Health + Wellness Magazine Spring / Summer 2019

Health + Wellness Living healthier together.

Spring/Summer 2019

For many in New Hampshire, addiction is a daily reality.

The Doorway is a new program providing help in accessing resources and treatment options.

ALSO INSIDE: Helpful tips, tools, and information about local resources and supports for living healthier together―along with a listing of our upcoming programs on a variety of health-related topics.

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Patients in the Monadnock Region Meloney Hayward, RT(R)(M), Mammography Supervisor in the Iola Hubbard Center for Women’s Health at Cheshire and member of the Breast Care Center team, provides vital breast care using state-of-the-art imaging technology.

have access to complex services beyond those usually offered by community hospitals.

Dedicated centers within Cheshire Medical Center offer breast care, physical rehabilitation, cancer treatment, women’s health services, and population health improvements.

The right care, right here.

Our Breast Care Center has earned Full Accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Pictured above are members of our multidisciplinary Breast Care team.

With a Medical Center affiliated with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system right here in Keene, you and your family have local access to personalized, high quality care-as well as seamlessly expanded care when you need it.

Our membership in the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system means access to the shared patient portal of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system, myD-H, for all patients receiving care at Cheshire. As well as access to specialists like David Finley, MD, Thoracic Oncology Program Director at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, who is partnering with Cheshire’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center-Kingsbury Pavilion to provide pre- and postoperative care close to home for patients undergoing Thoracic Surgery.

Located in Keene, New Hampshire with satellite offices in Walpole and Winchester.

cheshiremed.org

Health + Wellness Living healthier together.

Health + Wellness magazine is a publication of Cheshire Medical Center, to support the health and wellness of the people of the Monadnock Region with information about services and care provided at the medical center

FROM THE CHESHIRE MEDICAL CENTER CEO/PRESIDENT/CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Together, we can do more than we can do alone.

and local resources available to support

The very roots of our nonprofit medical center are firmly planted in the belief that the health

wellness goals.

and wellness of every person in our community matters—it inspires our mission and vision. Our

Cheshire Medical Center has served

modern-day philosophies of care revolve around collaboration and partnerships because we

the communities of the Monadnock

know that’s how we achieve the best outcomes. We have seen that, together, we can do more

Region with high-quality health care since 1892. A member of the

than we can do alone.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system,

As providers of health care, we learned long ago that we can provide quality care and

Cheshire is a nonprofit medical center

consultation in our exam rooms, but if the other touchpoints in a patient’s life create

providing a continuum of care spanning primary care and specialty medicine,

roadblocks to that person’s wellness, it is unlikely he or she will be successful in reaching their

to surgical services and acute inpatient

health and wellness goals. It is for this very reason that Cheshire Medical Center established

care, comprehensive cancer treatment,

the Center for Population Health (CPH).

and inpatient physical rehabilitation.

The educational programs listed in Health + Wellness magazine are developed and coordinated through the Center for Population Health.

The Center for Population Health

The staff of Cheshire’s CPH partner with our physicians and providers, local organizations and initiatives, and state government agencies to create movement of those barriers to good health for the people in our region. The coordination and collaboration of CPH are demonstrated in programs, such as: Activity is Good Medicine, our free health and wellness programming, the Behavioral Health Partner Network, and now, The Doorway at Cheshire

is a department of Cheshire Medical

Medical Center. You can learn more about each of these in the pages of this issue.

Center focused on health and wellness

The opioid crisis touches every one of us in some way or another. In this issue of Health

education, outreach, and support to individuals, families, worksites, schools,

+ Wellness magazine, we have featured our region’s location of the federally funded

and the community, and provides staff

state program, The Doorway-NH. This program, to me, is the ultimate expression of living

for the Greater Monadnock Public

healthier together. A great number of connections and partnerships are necessary to

Health Network and support for the Healthy Monadnock community engagement initiative.

bring this program forward; from the federal and state levels to the intensive regional and local collaboration, from the staff working together within the hubs and the spokes, to the individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and their families and loved ones.

I firmly believe that through these connections, we can achieve better health and wellness.

To sign up to receive Healthier Together, a monthly e-bulletin,

I would like to express my gratitude to our physicians and providers who are expanding their

and view previous issues of

education and certifications to provide appropriate treatment options for patients struggling

Health + Wellness magazine, visit:

with SUD. Thank you to our frontline staff who give direct care to patients and families in crisis,

health-wellness.cheshiremed.org.

our community partners working together to provide services and interventions, and all of you

Follow us on facebook at:

who support by donating to Cheshire Medical Center or our nonprofit partner organizations.

facebook.com/CheshireMed

Together, we are doing more.

― Don Caruso, MD, MPH President and CEO/CMO, Cheshire Medical Center

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Need help for substance misuse?

Call 2-1-1

in New Hampshire to talk with someone at The Doorway.

at Cheshire Medical Center

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For many in New Hampshire, addiction is a daily reality.

The Doorway is a new program providing help in accessing resources and treatment options.

Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center can connect you with support, guidance, and community, as well as help you access treatment, recovery, and selfsufficiency services.

New Hampshire’s opioid addiction crisis isn’t breaking news. The Granite State is one of the top five states nationally with the highest rate of opioid related deaths according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Researchers point to a “perfect storm” fueled by the state’s proximity to drug distribution networks in Massachusetts, low spending on services for treatment, areas of “economic degradation” following the closing of paper mills, and high prescription rates of opioid pain relievers, as the roots of the crisis.

While the origins of the crisis may be complex, Granite Staters agree that drugs are one of our state’s most pressing problems. In the 2016 poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, forty percent of New Hampshire adults indicated they believe that drug misuse is the most important problem facing our state.

Over the past several years, pockets of treatment services have been established throughout New Hampshire. Community-based institutions and nonprofit and private organizations across areas

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The “hub and spoke” model is the coming-together of community resources The purpose of The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center is to bring together professional evaluation and care, community resources relating to substance use disorder (SUD), and the people in need of those skills and services.

The Doorway uses evidence-based assessment tools to refer clients to the appropriate service(s) in the community. As a central connection point between multiple SUD treatment resources, The Doorway serves as a “hub” connecting to a series of “spokes”. The “spokes” represent a range of treatment and support entities.

Residential Treatment Facilities

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Outpatient Treatment Services

Primary Care/ Emergency Medical Care

Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support

Mental Health Professionals

like education, healthcare, first responders, grant-funded programs, and private facilities have worked to develop supports in their local regions for those seeking treatment. Yet, without a means to coordinate and provide comprehensive care across rural areas, these services continue to struggle to keep pace with the demand, let alone get ahead.

With the aid of federal grant funding, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has introduced The Doorway-NH program, a hub and spoke program model designed to transform the system which serves individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) and provides coordination between local treatment and support options. Nine locations strategically placed throughout our state ensure help will be less than an hour away for New Hampshire residents. The Doorways (or “hubs” in this program model) connect individuals seeking treatment to available services (or “spokes”) in their region.

