health & fitness - north/south edition - an han network special section

Special Section to: The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgeeld Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger

Health&FitnessFALL 2015 HAN NETWORK

Lean Machine, the Darien YMCAs customized system for losing weight and getting fit, begins another installment on Saturday, Sept. 26, and runs for eight weeks until Nov. 21 This customized system is designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels, and includes a competition based on body fat lost, as opposed to weight lost.

Lean Machine participants are eligible to win $3,000 in prizes such as one free month membership, 10-pack of personal training sessions, mas-sages and more. The biggest prize, however, might be the new lifestyle that comes from competing in Lean Machine.

One of the biggest indicators of the success of the program is that we see participants continuing to work out at the Y after Lean Machine ends. Lean Machine helps them make a true lifestyle change, says Darien Y Director of Health and Fitness Jessica Van Sciver.

The camaraderie of the participants helps to facilitate this lifestyle change. Lisa Washburn, the third place winner in the sixth installment of the Lean Machine, said of the group dynamic, It was very motivating to work out with others who have the same goals that you do. We encour-

Lean Machine Darien Y promotes more than just weight loss

A fitness class led by Darien Y Director of Health and Fitness Jessica Van Sciver, below. Bryan Haeffele photos

Lean Machine continued on page 6

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2 Health & Fitness HAN Netowrk September 24, 2015

A different take on express emergency careNorwalk residents and those in

towns surrounding seeking quick, high-quality medical care will be able to find the help they need at the newly-opened AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care on Main Avenue, Norwalk.

The Norwalk location is the sixth AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care Center in the state, with other centers in Stamford, Bridgeport, West Hartford and two in Danbury. It is the 146th to open nationwide. The center is open seven days a week with extended hours and a physician is on site at all times.

The combination of the high quality staff of doctors, the state-of-the-art facility and the range of services we provide I think sepa-rates us from the competition, said owner Ken Goldberg.

The medical staff is overseen by Dr. Mark Wasserman and is made up of board-certified or board-eligible physicians, sup-ported licensed X-ray technolo-gists, LPNs and medical assis-tants. The center has its own on-site laboratory and X-ray equipment and will be able to provide a wide range of services, including treating illnesses and

injuries, flu testing, sports physi-cals, pre-employment testing, drug testing, pre-surgical physi-cals and vaccinations.

Urgent care facilities are becoming more prevalent throughout the country because of the quality of the care provid-ed, as well as the fact that more people have insurance and dont need to go to an emergency room.

I think for lots of injuries and other medical issues, it is more appropriate to come here because the severity wont necessitate you going to the ER and youre going to be able to get in and out in less than an hour, and its going to be less expensive in a lot of cases, said Goldberg.

Main Ave in Norwalk is a

convenient location in Fairfield County for the center, and sur-rounding businesses have been very welcoming and supportive, he said.

Norwalks a great place. Its a combination of a great family community and an attractive city

for business. When I saw this location I was really convinced that I was going to have a suc-cessful business and do a lot of great things for Norwalk and the surrounding towns, said Goldberg.

The center accepts most insur-ance carriers including Medicaid

and Medicare, as well as many of the Affordable Care Act insurance plans, and has cash and credit card rates for self-pay patients. AFC/Doctors Express is in the Center 7 Shopping Center at 607 Main Ave. Its open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

SURGICAL SPECIALISTS, P.C.FCB

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To learn more and find out if youare a candidate please call

877-659-0011

Soundview Medical Associates, LLC

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609 Main StreetRidge eld, CT 06877 203-431-9642

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Health &

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For advertising information, call 203-926-2080

Copyright 2015, HAN Network, LLC

September 24, 2015 Health & Fitness HAN Network 3

A large majority of all ath-letes go through the overuse syndrome of injury during their career.

Many injuries occur when an individual is fatigued or his glycogen is depleted. Ten very common athletic injuries are as follows:

Shin splints: Inflammation of the muscle. The most com-mon areas are the front and inside muscles of the leg, ten-don (tendonitis) or bone cover-ing the lower leg (periostis), where the muscle attaches to the bone.

Achilles tendinitis: An inflammation of the large ten-don in the back of the lower leg.

Pronated flat feet: This is an inherited foot type, a mechanical weakness that can lead to ankle, knee, hip and lower back pains.

Pain in ball of feet: Most common location of pain is under the head of the second metatarsal bone behind the second toe area, and under the first metatarsal head (sesamoid or accessory bone area) just behind the bottom surface of the big toe.

Stress fractures: These can

occur elsewhere other than the long bones of the foot.

Ankle problems: Generalized swelling and sprains are most common.

Knee problems: The majority of knee problems are due to dynamic imbalances in the foot and weakness in muscles such as the quadriceps muscles.

Heel spurs: This spur is formed by tissue pulling the bones as the foot pronates (inward rotation).

General foot problems: Bunions and hammertoes. Bunions can occur either on the outside of the big toe joint or outside of the little toe joint. Hammertoes, contracted or claw-like toes, usually occur as a result of imbalances of bone structures or muscles, making the toe stick up higher than normal.

