May 2024 PULSE

UPDATE

‘Big Doings’ happening at PTSMC in the EMR and Billing & Collections World!

On March 1, we announced to all PTSMC employees the decision to move away from WebPT and join Prompt. The overriding goal of this decision is to decrease the administrative burden for our clinicians, and honestly, all sta using the EMR platform.

Since that announcement, four teams have been assembled to create local experts, foster collaboration, build the PTSMC platform and gain insight and input on PTSMC work ows that need modi cations. These groups were given early access to Prompt with a commitment to complete the extensive training sessions available.

In mid-April the rollout of Prompt logins and assigned training modules, based on position, was completed, except for PT Aides. The PT Aide users and training assignments will be completed by mid-May.

One of the highlights of the Prompt training and transition is the ability to practice in the test database. We hope that all users will take advantage of this ability to test all areas of your role.

In the coming weeks, we will be testing our data migration. This means WebPT data will be transitioned to the Prompt test database. Our current patient demographics and cases, schedules, physician data and clinician templates already created are among the information migrating.

If all goes well, the plan is to have the nal migration done for Monday, June 10th. This means that our real database will be ready for use on June 10th!

The PTSMC GO LIVE date is Monday, June 17th.

No patient documentation will happen in Prompt until June 17th.

This allows our clinicians 8 days to prepare for the GO LIVE date. It allows our authorization and veri cation departments to check bene ts and ensure accurate authorization data for patient cases. It also extends the time needed to create accurate payer set ups prior to going live.

Migrating the data a week early is not without challenges. There will be some duplication of e orts for our front desk teams who will be managing the still live WebPT responsibilities and adding Prompt responsibilities. The Admin/Front Desk Super Users will be creating checklists for scenarios that will arise due to this transition.

The PROs of 8 days to prepare vs the original 24-hour turnaround to start the transition greatly outweigh the CONs.

For 16 years, PTSMC has relied on a third-party company to manage our Billing & A/R. We are bringing these departments in-house! The Billing team and A/R team are currently being hired. Each team will have four employees to start. Once the rst patient notes are nalized on June 17th, their work begins.

Unlike WebPT where the EMR and the Billing & Collections are separate databases that integrate, Prompt is ONE database for ALL. This simpli es so much for PTSMC operations! For example, “balancing” new patients and visits between WebPT EMR and WebPT Billing will be a thing of the past!

EXCITING times for PTSMC ... and a bit intimidating and challenging! I am con dent with the talent and commitment of our amazing PTSMC employees, the change will be exceptionally managed.

Thanks already for the positivity, great thoughts and ideas as we navigate this!

Sandy Wickman Mason, VP of Operations

Your input matters!

Each year, we conduct the annual Enerage Employee Survey as an opportunity to share your experience and feedback about working at PTSMC and PT For Life. Energage, an independent research company, is administering the survey May 7 - May 20. Please be on the look out for emails from President Alan Balavender and Energage.

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Sean Doenias, Newington Physical Therapist The Role of the Torque to Body Weight Ratio in ACL Rehab

Congratulations DOCS Grad!

Apply for PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program

Employee Spotlight: Bryan O’Neill, New Milford Partner

DEI: Balancing Parenting and Professional Life By Marilex Santiago

LifeBeat: Mobile Mental Health Hub

NAUGATUCK RENOVATIONS

Naugatuck completed renovations! They removed two treatment rooms to create more open gym space, put in a documentation counter for the sta and turned an o ce into a treatment room.

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

The Role of the Torque to Body Weight Ratio in ACL Rehab

Sean Doenias, PT, DPT, CSCS Physical Therapist at PTSMC Newington

The torque to body weight ratio (TTBW) serves a crucial purpose in the realm of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation. Despite the widespread use of manual muscle testing for strength assessment post-ACLR, its reliability is marred by subjectivity and variability in resistance levels (1,2). 80% of Physical Therapists rely on strength measures in ACLR rehab, with 56% solely dependent on manual muscle testing, raising concerns about premature discharge from rehabilitation and subsequent increased risk of re-injury (1).

return to tennis based on an LSI of 90%, but exhibited quadriceps weakness relative to body weight with a TTBW ratio of 1.5 Nm/kg.