Doorway staff also provide case management throughout a client’s treatment and recovery.

Each Doorway location is managed and operated primarily by local healthcare organizations. Cheshire Medical Center is serving the southwest corner of New Hampshire. The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center opened its doors on January 2, 2019, along with the eight other locations throughout our state.

An entryway into treatment and recovery The ability to access the right resources at the right time can make or break an individual’s journey to recovery. How to connect with treatment services (or “spokes”) may seem obvious to some, but navigating an overwhelmed system on your own is a significant challenge. Understanding the differences in treatment programs and which is right for you or your loved one, or if medical treatment is needed, are difficult to answer.

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Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently overlaps with other social issues. For many individuals, there is the concern of having a safe place to live or sleep, or establishing childcare before enrolling in a program.

These are just a few of the obstacles faced by people seeking help and recovery. The Doorway helps to remove those obstacles, helping those seeking recovery to have the best opportunities for success.

The different roles of support at The Doorway

“We are not a treatment center,” stresses Nelson Hayden, Director of The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center, “we are the safety net between the gaps in services.” What exactly does that mean?

peers who have been where you are.

Let’s imagine SUD is your reality and you’ve experienced an overdose.

The experience has been a frightening “wake-up-call” and you are seeking treatment. You contact one of the spokes, such as a residential treatment facility. The facility staff conduct an evaluation over the phone and determine that their level of care is right for you.

Unfortunately, it will be 10-14 days before there is space available. In the meantime, you will be sent forms to complete and are instructed to get a physical exam in order to be enrolled in the facility.

successful in the recovery process. They help

Support at The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center is provided with compassion and without judgement, by skilled professionals, as well as

A Peer Recovery Support Worker at The Doorway is someone who themselves has been people experiencing similar situations to become and stay engaged in the recovery process.

They make daily connections with each client, providing a supportive influence while waiting for treatment, or through a reoccurance—connecting clients with meetings if needed. After clients have exited a residential program, the Peer Recovery

What if you don’t have an address where the forms can be sent? What if you have no transportation? What if you don’t have health insurance or a primary care provider? What if instead, they told you the level of care at their facility isn’t right for you at all? What if, in the face of these challenges, it becomes harder to imagine recovery is possible? The Doorway is here to help you access and coordinate services.

Support Worker will help them reestablish

“We can connect you with the right care for you and provide support between services,” explains Hayden, “The individuals and organizations providing treatment as the spokes in this model, are good, caring partners who are often overwhelmed by the high demand for treatment.

We provide support to help keep you engaged in your recovery until the partners in the spokes are available to you. We will also work with local resources to help address things like housing, family supports, employment, and health insurance. ”

assessments reveal that critical interventions are

At its most basic level, The Doorway program provides an addiction recovery service level of care evaluation, and daily contact by phone and weekly counseling events while waiting for treatment. A case manager will help to identify services and resources to facilitate recovery while following your journey to ensure intervention and support are available when needed.

clients. This may be an interim plan of support

connections with their local recovery community, ensuring continued support is available.

The Mental Health Clinicians at The Doorway conduct initial addiction recovery services level of care evaluation and needs assessments. If the needed immediately, the clinicians provide crisis management. The lack of a safe place to sleep, or the potential for self-harm or harm to others are just a couple of examples. The clinicians will coordinate with the appropriate “spoke” partner(s) to address urgent concerns.

The clinicians develop a treatment plan with leading up to residential treatment, or a long term plan of coordinated support and services through “spoke” partners. The case management by the clinicians is ongoing, providing guidance to help clients continue with their treatment plans.

Hayden describes a more robust offering from The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center, “We provide a comprehensive assessment that looks at co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression as well as the substance use disorder. We are working with community partners to coordinate interim housing. We establish communication strategies with the treatment providers so that as a client transitions H e a lt h + W e l l n e s s  c h e s h i r e m e d i c a l c e n t e r

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out of a treatment program, we can ensure supports are in place as they move to the next stage in their recovery. A recovery coach or peer recovery support worker will follow our clients through their journey to help keep them on track during the spaces in between, and to help get them back on track when they need that too,” explains Hayden. “Re-occurrence is often a part of the lifelong process of recovery. We don’t shut any doors when a person relapses. There is no limit to how many times you can come through The Doorway”.

Behavioral Health Partner Network is a “superspoke” of support for people with SUD People struggling with substance misuse often have compounding circumstances that hinder their recovery, but five “spokes” have been in deep collaboration for four years to address this problem.

The Behavioral Health Partner Network (BHPN)

The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center opened for business on January 2, 2019, as required by the state funded program. Finding the qualified individuals to provide services at The Doorway has been a challenge across the state. Only in recent weeks has the Keene location been fully staffed with a Peer Recovery Support Worker and Mental Health Clinicians. Hayden and his team look forward to expanding the offerings of interim care at The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center.

acts as a “superspoke,” sharing care coordination software that eliminates redundant services and enables these partners to build upon what each other are doing for a patient—giving them a higher level of coordinated care.

Consenting patients engaging two or more BHPN organizations benefit from the ability of the caregivers at each organization to see and coordinate the recovery-related services they receive. “This

At the time of publication of this issue, The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center is located at 640 Marlboro Street (Rt. 101) in Keene. The Doorway is planned to move to a new location at 24 Railroad Street in Keene this summer. The date is still to be determined. To confirm the location for The Doorway at Cheshire or any of the nine The Doorway locations in New Hampshire, call 2-1-1. Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

software also helps partners identify patients who may be having difficulty meeting the treatment recommendations or have other risk factors that could be supported by additional services, like community programs/supports or Cheshire Medical Center’s Prescribe for Health program, in order to best set them up to succeed,” says Amanda Trask, MS-PREP, Mac, BHPN Director.

“The Doorway can

BHPN Partners:

connect you with

Cheshire Medical Center Primary Care Keene Serenity Center Monadnock Family Services Monadnock Voices for Prevention Phoenix House

the right care for you and provide support between services.” ― Nelson Hayden, Director of The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center

Nelson Hayden, Director of The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center (standing) with Peer Recovery Support Worker, David Burrows in the reception area of The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center.

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It’s a journey, not a sprint One person’s experience of recovery Maggie C. is a friendly, energetic woman with a “girl-next-door” charm that makes her seem younger than her 29 years. She’s at her desk at Keene Serenity Center where she works as an Administrative Assistant. She began as a volunteer doing community service through Drug Court, but when she struggled to find work due to the stigma of her addiction, the Serenity Center saw her potential and her drive and brought her on as a member of the staff.

Maggie is eight months into her recovery from substance use disorder. Prior to a re-occurance in the summer of 2018, she had maintained her sobriety for six months. Her first effort at recovery began in 2013, when she became pregnant with her son and sustained her recovery for almost two years with the help of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). When her son’s father moved away with their child unexpectedly, Maggie had difficulty following her treatment. “I got stuck in that cycle of not having self-worth or much in the way of support,” Maggie says.

