Fairfield County Healthcare News October 2017 ebook

Healthcare news October 2017

Fairfield County

HealthcareNewsMagazine.com

MEET

BILLY BLANKS JR AS SEEN ON ABC’S SHARK TANK AND DR. OZ

Boomers October 2017

& Beyond

Fairfield County

Included in every issue:

Boomers & Beyond FREE 6-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

Register at HealthcareNewsMagazine.com

Healthcare Newspaper 1 Ardmore Street New Windsor NY 12553

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 7246 PHILADELPHIA, PA 191

PAGE 2

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

6th Annual Stamford Health, Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017 presented by WABC-TV Returns to Chelsea Piers Connecticut, October 21 and 22

Stamford Health is getting ready for the 6th Annual Stamford Health, Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017 presented by WABC-TV which will return to Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road, in Stamford, Saturday, October 21,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, October 22, 2017, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

For the sixth year now, Stamford Health has been the title sponsor of this premier health, wellness and sports expo in Connecticut where visitors will find health education, fun activities for children, special guests, plus the latest information, products, services and demos from over 100 exhibitors and much more. “We are excited to be part of this annual event again this year,” said Vicki Hoffman, Director, Orthopedic Service Line, Stamford Health. “Expo 2017 will address a wide variety of health concerns and feature many innovative exhibits to help the community set off on a healthy course.”

Staff from Stamford Health will provide information on many medical conditions and treatments, and children will enjoy the popular Stamford Health volunteer HAHA clowns. In conjunction with Stamford Health’s Department of Trauma Services, there will be a Touch-a-Truck from the

Stamford Fire Department in the parking lot at Chelsea Piers both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Visitors of all ages can learn from Stamford firemen about the truck’s equipment up close.

Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and receive a free raffle ticket or raffle tickets can be purchased for $5.

Raffle prizes will be announced throughout the weekend.

All visitors will receive a Passport For Life, provided by Healthcare News, to record their Expo participation. Those who visit 40 exhibits can receive a complimentary day pass to Chelsea Piers Connecticut. There will also be flu shots provided by CVS Health (insurance and/or cash payments accepted) New attractions this year include “Discover Scuba” classes with Capt.

Saam’s Scuba School at the Chelsea Piers pool on Sunday afternoon and The Loft Healthy Seminars, a series of ten 45-minute presentations on timely food topics by area restaurant representatives in a lounge-like setting in the Healthy Restaurant Sampling Zone where visitors can taste healthy cuisine and beverages from 18 restaurants and food and beverage.

Visit www.hws-expos.com for updates and schedule information.

Staff from Stamford Health will offer a variety of information on health conditions and treatments.

Billy Blanks Jr. of Shark Tank fame will conduct his Dance It Out class both days.

The Stamford Health volunteer HAHA clowns will be popular among young visitors.

A Touch-A-Truck from the Stamford Fire Department, made possible by Stamford Health, Department of Trauma Services, will be in the parking lot at Chelsea Piers.

PAGE 1/9

PAGE 2/9

PAGE 3/9

PAGE 4/9

PAGE 5/9

PAGE 6/9

PAGE 7/9

PAGE 8/9

PAGE 9/9

PAGE 12

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

OUR VIEW

ADVERTISER INDEX Company

Page

All About You Medical Spa

13

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run

26

ColumbiaDoctors

28

Fairfield County Medical Association

19, 27

Physician’s Mutual Insurance Company

23

Stamford Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2-11

Healthcare news

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

By Nancy Sorbella

GENERAL MANAGER

This edition of Healthcare News was in production during the wrath and aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the devastating earthquake in Mexico. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these catastrophic events. We would like to acknowledge the brave and selfless efforts of the rescue and medical responders and volunteers to these disasters. They put their own safety at risk to save the lives of others.

We encourage our readers to reach out with a donation or supplies to the organization of your choice in order to help the victims. Some good choices are the Red Cross, Food Banks, Churches and Pet Shelters.

Check your local schools to find out if they are accepting donations of water, clothing, toiletries or canned goods. Even a small donation can make a big difference.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have not yet had your mammogram for 2017 now is the time. A list of Imaging facilities in Fairfield County is included in this edition. If you are a breast cancer survivor or know one you may like to join in the Pink Pledge at the Norma Pfriem Breast Center to raise money and awareness.

