Fairfield County Healthcare News November 2017 ebook

Healthcare news November 2017

FairďŹ eld County

HealthcareNewsMagazine.com

Local Preemie Mom shares personal story during National Prematurity Awareness Month

BLESSINGS 10 Tips for

Family Caregivers

Volunteering with Kids this Holiday season

Boomers November 2017

Fairfield County

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

THE FUTURE HAS

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GREAT HAIR!!

No Pain/ No Surgery/ No Drugs/ No Side Effects…no kidding!

Lasers can now GROW HAIR Dr. Christine Gould is a graduate of Cornell University Medical College and Yale University.

She has extensive experience in both emergency medicine and medical aesthetics. She opened her own practice in 2013 and has been diligently bringing the most effective technologies to her lucky patients at All About You Medical Spa located at 79 S Benson Rd, Fairfield CT 06824.

Call now for a consultation.

(203) 292-5559 www.hairgrowct.com

I had trouble believing this myself, but what if I told you that there exists a recently FDA approved laser that can grow your hair back?

It feels like an episode from a SciFi movie, only better because it is true, and the FDA agrees. Pioneers in laser medicine have discovered that Low Level Laser Light Therapy (known as LLLT) can resuscitate dying hair follicles and stimulate hair to grow again. How does it work? The laser heals the follicle by improving blood circulation, nutrient flow, and rate of removal of harmful DHT (from testosterone) among other positive benefits. On a cellular level, this means improved metabolism and protein synthesis, increased ATP (energy) production to repair the weakened follicle and cellular stimulation.

All this means prevention of hair loss, improved hair quality and hair growth. But don’t take just my word for it, take the FDA’s.

The FDA looked at data from thousands of patients who received a full treatment cycle, and they found it to be SAFE and EFFECTIVE. There is no pain, no surgery, no drugs, no side effects. And it works.

This all translates into a modern day medical miracle. Very few people are not candidates for benefit from this device, whether you are young or old, male of female. (If all your hair is dormant, and your scalp is shiny bald with no inkling of remaining hair, you would have been excluded from the study). Of course, it takes a commitment to your hair. Each cycle is 20”, and you need to complete a 48 treatment cycle… so far, hair doesn’t grow from trees…but it can grow from a laser!

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Hospice Care through a new lens

By Nancy Sorbella

When it was suggested to me that I visit Regional Hospice and Palliative Care during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month I had no idea what to expect. Now that I have been there I can’t stop thinking about this amazing place and all that they do.

I visited Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, located at 30 Milestone Road in Danbury on a gorgeous fall day. The location could not be more perfect. Nestled away in the woods as the leaves are turning red, orange and yellow, it is an oasis as soon as the doors open. At once it could be a gracious home or a luxury hotel. There is no mistaking the signature Ethan Allen décor throughout which is no accident; President and CEO Cynthia Roy specifically wanted the center to “look like someone’s last home”, as it likely will be. Every person I encountered from the moment I was greeted at the front desk was lovely, kind and welcoming; in stark contrast to the world outside their doors.

I had the privilege of getting a tour of the facility that I am still marveling at. There is no detail left unattended to; 12 stunning private suites with balconies overlooking the woods, a spa, library, living room after living room, gourmet dining, children’s play and therapy room, teen lounge, a state of the art country kitchen and family dining area, a bereavement center and extensive gardens, patio space and a playground. The facility lacks that stark, medicinal hospital-like feeling. The rooms were designed with that goal in mind.

Even the paintings on the wall slide to conceal oxygen and other medical hookups.

The 36,000 sq foot facility was completed 2 years ago and is the first of its kind in the state of Connecticut. The non-profit organization employs nearly 150 people and will serve approximately 1,000 patients a year. Hospice and palliative care is specialized compassionate medical care for people with serious illness. Palliative care may begin at diagnosis while hospice begins after treatment ceases. Both are focused on relief from symptoms, pain and the stress of illness.

Both may be administered in-home or in a center like Regional Hospice. Patients may go in and out of the center for treatment; most stays last 2 weeks to a few days. The center is uniquely equipped to care for all ages; from babies to adults.

Speaking with the driving force behind this facility, Ms, Roy, I was surprised to learn that cancer patients are not the only ones receiving hospice and palliative care. At 38% they are not even the largest population at times. There are pulmonary and coronary patients; basically anyone with a 6 month or less terminal prognosis, a disease that has run its course or a life-limiting illness.

At Regional Hospice the staff makes every effort to make the experience memorable for patients and their families. They help patients achieve new goals, improve quality of life and encourage dreams.

