Healthy Living

Since May of this year, my colleagues at Backus Hospital and I have partnered with Myra Ambrogi, director of the Plainfield Recreation Department in creating the Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program in the Plainfield community.

Our focus was to support each other in our quest towards a healthier lifestyle by improving our diets and increasing our exercise and activity. We kicked off the program with a showcase of the resources offered in the Plainfield area highlighting an active lifestyle. It was so enjoyable to see demonstrations by the Danielson Martial Arts Academy and Marie’s Fitness and Massage Center. The initial weigh-in was not so much fun.

We then began the monthly programs. In June, Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod introduced “Healthy Eating: It’s easier than you think.” Wow! Most of the prepackaged “healthy” foods I brought to work were anything but healthy for me.

We had to schedule a second presentation on nutrition because of the overwhelming response to her initial talk. We all learned so much. Other monthly programs included presentations by an exercise physiologist, a physical therapist, a cardiologist, and a pulmonologist. Now, I can not use my asthma as a reason not to exercise.

Over the past few months, I have seen many of the community members who joined the Enjoy LIFE program become more and more engaged in this healthy lifestyle effort. . Deep down, we all know what we should be doing, but all of us need a little support and direction to bring about these desired changes. We learned what worked in this program, and what didn’t.

On Dec. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center, we will be having a celebration of our achievements.

Some of us lost a few pounds; some of us are eating healthier meals; some of us are being more active; some of us have joined forces with a new friend to work out together. Everyone has something to celebrate.

There will be a final weigh-in of the Active Challenge teams. A prize will be awarded to the team that lost the largest percentage of weight. All members of the team must be weighed in to qualify for the prize. There will be door prizes and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited, regardless of whether you joined a team, dropped out after the first month, attended the monthly presentations or just watched.

On Jan. 20 we will kick off the next phase of Enjoy LIFE, “Active Challenge 2011.” There will be a “variety show” including cooking demonstration and a showcase of the many resources in the Plainfield area.

This round will focus on individual challenges. We are calling it a “New Year, New You: A Personal Challenge.” Everyone is invited to join – whether you are returning or joining for the first-time. You can register for either the Dec. 9 celebration or the Jan. 20 kickoff by calling (860) 889-8331, ext 2495. Hope to see you there!

Lisa Cook is a registered nurse with the Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Cook or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

# posted by ----------------- @ 11:48 PM 0 comments

For much of the past year my colleagues and I have had the privilege of working with Myra Ambrogi, Director of the Plainfield Recreation Department, on a pilot program to make residents of southern Windham County healthier.

The Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program has touched the lives many people in this region, which struggles with obesity at a rate that his higher than the state and nation.

While we provided some of the clinicians that led the community education events, Ms. Ambrogi provided the unrivaled enthusiasm, ideas and ways to communicate with members of the community that made this collaboration such a success.

Because of this great partnership, and because we know that obesity is a major health issue that needs to be dealt with, Backus Hospital presented the Plainfield Recreation Department with its second annual President’s Award at the annual meeting.

The award includes a $10,000 investment to help combat obesity in the Plainfield region — especially for children and their families. We know that 70% of overweight children end up as overweight adults. So this is where we need to start.

The funds will be used to provide a series of educational activities and workshops focusing on healthier lifestyles for elementary school children and their families.

The program, in collaboration with other stakeholders in northeastern Connecticut, will focus on the whole family, addressing behaviors, physical activities and nutrition in schools and at home.

I am thankful to work at an organization that recognizes the value of collaboration, and cares about the community. Backus President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Whitehead sums it all up this way:

“We value partnerships — collaborations that extend and enforce our mission,” he said. “We are so fortunate to have found just such a wonderful partner in the Plainfield Recreation Department, and we look forward to seeing the results that our combined efforts have.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

# posted by ----------------- @ 10:56 PM 0 comments

But make no mistake about it: emotional and behavioral issues are key reasons for gaining and losing weight.

