Learn How to Kick the Habit

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting Aug. 1.

 

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for Aug.1, 8, 15 and 22 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby. There is also a “reunion” for graduates of the program on Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Center.

 

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Richard Le Pera, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

 

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habits. Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

 

Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-7106.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Bereavement Support Groups at Griffin

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering ongoing support groups this summer for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

 

These groups are assisted by caregivers in Griffin’s Department of Spiritual Care and Education and provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encouraging healing and growth. There will be groups meeting on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. To learn more or to register, contact Janice Lautier at 203-732-1100 or jlautier@griffinhealth.org.

 

Support Group on Exercising with Diabetes

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about an exercise program for individuals diagnosed with diabetes on Tues., Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Griffin Hospital Exercise Physiologist Trish Whitehouse, RN, and Lauren Ventrella, director of Health & Wellness for Fitscript, will discuss the new GlucoseZone program at Griffin Hospital. GlucoseZone is an exercise program specific for people with prediabetes and diabetes to help reduce, reverse, and control their diabetes. Participants in the GlucoseZone program meet one-on-one with a Certified GlucoseZone Trainer and have access to the GlucoseZone app.  GlucoseZone provides step-by-step guidance on how exercise can help increase insulin sensitivity, reduce body weight, and lower A1C.

 

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There will be free valet parking 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. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Get Help Living with Diabetes

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about living with diabetes on Tues., Jan. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead an open conversation on

“Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes.” Topics discussed will include: The natural course of diabetes; Recognizing the fact that it may become more difficult to keep your blood glucose within target range; The potential long-term complications of diabetes; How to delay or reduce the risk of long-term complications by keeping your blood glucose on target; and The importance of checking for long-term complications and knowing your ABCs.

 

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There will be free valet parking 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. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital Offers Ongoing Summer Bereavement Support Groups

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering ongoing support groups this summer for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

 

These groups are assisted by caregivers in Griffin’s Department of Spiritual Care and Education and provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encouraging healing and growth. There will be groups meeting on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required.

 

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org or Janice Lautier at 203-732-1100 or jlautier@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Diabetes Support Group to Discuss Foot Health May 9

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentations on foot health on Tues., May 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Podiatrist Dr. Luke Jeffries, of Yale Podiatry Group, will present “Foot Care & Prevention of Foot Complications” in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking.

 

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 at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Learn to Get More Zzzzzzzzs

 

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on sleep health on Tues., April 11 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

A. Royce York, Director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital, and Jackie Hoyle, Coordinator of the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, will discuss “Sleep Wellness and Diabetes.” There is a correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, so come to learn how improved sleep may help your diabetes.

 

Both talks will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking 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. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital Sharing Hearts Support Group Meeting March 23

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Sharing Hearts Support Group will meet Thurs., March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

 

The Sharing Hearts Support Group aims to lower the anxiety and stress that comes with a heart condition diagnosis by offering monthly education on heart health and area resources, as well as the support of fellow individuals with heart conditions.

 

Future meetings will be held April 27, May 25 and June 22. Caregivers are also invited to join.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, contact Maria Cantito at Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 203-732-7106.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Diabetes and Excercise Program at Griffin Hospital

 

 

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on exercise and its benefits on Tues., Dec.13 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will present “Exercise and Diabetes: Special Considerations,” a discussion of the benefits of exercise, different types of exercise, precautions to consider for neuropathy and retinopathy, hypoglycemia symptoms and management, carbohydrate replacement during exercise, and foot care. There will also be information on discuss community resources for physical activity and exercise.

 

Both talks will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom B. There is free valet parking 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. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital Offers Support for Stroke Survivors

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)

Learn about Diabetes and Carb Counting Sept. 13

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about carbohydrate conscious eating on Tues., Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Griffin Hospital’s Dining Room, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will present “Carbohydrate Counting: Skills into Practice.” Carb counting is a good tool to use when trying to gain greater control of blood sugar levels while still enjoying a wide variety of foods. However, there are common questions that arise when trying to put carb counting into practice.

 

Using the ‘gram counting’ method, this program will help answer some of those questions, including how to measure portions to correctly estimate total carbohydrates, how to count fiber, and what to do when dining out and eating combination foods. Record keeping and pattern management will also be discussed.

 

The 2:30 p.m. presentation will be the hospital’s Dining Room #2 and the 6:30 p.m. presentation will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking 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 at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Talks at Griffin in Derby to focus on diabetes

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about diabetes research Sept. 9 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Patricia Chandler, MD, Director of Pfizer New Haven Clinical Research Unit, and Rockiy Ayettey, MS, Grants Coordinator and Research Associate, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center will host “What’s New in Diabetes Research?” 

The program will give an in-depth view of new developments in diabetes and diabetes studies being conducted at both facilities will be discussed.

The presentations will be at 2:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A and at 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Dining Room. 

Ask for directions to these rooms at the hospital’s front desk.

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. All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. 

No registration is required. Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session. 

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Shelton facility hosts low-vision support group

SHELTON - Do you or someone you know struggle with the difficulties of low vision?

Join us for the next meeting of our low vision support group.

Learn to See the World is scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 20 at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. 
The meeting will be held in the Library on the first floor.

Mark Leventhal, a member of the Board of Directors of the Blind Veterans Association, Connecticut Regional Group, will speak at the meeting. He will discuss the challenges of the summer season.