The prevailing approach to ACL rehab, unfortunately, falls short, necessitating collective improvement. Objective evaluation of quadriceps strength is imperative for e ective rehabilitation, and the dynamometer emerges as a straightforward tool enabling accurate and unbiased strength assessment (3). From these assessments, critical calculations such as the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) and torque to body weight ratio (TTBW) are derived, guiding clinical decisions regarding rehab progressions.

The Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) gauges relative strength by comparing strength levels between the injured and uninjured sides, typically aiming for 90-95%, though around 80% often serves as a benchmark before introducing running and jumping drills (2). While LSI is pivotal for evaluating strength symmetry, it falls short as an independent strength measure since it neglects to account for a patient's strength relative to their body weight.

Enter the torque to body weight ratio (TTBW), a measure of absolute strength. It quanti es how much torque (the force rotating around the knee) an individual can generate from the quadriceps relative to their body weight (3). An ideal TTBW ratio for ACLR rehab stands at 3 Nm/kg. Remarkably, this reference value correlates with signi cantly higher odds of reporting an IKDC score ≥90% (4).

Examining case studies sheds further light on the importance of the TTBW ratio in ACLR rehabilitation. Consider Athlete A, a 25-year-old male volleyball player, who, despite being prematurely discharged from physical therapy with a perfect manual muscle test score, exhibited a signi cant LSI asymmetry of 70%. Conversely, Athlete B, a 21-year-old female tennis player, was cleared to

The TTBW ratio emerges as a pivotal metric, addressing the limitations of manual muscle testing by providing an objective measure of quadriceps strength relative to body weight, complementing the LSI. Incorporating TTBW alongside LSI is indispensable for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes, as illustrated by case studies like those of Athlete A and Athlete B. Its integration into clinical practice marks a signi cant advancement in rehab standards, underscoring the ongoing need for improvement in ACL rehabilitation protocols.

How to Calculate a Limb Symmetry Index:

(Force of Injured Quadriceps/Force of Un-injured Quadriceps) x 100 = LSI

Goal = 90-95%

How to Calculate a Torque to Body Weight Ratio:

BW= body weight (kilograms)

MA = Moment Arm (meters)

F = Quad Force (Newtons)

(F x MA)/BW = Torque to Body Weight Ratio

Goal = 3 Nm/kg

References:

1. Greenberg EM, Greenberg ET, Albaugh J, Storey E, Ganley TJ. Rehabilitation Practice Patterns Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Survey of Physical Therapists. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Oct;48(10):801-811. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.8264. Epub 2018 May 22. PMID: 29787697.

2. Meira, E. (2024, January 4). Why a Quad Index Matters. The Science PT. https://thesciencept.com/why-a-quad-index-matters/

3. Morrison, S. (2019, February 22). Testing Knee Extension Torque. Physio Praxis.https://physiopraxis.co/testing-knee-extension-torque/

4. Pietrosimone B, Lepley AS, Harkey MS, Luc-Harkey BA, Blackburn JT, Gribble PA, Spang JT, Sohn DH. Quadriceps Strength Predicts Self-reported Function Post-ACL Reconstruction. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Sep;48(9):1671-7. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000946. PMID: 27054675.

5. Šarabon N, Kozinc Ž, Perman M. Establishing Reference Values for Isometric Knee Extension and Flexion Strength. Front Physiol. 2021 Oct 15;12:767941. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.767941. PMID: 34721087; PMCID: PMC8554160.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

SPONSORED COURSES

Myopain Dry Needling 3 Advanced May 17-19, 2024 at Quinnipiac University

Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete

August 3-4, 2024

Instructed by ICE at Taft School in Watertown

Lower Extremity

SMT 1: High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust Manipulation of the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, & Sacroiliac Joints

September 21-22, 2024

Instructed by American Academy of Manipulation at PTSMC Guilford

November 2, 2024 at PTSMC Wallingford instructed by Melissa Boutagy, PT, DPT, OCS *DOCS Program Requirement

Visit the ERC Clinical Excellence folder for all future course information.