Hospice care is paid for by Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. As a non-profit, Regional Hospice is supported by generous personal and professional donations, and offers a wide range of volunteer positions that enhance the patient experience.

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

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out & about Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon Presented by The Redding Giving Circle

photos by Nancy Sorbella

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

OUR VIEW

ADVERTISER INDEX Company

Page

All About You Medical Spa

3

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run

13

ColumbiaDoctors

24

Fairfield County Medical Association

2, 17

Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce

Healthcare news

23

By Nancy Sorbella

GENERAL MANAGER

Every day of every month we take our roles very seriously.

We genuinely want to bring you, our valued readers, meaningful, pertinent health and wellness information, inspiring personal stories, ideas, and helpful hints. We join with our advertising partners to include relevant promotions about things that you have expressed interest in. We love what we do and are grateful to have the voice that we have.

This month we celebrate National Premature Awareness Month with a moving personal account by a local preemie mom. We start the dialog about what hospice and palliative care is and can be, and discuss volunteering with kids during this upcoming holiday season.

And, as we do each month, we encourage you to reach out to us with your stories, you thoughts and feedback, and always be part of the conversation. Thank you for your continued support of the work we do.

Contact us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

Visit Fairfield County Healthcare News on Facebook to get even more updates on local health and wellness

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito

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Joe@belsito.com

••• GENERAL MANAGER

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff Greg@belsito.com

••• MARKETING CONSULTANT

Anthony Mairo

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Michelle Belsito

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CORPORATE INFORMATION Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition Vol. 4 No. 11 - is published monthly, 12 times a year

by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Belsito.com

Next Month in Healthcare News Giving the Gift of Health Spa Treatments, Fitness Laser treatments, Healthy Eating Family Health Plans Planning Your Future With Extended Education Leading Healthcare Facilities Roundup Where to go for quality care when needed

Regional Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice Care through a new lens Page 4

Hospice Annual Fashion Show Highlights from the event Page 5

Stamford Health

Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017 Highlights from the event Page 7

Healthcare News Book List Page 16

Fairfield County Medical Association

At the forefront of current medicine for more than 220 years Pages 2, 17

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

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out & about Stamford Health Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Caregiver Services

Caregiver Support Group Websites

Links to the Best Caregiver Website Listed below are links to some of the best websites for family caregivers. You’ll find a wealth of information on many topics – caregiving joys and challenges, raising grandchildren, reducing stress, elder rights, support groups, volunteer opportunities, healthy recipes, and more. All sites are non-profit, so you won’t have to week through a series of ads and pop-ups.

The Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.alz.org/ct/ The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research.

CT Department of Social Services – Elder Services

There are over 55 million people around the country who are caring for family members, friends, or neighbors with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. Caregivers often find the task of caring for another person to be overwhelming. They often develop stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, or ulcers. An occasional break from caregiving enables an exhausted caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally, and find the strength to carry on.

The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) offers funding for the following caregivers programs:

National Family Caregiver Support Program: The term 'caregiver' means an adult relative or non- relative, or another individual who is an informal provider of in-home and community care. Only caregivers who provide care to the applicant that meets the eligibility requirements may receive services under these programs.

Respite Care: Respite care is a short term option designed to provide a break from the physical and emotional stress from caregiving. Respite care services include, but are not limited to: adult day care, home health aides, homemaker, companion, skilled nursing care, or short term assisted living or nursing home care. Funds may be used for day or night respite. A mandatory assessment must be completed before respite services are provided.

Supplemental Services: Supplemental services are one time health-related items or service options designed to help "fill the gap" when there is a need or there are no other ways to obtain the service or item. Supplemental services help improve the quality of life for the care recipient and help to alleviate the strain on caregivers who care for older individuals. Supplemental services include, but are not limited to, home safety modifications and medical related equipment.

These services are available through the federal National Family Caregivers Support Program.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a dynamic course that offers family members, friends or neighbors the tools they need to take care of themselves while caring for others. Over six weeks, participants learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Powerful Tools classes are FREE. Join a class and learn how to balance your life.

To discuss your situation or to learn more about the WCAAA Caregiver programs, please call the WCAAA office at 203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422.

http://ct.gov/agingservices/site/default.asp Learn more about Connecticut’s National Family Caregiver Support Program and other helpful programs.

Eldercare Locator

http://eldercare.gov/eldercare.NET/Public/ index.aspx The eldercare locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services.

Eldercare Online

http://www.ec-online.net/ A site for those caring for aging parents and elderly loved ones. They are committed to providing senior resources, home health care advice and an online community where supportive peers and professionals help improve the quality of life for caregivers and elders.