Dr. Robert F. Weiss is a podiatrist

specializing in foot and ankle surgery,

He was a member of the Medical

Advisory Committee of the 1984 and

1988 Olympic Marathon Trials. Weiss

is a veteran of 35 marathons and has

a practice in Darien; The Foot & Ankle

Institute of Darien. For info visit his

website therunningdoctor.net.

Common athletic injuriesby Dr. Robert F. Weiss

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A new option to weight loss surgeryIf you are like two thirds of

Americans, you have struggled with weight loss. Trying to lose more than 20 pounds is diffi-cult because our body senses the weight loss and takes measures to increase our hunger and slow our metabolism, making it more dif-ficult to continue to lose weight. Most people become frustrated and stop their diets, looking to the next diet.

There are now 1.4 billion over-weight and obese people in the world as the obesity epidemic continues to become more severe. Most people are seeking a solution to their weight problem but have found little success.

Weight loss procedures and operations can counteract the mechanisms that halt weight loss from dieting alone as they promote continued weight loss. Surgery is the best option to lose weight and improve health. Procedures such as the Lap-Band, the sleeve gastrec-tomy and the gastric bypass have resulted in sustained weight loss and resolved many medical prob-lems for patients. Many patients take three to five years to decide upon bariatric surgery and are hesitant to do so.

In this past month the FDA approved the Orbera balloon, a non-surgical, endoscopic placed device that is temporary and

reversible. It works by reducing hunger and causing weight loss. Market research has shown that four times as many patients would be willing to undergo the balloon procedure for weight loss than surgery. In the world, 1.2 billion

people are candidates for the bal-loon.

The device is placed under anesthesia in an outpatient endos-copy center and takes about 15 minutes. Patients go home the same day. In the first week,

patients need to adapt to nausea and may have vomiting, abdominal discomfort and reflux.

Patients start the first two weeks on a liquid diet and then advance to soft foods for the next week and to regular food as tolerated.

Physically, most patients can work afterwards but some may want to take off time to adapt to stom-ach symptoms or eating behavior changes.

The balloon is a temporary device and is removed at six months at which time patients have lost an average of 40% of their excess body weight. The bal-loon can be placed again. During the treatment period, patients work with a nutritionist to adapt to a healthier eating style, which will help with continued weight loss.

Currently Dr. Neil Floch and Dr. Abraham Fridman are the only surgeons in Fairfield County certi-fied to perform the procedure. It is performed at the Surgical Center of Connecticut in Bridgeport Connecticut. Prior to the proce-dure patients must meet with the surgeon, their doctor and a nutri-tionist. Follow-up after the proce-dure continues with weekly, then monthly phone calls and monthly visits with the nutritionist. Proponents of the procedure see it filling the need between medical weight loss and surgery.

For more information, contact Dr. Neil

Floch, director of minimally invasive and

bariatric surgery at Norwalk Hospital and

of Fairfield County Bariatrics and Surgical

Specialists, P.C., 148 East Avenue, Norwalk,

203-899-0744.

In my work as a psycho-therapist, Im daily reminded that life happens to us all. Rather than looking at dis-tress as pathology, however, at The Life Solution Center of Darien we recognize that it is usually a normal reaction

to lifes problems. Its what we do about those problems that makes the difference between health and illness. At The LSCD, its our mission to diagnose the problem and fix it. In other words, Problem Identification + Action Plan =

Solution.Case in point: A few

months ago, Angela sat on my couch sobbing. Her husband, who had been sick for a very long time, had just passed away. After months of know-ing the loss was imminent, it

didnt make it any easier to bear, and Angela had no idea where to turn next.

As we worked through Angelas grief in therapy, it became clear that she had a host of real and present concerns, and needed help beyond what psychotherapy, alone, could provide. Shed come to the right place.

The Life Solution Center of Darien is a consortium of more than 35 businesses and practices designed to treat the whole adult, child, couple or family. The concept of the center sprang from my deep understanding that talking, alone, isnt sufficient to get peoples lives back on track during times of transition and loss. In fact, restoring bal-ance and health often takes a village of easily-accessible and coordinated support. The LSCD provides just that: A highly-skilled team of pro-fessionals spanning a broad range of fields, including psy-chotherapy and medication management; financial and legal services; visual perfor-mance and nutritional coach-ing; educational consulting, tutoring and SAT prep; per-sonal and professional orga-nizing and wardrobe consult-ing; spiritual and character coaching; futures planning and recovery coaching; and

alternative therapies including mindfulness meditation and hypnotherapy. As a result of the variety of expertise held by these providers, were able to tailor-make a team of support for each client who comes through our doors.

As her grief began to abate, Angela realized that she was terrified about her financial picture. I called in a seasoned financial advi-sor, Patrick Morrow, who is skilled at demystifying money concerns in a supportive and non-judgmental way. As a result, Angelas stress meter went down a couple of notches. She also had some long-standing issues with her 20-something son Jake. He was a good kid but was stuck in that place between being a teenager and an adult, and was literally living in her basement. She had him work with our futures coach, Vince Benevento, to help him figure out a career path, put a rsum together, and get on the interviewing circuit. Angela breathed a real sigh of relief when Vince came to the rescue!