Please join us at the 6th Annual Stamford Health, Wellness & Sport Expo, October 21 and 22.

Make the most of each day and thank you for joining us each month!

Contact us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

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

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

••• GENERAL MANAGER

INSIDE

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff Greg@belsito.com

••• MARKETING CONSULTANT

Anthony Mairo

Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MANAGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

Next Month in Healthcare News

MRLinell@charter.net

Diabetes American Diabetes Month World Diabetes Day—November 14

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

Healthy Skin The danger of Melanoma

Maureen Rafferty Linell ••• CIRCULATION

Michelle Belsito

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition Vol. 4 No. 10 - 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

Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Pledge Norma Pfriem Breast Center Page 14-16

Healthcare News Book List Page 18

Fairfield County Medical Association

National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

At the forefront of current medicine for more than 220 years Pages 19, 27

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

For Halloween Page 20-21

Family Caregivers Month Recognized for those that help others in need

Health & Safety Tips

ER Doctor in Puerto Rico Reports on Hurricane Maria’s Devastating Magnitude Page 24-25

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

THE FUTURE HAS

PAGE 13

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!

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

PAGE 15

Pink Pledge – Norma Pfriem Breast Center Integrative Medicine & Support Services at Norma Pfriem Breast Center 111 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-255-5518

About the Pink Pledge

Pink Pledge is a month long, community wide, awareness and fundraising campaign to benefit Norma Pfriem Breast Center. Funds raised through Pink Pledge enable the Center to continue to provide medical excellence and compassionate care to ALL women, regardless of their ability to pay.

Norma Pfriem Breast Center was the first freestanding community breast center in Connecticut to offer one-stop coordination of care, patient navigation and rapid diagnosis. Norma Pfriem Breast Center is one of only 500 centers nationwide accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is a member of the prestigious National Consortium of Breast Care Centers.

Pink Pledge is what you make it. There are many ways to participate. Through your support and participation, no matter how big or small, you can make a difference in someone's life, even your own.

Educate Yourself and Others

One in eight women in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with breast cancer and according to data released by the American Cancer Society, Connecticut has one of the highest rates of incidence of breast cancer in the country.

Educate yourself about your health risks and encourage others to do the same.

• • • • •

Get a breast examination Ask about breast density Know your risk Monthly self-exams Spread the word

- Get a breast examination by a doctor or nurse.

- Women ages 20 – 39 should have a clinical breast examination every three years.

- After age 40, women should have a mammogram every year.

Schedule Your Mammogram : 203-683-9729

Mammography Locations www.bridgeporthospital.org

Outpatient Radiology Services – Fairfield 425 Post Road Main level Fairfield, CT 06824 203-447-5581

Outpatient Radiology Services - Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant Street Bridgeport, CT 06610 203-384-3177

Outpatient Radiology – Bridgeport – Commerce Park 4699 Main Street Suite 108 Bridgeport, CT 06606 203-447-5581 Outpatient Radiology Services – Stratford 2909 Main Street Main level Stratford, CT 06614 203-447-5581 Outpatient Radiology Services - Trumbull Park Avenue Medical Center 5520 Park Avenue, Level 1 Trumbull, CT 06611 Scheduling: 203-447-5581

A Community that Cares

Many thanks to the Town of Fairfield for coming together to lead the Pink Pledge. Fairfield’s merchants, restaurants and businesses, local schools, and sports teams are holding special promotions and events in support of the center. Town departments and local residents are also helping to turn the town pink. Please join Fairfield in taking the Pink Pledge!

Pledge by Participating! Throughout October, Fairfield retailers, restaurants and fitness centers will be offering special PINK promotions and fun fitness events to support Norma Pfriem Breast Center.

See next page-events are subject to change without notice.