FCA: Family Caregiver Alliance

https://caregiver.org/ FCA is a public voice for caregivers that provide information, education, services, research, and advocacy through support of the caregiver. Family Caregiver Alliance supports and sustains the important work of families nationwide caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.

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Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

10 TIPS T

O FA A L LY FOR F FAMIL AMIL Y C AREGIVERS ARE CARE

Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!

Take care off your own health so that you can be strong eno ough to take care of your loved one.

Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.

Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.

1

2

3

4

Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your lo ov ved one.

Watch c out for signs of depression and d don't delay getting professio onal help when you need it.

Caregiving is hard work so take respit e e breaks often. e

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6

5

Orga anize medical inform mation so it's up to date and easy to find.

Ma ake sure legal do ocuments are in order.

Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!

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CaregiverAction.org

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Local Preemie Mom shares personal story during National Prematurity Awareness Month

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

By Jennifer Degl

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Author of FROM HOPE TO JOY: A MOTHER'S DETERMINATION AND HER MICRO PREEMIE'S STRUGGLE TO BEAT THE ODDS

November 17th is World Prematurity Day and the entire month of November is also National Prematurity Awareness Month. This is a topic I take very seriously since my daughter’s premature birth in 2012.

Worldwide, 1 in 10 babies are born premature. Every year, about 15 million children are born too early. Preterm babies represent the largest child patient group and their number continues to increase, despite the total number of births decreasing. A premature baby is not just smaller. Preterm babies have immature body systems. Their organs are underdeveloped and not able to do the necessary work to sustain life outside of the womb. As these infants grow, they do so with a higher risk of learning and behavioral disabilities, cerebral palsy, sensory and motor deficits, infections, intestinal problems and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, when compared to their full term counterparts.

Despite this high number and the risks involved, the general public is only hardly aware of the risk factors for preterm birth and the ensuing consequences a premature birth can have on a baby.

World Prematurity Day is a chance to raise awareness about the topic of prematurity on local, national and international levels. It was started by the European Foundation of Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) back in 2011 and has been instrumental in educating the public on ways to prevent a premature birth and what happens to a baby following a premature birth.

I’m sharing my story with you this month so that I can do my part and educate our area on the dangers and reality of a high-risk pregnancy and subsequent premature birth, but also to show you that there is hope for premature babies.

Back in December of 2012, I was diagnosed with placenta previa, shortly after learning I was pregnant with my fourth child. Placenta previa is when the placenta covers part of the cervix, or the entire cervix, during pregnancy. This condition can cause severe bleeding before and/or during labor. It can also resolve over time as the baby grows and the placenta shifts.

Mine did not resolve and only advanced. Unfortunately my placenta previa was very serious and would actually turn into placenta percreta. Placenta percreta is a condition where the placenta grows through the uterine wall and attaches to some of the surrounding organs, such as the bladder and bowels. My case is a bit more rare than the average case, but not really when you look at my risk factors. I had three previous C-sections, two miscarriages and a DNC (Dilation and curettage) before this pregnancy, which is what caused my placenta previa, but at the time I was not aware of such a condition so I went into this pregnancy very uneducated on what could transpire. I had only been told that my uterus was a bit thin and that I could have some complications in a fourth pregnancy.

None of those complications were described and when I asked what they were- I was just told that they were unlikely and not to worry about them.

My placenta problems caused bleeding within weeks of my diagnosis. I was bleeding from the start and it only got worse. I had my first life-threatening hemorrhage at 17 weeks gestation and then three more of those hemorrhages, each worse than the previous and each requiring more units of blood from transfusions, until my final hemorrhage at 23 weeks gestation, that led to the birth of my daughter.

My daughter (Joy) was born 17 weeks premature and weighed just 1pound and 4 ounces at birth. She was not even as long as a ruler at just 11 ¾ inches in length. Her skin was transparent and she looked more like a tiny alien than a newborn baby. That is because she shouldn’t have been born for several more months, yet here she was.

Joy is what is called a micro preemie- a baby born before 26 weeks gestation. A baby born between 26 and 37 weeks is considered premature, but babies born before 26 weeks gestation are at a much higher risk of severe complications and loss of life.

Because of my own health complications and surgeries stemming from my placenta percreta, I was not able to see my daughter for a few days. I sat being transfused in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and waited to be well enough for transport. This would be excruciating for any mother who just gave birth, but for me it was devastating, as my daughter was not expected to live. It was likely that my daughter would gain her angel wings before I ever got to see her alive or hold her. While I sat in the SICU fighting for my life, she laid in an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) doing the same. Words cannot express the pain I felt during these few days, and I’m not referring to the physical pain from my surgery.