That’s why we at the Backus Weight Loss Center are so passionate about a new program we are developing — a medically-based Weight Management and Wellness Program — which will include a behavioral health component.

Our recent Community Health Needs Assessment survey showed that Windham and New London counties have a major problem with obesity. More than 40% of residents surveyed in Windham and New London counties are overweight, higher than the national average.

Our Weight Management and Wellness program will give us a new tool to help fix this worsening obesity problem that causes so many other chronic and potentially deadly conditions.

In addition to diet and exercise, our experts in the Weight Management and Wellness program will provide education on overcoming the mental aspects that can impact your ability to lose weight. We are currently in the process of developing the program and finalizing topics, which could include goal-setting, perfectionism, self esteem and stress.

Whether you had bariatric surgery or are just trying to lose 20 pounds, changing behavior and overcoming psychological issues can help you succeed in losing weight — and keeping it off.

Mark Tousignant, MD, is a minimally invasive general surgeon with Backus Physician Services and Medical Director of the Backus Weight Loss Center. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tousignant or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

# posted by ----------------- @ 9:32 PM 0 comments

But the availability of flu shots has not necessarily translated into overwhelming numbers of people getting vaccinated.

Local health officials, from doctors to health districts, are reporting that flu shots are not exactly flying off the shelves.

The reasons for this are not clear. Possibilities include the availability of vaccines at national retail outlets; the lack of an H1N1-like scare; no confirmed flu cases in Connecticut yet and a general false sense of security.

But make no mistake about it. The flu season will hit, the only questions being when and how hard.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even expanded its recommendations on who should receive an annual flu shot. All people six months and older should now get vaccinated, which is a shift toward broader vaccination to protect as many people as possible.

High risk populations include:

• Children under five years old, and especially those under two.

• Adults over 65 years old.

• People with chronic medical conditions.

• Pregnant women.

• Severely obese people.

There is also a new Connecticut law that requires children between the ages 6-59 months to be immunized if they are planning to attend a private licensed daycare facility or nursery school after Jan. 1, 2011. This law was enacted because flu spreads rapidly in these settings, and children are particularly vulnerable.

The bottom line is now is the time to get vaccinated. They are widely available at Backus health centers in Montville, Colchester and Plainfield -- and in physician offices throughout the region.

With the holidays approaching and cold weather forcing people indoors, it is only a matter of time before flu hits and begins to spread.

The best defense against the flu is to ensure that you and your loved ones are vaccinated.

Bonnie Thompson, an advanced practice nurse, is Administrative Director of Organizational Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

# posted by ----------------- @ 10:41 PM 0 comments

I realize it is a lifelong commitment to keep the weight off. And I am not alone.

Obesity, asthma, and smoking are among the top healthcare issues in our region, according to the findings of the Community Health Needs Assessment recently released by Backus Hospital.

More than 68% of adults are overweight or obese – that translates into an estimated 175,000 adults in our region. And 18% of adults and 17% of children in the area have been diagnosed with asthma.

The American Heart Association recommends moderate intensity aerobic exercise amounting to about 30 minutes, five days a week.

But what if we have asthma? Or emphysema? Backus Pulmonologist Dr. Donna Romito will be speaking on just that subject — “No excuses: Exercising with Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems.”

This is the next program in the “Enjoy LIFE” (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) community education series at the Plainfield Recreation Center, 482 Norwich Road, Plainfield, on Thursday, Nov. 11, 6:30-8 p.m.

She will address exercising challenges for both children and adults. This is a free program, but pre-registration is requested by calling -860-889-8331, ext 2495.

Backus Registered Dietitian Sarah Hospod will also be available to counsel attendees with any nutrition questions.

The Community Health Needs Assessment can be viewed on line at www.Backushospital.org/healthsurvey. Come join us for this informative program and see why there is “no excuse” not to stay active — for a lifetime.

Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org

# posted by ----------------- @ 10:46 PM 0 comments