PAGE 16

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

2017 Events Calendar Healing Gong Session

October 11, 2017 @ 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm Park Avenue Medical Center Integrative Medicine West Pavilion WP2-600 5520 Park Avenue Trumbull

$25 min donation

Healing Gong Session – Cleanse & Strengthen your Parasympathetic Nervous System

Ryan John Salon

October 5, 2017– October 28, 2017 4:36pm -5:36pm 1630 Post Road Fairfield 203-255-5646

PINK PLEDGE BLOW OUT & COLOR SPECIAL! Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout October Ryan John Salon will donate 20% of all blow dry services and Goldwell color products to Pink Pledge.

Sound Runner

October 7, 2017 1596 Post Road Fairfield 203-292-9466

Run for the Pink! Suggested donation $10/runner – 100% of donations and __% of retail sales on Oct 7 to benefit Pink Pledge and Norma Pfriem Breast Center.

bar method-Fairfield

October 8, 2017 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 85 Mill Plain Rd. Ste 5 203-259-8825

$25.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! TO REGISTER: www.fairfield.barmethod.com and click on Pink Pledge calls.

Wear pink! Wear socks.

100% of proceeds go to support Pink Pledge and Norma Pfriem Breast Center

5 symphonic gongs gently playing while you relax.

Pink PLEDGE donation Class to benefit the Norma Pfriem Breast Center

Raise the VIBE Come together Be the Positive Impact Create Deeper Healing

Seated in a chair or a mat.

Please bring a mat if you have one.

Black Rock Pilates

October 12, 2017 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Black Rock Pilates 2889 Fairfield Ave Bridgeport $25.00 203-335-1987

Pilates Class – 4 stations, 4 instructors.

Pre-registration required.

To register: www.blackrockpilates.com

100% of proceeds benefit Pink Pledge and Norma Pfriem Breast Center

2017 Pink Pop-Up

October 13, 2017 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm The Warehouse at FTC Fairfield CT

Tax Deductible Contributions: Sponsorships are tax deductible to the extent permitted you by law.

For further information, please call Robin Righter at the Norma Pfriem Breast Center at 203-255-4446

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

PAGE 17

provided

Join Making Strides for the new season and join the millions of walkers who have made strides to end breast cancer. Sign up and be the difference today. www.makingstrideswalk.org Making Strides of Westport Sunday, October 15, 2017 Registration: 9:00 Walk: 10:00 Sherwood Island State Park-Sherwood Island Connector Westport, CT Kristen Welton WestportCTStrides@cancer.org (203) 563-1515

Mammography Centers Stamford Health / Breast Center

32 Strawberry Hill Court, 2nd Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 276-7465 www.stamfordhealth.org/care-treatment/breast-center

Trumbull Radiation Oncology Center

Making Strides of Bridgeport Sunday, October 22, 2017 Seaside Park-Casino Bath House 1 Barnum Dyke Bridgeport, CT Kristen Welton kristen.welton@Cancer.org (203) 563-1515

SUBSCRIBE NOW! ONE YEAR—12 ISSUES

ONLY $19.99

5520 Park Ave, Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 337-8700 http://radonc.yale.edu/about/trumbull.aspx

Name: ____________________________________________________

115 Technology Dr, Ste B-301, Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 445-0101 womenschoicect.com

City: ______________________________________________________

Women's Choice Aesthetics / Mammography Advanced Radiology Consultants 268 Grant StBridgeport, CT 06610 (203) 337-9729 www.adrad.com

Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center 148 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 838-4886 www.norwalkradiology.com

Title: ______________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________ State: _____________________________________________________

Zip: _______________________________________________________ Telephone: (

) __________________ - ____________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________

Send payment to:

Healthcare News 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553

PAGE 18

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Reading is exercise for your brain: Our October Book List for Healthcare News To Siri with Love Judith Newman, Harper Collins One mom’s often humorous chronicle of her autistic son’s friendship with Apple’s Siri

Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book, 16th Edition Better Homes & Gardens, Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt Publishing Completely revised and updated version of the 1930 classic.

I’m Too Young to be This Old Poppy Smith, Harvest House Publishers Light and serious look at aging and how to turn later years into the best years of one’s life.

Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History Katy Tur, Dey Street Books Tur’s fascinating documentation of her 500 days on the campaign trail of Donald Trump.

Ruin: Photographs of a Vanishing America Brian Vanden Brink, Down East Books Striking images of the beauty in architectural ruins

How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else Michael Gates Gill, Avery Inspiring Riches to Rags memoir of the humbling and rebirth of the author, a former advertising executive, as a barista at Starbucks.

