Healthy Connections
PrintA guide to better health from Backus
September 2010 – CALENDAR
Your Guide to Good Health
Education Programs, Events and Screenings
American Heart Association Annual Heart Walk
The American Heart Association Heart Walk allows people to get exercise while also raising aware- ness and money for research. The event includes a health fair, free screenings from the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center, free lunch and entertainment. Participants can choose between a 2-mile or a 5-kilometer walking route.
• Sunday, Oct.3
• 10a.m.-1p.m.
• Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
To join the Backus team or donate, contact Shawn Mawhiney, 860-889-8331, ext. 2312 or smawhiney@wwbh.org. To learn more, visit rockyneckheartwalk.org
Breast Health Patient Navigator Program
Free to women who experience a suspicious mammogram and / or ultrasound reading. The Patient Navigator helps guide the patient from the suspicious reading to a definitive diagnosis in the shortest amount of time possible to facilitate more efficient access and guidance to breast health care services and information. Services include assistance with referrals to local resources and social support; assistance with appointments; educational support; and, one-on-one meetings to increase satisfaction with their breast health care experience.
Call Joyce Kuusela, RN, at 860-425-3870, or Theresa Thackston at 860-425-3809 for more information.
Colchester 57 Fest
A free osteoporosis screening will be available at the festival on the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center van and conducted by a techni- cian from the Backus Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department. A wellness tent will feature medication safety, glucose screenings, high blood presssure screenings, posture and flexibility screenings, alternative therapies, healthy fun for kids, and much more. Fun and educational for the whole family.
• Saturday, Sept. 25
• 4-8p.m.
• Colchester Recreation Complex
Program free; no registration required.
CHI Volunteer Therapist Open House
Backus Hospital’s Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI) is seeking to expand the current number of therapists who volunteer. CHI provides complimentary therapies to inpatients such as Healing Touch, Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. An informational gathering has been scheduled for any therapist interested in becoming part of the program.
• Thursday, Sept. 16
• 6-7:30p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference rooms
If you are interested in attending, please call CHI Coordinator Amy Dunion, RN, LMT, at 860-425-3877 or Healing Touch and Integrative Care Clinical Coordinator Paula Novak, RN, at 860-889-8331, ext. 2163.
Community Blood Pressure Screenings
Free blood pressure screening on the third Wednesday of each month.
•Wednesday, Sept. 15
• 1 - 2 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms 1-3
Program free; no registration required.
Community Prostate Screening
The exam will consist of a lab- drawn PSA blood test and a digital prostate exam by Franklin Friedman, MD, a urologist on the Backus Medical Staff. Participants will need to call the doctor’s office to find out their PSA result one week following the screening. Educational materials will be available.
• Saturday, Sept. 25
• 9a.m.-1p.m.
• Backus Ambulatory Medical Care
Unit (AMC) off main lobby Program free but registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495 for an appointment or more information.
Diabetes Outpatient Self-Management Program
Gain a greater understanding of the components of diabetes self-care management. This program includes an initial assessment by Certified Diabetes Educators, a Registered Nurse and a Clinical Dietitian. Provider referral required. Program free but registration required. Call the Diabetes Center at 860-892-6906 and select the Patient Education Classes prompt for more information.
Enjoy LIFE: “Healthy Hearts & Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”
To encourage incorporating walking into daily routines, the Enjoy LIFE series, a collaboration between Backus and the Plainfield Recreation Department, is hosting a hike in July. The event is open to the public, as well as the teams participating in the Enjoy LIFE Active Challenge. The hike will be about a mile-and-a-half long on walking trails around Plainfield High School. Sarah Hospod will be on the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center van to offer “coaching and counseling” on healthy dieting. This is the final day for adult and family teams to sign up for the yearlong program. For more information about the Enjoy LIFE project, visit: backushospital.org/enjoylife
• Thursday, Sept 9
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Plainfield Recreation Center, 482 Norwich Road, Plainfield
Program free but registration required. Call 860-889-8331 ext. 2495 for more information.
Multicultural Health Fair
Backus will be hosting a multicultural health fair on Sept. 30. Representatives from more than 20 cultures will be on hand with information on health care customs and issues, music, and more. Anyone wishing to represent their culture is invited to call Alice Facente at 860-889-8331, ext. 2405.
• Thursday, Sept. 30
• 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference rooms
Program free; no registration required.
Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster for patients having surgery at Backus Hospital
Using Guided Imagery and relaxation has been shown to help people feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after surgery and recover more quickly. The tech- niques are also helpful for many other procedures to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book, CD and a 90-minute instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery. Classes are offered each Monday and Wednesday. A friend or family member may accom- pany the patient. Instructor: Paula Novak, RN, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner.
• Mondays, Sept. 20, 27
• 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery Family Lounge
• Wednesdays, Sept. 1, 15, 22, 29
• 2 - 3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $35 (CD and book) fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 860-425-3877 to register or for more information.
Psychiatric Department Lectures
Monthly lectures on psychiatric trends and topics. Usually held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
• Thursday, Sept. 23
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms 1-2
Program free; no registration required.
Sail Through Surgery
A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
• Friday, Sept. 3
• 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, Sept. 18
• 10 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6328 for more information.
Total Care Program (joint replacement)
A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
• Wednesdays, Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6533 for more information.
Total Care Program (spinal fusion)
Backus patients scheduled for surgery can learn what to expect from spinal fusion surgery - preparatory measures,the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues
• Wednesdays, Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• 9 - 11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6533 for more information.