Email ConEd@ptsmc.com to register for PTSMC courses or with any Clinical Excellence questions.

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

May is a HUGE month for the Student Program! There are 13 students are starting a liations across 13 PTSMC locations:

Rachel Barr (Touro) - starting with Je Hoerst in Glastonbury on May 13.

Jake Dolson (SHU) - starting with Katherine Fan in Shelton on May 13.

Ellie Hohlfelder (Husson) - starting with Elena Masiello in Wallingford on May 20.

Ida Hoxha (UHart) - starting with Ally Hickey in Watertown on May 20.

Aaron Kirby (UHart) - starting with Cody Filingeri in Avon on May 20.

Sarah Lamoreaux (SHU) - starting with Andrew Perazella & Russ Woodman in New Haven on May 13.

Kaitlyn Lockwood (Marist)- started with Josh McAdams in Danbury on April 29.

Anya Melnyk (BU) - starting with Meghan Blanusa in Naugatuck on May 28.

Lucas Perez (NYMC) - starting with Rebecca Petrosino in Fair eld on May 13.

Mitchel Reynolds (Husson) - starting with Quinn McAnaney in Guilford on May 20.

Skylar Serenson (SHU) - starting with Je Lo in Westbrook on May 13.

Nick Truncali (UHart) - starting with Sean Doenias in Newington on May 20.

Leya Vohra (AIC) - starting with Mario Paredes in Orange on May13.

CLINICAL SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (CSIGS)

The Clinical Excellence team is establishing Clinical Special Interest Groups (CSIG)! These groups are spaces for clinicians to communicate and connect with each other to clinical interests, ideas, resources, goals and have discussion as it relates to their practice.

Want to join? Click to participate in a survey to let us know what interests YOU!

https://forms.o ce.com/r/RQ2Xd06ex6

CONGRATS DOCS GRAD!

The Clinical Excellence Team would like to recognize and congratulate the most recent graduate of the Development of Clinical Success (DOCS) Program:

Liz Rubbo, PT, DPT, Guilford

Liz was asked to reflect on her DOCS Program experience and share the most in uential parts of the program, as well as what she looks forward to pursuing next for continuing education:

“The most in uential part of the DOCS program was getting to learn from other clinicians within the company. I think that was really helpful as a new grad, especially coming out of the pandemic, because it helped me feel like I had a solid network of knowledge to tap into from people throughout the company!

Going forward, I would like to pursue my OCS at some point, so I would like to pursue courses that help to prep me for that”

PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency is focused on:

• Growing and honing clinical delivery skills

• Preparing for orthopedic board certi cation exam

• Preparing for potential future PTSMC clinic partnership or leadership role

Previous residents with Residency Program Coordinator & West Hartford PT Vladimir Smolgovskiy. Pictured from let to right: Wallingford PT Elena Masiello, Westbrook PT Brittany Kearney, and Waterbury PT Bri Boulerice.

Program Details:

• 3 hours weekly didactic instruction (45 weeks total)

• 3 week Evidence Based Practice and Statistics Course

• 14 week Lower Extremity Course (Foot/Ankle, Knee, and Hip)

• 14 week Spine Course (Lumbopelvic, Thoracic, Cervical, and TMJ)

• 14 week Upper Extremity Course (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist/Hand)

• 1 hour monthly case discussion

• 1 hour monthly journal club

• Coursework (300 hours combined lecture/lab & home study)

• External home study courses from the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

• Current Concepts in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy,Pharmacology, Clinical Imaging, Frontiers in Orthopedic Science, and Post Operative Management of Orthopedic Surgeries

The one year orthopaedic residency program is completed while maintaining a clinical care schedule.

Residents who successfully complete the program will continue their professional development in the PTSMC Leadership & Management Development Program.

