1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cholesterol

Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
name a star:
H
Aging Parent: when is it time to get involved?
AT
ION
Please contact RVNA for further information on
sponsorship, contributions or participation.
LBriody@RidgefieldVNA.org or 438.5555, x1115.
ar
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Support RVNA’s community programs while you
enjoy a nice hot breakfast, an exciting live auction
hosted by Ira Joe Fisher and a chance to win
beautiful themed raffle items. Come join in the fun!
Sponsor Levels:
Diamond ~ $5,000
Gold ~ $2,500
Silver ~ $1,500
Bronze ~ $750
Table Host ~ $300 (includes 8-10 guests)
W
H GENE
IC
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ng
Friday, April 24, 2009 | 7:30am - 9:00am
Ethan Allen Hotel
On the Road to Recovery
with Judy Dann
Sign up to receive “Healthy- e- Wise” our online newsletter and you will receive monthly
health tips and information on RVNA current events. Just visit www.ridgefieldvna.org
• A gi
‘09
S P R I N G B R E A K FA S T
PUBLISHED BY THE RIDGEFIELD VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION | SPRING 2009 | RIDGEFIELDVNA.ORG
Please let us know if you
receive unwanted duplicates
of this mailing by calling
438.5555 or 938.3300
ns •
Judy Dann’s Road to Recovery
35th Annual Community Health Fair
Come On and Safari With Us
Internal Affairs
Things to Know
Name A Star
Sig
Ms. Diana Caracciolo
H Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ryer
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick V. Ernst
H Mary Fortuno
Ms. Janette Free
H Greta Rogg
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Gastrich
H Barbara Kirtley
Mr. & Mrs. James Kirtley
H Robert A. Law, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Denis Loncto
H Winifred Bradt
Mrs. Winifred Mullaly
H RVNA Good Works
Dr. & Mrs. David Pazer
H Claire Kirby, RN
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Rettger
H Sandy, Amy & Helen
Christine Robertson
H Ann Gastrich
Ms. Greta Rogg
H Mrs. J. Hebert
Rabbi Leah Cohen
H Florinda Victor
Ms. Maria Victor-Smith
H Beth Becker
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Whalen
H In honor of RVNA Staff
Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Neligan
inside:
en
h
st
e
H Lynn Schneider, PT
D
Gifts in Honor of from July 1, 2008 to Present.
90 East Ridge
Ridgefield, CT 06877
SAN
Recognize someone special
with a
Gift of Honor and help support RVNA.
PAID
Permit No. 29
Ridgefield, CT
ts :
D o n ’t M i s
Professional Panel
to Help With Solutions
RVNA, Elder Care Attorney,
Laurel Ridge, Ridgefield Crossings
and other local professionals.
Complimentary event with
light supper included.
April 30, 2009 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Ridgefield Community Center
316 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT
RSVP to info@ridgefieldvna.org
or call RVNA at 438.5555.
Judy Dann &
Susan Balamaci
When adult children call their elderly parents they are often greeted with an “everything is
perfect”. But is it? Parents often do not want to burden their children with their problems and
gloss over the truth of what is really going on. There are some signs that you can be on the
lookout for during your next visit to your aging parents that may indicate they need more help
than they are letting on.
Some of these signs may include:
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Losing weight
Little or no food in the refrigerator
Bills not being paid
Decline in cleanliness/tidiness of house
Looking disheveled (hair unkempt, men not shaving)
Showing signs of increased forgetfulness
S igns of not taking medications properly (empty pill bottles/too many pills in bottle)
Laura Switzer, LCSW, Geriatric Care Manager, helps residents and families sort things out and
provide resources that allow the elderly to remain in their homes safely and independently. If you
notice any of the above in a friend or loved one, call RVNA to schedule an assessment. l
with Judy’s furry
friends, Matilda
and Hope.
Judy Dann had no idea when she left her home on September 4, 2007 that she
would not return until almost a year later on August 13, 2008. On route to her
husband’s Ridgefield office, Judy was seriously injured in a car accident.
Her left arm was crushed, and her left leg required amputation above the
knee. After grueling months of multiple surgeries, hospitalizations and physical
therapy in a long term rehabilitation center, she was able to return home with
services from RVNA. Her arm surgery alone required 15 metal pins and screws.
“You can’t believe they could cram 15 pieces of ‘junk’ in that small of a space”
she says with evidence that her good natured sense of humor remains intact.
When her homecare nurse tells her that she is glad to see her back on her feet,
Judy teases her and says “I’m back on my foot but I still don’t want to shake my
head too fast because I’m afraid it will roll down the hall.” When asked what
she would like people to know about her she says, “I want people to know that
I am alive!”