Surprisingly, what helped Maggie in her recovery was a brush with the law, which gave her the opportunity to participate in Drug Court. “Drug Court opened up a lot of different opportunities for me,” says Maggie, “They helped hold me accountable until I could hold myself accountable.” The

“Having a place like [The Doorway] mapping out different avenues you can go to, I think it’s awesome.

Having somebody to sit with you and go through all the things you may need to get to treatment— it’s vital.”

accountability she is referring to is the structure and rigorous requirements

― Maggie C.

of the program. “It’s the act of every day I’m doing at least one thing for my recovery―there are no days off from recovery,” Maggie says with a smile.

For most people, addiction recovery is a winding path of ups and downs. It isn’t a sprint to the finish line, it is a lifelong journey. Maggie is grateful for the continued support she receives from the Serenity Center and the other supports and resources she has engaged, “They help people even when they are still struggling- they meet you where you are,” explains Maggie. “It can be frightening for someone who wants help. If you’re an addict, you’re automatically labeled and it sometimes feels like nobody wants to help you. But I feel like that’s starting to change.”

Maggie will graduate from Drug Court in a couple of months. During her time in the program, she has added to her support network to help her as she transitions out of the program. She spoke of the importance of the support of programs like Drug Court and The Doorway, “Having someone to sit with you to talk about services you may need is A LOT better than trying to figure it out yourself on the phone. Calling a treatment center without a counselor or LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is next to impossible. It’s much easier to have someone from someplace like The Doorway to actually make those phone calls with you. Just knowing who to call and what to say makes all the difference.”

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Health + Wellness livi n g h ealth i e r to g e th e r

Emotional and mental wellbeing

Social connection is a key ingredient to living healthy and long.

Most of us know that taking care of ourselves involves good

If you are experiencing loneliness, you are not the only one—in

nutrition, physical exercise, and getting enough sleep. But did

fact, feelings of loneliness and isolation have been on the rise.

you know that social connection is also critical to our health

The good news is that the benefits of social connection are

and wellness?

not dependent of the quantity of friends you have. Having one

Research shows that people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression, and that

person with whom you have a sense of connection can make a big difference in your wellbeing.

individuals with strong social and community ties live longer

Increasing levels of social connection can start with small

than those without. Studies also link healthy social networks

gestures of kindness towards someone nearby or getting

to positive changes in heart, brain, hormonal, and immune

involved in a new activity such as volunteering or taking a

function, which may decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

class. Most importantly, reach out for help, especially if you

Those who cultivate social connection have higher selfesteem, greater empathy for others, and are more trusting and

are feeling unable to cope. Often, others are unaware of our feelings and would be glad to connect or offer support.

cooperative―thus creating a positive feedback loop of social,

Join us at the Flourishing Skills Group at Cheshire Medical Center, a

emotional, and physical wellbeing. Unfortunately, the opposite

FREE monthly meeting where we’ll discuss topics and tools such as

is also true for those who lack social connectedness. Low levels

gratitude and mindfulness and then practice applying them through

of social connection have been associated with declines in

supportive group activities. See page 20 for details.

physical and psychological health, as well as a higher likelihood for antisocial behavior which can lead to further isolation.

“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” ―Fred Rogers

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Don’t forget to stretch before and after your walk.

Active living

Easy, enjoyable walks in Cheshire County Our region offers many delightful walks that are more accessible to all ages and abilities than hiking mountains like Gap or Monadnock. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you for a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of our region together.

For a list of easy walks in Cheshire County with GPS directions, as well as information about the Cheshire Walkers Program, see our April blog post at health-wellness.cheshiremed.org.

Warming up your muscles with gentle stretching before and

Join Cheshire Medical Center’s Podiatrist, Serena Rose Doris Shomody, DPM, to learn about everyday foot and ankle problems and tips to help you be good to your feet at a FREE seminar on May 28. See page 21 for details.

after exercise can prevent injury and improve flexibility.

So, make sure you don’t leave out this important

h ealth i e r to g e th e r

Spotlight

part of your walk.

Partnership with Keene Family YMCA supports the goals of Cheshire Medical Center patients to increase physical activity.

Go to aarp.org/health/ experts/denise-austin to find a library of great videos with fitness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that regular physical activity is one

expert, Denise Austin,

of the most important things you can do for your health. The physicians and providers at Cheshire

that lead you through

Medical Center could not agree more.

various stretches and

The Center for Population Health at Cheshire is partnering with the Keene Family YMCA to increase

strengthening exercises.

opportunities for adults to participate in regular physical activity through Prescribe for Health, a unique program at the medical center that empowers Cheshire health care teams to connect patients with existing community-based supports that will allow them to live healthier lives.

Patients of Cheshire whose health care provider has prescribed increased physical activity as a component of their health care plan are referred to Activity is Good Medicine. For a one-time fee of only $15, participants receive a three-month membership at the Keene Family YMCA which includes a personalized activity routine. At the end of the three-month period, participants are invited to

THE CALF STRETCH

continue membership at the Keene YMCA at the regular membership rate.

If you receive your health care at Cheshire Medical Center, ask your provider if the Prescribe for Health - Activity Is Good Medicine program may be right for you. A Population Health staff person will then contact and connect you with the YMCA.

is a recommended stretch to include with your walk.

“We want you to enjoy being active and eating healthy, so we’ll try various activities to see what keeps you energized and inspired to continue on. The Y is different from other gyms―it’s more social and connected. People of all ages come here and find friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.” ―Cynthia Knipe, RDN, LD The Keene Family YMCA Keene Family YMCA staff Peter Sebert, Healthy Lifestyle Director and Cynthia Knipe, RDN, LD lead the activity and nutrition programs for participants of Activity is Good Medicine.

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Health + Wellness livi n g h ealth i e r to g e th e r

Healthy eating

Practicing

Gratitude

Making plants the main attraction.

We are inundated with headlines about cutting out certain of foods—usually guilty pleasures—from our diets, but adding an abundance of the healthiest plant-based foods as the base of every meal may be

Even in the most challenging times, living

a much better strategy for improving

gratefully makes us aware of―and available

your health. This can be a joy during

to―opportunities to learn, grow, and extend

the summer in the Monadnock Region

ourselves with care and compassion

because such a wide variety of locally-

towards others.

grown produce is available.

Not only does focusing on abundance

7 WAYS TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE Positive psychology research shows gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness—helping us feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve our health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. It’s difficult to maintain negativity when you’re focused on what you are thankful for.

rather than scarcity make us more likely to attempt and stick with lifestyle changes, but recent studies have linked the lack of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes in people’s diets to soaring risks of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Make a Bliss List – write down what you have received from others this month.