My daughter was supposed to remain in my protected womb for several more months- yet she was out in the world, in an environment she was not ready for- putting her at risk for death during each and every moment that passed.

I felt like I failed her.

While I know that I had no control over my condition, and I adhered to the orders of bed rest both in my brief time at home and the weeks I spent in the hospital bed prior to her delivery, I still felt like I failed her.

Our first meeting, which only lasted five minutes due to my medical condition, was when I decided to name her Joy. It was the first time I smiled in over a week (before I began to cry like a baby myself). My husband agreed.

Joy had intravenous lines (IVs) all over her. She had a feeding tube and breathing tube down her throat. She had countless blood draws, blood transfusions, X-rays, medications and the like- and she was in pain for months.

My daughter spent 121 days in the NICU at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. The first 8 weeks were filled with more steps backwards than steps forward. We had a lot of close calls. Joy had a hole near her heart (called a PDA), a massive blood infection (sepsis), and was on a ventilator for almost three months.

I was not able to hold my daughter for 1 month!

The first time she was stable enough to come out of her incubator, I was ready for this special moment, as I had been waiting over a month for it! Unfortunately, by the time the nurse got my daughter safely out of her warm and cozy home and placed her on my bare chest (a practice known as kangaroo care) - her alarms began to beep and lights began to flash- indicating that her vital signs were unstable and they had to put her back. This happened almost every time I tried to kangaroo her for another month.

During the time my daughter was in the NICU, I was also taking care of my three young boys at home, who at the time were ages 7, 5, and 3 years old. Joy was born in mid-May (her due date was actually mid-September) so school was soon out and I had to be creative with their care and ways to give them the love and attention they needed from me. continued on next page

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November, 2017

Local Preemie Mom

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

I enrolled them in a day camp on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so that I could spend those whole days by Joy’s side. I would leave the NICU around 2:30 pm (after arriving around 7 am) and pick the boys up to get them home, give them dinner and a bath and put them to bed, so that I could get back to the NICU by 8 pm and stay until around midnight. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I would spend the day with the boys and leave by around 4 pm for the NICU. This lasted all summer.

I recognize that I am very lucky to be a teacher and have the summers off.

Not all NICU parents have that luxury. That is a different issue that needs to be addressed, so that preemie parents can take extended time off of work so that their babies don’t have to be alone in the hospital and miss out on the type of bonding and healing that only a parent’s touch can provide.

After around 3 months in the NICU, the steps forward started become more frequent than the steps backwards and we were more confident that Joy would survive. We now had new worries ahead of us.

Would Joy ever be off of oxygen? Would Joy ever be able to take a bottle or would she come home with a feeding tube? Would she be blind? Would Joy ever walk? And would my precious baby have so many developmental delays that she would always struggle in school? These were just some of the fears that we were so happy to get to the point that we needed to worry about, but nonetheless they were daunting.

Joy came home after 121 days. While we were ecstatic that she was finally coming home to join our family, we were also very nervous. Parents of preemies are used to having the safely net of monitors and nurses to alert them when their baby is in medical distress. Those nets are gone once your baby comes home; although a great many of premature babies are sent home with monitors and some have around the clock care. We were lucky that Joy came home only requiring oxygen and various medications. We had a visiting nurse come to or house three times a week to listen to her lungs and check her weight so that we didn’t have to bring her to a pediatrician’s office on a daily bases and expose her to other children’s germs.

The first two years of Joy’s life at home was very challenging for our family.

She had occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and other therapies every day, often several times a day, in our home. This was amazing but it made it difficult to schedule activities for our other children, and it takes some getting used to- to have so many other adults in and out of your home every day. Joy also had pneumonia more times than I can count because her premature birth left her with Bronchial Pulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)- a lung disease caused by the very breathing tube that kept her alive for several months. continued from previous page

She was often readmitted to the hospital, but this time to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for weeks at a time, and put back on oxygen until she had regained her strength. Joy also had Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)- an eye disease common to premature babies that requires special ophthalmologist appointments (in some cases surgery) and her to wear glasses. Our family could not have parties or allow play dates at our house because we always had to be on the lookout for viruses that could hurt Joy. This affected the boys the most.

We also had to skip several events (or abruptly leave them) because other guests at those parties were ill. This made some people angry. Joy has some fine and gross motor deficiencies that caused us to delay her entrance into Kindergarten and she still has speech and occupational therapy twice a week.