Months before the accident, Judy was honored as “Volunteer of the Year”
by RVNA. Judy, an RN, served at flu clinics and is a member of RVNA’s Professional Advisory Committee. Judy never envisioned that she would greatly benefit
from the services she enthusiastically supports, such as home health aides,
physical therapists and nurses. Amazed by Judy’s optimism and positive attitude,
Susan Balamaci, RN, says that Judy is an inspiration and a model patient. Thuli, a
live in aide, and Dr. Bob Dann, Judy’s husband
and a local veterinarian, provide support with
her current daily challenges. Bob also cares
for their cat, 3 birds and 3 dogs, who were
thrilled with Judy’s return home. Two recent
gifts from Bob were, as Judy describes,
a “really fancy toilet” and a laptop
computer. Judy is aware that she
still has “a long road ahead” to
improve her mobility. Her optimism
and sense of humor are valuable
gifts that sustain her along the way.
If you would like to send notes of
encouragement to Judy, emails would
be welcomed and you can send
them to JLDPET@aol.com. l
{HEALTH EVENTS}
ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, March 28th from 9am-1pm
East Ridge Middle School See page 2.
WELL CHILD CLINICS
Make your appointment early for
required school physicals! $50 maximum fee (including school required
immunizations)–sliding scale available.
Well child, school, sports and camp
physicals for children ages birth-18 years.
TLC CAREGIVERS EVENT
An evening of education/entertainment
for caregivers. March 31st, Founder’s
Hall, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, light
supper, RSVP to RVNA at 438.5555 or
info@ridgefieldvna.org
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the first Wednesday of every
month from 11:30am - 12:30pm at the
RVNA office. Professionally facilitated
and free of charge. All are welcome.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
No Charge
Free monthly blood pressure screenings
at various locations. Call RVNA at
203.438.5555, press 3 for information
on blood pressure screenings.
For more information call RVNA at
203.438.5555 or 203.938.3300 or visit
ridgefieldvna.org
35th Annual Ridgefield VNA
Taste of Africa
Community Health Fair
Words can not describe it, pictures
don’t do it justice. Only gazing at
magnificent wildlife on safari bush
walks, lazy riverboat rides or open
land rovers do you “feel” the mystique
of Africa! Make the most of your
precious vacation time with wildlife
interactions, educated guides,
extraordinary food, and upscale
accommodations.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 | 9:00am-1:00pm
East Ridge Middle School
10 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Connecticut
go figure!
How do you measure up?
Å
Å
$
n
BP
=
HDL + LDL = TOTAL
HEALTHY
LOUSY
CHOLESTEROL
450,000
what?
Theresa Santoro
President & CEO
X JOIN US at this complimentary event
Cholesterol Confused? You are not alone. What
you need to remember is that too much “lousy” LDL
cholesterol and not enough “healthy” HDL cholesterol
puts you at risk for heart disease. For cholesterol
guidelines visit www.ridgefieldvna.org/RVNAHealth-Fair-2009.html
Hearing Hearing impairment affects 10% of the
population. WHAT? Every adult should have a baseline
hearing test by the age of 30; adults over the age of 40
should have an annual hearing test. One out of every
three adults over 65 has a hearing loss.
RVNA’s Community Health Fair is right around the
corner and is a great place to get all these free
screenings and much more in one convenient location!
Visit us online at www.ridgefieldvna.org for the
complete list of screenings. l
LEADERSHIP:
Discover how to visit this land of
unparalleled natural attractions
safely and luxuriously. Sip on
African wine, sit back and explore
the “Taste of Africa”…
Blood Pressure Believe it or not, 120/80 is considered
pre-hypertension and anything over 140/90 is considered hypertension. High blood pressure damages arteries
without any symptoms so it is important to get your BP
checked regularly.
BMI (Body Mass Index) / Waist Circumference
The Statue of Liberty stands at 150’ and tips the scale
at 450,000 lbs. With a waist circumference of 420”
and a BMI of 96.2, Ms. Liberty is definitely at risk for
heart attack, stroke and diabetes! Normal BMI is
between 18.5 and 24.9 and waist circumference
should not exceed 40” for males and 35” for females.
William G. Wyman, Chair
Mike P. Ryer, Vice Chair
M. Eileen Walker, Vice Chair
Cloris Pearson, Recording Secretary
Tom O’Grady, Treasurer
John Burgess
Peter T. Coffin, AIA
Samuel E. M. Crocker
Frank DeSalvo
Peter D. Griffin, MD, MPH
Debra D. Hayes
Geraldine H. Hotard
Robert A. Law, Jr.
Joyce C. Ligi
Peggy Marconi
➜
Come on and Safari with Us…
hosted by RVNA, All Destinations and
Abercrombie & Kent.