PTSMC o ers two options for clinical care:

• 40 hour work week (four 10 hour days) and maintain full salary

• 32 hour work week (four 8 hour days) with salary 80% of full-time salary. The other 8 hour day is devoted to didactic instruction, clinical mentorship, journal club, and case discussion

PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency program is FREE as long as the resident completes three additional years of full time employment with PTSMC. Please inquire for more information.

Applicants are evaluated on the following:

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume

• Personal Essay Statement

• Interview with faculty

• Two Professional letters of recommendation from faculty and/or work managers (Relationship of recommenders to you must be in a supervisory capacity)

***Applicants must have a valid PT license prior to the start of the residency program***

Learn more and apply online at: www.ptsmc.com/residency

RESIDENCY INFO SESSION

May 22, 2024 8-8:30 pm via TEAMS

Hosted Danielle Dunn

Please email Danielle at Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com with any residency questions or to join the info session.

CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB

All meetings are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS.

Upcoming CD dates: 05/07, 06/04

Upcoming JC dates: 05/21, 06/18

Go to the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder for CD & JC 2024 information.

Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.

HUMAN RESOURCES

HUMAN RESOURCES

New Employees

Gurski

New Milford PT Aide

Kolcz Avon Physical Therapist

Dan Robinson Shelton PT Aide Nayla Soto Accounts Receivable Representative

McCollum Windsor Physical Therapist

Emily Tinson East Hampton PT Aide

Weinstein Newington PT Aide

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

ATHLETIC TRAINER

Essex

Middletown

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Branford

Bristol

East Hampton

Groton

Guilford

Lock St

New Haven

New London

New Milford

Plainville

Shelton

Simsbury

Southbury

Wallingford

West Hartford

Xianjie Yao

Wethers eld PT Aide

Not Pictured

Jaime Condon, Newington PT Aide

CT SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Summer is almost here! There are so many fun things to do in Connecticut during the warmer months. If you’re looking for new ideas to plan your summer, we’ve got you covered!

1. Experience waterfront thrills. From ziplining to water obstacles and more, adventure on the water at Club Getaway in Kent and Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland.

2. Canoe or kayak. Connecticut is full of scenic bodies of water perfect for canoeing or kayaking. Some perfect inland spots include Cockaponset State Park, Bigelow Hollow State Park, and Lighthouse Point Park. Looking to rent your boat? Try Black Hall Out tters in Westbrook and Old Lyme, Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks in New Hartford, Scoot & Paddle in Milford, or Collinsville Canoe and Kayak.

3. Zip to new heights. Go ziplining through the trees at HighFlyer Zipline, Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum or Adventure Park at Storrs. Try the indoor zipline at IT Adventure Ropes Course.

4. Enjoy outdoor music. Kick back in a lawn chair and listen to the great artists at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport, Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, Westville Music Bowl in New Haven, or summer concerts in Stamford's Mill River Park. Looking for more? Check out these great music venues across the state.

PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

Westbrook

PT AIDE

Danbury

Danielson

East Hampton

Groton

Guilford

Middletown

New Haven

Plainville

Putnam

Westbrook

Windsor

ADMIN POSITIONS

Accounts Receivable Representative IT Technician

Senior Virtual Operations Coordinator

Virtual Patient Services Coordinator

Windsor Check PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Karen or email at Karen.Havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.

Natalie

Bart

Megan

Raphi Rahman Lock Street Travel PT

Samantha

Employee SPOT LIGHT

By Caty Mulligan, HR Coordinator & Sports Medicine Coordinator

Bryan O’Neill, New Milford Partner, is about to celebrate his ten-year anniversary with PTSMC in June. What a great time to share his PTSMC story!

Growing up, Bryan enjoyed music and writing, so physical therapy wasn’t the career he had anticipated. While in undergrad at Southern CT State University, he interned as a neuro rehabilitation research assistant, which led him to nd PT. He nished his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and began the DPT program at UCONN. Bryan and his wife, Devon, were both graduates of the second ever DPT class at UCONN!

They started out their careers living and working in Fair eld County. In 2014, Bryan and Devon settled in Morris, CT, and Bryan joined PTSMC Avon.