So, rather than chastising yourself for

Writing it down is important, but tacking it to your bulletin board or carrying it in

eating bacon or ice cream once in a while,

your pocket as a reminder provides secondary benefits.

focus on making sure you add a wide

Count Blessings, Not Sheep – whether you incorporate gratitude into

variety of low-calorie, nutrient-dense

meditation, prayer, or just make a list before bed, research shows you will likely

vegetables to your meals.

start to sleep better and longer.

Keep a Gratitude Journal – write for at least 5 minutes a day, consistently. After one month of writing, people in one study increased their reported happiness by 4%, and 10% after 6 months.

Remind Yourself – setting recurring notifications throughout your day can help bring you back to gratitude.

Make Your Meals Mindful – before you savor your first bite, stop to thank all who had a hand in creating your meal―from those who prepared the soil, harvested and packed the food, shipped it, stocked it, and packed it in your bags―to those who helped you prepare it and set the table.

Seek Secret Goodness – assume the innate goodness and best intentions of three people you see frequently and notice how this changes your interactions with them.

Give a Note of Thanks – writing and hand delivering a thank-you note to someone may be one of the most impactful things you can do for both of you.

Making a habit of this will not only improve your own mood and life, but can improve the lives of others, making the world a better place for all of us.

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5 ways to add more plants to your diet

Cheshire Medical Center’s dietitian-led kitchen staff

1. Overnight oats and breakfast smoothies – delicious, simple recipes abound across the internet!

options daily for patients, staff, and the public. “We love

2. Serve your lunches and dinners on a plate of greens, fresh or sautéed.

people to eat better,” says Colleen Barry, Director of

3. Add chopped mushrooms or boiled lentils to stretch ground meat.

4. Go nuts! With a balance of nutrients, pecans, almonds, and walnuts make an effortless, satisfying snack and pair well with fresh berries.

5. Choose whole wheat pasta and add ribbons of cabbage or collards, or try zucchini noodles.

provide a variety of vegetables and whole grain menu working together to create delicious food that inspires Nutrition Services and the Art Nichols Café at Cheshire.

“Our salad bar and a la carte options are very popular, but our creative staff also excel at incorporating plant foods into our specials every day.”

Kale salad is a favorite at Cheshire’s salad bar. Even selfproclaimed “kale-skeptics” love it! Try this easy recipe at home and you will too. 

Kale salad with garlic & parmesan Serves 4 10 ounces raw kale (equals about 1 bunch of kale, but keep in mind that the size of the bunches can vary) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Juice of one lemon 1 garlic clove, finely minced 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated Salt & pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS: Remove ribs and stems from kale. Place all ingredients except salt & pepper into a large mixing bowl. Using clean hands, massage the kale for about 3-4 minutes (you want the kale to reduce down to about half of what you started with).

Taste, add salt and pepper, and continue to massage for another few seconds. Taste again and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Let rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Locally grown farm products and where to get them The Monadnock Region has many family-run farms, CSA's, farm stands, farmers markets, co-ops, and grocery stores that offer fresh and healthy farm products. Find out more about where to buy local at mfcommunitycoalition.org.

kale

Why is it so good for you?

A dark green leafy vegetable, kale is a true powerhouse of nutrition. Here’s a few reasons why: Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals.

CSA pick-up at Cheshire Medical Center The Medical Center is an easy weekly pick-up point for a CSA share from Picadilly Farm, a Certified Organic farm in Winchester run by Jenny and Bruce Wooster. “While most Keene residents choose to pick up on our farm, we have partnered with Cheshire for years to make investing in a farm share convenient for those who work or live near the medical center.” says Jenny.

Sign up for the Keene pick-up at picadillyfarm.com and choose from either

Kale has high levels of dietary fiber.

Kale is rich with antioxidants.

Kale is low in carbohydrates, sodium, and cholesterol.

a 25-week share (June-November) or a 12-week share (June 11 to August 27) with the ability to place up to a two-week hold for vacations.

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Health + Wellness

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livi n g h ealth i e r to g e th e r

Protecting your eyes from UV rays.

Healthy aging

When we think about sun damage, we focus mostly on our skin. But ultraviolet (UV) rays also threaten our eyes and the delicate skin around them. Here are a few protection tips from the American Academy of Opthalmology:

Caring for aging eyes.

The health of our eyes is something we may not often think about unless we are experiencing a problem. Yet it’s important to take care of them―



especially as we age.

After age 65, you should have a complete eye exam with an ophthalmologist every 1-2 years to check for age-related eye diseases and, if you wear glasses or contacts, to have your prescription checked. See an eye care professional right away if you: 







Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurry.



See flashes of light.



Have eye pain.



Experience double vision.



Have redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid.

Preventative care is also important.

Here are a few tips from the National Eye Institute:  Protect your eyes from UV radiation.





Choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays and are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection..

Don’t be fooled by clouds: the sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds.

If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses.

Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions: Sunlight is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice, or snow.

Wear a hat along with your sunglasses and consider wraparound style sunglasses for extra protection.

Don’t forget the kids. It’s a good idea to have them wear sunglasses and hats as well.

Active living

Get moving by focusing on what moves you.

Most of us know we need to move more to stay healthy. The key to success may be



Stop smoking.

choosing activities that are meaningful to us and spark joy from their context, rather



Make smart food choices.

than pushing ourselves to do exercise because we know we should.



Stay physically active.

Considered part of “intuitive movement,” the concept of choosing activities that



Maintain normal blood pressure.

align with our values and interests so we enjoy doing them, means there is hope for



Control diabetes (if you have it).

all of us who are less-than-excited to hit the gym. Here are a few ways to get moving

Reduce the risk of falls in and around your home.

for 20-30 minutes a day by pairing physical activity with what fills your heart:



 If you spend a lot of time at the

computer or focused on one thing, prevent eye strain by looking away about 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Frolic with family. From taking your dog on a walk to playing catch with the kids, activity and play with those you love is a win-win.

Catch up on foot. Suggest a walk instead of coffee or drinks with friends and find a bike trail or neighborhood to explore.

Nurture your nest. Don’t forget that any house or yard work done with gusto can count as physical activity, especially if you add a little music to get you moving.

Learn more about aging eyes and how to

Compete for a cause. There is no shortage of athletic fundraising events to train

take care them at the National Eye Institute,

for in our region. Pick one you care about and both you and your cause will come

nei.nih.gov and at the American Academy of

out stronger for it. Find a group to train with through the event’s web or Facebook

Opthamology, aao.org.

page, and you will soon be training with new friends who share your motivation.

Join Cheshire Medical Center’s Opthamologist, Dale Pollack, MD, for a question and answer session on common ocular problems. See page 21 for details.

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NOTE: People with chronic diseases, such as a heart condition, arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor about what types and amounts of physical activity are appropriate before starting any physical activity routine.

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Safety and prevention

Spring cleaning your medicine cabinet.