April 22, 2009 | 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Ridgefield Parks & Recreation
195 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT
RSVP at 203.438.5555 or
info@ridgefieldvna.org
Top 10 Travel Tips:
It’s a different world out there. So before
you go, get in the know. When you know
what to watch for, and how to take care
of yourself, you’re on the road to a safer,
healthier trip.
RG
et advice from a Travel Health
professional.
R Let your body adjust once you arrive.
R Protect yourself from disease-bearing
insects.
R Never go barefoot...even on the beach.
R Make sure your water is purified.
R Consume only well-cooked food.
R Fruit & veggies? Boil it, cook it, peel it,
or forget it!
R Prefill your prescriptions, as they may
not be available at your destination.
R Don’t swim in rivers, lakes and streams.
R Choose means of transportation carefully.
Four to six weeks before departure, call
RVNA at 438.5555 to make an appointment
for the travel advice and immunizations
you need to make your trip both memorable
and safe. l
THINGS TO KNOW
YES, I would like to support the
Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association
…your dollars make a
difference in people’s
lives:
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
Ø R esidents receive life saving free
screenings at RVNA’s Annual Health
Fair. (i.e.90% carotid artery blockage
President’s Society
1914 Society Irene Hoyt Society
Wellness Society
Quality Circle
Caring Circle
Incorporators
$30,000 and Up
$15,000 - $29,999
$7,500 - $14,999
$3,000 - $7,499
$1,500 - $2,999
$750 - $1,499
$250 - $749
and skin cancer detection in past years)
My Annual Appeal Gift is:
ØC
hildren from birth to 18 receive
affordable preventive health care
through our Well Child Clinics.
Ø P atients are not turned away; RVNA
accepts patients regardless of
their ability to pay. (RVNA provides
$
m In honor of:* m In memory of:
Name...............................................................................................................................................
Please notify {name}.....................................................................................................
Address..........................................................................................................................................
City.....................................................................................................................................................
State..................................................Zip.......................................................................................
>$365,000/ year in uncompensated
services to those in need)
Ø RVNA patients are less likely to
have re-hospitalizations or need
institutionalized care after their
home care service ends.
Ø Elderly residents are able to age in
place safely and independently in
their own home.
*Donations “In Honor of” make a wonderful gift
for holidays, birthdays or any occasion.
m Enclosed is my tax deductible gift in the
amount of $.....................................made payable to RVNA.
m Please charge my:
m VISA m Mastercard
Card Number.........................................................................................................................
Expiration.........................................................V-Code.....................................................
Signature......................................................................................................................................
Ø Residents receive thousands of
individual wellness and screening
services year round through blood
pressure clinics and wellness
seminars.
Internal Affairs 2009 Length of Service Awards:
Elga Espinal Home Health Aide, 15 years: Elga helps patients with personal care, such
as bathing, feeding and dressing and homemaker chores such as light housekeeping,
shopping and transportation.
Isabel Ambrose Home Health Aide Department Manager, 15 years: Isabel expertly
coordinates all of RVNA’s exceptional home health aides, homemakers, companions
and live-ins.
Laura Switzer Geriatric Care Manager, 5 years: Laura helps elderly clients remain in
their own homes safely and with renewed quality of life.
Judy Klinger Occupational Therapist, 30 years: Judy helps patients regain skills to
perform activities of everyday life and hosts monthly Wellness Seminars at Ballard Green.
Mary McFall Maternal/Child Health Nurse, 5 years: Mary helps mothers with
newborns and cares for sick children.
Ø Thousands of flu, pneumonia,
shingles, HPV, meningitis, and
travel vaccines are conveniently
provided to residents to keep them
healthy and safe.
Pictured left to right: Elga, Isabel, Laura, Judy & Mary
Robert J. Morganti
Vicki L. Mueller
Beverley Rogers, Esq.
Sarah M. Walsh
Healthwise is a publication of the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.
We are a private, non-profit, CHAP-accredited organization. Our mission is to provide
remarkable home health care, foster community based wellness, and promote public
health & safety in the greater Ridgefield communities. To learn more about our services,
visit us online at www.ridgefieldvna.org
Thank you for helping us to provide 95
years of trusted and caring services to
residents of all ages. We can not do this
without YOU!
Amy Bondeson, Editor
Helen Carli, Editor
Photography:
Scott Mullin, Helen Carli
iStockphoto.com
Contributors:
Amy Bondeson
Helen Carli
Donor Information {please print}
Name............................................................................................................................................................
Email..............................................................................................................................................................
Address.......................................................................................................................................................
City..................................................................................................................................................................
State..............................................................Zip........................................................................................
m I am enclosing a matching gift form
from my employer.
m I/We have remembered the RVNA in my/our will.
m Please send more information about:
m Bequests
m Volunteer Opportunities
m Services