In Avon, Bryan was able to work closely with former Partner, Travis Lytle. When he joined PTSMC, Bryan had expressed his interest in the partner track, and he feels fortunate to have had Travis as a mentor to learn more about partnership and the director role. Bryan also spent some time working at PTSMC Naugatuck while searching for the right location to open his own clinic.

Bryan opened PTSMC New Milford in January 2017, and ve weeks later, his daughter Brynnlee was born. It was a big year for him and his family! From there he hired his rst sta clinician, Josh McAdams, now the Danbury Partner. New Milford has continued to grow, both by expanding their space and now having four physical therapists.

Bryan enjoys the challenge of balancing his own clinical schedule and managing the location, administrative tasks, and meetings. He likes to get into the clinic early and catch up on documentation and administrative tasks before he starts treating patients. Since becoming a partner, Bryan says he’s attuned to everything going on around him in the clinic, and he especially enjoys observing patient and sta interactions.

Bryan O’Neill New Milford Partner

As a partner, he’s had the privilege of creating his own awesome team. He really wanted to make the New Milford clinic a great place to work, a welcoming place for patients to come for treatment, and a positive experience for all. Bryan praises his team for working so well together, going above and beyond for each other, and making New Milford what it is today.

Life hasn’t slowed down for Bryan and his family. They have grown into a family of ve, welcoming sons Bryson in 2019 and Bradley in fall 2023 (yes, they are all B names)!

Bryan looks forward to being involved in his kids’ sports and activities as they grow up. He recalls how great it was that his dad, a former pitcher for the Mets farm league, coached his travel baseball team. Playing baseball with his dad and brother was a huge part of his childhood. Bryan was a pitcher, and his brother was a catcher, so they were a dynamic duo!

These days, the extended O’Neill family can eld an entire backyard baseball team. Bryan is a triplet and has an older sister. Among the siblings they have eight children under the age of seven! The clan vacations together each summer, traveling either to the Cape or Rehoboth Beach.

While his parents remain CT residents, his siblings are spread around the country, so he looks forward to spending that quality time together and having some fun! When he’s not juggling his kids’ events and work, Bryan enjoys spending time on Bantam Lake kayaking and shing with his family, or on the rare occasion, seizing the moment to go kayaking on his own.

FUN FACT!

His favorite baseball team is the Mets in a family of Boston fans- yikes!

MAY BIRTHDAYS

May birthdays are located in the ERC. Click here to see the list of birthdays.

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

Alison Michaud PT Aide

Isabella Matarazzo PT Aide

Evelyn Layne PT Aide

Christian Fillion PT Aide

Kelly Goddard PT Aide

Matt Baronowski Partner Bristol

Pat Kinsella Physical Therapist Guilford

Sam McMullen Physical Therapist Southington

Drew Gallagher Partner Southbury

GO AHEAD

A LITTLE

Do you have a coworker who goes above and beyond? Someone who is 110% engaged in our PT for Life culture?

Then, it’s time to recognize that person in a “BRAG!” Click HERE to submit

Reminder that supervisors cannot be a bragger for the employees they supervise.

Submissions will be open through May 15th. Email Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com with any questions.

PTSMC Happenings!

Checking out the solar eclipse! Naugatuck, Wethers eld, and Watertown all spent some time outside to watch the solar

on April 8th.

Karen Havlicek and Meghan Blanusa represented PTSMC at the New England Student Conclave at UHART.

MAY

May 2

the PT” at Marathon Sports Event May 3

Liaisons

Orthopedic Society Annual Conference May 4

Jog for Judy Race May 11

Da odil Festival 5k May 19

Library 5k

2ND ANNUAL RACE TO THE WEEKEND WHEELS 5K

The Windsor team's 2nd annual Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k Run & Walk was a success! The Windsor sta , their patients, Weekend Wheels Sta , the Windsor community and other PTSMC employees enjoyed great weather and a great event that raised money for the Weekend Wheels program.