The Woman in Cabin 10 Ruth Ware, Gallery/Scout Press The perfect thriller for travel aficionados and fans of classic Agatha Christie.

Visual Finance: The One Page Visual Model to Understand Financial Statements and Make Better Decisions Georgi Tsvetanov, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Perfect tool for understanding finance and financial statements for everyone.

photos provided

Fairfield County Medical Association, 917 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484 Tel: 203-513-2045 Fax: 203-513-8036 Email: info@fcma.org Website: www.fcma.org

S A F E H A L L O W E E N

PAGE 21

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

o Hall ween

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

Limit the amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

Always test make-up in a small area first to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries.

Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Health

&

Safety Tips For more information about these tips, visit: www.cdc.gov/family/halloween

PAGE 22

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Your

Teeth

Are Amazing!

5

ting a n i Fasc ts Fac 1. People have been caring for their teeth for centuries.

Did you know the first toothbrushes were actually twigs our ancestors chewed on, using the frayed ends to cleanse their teeth? Around 5,000 B.C., the Egyptians used crushed eggshells and ground animal hooves to clean and polish their teeth. By the 1700s, a British inventor had adapted a design first seen in China – a bone handle with boar bristles inserted into small holes and secured with wire. Modern toothbrushes with nylon bristles arrived in the late 1930s, and the first electric toothbrush was introduced in 1954.

2. Teeth can tell stories about you.

Scientists can tell a great deal about us just by examining our teeth. Did you realize that our teeth reveal how old we are, what we eat and drink -even where on Earth we may have lived? Our teeth also carry significant clues about our overall health, including periods of stress or illness we’ve endured. In short, teeth are a lasting record of our personal history

3. Every tooth is unique.

Whether we’re talking about the 20 “baby teeth” that serve us in childhood or the 32 permanent teeth we have in our adult years, no two teeth are exactly the same shape and size. Each tooth in your mouth has its own unique profile, and teeth also vary widely from person to person. So your smile really is a true mark of your individuality!

They help you chew, speak and smile, but how much do you really know about your teeth? Here are some of the “tooth truths” that prove your teeth really are remarkable.

4. The blueprint for your teeth is present the day you’re born.

When babies arrive, the crowns of their first 20 teeth are already in place under the gums, waiting for the right time to break through – starting sometime between 3 to 6 months of age. Throughout childhood, the crowns and roots of adult teeth are already forming under those baby teeth, waiting until it’s time to begin pushing them out of the way. And here’s one more fun fact: In 1950, the average gift from the Tooth Fairy was just 25 cents. Today’s kids get about $2.00 per tooth.

5. Cleaning between your teeth is just as important as brushing the parts you see.

When we brush, we’re able to easily reach the tops and sides of our teeth.

But the surfaces between – which make up a significant part of our tooth enamel – need proper cleaning, too. This is why it’s best to clean between your teeth daily to remove food and bacteria and promote healthy gums.

And don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Your teeth are already amazing, and your ADA dentist and their team can help keep them that way.

Source:www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fun-teeth-facts

PAGE 23

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve CALL NOW!

1-855-408-9761

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan You can get coverage before your next checkup

Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.

FREE Information Kit

1-855-408-9761 Visit us online at

www.dental50plus.com/57 Insurance Policy P150NY 6129

MB17-NM003Ec

ER Doctor in Puerto Rico reports on PAGE 24

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Healthcare News - Fairfield County October, 2017

PAGE 25

Hurricane Maria’s devastating magnitude Since touching down in Puerto Rico, how would you describe the state of the country?

Everyone is affected in a serious and ongoing way. It is impossible to see or do anything that is not changed by the storm. For example, getting off the empty plane we flew down on, at the airport there is no electricity or air-conditioning. The usually bustling road that drops people off at the curb had zero cars. No traffic at all. The cab we took from the departing area had arrived at 7:00 a.m. and we were his first fare for the day at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Most of the main streets are clear but half of the secondary roads still have poles or wires blocking passage. Even with so many roads blocked, traffic is light and moves easily. This city is normally loud and congested with cars but there is no fuel to be had. At every station we pass the line is 50-100 cars long to get $20 of gas. Most people we ask say they waited 4-7 hours for gas. Water is not running in most houses. Food is hard to come by – for example they will let a few people at a time (20) into a grocery store to spend a set amount of money. Lines for groceries are longer than for gas. Most homes presumably have some canned and stored food, but when that starts to run low, if food is not more available, people will get impatient.