All of these things are worth it and each of us would sacrifice and go without our “regular life activities” all over again- for our daughter- as most parents would.

This is the reality of a premature birth. It’s not about waiting a few weeks for a baby to gain enough weight to come home. It’s emotional, devastating, and sucks every breath your of your body. Many parents never move past it and develop a form of PTSD, after watching their child struggle for so long.

No one gets pregnant and plans on delivering prematurely and having a baby in the NICU. My daughter spent 4 months in the NICU and many other babies are there for much longer. One night in the NICU is too many. Yes, there are degrees prematurity, but all premature babies are at risk for developing complications- many lasting a lifetime.

I’m sharing my story with you today so that you can be educated. Please share my story with others with hopes that we can help prevent future premature births and come up with better ways to help our world’s premature babies and their families.

Today- Joy is a happy 5-year old little girl who loves to sing and dance.

She has dreams of being a doctor who saves babies (and a chef who cooks for the parents, Lol!) and because of modern medicine, advancing technology, and the excellent care she received at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, she will be able to follow her dreams.

We were lucky, but many preemie parents are not. 1 million preterm babies will not survive, while many others are left disabled. In honor of National Prematurity Awareness Month and World Prematurity Day- let’s all help spread awareness with hopes that we can make a difference in the life of a preemie.

My journey down the road of prematurity inspired me to write a book about our story, called From Hope to Joy:A Memoir of a Mother’s Determination and Her Micro Preemie’s Struggle to Beat the Odds. How will you be inspired?

For more information on high-risk pregnancies and the reality of a premature birth, please see my website at www.micropreemie.net.

You can learn more about both local and national events commemorating World Prematurity Day by visiting the EFCNI website at http://www.efcni.org and by visiting the March of Dimes website at http://www.marchofdimes.org.

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

With all the getting that goes on this time of year, you have to be intentional to get your kids to understand the importance of giving as well. If you'd like to go beyond the family giſt exchange to teach your kids about the needs in their community, there are several ways to do it here in Fairfield County -- even if they're quite young.

It can be as simple as coming up with healthy snacks, or as ambitious as coordinating your own collection drive.

Here are a few organizations looking for help, be it one-time only, or something your family elects to do on a regular basis.

Volunteering with Kids this Holiday season

In Stamford

Domus, in Stamford, cares for the region's most vulnerable youth and their families through charter schools, residential programs and community programs. They currently have two options for families who want to tap into the spirit of giving:

1) Prepare a meal for abused or neglected teenage boys in one of two group homes. Whip up a well-balanced, ready-toeat meal that can satisfy 10 growing men ... and drop it off by 5pm! It's important to note, your children are not allowed to enter the home. Comfort foods such as ribs, beef stews, lasagna, beef tacos, meat loaf with mashed potatoes are greatly enjoyed.

2) Work a 2:15 hour shift at the 'Domus Holiday Mall' on Saturday December 23, 2017. This shopping experience is set up for the parents of children in Domus' care. Volunteers help keep the gift tables and clothing sections organized, wrap gifts, schlep gifts and keep the cafe stocked and tidy. You can also offer to bring clothing store shopping bags, wrapping paper and ribbon, or baked goods for the cafe. Festive music and holiday cheer provided!

For more information or to volunteer, contact Julia Wade at jwade@domuskids.org or 203-249-4110. www:domuskids.org

In Norwalk

The Family & Children’s Agency, in Norwalk, is an expansive non-profit committed to bettering the lives of the very young, very old, and everyone in-between. They tackle the big stuff: homelessness, foster care, addiction, education and eldercare.

They've got four opportunities for your family to jump in and help immediately: 1) Provide Sunday Lunch for Homeless Adults This South Norwalk drop-in center acts as a first point-ofcontact for the Agency and the homeless. It is a place where the homeless can come during the day to socialize or seek out support. You and a couple other families can team up to plan, purchase and provide Sunday lunch for 40 individuals, to be delivered by noon on the day you've selected.

2) Organize a Collection or Drive Go big and collaborate with your office, school, youth or religious group to collect needed items for one of the many groups the Family & Children’s Agency serves.

in Fairfield County

Ideas: • Baby items (diapers, wipes, diaper cream) • Personal care packages for homeless clients (deodorant, hair products, dental care) • “Welcome” baskets for newly-housed clients (linens, utensils, cups, plates) • Home cleaning supply baskets (cleaners, sponges, paper towels, detergent) • Personal care packages for teens (chapstick, scented lotions, hair care products) • Seasonal clothing for homeless adults (new blankets, new seasonal clothing, socks) • Gift cards for families (Stop & Shop, Shoprite, Walmart) • Journals for Foster Care children • Daily planners for women in recovery

3) Be Creative & Make Gifts Use your special skills, or put a hobby to good use by creating special gifts. Examples include hand-knit scarves for homeless adults, handmade baby quilts for newborns, welcome baskets for newly-housed clients, and "jars of joy" dry cookie jar mixes and soup mixes.