The meeting is free and open to the public.  

Individuals with low vision or who are legally blind are encouraged to attend for fellowship and support. 

To RSVP contact the group facilitator, Mary Ann Milano, Activities Director at Crosby Commons at 203-225-5018 or at mamilano@umh.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Relay in Shelton fights cancer, raises spirits

SHELTON - On Saturday my husband Ralph and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Circle of Friends support group during the survivors' luncheon before the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the Shelton Riverwalk.

I tried to get a photo when people were chatting - and not chewing.

   And there was cake!

Kudos to members of the committee, emergency personnel, Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care staff and all who worked hard to plan the luncheon and opening ceremony, and sponsored events to make the Relay for Life a success.

I'm sure I speak for all survivors when I say thank you for everything. 

Cancer survivors take part in the first lap.

My friend Marilyn brought a lovely parasol to keep the sun off of her while she walked.

Here are two of my favorite people/caregivers participating in the caregivers' lap.

This was just one of the many inspirational signs along the way.

I applaud those hearty souls who stayed there at the field overnight. I'm sure that's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Friends, supporters to gather at Shelton Riverwalk today

My husband Ralph and I will be heading to the Shelton Riverwalk in a little while to be part of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life.

Looking forward to seeing the ladies who are part of Griffin Hospital's Circle of Friends breast cancer support group.

I'm all ready to don my official Circle of Friends T-shirt!

Griffin to host presentation for diabetics

Managing carbohydrates is topic of talk

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation to help diabetics manage their carbohydrate intake June 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

“Carbohydrate Counting: Skills Into Practice” will be presented at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Dining Room.

Carbohydrate counting is a good self-management tool to use when trying to improve blood glucose levels, while still enjoying a wide variety of foods.

 Using the ‘gram counting’ method, this program will cover how to measure portions correctly to estimate total carbohydrates, how to count fiber, and what to do when dining out and eating combination foods. 

Record keeping and pattern management will also be discussed.

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. 

All diabetics 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.

Diabetes group to host talk at Griffin in Derby

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation to help diabetics make healthy meals at home at 2:30 p.m. April 8 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Donna Skurat will present “What's in Your Pantry?”  in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A. 
The program will discuss what to pitch and what to keep stocked in your pantry to help you prepare healthier meals.

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. All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. 

No registration is required. Free valet parking is available.

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Breast reconstruction topic of support group meeting in Derby

DERBY - Circle of Friends, a breast cancer support group at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, invites the community to an open house and discussion on innovative breast reconstruction and enhancement techniques at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at The Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave.

Griffin Hospital Plastic Surgery Section Chief John F. Reilly and Assistant Plastic Surgery Section Chief Mark M. Melendez, will talk about the advances in breast reconstruction, including the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap surgery, in which excess skin and fat along the lower portion of the abdomen is used to create a new ‘natural’ breast after mastectomy or for breast augmentation.

The open house will also mark the support group’s Fifth Annual Birthday Celebration, in which members celebrate the birthdays of all breast cancer survivors.

Visit griffinhealth.org, or call Donna Hayes, 203-732-1408 or Tori Kochiss, 203-732-1300 to reserve a spot or for more information.

 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin in Derby offers talks on diabetes

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about diabetes treatments and management on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Griffin Hospital, 103 Division St.

Dr. Masha Resman will present “New Frontiers of Diabetes” at 2:30 p.m. in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center Room 1.

Resman practices Internal Medicine with Griffin Faculty Physicians and has a special interest in diabetes and hypertension. 
She offers primary care full-time at her office at Ivy Brook Medical Center, 2 Ivy Brook Road, Suite 115 in Shelton.

Mary Swansiger will discuss “On the Road to Better Managing Your Diabetes” at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2 of Griffin Hospital’s Dining Room. 

Topics covered in this presentation will include what diabetes is and some of the common myths associated with diabetes, feelings about having diabetes, blood glucose and insulin, monitoring blood glucose and using the results, managing diabetes with healthy eating, physical activity and taking medicine, and the importance of having a plan and engaging a support network and healthcare team.

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. All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required. Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session. 

For information, call Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin in Derby offers bereavement support groups

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers support groups this fall for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

The meetings provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. 

The groups meet in eight-week cycles and require pre

registration due to limited capacity.

The following groups will begin again the week of Sept. 3 (please note if the group is a weekly or bi-weekly group):

·     The afternoon General Bereavement Group meets every Tuesday from noon–1:30 p.m. in Griffin Hospital’s Outpatient Psychiatry offices at 250 Seymour Ave. This group is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

·     The evening General Bereavement Group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:30–8 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Attendees should ask the Information Desk for the location of each meeting. This group is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

·     The Widow/Widower Support Group meets every Tuesday from 2:30–4 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Attendees should ask the Information Desk for the location of each meeting. This group is for anyone grieving the loss of a spouse or a partner.

·     The Bereaved Parents’ Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Attendees should ask the Information Desk for the location of each meeting. This group is for anyone grieving the loss of an adult child.

·     The Young Widows/Widowers Support Group meets each Wednesday from 6:30–8 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Attendees should ask the Information Desk for the location of each meeting. This group is for persons under the age of 50 who have lost a spouse or a partner.

To learn more or to register, call Andrea Rudolph, 203-732-1132 or Jo Clare Wilson, 203-732-1100.

 This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.