Chances are, if you open up your medicine cabinet, you’ll find some old or leftover medication ―which can cause more harm than you realize. Here are some tips to get you started on doing some spring cleaning:  Check the dates. Discard any item that is beyond the expiration date. Many medications lose their effectiveness after the expiration date. Some may even be toxic. For prescriptions, follow the one year cut off rule for discarding. See the note below about medication drop off. 



Discard any items that have changed color, smell, or taste and any unmarked containers. Always keep medications in their original containers so that you can easily recognize each one.

Consider relocating your medicine cabinet. The bathroom’s temperature and humidity changes can lower medicine’s potency. Medications should be kept in a cool dry place, away from children.

Many local police stations and pharmacies have medication drop-off boxes, so you have a safe way to dispose of pills, liquids, inhalers, creams, over-the-counter meds, pet medications, and nebulizer solutions. Learn more at monadnockvoices.org.

Learn about proper storage and use of medications, medication assistance programs, and questions to ask your pharmacist and doctor, at a FREE event, Your Medicine Cabinet and You. See page 22 for details.

Staying bone strong.

Osteoporosis is common. Both men and women start losing bone mass by the time we reach 50 and, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), it causes an estimated 2 million fractures every year.

But there is a lot you can do to protect your bones throughout your life.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all women over 65, and post-menopausal women with a family history of hip fractures, contact their doctor for an osteoporosis screening.

Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Key recommendations include limiting alcohol use, not smoking, eating a diet high in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium; and physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises proven to increase bone density. You can find more information about these recommendations at nof.org.

Increasing your balance, strength, and flexibility are also vital ingredients to reducing the falls that can cause osteoporosis-related fractures. Practices like yoga can improve all of these.

Interested in trying a simple yoga routine for flexibility? Learn more about the upcoming 3-week Chair Yoga series on p 22.

Learn about factors that increase the risk of falling and review strategies to keep you safe at home at the FREE presentation, “Slips, Trips, and Falls—Oh No!” with Sharil Cass, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist. After the presentation, stay for a balance screening clinic where physical therapists will assess your personal fall risk and provide options for reducing it. See page 22 for details.

Contact our Outpatient Rehabilitation Services to learn more about our S.A.F.E. Fall Prevention Program at (603) 354-6630.

NOTE: Talk to your provider before starting any new exercise routine.

Walking your pooch is a great way to get outside and get moving.

The canine companionship can improve your emotional and mental well-being too.

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Family and parenting

Planning ahead for long car trips.

Family road trips can be both delightful and stressful. Planning before you hit the road can help minimize stress and promote family fun: Schedule frequent stops along your route to give everyone a chance to use the restroom, stretch, and move around.

Don’t forget the cooler with healthy snacks and drinks (bring a bag for peels and other trash).

Separate with activities. If you have room, position a basket between kids filled with coloring books, pipe cleaners, peel-off window stickers, toys, notebooks, crayons, etc.

Rotate the seating so you are each able to spend some quality time to connect with your kids, facilitate creative screen-free games, and encourage good behavior.

Listen to books. If your kids are old enough, it may be worth getting an audio book subscription or checking out audio books from your library.

Pack a bucket and paper towels. Every kid has a different tolerance for motion sickness, and after long periods in a car even the most travel-tough child may succumb.

Tips for water safety with kids Summer fun often means adding water to the mix. Here are a few tips to keep your kids safe.

+ Infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers

Safety and prevention

should have an adult swimmer within arm’s

Signs that a person in the water is in trouble.

playing near the water.

Despite what you may have seen on TV, drowning rarely involves splashing, waving, or yelling because we are unable to do any of these things when fighting to breathe and stay afloat.

+ Teach your kids to always ask the adult supervising them before entering the water.

+ Check the water temperature. Our body

As you watch loved ones in the water, if you notice any of the following, call

temperature drops much faster in water

out and ask them if they are ok. If they can’t answer, they probably need help.

and our breathing can be affected by water

 They get quiet, instead of giggling, yelling, and splashing as usual.  They appear low in the water so their mouth is at or below water-level, or

are tilting their head back.  They start instinctively extending their arms laterally or look like they are

climbing an invisible ladder.

Before going for a swim with family and friends, always check about the swimming abilities of each person. If life jackets are needed, they should be part of the plan before you approach the water.

Help your family stay safe with swimming lessons. The Keene Family YMCA offers swimming classes for infants, children, and adults. Learn more at keeneymca.org.

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reach and should wear a life jacket while

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temperatures below 77°F.

+ Swim in designated areas, follow posted safety rules, and make sure your kids understand the dangers of waves and undertows.

+ Keep a mobile phone close by in case you need to call 911.

Go to redcross.org to find CPR courses near you or online. Look for CPR bystander trainings throughout our community during National EMS Week, May 19-25.

Pati e nt - ce nte re d care

Are you prepared for a disaster?

Spotlight

Confirming your care for safety’s sake.

Care Confirm Patient ID Check

At a community medical center like Cheshire, many of the patients are neighbors, friends, or

Whether it’s making sure we have all

coworkers of those providing care.

the ingredients for a recipe, enough

“The relationships I make with

water before we go on a hike, or enough

my patients and their families is

gas in the car to get to our destination, preparededness is something we all do.

one of the most rewarding parts of my job. If I don’t already know

But we may not have thought about

a patient from outside of work,

having a preparedness plan for

I get to know them well during

unforeseen disaster. Think about being

their stay,” says Christine Driscoll-

told at 3 am that you needed to evacuate

Carignan, RN, Clinical Leader,

your house, or being told on a Sunday

Progressive Care Unit. “This familiarity doesn’t replace double checking the details,

morning that you can’t leave your home

it makes it even more important to stop and confirm each treatment plan is for the

for three days―are you ready for that?

person in our care, every time. Safety is our priority.”

Personal and family preparedness

In fact, the Joint Commission’s #1 national patient safety goal is correct patient

involves being as self-sustaining as

identification. Cheshire’s Patient Safety Committee recently decided to address the

possible for at least 72 hours. This means

goal by looking at our policies and procedures with renewed focus and perspective.

having enough food, water, and basic

“Precisely because we are a close-knit community, it is vital that we commit to

supplies to take care of yourself, your family, and your pets when the need arises. The National Safety Council also recommends these general precautions: 

Have a family communication plan in place.

Christine Driscoll-Carignan, RN, Clinical Leader, Progressive Care Unit near one of the CareConfirm reminders.

confirming the documents for services or treatments with a patient’s identity, especially when we know them,” says Angela Lefebvre, RN, BSN, CEN, Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Leader, who took on the project along with Kaitlyn Wade, Project Management Specialist.