4) Make Baked Goods or Provide Snacks The Agency has two programs requiring baked goods or snacks on a daily basis, for approximately 50 clients -- either the Drop-In Center for homeless adults or the After School Program for at-risk middle school students. Ideas include: breads, muffins, cookies, fruit, pretzels or any snack of your choice (please refrain from using nuts).

Each volunteer opportunity has a different drop off location, so call 203-523-5336 or visit www.familyandchildrensagency.org for details.

In Westport

Save our Strays, in Westport, is for the family with a soft spot for animals. The caveat: this is for older children, as all volunteers must be 16 or older. Help care for, socialize, and love on all the pets they have up for adoption.

1677 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 255-0514

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

PAGE 15

In Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Rescue Mission serves the largest population of hungry and poor in our state. As such, they are never short of activities to keep young hands busy. The “Kids Who Care” volunteer program offers multiple opportunities for kids to give back including:

• Sweet Treats - Create Sweet Treat packages for the more than 200 men, women and children who enjoy free meals each day through our main dining room and Mobile Kitchens. Bake cookies or brownies (no nuts, please) and package two each in Ziploc® bags for dessert.

Deliver them to the kitchen at 1088 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, before 3 p.m. any day of the week.

• We Care Kits - Put together kits for overnight guests including items travel-size soap, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste along with a toothbrush, tampons, and pair of white tube socks.

• Bare Necessities – Socks are the most requested and needed item at homeless shelters. Provide the bare necessities for the working- poor and homeless men, women and children. Collect new, packaged underwear, bras and socks for all ages and sizes. Or, collect gift cards to Kohl’s or Wal-Mart so purchases can be made as needed.

For information about volunteer opportunities at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, contact Courtney Pandolfi, volunteer manager, CPandolfi@BridgeportRescueMission.org or call 203-333-4087 ext 112.

In New Canaan

The Waveny LifeCare Network in New Canaan seeks loving friends of all ages to share your skills, hobbies and interests by being a companion or assisting in therapeutic recreation programs.

Opportunities exist to perform as well as designing your own programs, such as sharing a collection, gardening or teaching a class. Others serve lunch, dinner or tea or greet visitors at the reception. To help out, call (203) 594-5334 or visit www.waveny.org.

In Shelton

Area Congregations Together operates the Spooner House in Shelton, CT, the only homeless shelter in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and one of the few in the state that welcomes families with children as well as individual adults. Kids can volunteer with their parents to:

• Serve lunch or dinner meals to residents of Spooner House • Sort and pack non-perishable food items in the Food Bank • Run a food drive on behalf of Spooner House • Suggest an activity that matches your interests

All new volunteers must attend a New Volunteer Orientation before starting to volunteer.

Contact Liz at eholcomb@actspooner.org or (203) 225-0453 x 105 to volunteer your time.

Source: www.mommypoppins.com

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Reading is exercise for your brain: Our November Book List for Healthcare News Making the Rounds with Oscar; the Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat David Dosa, MD Inspiring story about a doctor who doesn’t always listen, his patients, their caregivers and a cat who understands it all and bridges all of the important moments in life.

“Nothing is worth more than this day”; Finding Joy in Every Moment Kathryn & Ross Petras Pure optimism for the good times and the bad.

Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir John McCain and Mark Salter John McCain’s memoir of 3 generations of warriors and the impact their father’s played upon them.

The Airbnb Story: How 3 Ordinary Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions And Created Plenty of Controversy Leith Gallagher The history and backstory of Airbnb

The American Brewery: A Portable History of Beer Making Bill Yenne Detailed history of beer making from the nation’s independence to the micro-brewery boom of today.

Elements of Style: Designing A Home & A Life Erin Gates Endless design ideas and strategies for all tastes by designer and blogger Erin Gates

Living Wills and Healthcare Proxies Martin M. Shenkman & Patti S. Klein Helpful and easy to understand valuable information about these critical decisions.