How have you assisted with the humanitarian needs so far and/or plan to?

Upon our arrival we met with a director/coordinator for primary health centers. We will work with them to do an assessment of their sites with regards to infrastructure and supplies. Unfortunately, there is no communication in most of the country so their assessments are greatly impaired. We can know for sure, they have no power, no water and at least minimal structural damage. But the extent is impossible to know without going in person. Getting there in person requires gas (and you know how hard that is). We will meet with this group again tomorrow morning (having had 24 hours to get more information on their various sites). We will travel to some of those sites tomorrow if/when we secure fuel/car.

Who have you traveled there with and what is your team’s goal?

I am traveling with the International Medical Corps (I have worked with them many times before). Our team consists of Carrie Vopelak (from IMC in Washington DC, Monitoring and Evaluation expert), Ken Cedeno (photographer/communications) and me. We traveled down on an empty United plane which had an all volunteer crew. The plane and crew were heading there to fill up with evacuees. That was a pretty cool. Great spirit of generosity on the plane (plus since it was empty, I got to catch up on the sleep I lost flying around trying to find a flight into San Juan). Our number one goal is to identify the gaps caused by Maria. The gaps in care provided to poorly resourced patients at primary care centers. Finding solutions to interruptions in the usual supply chain or identifying temporarily infrastructure fixes to get back to providing care (for example finding alternative spaces) seem likely targets for us.

After seeing the situation on the ground, what are your thoughts on the forecast of relief effort needs now and for the future?

If the power infrastructure is back quickly (weeks not months) that is the most important determination. People need gas for cars (to get to school and work), people need diesel for generators until the electricity is back on. People need running water for basic home hygiene needs.

Until these basics are covered, it is hard for people to go back to work and start to rebuild a normal life. People with chronic medical conditions will not be able to pay for their needs without work, will not be able to get to their health care settings, will not be able to access care for an acute problem.

Photo shared by Dr. Robert Fuller of UConn Health showing the destruction he is witnessing while responding to the relief effort needs in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

This Q & A is with Dr. Robert Fuller, chair and professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UConn Health, who just arrived in Puerto Rico to respond to the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria. He shares his firsthand account about how every single person in the country is being affected by the magnitude of the hurricane’s impact. Fuller is on a mission with the International Medical Corps to assess the damage to and identify gaps in medical infrastructure for delivering care to the poor, and the finding and coordinating of resources to close that gap.

Image shared by Dr. Robert Fuller of UConn Health

How would you compare Maria’s damage to your other medical missions and from his mission to Puerto Rico. have you seen anything like Puerto Rico’s devastating situation?

This is mild compared to many of the missions I have attended in the past. I say “mild” because there are few reported dead and the injured are cared for and doing okay. The chronic illnesses will need attention soon, and hopefully we can help the various agencies to get that accomplished. This is severe in its magnitude of impact. Every single person is affected. Every single home is disrupted in a major way. I remember the October storm we had a few years back and we were without power for about a week. I try to imagine what it would be like to be without power or gas or water, with dwindling food in the pantry.

Dr. Robert Fuller, chair of emergency medicine at UConn Health (UConn Health Photo/Janine Gelineau).

What’s your number one message to the public and leaders in U.S.?

This is an extremely large disaster. Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico plus all the islands impacted by hurricanes seem so much. Although giving cash donations does not have the emotional good feeling of giving some stuff like food/clothing/medicines/goods – cash is the most useful item. Money is converted into the exact right item exactly when and where it is needed. It does not take up space or go bad if left unrefrigerated (for example). It can put a team of people to work repairing a roof, it can fill a generator with diesel, it can fill the pharmacy at a community clinic with just the medications they need.

PAGE 26

October, 2017

Healthcare News - Fairfield County