“This project felt so personal,” says Angela. “I am a patient here. My daughter and husband are patients here. This affects our care too.” With full support from

Have all family members’ and other

leadership, the pair assembled an interdisciplinary team that soon discovered

important phone numbers written

Cheshire had many policies about Patient Identification. “We crafted one

down or memorized.

standardized procedure that will work for all departments and services and then



Have an emergency kit in your car.

launched new staff education and public awareness messaging around the



Be sure to store all important

importance of patient ID checks. The buy-in has been amazing!” says Angela, holding

documents (birth certificates,

up the CareConfirm reminders patients will see throughout the hospital.

insurance policies, etc. ) in a fire-proof

“The name CareConfirm speaks to some of the myths we discovered about patient

safe or safety deposit box.

ID checks,” says Kristen Bernier, Cheshire’s Marketing Director, “Many of our staff

Have at least one family member learn

were concerned that asking a patient’s name and birth date multiple times might feel

first aid and CPR.

impersonal to patients and frustrate them, especially if the person is a neighbor or

Know how to shut off utilities.

longtime patient. It is important to stress it is their care plan we are confirming. We







Find more information at the National Safety Council, nsc.org.

Learn how to be better prepared by attending Personal Emergency Preparedness, a FREE session at Cheshire Medical Center. See page

know you. It’s what’s on the paperwork or computer screen we’re confirming―that it is exactly the care meant for you.”

The team rolled out CareConfirm hospital-wide in February with great success— ultimately winning the Cheshire Medical Center’s Chairman’s Award for their innovative approach to improving Cheshire’s patient-centered care.

22 for details.

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Z Z Rest and restorative sleep

Trading the chase for sleep with a gentler approach.

Many people who experience insomnia say they feel stress and pressure around the need to sleep. Unfortunately, this anxiety can make falling asleep even harder.

Behavioral Health Specialist, Catherine Sickles, LCMHC offers helpful insight and information about sleep issues, including insomnia, in her new seminar series at Cheshire Medical Center.

“Have you ever tried chasing a butterfly in order to catch it? It doesn’t work well," says Sickles. “Ideally, we create the supportive habits and peaceful conditions that allow the butterfly of sleep to gently land on us, instead of us chasing it away.”

One tip for dealing with sleep anxiety is to give yourself enough time to wind down with a relaxing bedtime routine and when you feel stressed about not sleeping, try taking a gentle, mindful approach to your worries. The simple practice of noticing your thoughts without judgment, imagine moving them aside, and then returning your attention to your breath can help break the cycle of worry.

Pati e nt - ce nte re d care

Family Medicine at Cheshire Medical Center offers enhanced support with integrated Behavioral Health Specialists.

Cheshire is taking an innovative approach to addressing patients’ mental and emotional wellbeing with Behavioral Health Specialists Catherine Sickles, LCMHC and Mary Buckley, MACP, LCMHC. Both are Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors that support Primary Care Providers by consulting with patients on issues such as mental health and substance use. “My favorite way to assist patients is through integrated appointments, where a provider asks me to sit in and we can all work together to problem-solve issues like insomnia,” says Sickles, who is also offering a free seminar series on sleep issues to the public this Spring, and again in the Fall (see page 20 for details).

Primary Care Provider, Rachel Croteau, DO, appreciates the individualized approach that the Behavioral Heath Specialists bring to each patient’s needs. “They serve as a critical bridge between our medical practice, healthcare team members, community therapists, and other local resources,” says Dr. Croteau.

Sickles says she has seen a culture shift in her department as clinical staff and behavioral health professionals work

Although her seminars are a great place for people to better understand and improve sleep, Sickles stresses that they aren’t designed to replace prescribed treatments for chronic sleep problems.

closely together.

“These classes can help people access solutions to an issue that underpins so many health problems. Insomnia can be isolating, so being able to come together to improve this shared problem in a supportive setting helps further,” says Sickles. “Once people discover and understand their own sleep problems, they can build more supportive habits or we can create a personalized treatment plan together.

If you are willing to do the work, you may be able to enjoy consistently good quality sleep soon, which can have such a positive effect on your life.”

my role as a support

To learn more about joining Sleep Good–Feel Good, the FREE Spring/ Summer or Fall seminar series, see page 26.

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Spotlight

“Our Family Medicine’s Integrated Care model―including for providers and

Catherine Sickles, LCMHC and Rachel Croteau, DO.

patients addressing their needs in a more holistic fashion―really is innovative. ” she says. “We have all grown to understand each field’s approach to solving problems regarding health and well-being― which ultimately benefits our patients.”

If you are in need of behavioral health supports, speak with your Cheshire Medical Center Primary Care Provider at your next appointment.

Pati e nt - ce nte re d care

Thriving with health conditions

New resources for hearing loss.

Spotlight

Medical departments at Cheshire collaborate to provide patients sensitive, individualized pelvic health care.

Accidental urine loss when you laugh, sneeze, or have a strong urge to pee is not an inevitable part of aging — even for women, who make up 85% of the twenty

If you or a loved one have a hearing loss, you

million Americans suffering from involuntary loss of bladder control. In fact, there

are not alone. Hearing loss is the third most

is a range of solutions that can significantly reduce and sometimes eliminate this

prevalent health condition in older adults and

common problem.

one in eight people in the US aged 12 or older

While you may feel shy addressing pelvic health problems with your Primary Care

has hearing loss in both ears, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

If you are worried about your hearing, talk with your doctor. Your doctor or nurse may refer you to a hearing specialist or other health professional for a hearing test―or for help with your hearing.

Provider, resolving many of these problems can have a significant effect on your quality of life and emotional well-being. That is why professionals in the Women’s Health and Urology departments, as well as outpatient Physical Therapy (PT) are collaborating closely to address incontinence, overactive bladder, and other pelvic health issues like prolapse, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

“I assess patients and can recommend behavioral changes or use of assistive

And to learn more about both old and new

devices, and frequently I

technologies and resources for people with

refer women for PT. For

hearing loss, attend the upcoming FREE class

some patients, when

at Cheshire Medical Center entitled Beyond the

appropriate, we consider

Hearing Aid: Shakers, Lights, Personal Amplifiers,

medications or surgery.

and iPad Apps. (See page 27 for details.)

There are solutions to

One new resource is EarMachine, a free app

these common problems,

for iOS devices (iPhone or IPad) that picks

but sometimes the

up the important sounds around you. It then

biggest challenge is just

enhances them, allowing you to make fine-

starting the conversation.”

tuning adjustments to volume and tone, and

says Lindsey Cushing, APRN, WHNP-BC, of Women’s Health.

sends them to you via earbuds. You may find

Janet Chamberlin, PT, WCS, has practiced physical therapy at Cheshire for over

EarMachine is helpful in situations ranging from talking in noisy restaurants to watching television at home. Developed by a team of hearing scientists funded by the National Insititutes of Health and the Capita Foundation, the app is a result of numerous hearing experiments and large scale studies of hearing abilities. Learn more at earmachine.com.

If you need to arrange auxiliary services for your appointment at Cheshire Medical Center, please call our ADA Coordinator at VP (603) 499-4168, TTY (603) 354-6657, Voice (603) 354-6656, or Fax (603) 354-6843

Lindsey Cushing, APRN, WHNP-BC, of Women’s Health and Janet Chamberlin, PT WCS of Outpatient Physical Therapy.