Late to the Ball Gerald Marzorati An inspiring account of the author’s pursuit to become a nationally ranked tennis player at the age of 60. photos provided

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

The average American will consume approximately 3,000 calories during Thanksgiving dinner this year. Add in pre-meal snacks and a serving of grandma's famous pie, and that number can easily reach upwards of 4,500 calories!

To burn off all that food, you'd need to run a marathon or more.

In an effort to burn off as many calories as possible before the bird even comes out of the oven, many runners sign up for turkey trot races.

Prizes for these popular Thanksgiving-themed races can include T-shirts, hats, awards and trophies.

Most turkey trots occur on or just before Thanksgiving Day each year. A few, however, are held a week or so before the holiday to raise money for charities that provide needy families with Thanksgiving meals.

New Canaan Turkey Trot Nov 19, 2017—Sunday Get ready for Thanksgiving with a short run around New Canaan the Sunday before the holiday. 5 km course starting and finishing at Waveny Park. ChronoTrack B-Tag timing.

Post-race refreshments, long sleeve shirts available for $25 through November 14, $30 thereafter subject to availability, awards to top 3 male and female runners and age group winners, and raffle prizes.

Race day registration opens at 10:30 a.m.

Pre-race check-in at New Balance New Canaan beginning Friday afternoon, November 17, and Saturday, November 18.

All proceeds benefit the Open Door shelter. www.runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/ NewCanaanTurkeyTrot

Run for the Turkeys New Fairfield, CT Nov 19, 2017—Sunday Get ready for the 33rd Annual Run for the Turkeys 5K Road Race/Health Walk. Included in the day’s events will be a Kid’s fun run around the track for children 12 years and under. Music along the race route. There will be prize categories for the three best

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017 Thanksgiving themed costumed runners. Digital timing, positional placing, raffle prizes, and trophies to the top runners in each division are highlights of this year’s event. Don’t forget to visit the Turkey Mascot!

Register on-line at: parksandrec.newfairfield.org or call our office at 203-312-5633 for more information.

Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day Road Race Nov 23, 2017, Thursday Shelton, CT The Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5k Road Race offers a great, early morning run through the historic downtowns of Shelton and Derby. The race is finished in plenty of time to get to the annual Shelton-Derby football game, then on to your Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

Awards are presented to the first place male and female runners overall, and the top three male and female finishers in each division.

Special awards go to the top three male and female runners in the High School Division.

High-quality shirts are provided to all registrants, as well as great "goody bags" for the first 500 registered runners.

The Farmer's Market on Canal Street and the spacious Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion in Veteran's Park serve as race headquarters wth plenty of delicious refreshments available before and after the race. www.bgc-lnv.org/commodore-hull-5k

The Great Turkey Escape 5K road race and 3/4 mile kids run

40th Annual Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Race

Nov 23, 2017—Thursday Redding, CT

November 23, 2017, 8:15 AM, Southport CT

The race begins and ends at the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Rd (RT 107) and all proceeds will stay in Redding and be distributed to The RES PTA, The Redding Historical Center and Venture Crew 777. Runners receive a long sleeve tech shirt, an embroidered winter beanie (hat) and keepsake, personalized bibs along with 3 deep 5 year age group awards. www.runsignup.com/Race/CT/Redding/ TheGreatTurkeyEscape

8th Annual Newtown Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk Newtown, Connecticut Nov 23, 2017—Thursday 7:45 AM Join in the 8th Annual Newtown Turkey Trot 5K road race and fun walk to support the C. H. Booth Library!

The scenic 3.1 mile course begins at the Hawley School and ends at Newtown Middle School, a short distance away with ample parking in between. www.newtownturkeytrot.com/

8th Annual Turkey Trot in Memory of Donald J. Hassiak 5K Run Newtown, CT Nov 23, 2017—Thursday www.immaculatehs.org/alumni/events/7th-annualturkey-trot-in-memory-of-donald-j-hassiak

The Pequot Runners are the proud organization behind the acclaimed Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Road Race and 2.6 mile walk through Connecticut’s Gold Coast. The race has become a holiday tradition throughout the region. www.pequotrunners.wordpress.com/ thanksgiving-day-road-race/

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Our 'Brown' themed run includes brown cotton long sleeved shirts, brown(ies), other good food, some crazy prizes & leftovers from at least 15 other races (and maybe from some tag sales). Basically it's anything we can find to keep costs down and have some fun. AND WE WILL HAVE THE COW KEY CHAINS THAT POOP WHEN YOU SQUEEZE THEM. Our proceeds will be given to Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer in the name of Mia McCaffrey. Any extra cash benefits the THS Girls Cross Country team.