Learn more about the Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k in Alan’s May Monthly Video. Click here to view video with Windsor Assistant Director, Mike McGowan.

eclipse

Essex participated in Bring Your Kids to Work Day! PTs Alyson Whelan (left) and Ann Hall brought their kids into the clinic.

Danielson hosted a ra e for Easter. PTA Cameron Flanagan snapped a photo with a winning patient.

Doc Talks! Left: Dr. Grosso and Mike Harris, PA, from Advanced Orthopedic New England met with PTSMC clinicians at PTSMC Avon.

Right: Dr. Cavanaugh, from Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates, spoke at PTSMC Newington.

First ever Admin Leadership & Management Development Program (ALMDP)!

Top Left to bottom right: Sandy Wickman Mason, Dave Lawrence, Alison Pearce, Jenn Detlefsen, Sandra Boccialetti, Jared Lynch, Christine Hill, Alan Balavender, Christine Rasile, Mallory Mason

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

Mike Popolizio, PT, DPT, Glastonbury PT, published an article “Neuromuscular Stimulation Strengthening and Bloow Flow Restriction” in the APTA Journal of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management.

Click here to view the article.

Happy 5 years to PTSMC West Hartford!

The clinic opened on May 6, 2019.

StriveHub Fab 5

“Josh McAdams and his sta are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. Josh worked very hard to help me recover from cervical fusion surgery. I can’t thank him enough!!” - Danbury

“Brianne (Dwyer) is the best PT that I've ever worked with and not only am I progressing well but she does a great job at helping multiple people and never neglecting anyone in the process. She is supportive in helping you along, very careful and really knowledgeable with her therapy.” - Southington

Mike Durand, Vice President of Business Development attended the APTA Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

SIPTA GRADUATES

Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program:

Alyssa Campo, New Haven

Lucas Gallegos, New Haven

Hope Johnson, Waterbury

Annaliese Kaufman, Wallingford

Carley Murphy, New Milford

Emily Tinson, East Hampton

Social Media CATCH UP

BLOG POST

“I had a knee that was killing me and after a couple of sessions; it started to feel a whole lot better. Emily (Hansen), Jen (Ashman) and rest of the sta are friendly and helpful. Everyone really seems to be very knowledgeable.” - Simsbury

I have had many orthopedic injuries and surgeries which equates to many PT experiences. This is by far the best. Everyone is engaged and committed to helping achieve your goals with you! The facility is spotless and organized, the sta is professional and approachable. There is also a congenial atmosphere that makes it a pleasure to be a part of. Thank you Steven (de Castro) and the rest of the sta for helping me get healthy !!” - Groton

“Outstanding physical therapy sessions with Samantha (Ostrowsky). Very thorough, professional and knowledgeable in the medical eld with spine injuries. Every session is tailored to my exact needs, and my progress is amazing in such a short time. Absolutely the best practice around.” - Guilford

Reel

Glastonbury captured a quick video of a patient doing sport-speci c drills.

Kasey Adinol , Wallingford Physical Therapist, lmed a reel about how PT can help you exercise safely while injured.

Engage with us on social

Did you know that just by engaging with our social media, you’re helping to boost it?

Simply by following PTSMC on our accounts and liking, reacting to, commenting on, or sharing our posts help to boost PTSMC’s social presence.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Mobile Mental Health Hub

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. There are many facets of mental health, and building up your personal mental health tools is one way to improve your overall well-being. Everyone’s mental health needs are unique.

One Digital, a company that provides a host of insurance, nancial services and HR consulting solutions, created a Mental Health Hub containing a variety of simple tools and resources to get you started. Here you can explore interactive resources, informative videos, sound recordings, relaxation techniques, and educational materials - all at your ngertips.

To name a few of the resources:

• Strategies for taking charge in the moment

• Best practices for understanding and improving mental health

• Relaxation techniques

• Tools for productivity during the workday

• Where to nd mental health care and support

• Tips for supporting loved ones

• How to improve overall well-being

• Crisis hotlines for immediate assistance

• Managing stress as a caregiver And many more!