30 years and became a Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist six years ago.

In addition to working with pregnant and postpartum women, Chamberlin treats pelvic floor disorders in both women and men. “These are sensitive, sometimes embarrassing subjects for some people, so we have a dedicated therapy room to ensure privacy and discretion in a supportive and comfortable environment,” Says Chamberlin; there is no one ‘right way’ to get help, “our collaboration varies according to each patient’s needs.”

If you are ready make an appointment, please talk with your primary care provider about what referral would be right for you.

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Upcoming Educational Programs Please join us for these upcoming programs designed to provide learning opportunities and supportive connections with others on similar paths to optimal wellbeing.

All programs are held at Cheshire Medical Center, 580 Court St., Keene, NH unless otherwise noted. All programs require registration and are free, unless otherwise noted. If special accommodations are required for you to attend any of our programs, please call the Center for Population Health at (603) 354-5460.

Learn How to Navigate Cheshire Medical Center’s Patient Portal, myD-H Dana Carley, Patient Portal Concierge, Cheshire Medical Center

myD-H is Cheshire Medical Center’s online patient portal that makes managing your health information and communicating with your health care team easy and convenient. If you have questions about creating a myD-H account, or need assistance navigating your account, you can make an appointment with Dana Carley, the patient Portal Concierge at Cheshire. Call 603-3545454 x 2446 to set up a one on one learning session.

Flourishing Skills Group Jennifer Begley and Tom Stearns, PhD., Cheshire Medical Center Resilient Living Team

We could all use a little help reducing stress, building resilience, and cultivating joy to create more meaningful, happy lives. This monthly skills group will allow you tune inward and use Positive Psychology tools to improve your life in a non-judgmental, supportive group setting. Each meeting starts with an overview of the month’s topic and tools like gratitude, mindset, and mindfulness, then offers group activities to build the supportive connections that will help you apply and sustain these skills and practices in your daily life.

First Tuesday of every month 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Central Conference Room 6

Dealing with Dementia Pamela Goodell, Author of Dementia: The Demon in the Closet

This presentation examines Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving from a personal perspective. It is based on Pam’s seven-year caregiving journey with her husband’s Alzheimer’s as well as research done for the book she wrote on the subject. It is intended for caregivers, family, and friends who want to be prepared for what they may encounter, or for those who want to expand their knowledge of Alzheimer’s.

Wednesday, May 15 2:30-4:00 p.m.

North Conference Rooms 1 & 2

Welcome to Medicare Kim Lauer, Medicare Counselor, Monadnock ServiceLink Turning 65 soon? Need help understanding Medicare? This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of “How Medicare Works” and is designed for anyone who is close to Medicare age, or people who may be retiring and switching from Employer Group Health Insurance to Medicare.

Thursday, May 16 6:00-7:30 p.m.

North Conference Rooms 1 & 2

Advance Care Planning: It’s About the Conversation!

Jennifer McCalley, MSW, ACHP-SW Program Coordinator, Honoring Care Decisions or Nicole Boudle, RN, and Lori Guyette, RN, Collaborative Care Nurses, Cheshire Medical Center

What if a sudden illness or injury left you unable to speak for yourself? Who would you want to speak for you? What would you want them to know about your values and wishes? Advance care planning is a process that helps you think about your values and goals; consider health care choices you may have to make in the future; talk about your choices with your doctor and your loved ones; and make or update a written plan for the future (advance directive). Join us in a thought-provoking conversation to help make your wishes known. Learn vocabulary, reflect on your values, choose a healthcare agent, explore goals for treatment, and take the first steps toward completing an advance directive. You may complete or update your advance directive onsite or sign up for a 1:1 meeting with a trained Honoring Care Decisions facilitator for a more in-depth conversation.

Choose a date: Thursday, May 23 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 20 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 22 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24 5:00-6:30 p.m.

All meeting dates will be in Auditorium B

Register today!

Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events

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The Eye Doctor is In! Dale Pollack, MD, Ophthalmology, Cheshire Medical Center

Join Dr. Pollack for a question and answer session on common ocular problems such as conjunctivitis, astigmatism, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma and how to maintain healthy eyes.

Thursday, May 23 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Auditorium A & B

Be Good to Your Feet: Common Foot & Ankle Problems Serena Rose Doris Shomody, DPM, Podiatry, Cheshire Medical Center

Did you know that foot and ankle complaints result in more than 5.3 million visits to doctors each year? Join us to learn about everyday foot and ankle problems such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, flat foot, and common ankle pain. You will also learn about the cause, symptoms and treatments for plantar fasciitis (also known as “heel spurs”). Join Dr. Shomody as she provides tips to help you be good to your feet.

Tuesday, May 28 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Auditorium A & B

Beyond the Hearing Aid: Shakers, Lights, Personal Amplifiers, and iPad Apps

Joan Marcoux, Communication Access Specialist, New Hampshire Dept. of Health and Human Services and Stacy Driscoll, Assistive Technology Specialist, Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire

become part of the solution and how to recognize the behaviors that may constitute sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking―as well as how to effectively intervene. Additional presentations can be arranged upon request at greendot@mcvprevention.org.

Wednesday, June 5 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

North Conference Room 2

Nutrition for Preventing Type II Diabetes Keene State College Dietetic Interns A pre-diabetes diagnosis can be scary! Healthy lifestyle choices can help bring your blood sugar back to normal or prevent it from climbing to the levels seen in Type 2 Diabetes. Instead of focusing on all the foods you should remove from your plate, come learn what health promoting foods nutrition professionals recommend adding to support your health and wellness goals.

Thursday, June 6 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Auditorium A & B

Everything You Always Wanted to Ask about Men’s Health Martin Gross, MD, Urology, Cheshire Medical Center

Every man has questions and concerns about his health but may not feel comfortable discussing them in the office. In this program, Dr. Gross, our specialist in male health, will talk about the most common concerns and answer any questions you may have.

Partners are also welcome!

Tuesday, June 11 3:00-4:30 p.m.

North Conference Room 1

The prevalence of hearing loss essentially doubles with each decade of age. As a result, nearly two of three Americans ages 70 and above have a clinically meaningful hearing loss, and yet only about 15 percent of people with a hearing loss in the United States use a hearing aid. At the same time, technology is continuing to advance rapidly, and newer devices, such as hearing loops in public spaces and hearing applications built into smartphones, have tremendous potential to help people communicate better. Please come and learn more about both old and new technologies and resources for people with a hearing loss.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Thursday, May 30 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Auditorium A & B

Auditorium A & B

Your Medicine Cabinet and You

Green Dot Overview Training

Denis Fortier, Registered Pharmacist, Cheshire Medical Center

Carolyn Crane, Vicky Pitman, D’Vorah Kelley and Lesley Johnson, Green Dot Trainers

Join us for an interactive discussion of the rights and responsibilities of healthcare providers and individuals regarding medications. We will cover such practical issues as: medication assistance programs, proper storage and use of medications, questions to ask your doctor during appointments, questions to ask your pharmacist, and what’s new in the world of medications.