Shippan Turkey Trot

runsignup.com/Race/CT/Trumbull/cowchipcross

The Shippan Turkey Trot is celebrating its 17th year in the running this Thanksgiving morning.

Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Nov 25, 2017—Saturday Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT

The turkeys will trot from 280 Ocean Drive East - between Shippan & Fairview - on Thursday, November 23rd at 10:00 a.m.

But be sure to get there early enough for costume appreciation and high fives!) In lieu of a registration fee, donations of canned food, checks or cash will be accepted. 100% of the money raised goes to the meals program at the Shelter for the Homeless. www.shippantrot.com Cow Chip Cross Country Run Nov 25, 2017—Saturday 536 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull, CT Work off your high caloric Thanksgiving over indulgence with a great 3+ mile run on the trails, grass & campus around the Trumbull High-Agricultural Center. No traffic, gentle hills, & maybe some mud & slush if Mother Nature cooperates.

Run For Your School Competition - Greenwich school with the greatest participation wins a $500 gift card for PE equipment. Great goodie bag items - including a trial membership offer from the YMCA of Greenwich. Post-race hospitality tent with food & beverages. Music by DJ Buzz! www.greenwichalliance.org/events/ turkey-trot-2017/ 7th Annual Run Santa Run 5K Nov 25, 2017—Saturday New Milford's Harrybrooke Park The event will go on, rain, snow or shine.

Registration opens at 8:30am The kids fun run is FREE to enter and starts at 9:30am.

The race starts at 10:00am sharp Roughly 500 participants come to this annual event with trophies, prizes and vendors/sponsors welcome!

All funds raised will benefit both Harrybrooke Park and a portion of the proceeds given to JDRF to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. www.santaclauscompany.com/runsantarun

Turkey Trotting

in Fairfield County

Source:www.runningintheusa.com

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November, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Provided by Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)

Healthcare News - Fairfield County November, 2017

PAGE 21

GET INVOLVED

When you Wage Hope in your community, we get closer to doubling pancreatic cancer survival by 2020. Join the fight today and find a local event, take an advocacy action or got to www.pancan.org to discover more ways to get involved.

Help raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and use social media to tell your friends and family about the symptoms and risk factors. Share the infographics on www.pancan.org or post your own photo using the hashtags #PANCaware or #pancreaticcancer!

Raise funds to help end pancreatic cancer by hosting a purple party. If you have a November birthday, ask for donations in lieu of gifts. Having a Friendsgiving? Turn it purple! Honor a loved one with a tribute page to tell their story – and why you Demand Better.

The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer

Raise your voice and ask your members of Congress to protect critical pancreatic cancer research funding!

Join us at PurpleStride to raise awareness and funds, in communities nationwide. Your spirit fuels progress.

Go to www.pancan.org to find a location near you.

DONATE TO THE FIGHT

PAGE 22

November, 2017

What is a pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland, about six inches long, located deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach.

It produces enzymes that help with digestion and secretes hormones that control the levels of sugar in the blood.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a mutated group of cells in the body that grows and divides in an uncontrolled manner.

Cancer cells sometimes spread from the original cancer site to form tumors in other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells within the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer may cause only vague, unexplained symptoms. Pain (usually in the abdomen or back), weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes) with or without itching, loss of appetite, nausea, changes in stool, pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes are symptoms that may indicate pancreatic cancer. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we urge you to speak to your doctor immediately and reference pancreatic cancer.

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

A pancreatic tumor can only be seen on an imaging study such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

How is pancreatic cancer classified?

Pancreatic tumors are classified into two groups by the type of cell in which they start – exocrine and neuroendocrine (endocrine) tumors.

More than 95 percent of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors. Additionally, the doctor will describe the extent of cancer in the body through staging. Stage is a measure of how far the cancer has grown, using size of the tumor, lymph node involvement and locations to which it has spread. Stages range from I to IV, with stage I describing the earliest form of cancer.

What treatments are available for pancreatic cancer?

Treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general health. Patients may be treated with standard (approved) treatments or may participate in clinical trials. Standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Clinical trials investigate new treatments for pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision.

How many people get pancreatic cancer each year?

Approximately 53,670 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2017. Pancreatic cancer is the ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the 11th most commonly diagnosed in men in the United States.

Why is pancreatic cancer difficult to detect early?

The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, so it is difficult for a doctor to see or feel the tumor during a physical exam. Additionally, symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not always obvious and usually develop gradually. If a person has symptoms that suggest pancreatic cancer, a variety of tests may be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. However, there is no standard diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer, which further complicates the diagnostic process.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, visit www.pancan.org