or laboratory setting.

Set to start in the fall, the program will run for 28 weeks with classes five days a week from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., including 160 clinical hours at Griffin Faculty Physicians’ primary care offices and specialty offices such as gastroenterology, OB-GYN, surgical and cardiology.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. 

Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Free Head, Neck and Oral Cancer Screenings

DERBY –Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings from 4-6 p.m. on Thurs.  April 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

This is the eighth straight year Griffin has offered the free screenings to the community. Held during Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, the free screenings aim to catch cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box) at an early, and treatable stage.

“Griffin Hospital urges our community members to participate in our free head and neck screening,” said Dr. Joseph Cardinale, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Griffin Hospital. “Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn more of the symptoms of head and neck cancers, which include a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, it’s important to get screened right away. For our community members who are tobacco users or who have a higher risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) due to having multiple partners, we strongly urge each individual to get screened as both are high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers.”

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance estimates that there will be more than 550,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2019, and many individuals will not be aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancer is now ranked in the top six cancers worldwide.

Last year, 63 individuals were screened at the Center. As a result of the screenings, four individuals were referred for further evaluation.

About Oral Head and Neck Cancer

Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside the cheeks, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland.

Some early signs and symptoms include:

• A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
• Sore throat or swollen tonsil
• Changes in your voice
• A lump in your neck
• Earache
• Difficulty swallowing

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use are very high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tongue, mouth, throat and voice box. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has recently emerged as having a connection to oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancer, particularly in non-smokers and younger age groups.

While anyone can develop thyroid cancers, a family history or exposure to radiation is considered a risk factor that may increase the risk. Most salivary gland cancers do not seem to be associated with any particular cause.

If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Program for Seniors on Improving Balance

Last Call to Register for Free Breakfast Event

Our Impact Breakfast is free, but reservations are required. Please RSVP today if you plan to attend: development@bhcare.org - or - (203) 446-9739 x1327

‌ ‌

Sen. Logan to Host Annual Senior Fair

Event to Benefit Breast Cancer

Ansonia Man Wins



HiM Founder Frank Michaud, right, and his wife Judy, left, present the grand prize iPad 6 to Robert Klein and his children, Ryder and Cameron

DERBY - Robert Klein Jr., of Ansonia, recently won a brand new iPad 6 in the Griffin Hospital’s Health Initiative for Men (HiM) Father’s Day drawing.

 

Klein’s daughter, Cameron, gave her dad a HiM Father’s Day card which encourages men to get an annual physical and talk to their physicians about preventative health screenings. The card also directed recipients to a short online health survey which entered them into a drawing for the iPad and Home Depot gift cards.

 

The cards were distributed to elementary students in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour Shelton and Oxford. Cameron attends Mead School in Ansonia.

 

In an effort to help inspire men to have an annual physical and to raise awareness about men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer, Griffin Hospital launched the HiM in 2011. The goal of this community-wide preventive healthcare effort is to influence men to see their physician annually, and to be screened for various diseases that respond better to treatment if detected early. For more information about HiM, visit griffinhealth.org/him.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Get Some Zzzz's with Free Sleep Apnea Talk

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering a free talk that breaks down the ABCs of Zzzs on Tues., May 15 at 6 p.m. in the hospitals Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street, Derby.

 

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Jackie Hoyle will present “Better Sleep for Better Health,” a discussion about the health risks of getting too little sleep, tips for getting better sleep, and warning signs of sleep apnea.

 

There will also be information about Griffin Hospital’s Sleep Wellness Center, a comprehensive program that offers state-of-the-art sleep medicine in a comfortable, home-like environment. The Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a sleep disorders center - one of only 13 in Connecticut to achieve the Academy's highest level of accreditation - and helps treat sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

 

The talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U education series, which features Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. Light refreshments will be served.

 

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Griffin Hospital to Host Annual Baby Fair

 

DERBY - Expectant parents, new parents and their families can get a good feel for the area’s maternity and child care resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., April 28 at Griffin Hospital’s Annual Baby Fair.

 

Held at The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby, this free event features more than 30 exhibitors, door prizes, tours of the Childbirth Center and information about the Center’s classes and support groups for before and after childbirth.

 

Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment designed to best meet individual and family needs. The Center features private, family-friendly rooms, expert staff for maternal and newborn care, and lactation consultants.

 

The Childbirth Center received the Baby-Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an international honor is given to hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and that help parents make informed choices about feeding and caring for their babies.

 

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbc.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital Offering Spring Classes

DERBY -  The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 in Derby, is offering classes for its spring Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Phlebotomy programs.

 

The CNA program starts May 14. The PCT and Phlebotomy programs begin May 15.

 

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care.

 

The program’s clinical experience is at a long term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

 

There will also be a CNA semester starting July 16.

 

The 16-week PCT program requires students to attend practical training on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., with the option to take the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday phlebotomy classes either during the day from 9 a.m.-noon or during the evening from 6-9 p.m.

 

The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 160 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition includes textbook, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, and national certification costs.

 

The 13-week Phlebotomy program holds classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a daytime option of 9 a.m.-noon or an evening option of 6-9 p.m. The tuition includes a 40-hour internship, national certification costs, lab coats, CPR certification, malpractice insurance and textbook.

 

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Free Program on Meditation

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is helping individuals refresh their spirits for spring with a free program on meditation from 6-7 p.m. on Thurs., April 26.

 

Janice Lautier, director of Spiritual Care and Education, will host “Finding Balance,” an interactive program about the benefits and styles of meditation that can help participants balance and settle themselves - especially during chaotic times. There will be group discussion and experiential learning as well as guidance on how to start a daily meditation practice.

 

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U Talks, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

 

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Oxford Woman to Receive Caring Heart Award

WOODBRIDGE - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 13^th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony on Thurs., April 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge.

 

The theme of the dinner will be “Who’s That Woman in the Mirror?” featuring a panel of health experts discussing women’s health and answering questions related to healthy aging. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. WTNH Health Reporter Jocelyn Maminta will be the MC for the evening.

 

The event will also honor Barbara Casagrande, of Oxford, with the Caring Heart Award. The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

 

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw and click the event link at the bottom of the page. The deadline for reservations is April 22.

 

For more information, contact Eunice at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Shelton Woman Makes Donation

Karynn Weinstein, left, presents Griffin Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Director Eunice A. Lisk, MS, with a $700 donation to help cardiac rehabilitation patients pay for their health insurance co-pays.

DERBY -  Karynn Weinstein, of Shelton, recently donated $700 to Griffin Hospital's Development Fund to help cardiac rehabilitation patients cover their health insurance co-pays.

 

Weinstein is a disabled community member with a professional background in physical education and exercise physiology. In 2017, she started A Divine Universe For All in 2017, a 50l(C)(3) charity to help people in need with life-saving medical treatments and medication, debt, and mortgage mediations and modifications.

 

For more information about Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, visit griffinhealth.org.

 

For more information about A Divine Universe For All, contact Weinstein at 203-456-1840 or karynn-weinstein@sbcglobal.net, or visit adivineuniverseforall.com.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)