A green dot is any action that promotes safety and communicates utter intolerance for violence. It can be pulling a friend out of a high risk situation, displaying an awareness poster in your room or office, or striking up a conversation with a friend or family member.

A green dot is simply your individual choice at any given moment to make our world safer. Join us to learn more about how you can

Carrie Amorim Good, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/ New Hampshire Chapter Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available for some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. (60-minute program + 30-minutes of Q+A) Wednesday, June 12 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 13 3:00-4:30 p.m.

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Personal Emergency Preparedness

Sleep Good – Feel Good!

Families or loved ones may not be together in an emergency, so it is important to plan in advance. Attend this highly interactive, twohour workshop to learn how to be better prepared as an individual or family. Discussions will be on how to make a family plan, build an emergency kit and what items should be included, and the proper way to store it. The workshop will also cover items to keep in mind if the need changes from sheltering in place to evacuating.

Sleep problems are one of the most common concerns that patients bring to Family Medicine, and poor sleep is a contributor to many health issues from mood problems to high blood pressure to poor attention span and memory. Join us for these monthly classes to explore the benefits of resorative sleep and learn how you can get more of it. Come once for the basics, or enjoy the whole series to create and achieve your goal of better sleep.

Tricia J (Wadleigh) Zahn, MPH, Center for Population Health, Cheshire Medical Center

Catherine Sickles, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Behavioral Health Specialist, Cheshire Medical Center

Auditorium A & B

Tuesdays, September 10, October 10, November 12 5:00-6:30 p.m. North Conference Room 2

Meeting the Needs of Seniors

Wednesdays, September 25, October 30, November 20 10:00-11:30 a.m. North Conference Room 2

Thursday, June 13 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Angel Nicoletti, Cheshire Village at Home/Keene Senior Center Many seniors encounter social isolation and depression as they encounter limitations on their mobility and transportation. Please join Angel Nicoletti to learn more about available state resources and the various living arrangements that seniors can choose from, including remaining at home, living with family, or moving to a Continuing Care facility. She will also talk about the nationwide Village-to-Village Network that aims to expand opportunity, choice, support, and care for all older people. Children of aging parents, seniors looking at options as they age, and healthcare providers looking for resource options are all welcome.

Tuesday, June 18 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Auditorium A & B

Say Cheese!

Chair Yoga Betty Christiansen, Certified Yoga Instructor Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga practiced sitting in a chair or standing, using a chair for support. As with other forms of yoga this exercise helps to reduce stress, and to improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Perfect for anyone new to yoga or for anyone uncomfortable with getting onto the floor.

3-week series:

Thursdays, September 12, 19, & 26 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Auditorium A and B

Slips, Trips, and Falls—Oh No! Sharil Cass, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist

Thursday, June 27 4:30-5:30 p.m.

A slip or fall can have serious consequences as we get older.

Studies have shown that 1 out 4 independent older adults fall each year. Join us for an interactive, evidence-based presentation for adults who are at risk of falling. You will learn about factors that increase the risk of falling and review strategies to keep you safe at home. We will discuss the importance of exercise, medication review, vision screening, footwear, and home safety. After the presentation, stay for a balance screening clinic to learn more from Farnum Rehabilitation Physical Therapists what your personal fall risk is and options for reducing it.

Auditorium A & B

Thursday, September 12 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Keene State College Dietetic Interns June is National Dairy Month! Dairy products pack a nutritional punch with evidence linking dairy with health benefits such as improved bone health, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and lower blood pressure in adults. Come learn about the latest science and practical ways to incorporate more of these delicious foods into your routine. Dairy alternatives will also be discussed for those who are lactose intolerant.

Healthy Living with Diabetes Class Halley Rust, RDN, LD, Diabetes Program Coordinator Cheshire Medical Center

Our 4-part Healthy Living with Diabetes classes are designed to teach you the skills you need to control your diabetes and prevent or delay complications associated with this disease. Each session consists of 4 classes. Topics include diabetes management, healthy eating, activity, medications, & coping with diabetes (stress management).

Choose a 4-week session:

Tuesdays, July 9-30 3:00-4:30 p.m.

North Conference Rooms 1 and 2

Balance Screening Clinic Sharil Cass, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist and Farnum Rehabilitation Physical Therapists Learn more from Farnum Rehabilitation Physical Therapists what your fall risk is and options for reducing it. Come early and join us for the “Slips, Trips, and Falls—Oh No!” presentation about strategies to keep you safe at home or stop by after the presentation for a balance screening.

Thursday, September 12 3:00-4:00 p.m.

North Conference Rooms 1 and 2

Team F/Centering Room

Tuesdays, September 3-24 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Team F/Centering Room

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H e a lt h + W e l l n e s s  S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 9

Register today!

Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events

Cheshire Health Foundation helps to ensure that high quality healthcare is right here when you need it.

EVERY DOLLAR

OF YOUR SUPPORT STAYS

LOCAL.

Nonprofit hospitals like Cheshire Medical Center rely on local support to keep pace with the growing needs in the communities we serve. The donations we receive through Cheshire Health Foundation fund services, such as financial support for local cancer patients, health and wellness programs, and patient financial assistance, as well as key investments in state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best care for

This community’s deep-rooted

you and your loved ones.

As the largest employer in the region, what impacts Cheshire Medical

tradition of kindness, caring, and giving back is helping us maintain high quality care right here in our community. Thank you!

Center touches many people beyond our campus. When you give to local healthcare through the Cheshire Health Foundation, you are supporting both the health and wellness of family, friends, and neighbors, and the economic health of this beautiful region where we all live.

We are grateful to the volunteer Board of Trustees of the Cheshire Health Foundation and to all those who give. From major donations through family foundations and local businesses, to the heartfelt gestures of individuals, every dollar of support makes a difference.

To learn how you can support exceptional healthcare at Cheshire Medical Center, visit cheshirehealthfoundation.org.

Good health is a team effort.

Healthy Eating Family & Parenting Rest & Restorative Sleep

Get an extra boost of support in your e-mail every month.

Active Living

Health + Wellness Living healthier together.

Emotional & Mental

Wellbeing

Safety & Prevention Healthy Aging

Thriving

with Health Conditions

At Cheshire, we know that in addition to high quality medical care, many factors contribute to good health.

That’s why we come together with our community partners to offer programs and learning opportunities on a variety of health-related topics.

We also offer a free magazine and a monthly e-bulletin full of helpful tips, tools, and

information about local resources and supports for living healthier together in the Monadnock Region.

Look for the free issue of Health + Wellness magazine in your mailbox this May and sign up to receive the Healthier Together e-bulletin at

health-wellness.cheshiremed.org