Scan the QR code to access this Mobile Mental Health Hub whenever and wherever you need.

https://view.onedigital.com/mentalhealthhub

You can also visit PTSMC’s ERC for additional mental health resources! You will nd them in the Employee Engagement & Wellbeing folder. The QR code has been added to the ERC as well to return to at any time.

Engagement & Wellness Calendar

MAY

Well-being Theme: National Mental Health Awareness Month

BRAGS Submission Deadline: 5/5

Virtual DEI Forum: 5/16 at 1:00 pm

Energage Survey: 5/7 - 5/20

#GetMoving- Healthy Mind & Body: 5/1 - 6/1

JUNE

Well-being Theme: Connecting with Your Kids

#GetMoving Hike: 6/1 at 10:00 AM

Virtual DEI Forum: 6/18 at 1:30 PM

#GetMoving

Healthy Mind & Body

There’s still time to commit to the challenge group May 1 – June 1. Reach physical goals and participate in mindfulness practices to earn a one-year subscription to the Calm app, and a $25 Fleet Feet gift card!

SAVE THE DATE: #GetMoving HIKE

Join the #GetMoving participants for a hike on JUNE 1! 10:00 AM at Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, CT ~3.5 mile loop

Email Wellness@ptsmc.com to particiapte in the #GetMoving challenge or to join the hiking crew!

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Personal problems can a ect the lives of employees both at home and at work. When life’s events become challenging, you can turn to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can provide support such as life advice and professional counseling, stress management, crisis intervention and more. You do not need to face di culties alone!

This con dential service is available to all employees, dependents and family members (over 18) at no cost. If you are referred to a treatment resource beyond the EAP, UnitedHealthcare will help you locate providers covered under your medical insurance plan.

The EAP is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Receive 3 visits, per issue, per year with a therapist or psychologist.

Non-UHC Members Call: 1-888-887-4114

UHC Members visit: UHC app > Bene ts > Mental Health > Employee Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

DEI Balancing Parenting and Professional Life

By Marilex Santiago DEI Leader

As we celebrate Mother's Day this May and Father’s Day in June, our thoughts turn naturally towards parenting. Balancing parenting and professional responsibilities is a topic that resonates deeply with many of our PTSMC sta , whether they are currently navigating parenthood or planning for future children. This challenge spans all roles within our organization, from patient-facing positions (front desk and clinical sta ) to administrative (including remote sta ) positions.

At PTSMC, we are committed to supporting our employees through signi cant life events. Here are some of the ways we assist our PTSMC parents:

• Flexible Scheduling: PTSMC wants to help you nd a balance between work and home life, which is why we encourage our employees to talk directly with their supervisors regarding scheduling needs. Being able to adjust your hours to better t your family’s needs can be a great stress relief and o er much needed work-life balance.

• Paid Family Leave: Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events such as creating or expanding your family, either by birth, adoption, or foster care.

• Dependent Care: This bene t is great for those who have little ones in daycare! Employees who meet the eligibility requirements can have PRE-TAX deductions from their paychecks so they can be reimbursed for dependent care expenses tax free. If this is a bene t you would like to explore, please contact Sandra Boccialetti at Sandra.Boccialetti@ptmsc.com for more details.

Parenting is undoubtedly hard work, and we extend a round of applause to all our working parents. If you have questions about how we can better support your parenting journey, please reach out to our HR department.

If you have suggestions for improving support for PTSMC parents, contact Marilex Santiago Marilex.Santiago@ptsmc.com or join us at this month’s DEI “Open Topic” Forum on Thursday, May 16th at 1pm.

TECHY TIPS

By Stevie Fell, Customer Experience Coordinator

How to Lock Two Windows Side by Side on Your Screen

Did you know that you can “snap” or lock two windows side by side on your screen? This make transferring and comparing information like HIPAA notes or patient demographics information super easy!

By holding the Windows Key and pressing Left or Right on your arrow key pad, you can choose which direction to snap your windows.

Repeat with the opposite arrow and select the window to split with. Then your screen would appear like this:

Jenna Bou ard, Watertown AT at Watertown High School, got engaged!