Angela now had time to digest her financial outlook, and decided it was time to think about getting a job to replace some of the income Jack had provided. But her

self-confidence was lacking. She hated that stubborn 15 pounds shed put on, and had no idea how to cre-ate a professional wardrobe in 2015. Working with our nutritionist, Dr. Kate Gardner, as well as our wardrobe con-sultant, Erica Jensen, Angela got the confidence boost she so desperately needed. With Angelas permission, the LSCD professionals who comprised her unique and tailored care were able to address her collaborative-care as a team. This ensured we were providing her the best support and guidance as she moved to a healthier and hap-pier place, in the wake of her devastating loss.

Angie is one of many cli-ents whove come to The Life Solution Center of Darien in need of a multi-layered and coordinated care plan in the face of difficult challenges and painful loss. Its been our pleasure to help them find their unique path to heal-ing, restoration, growth and health, through collaborative-care.

As a side note, the clients name and certain situations are changed to protect the clients privacy.

For information, visit the-lifesolutioncenter.net or call 203-628-4492.

Multi-dimensional solutions to lifes problemsby Maud Purcell

The Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Council, The Ridge eld Prevention Council and Ridge eld Parks & Recreation Present

Comedienne and Live Shows Manager at the Ridge eld Playhouse

For more information, visit www.destinationridge eld.com

September 24, 2015 Health & Fitness HAN Network 5

CancerCare is set to host its annual Walk/Run for Hope at Jennings Beach, 880 South Benson Road in Fairfield, on Sunday, Oct. 4. The Walk/Run for Hope is a series of family-friendly 5K events that raise funds to support CancerCares free services provided to anyone affected by cancer.

Walkers and runners of all levels and ages are welcome to participate. Registration and check in begin at 7:45 a.m. Fairfield Selectman Sheila Marmion will offi-cially start the 5K at 9 a.m. A chil-drens half mile Fun Run will follow at 10:15 a.m. Both individuals and teams can register in advance at community.cancercare.org/walkct. The 5K course is USATF-sanc-tioned.

This event helps support people in so many ways, from financial assistance for cancer victims to grief counseling for families, said James Hunt of Norwalk, co-chair of the event along with his wife, Erin. After his mother, Rosemary Hunt, lost her battle to cancer, James said he has been grateful for CancerCares help during a dif-ficult time of grief and loss. For the fourth year, he will form a team at the Walk/Run for Hope with family, friends and colleagues in memory of his mother to support CancerCares services.

This community-based event

brings together friends and families to walk or run in memory of those they have lost to cancer, honor survivors and support those who are currently facing a cancer diag-nosis. Registration fees are a $40 minimum donation per adult (13 and older); $20 minimum donation per child (12 and under); or $10 for the Fun Run only. All partici-pants will receive a commemorative Walk/Run for Hope T-shirt. Awards will be presented to the top male and female participants in both the overall race and age-based catego-ries. The event will be held rain or shine and parking is free.

Those who cant make the Walk/Run for Hope can purchase a star in honor or memory of a loved one or add a message of hope for others. The stars will be part of the Stars of Hope Constellation displayed at the event. A star with text is $35; one with an image and text is $50.

CancerCare serves all of Connecticut and maintains an office in Norwalk. CancerCare gives support in a variety of ways but the emotional support is extremely important in the outcome, said breast cancer survivor Dian Vince of Trumbull. The CancerCare sup-port group she joined became an invaluable part of her journey and nine years later, she still maintains friendships with the members, she

said. This year will be her eighth Walk/Run for Hope, which she will dedicate to a colleague lost to can-cer and a friend newly diagnosed.

For more event information, call 888-814-WALK or contact Corey Cenatiempo, CancerCares regional special events manager at [email protected].

Founded in 1944, CancerCare

is a national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. CancerCares comprehensive servic-es include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-

payment assistance.All CancerCare services are pro-

vided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three addi-tional locations in Norwalk, Conn., Ridgewood, N.J. and Syosset, N.Y.

To learn more, visit cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

CancerCare Walk/Run for Hope coming

Participants at the annual Walk/Run for Hope in Fairfield.

Darien YMCA is open:

Est. 1998Personal Training Professionals

Personal Training Nutritional Services PilatesMassage Therapy Flexible SchedulingCertified Staff Customized Programs

Professional Setting

NEW CANAAN / WILTON / RIDGEFIELD / SOUTHPORT

Ridgefield 105 Danbury Road

203.431.4787www.PTPRidgefield.com

[email protected]

New Canaan 28 Vitti Street203.966.6712

[email protected]

Wilton5 River Road203.210.7450

[email protected]

Southport3683 Post Road203.255.4787

[email protected]


Do you know some-one whose health has greatly improved as a result of making long-term healthy lifestyle changes? Have you lost a lot of weight in the past year, started living healthier or know someone who has? The American Heart Association invites you to nominate yourself or a healthy friend for the Lifestyle Change Award.

This award honors individuals who have made positive changes to improve their quality of life and overall health. We want to raise awareness that more than 80% of heart disease events can be prevented by lifestyle changes, Kevin Byrne, director of the Fairfield County Heart Walk & 5K Run, said.

The Fairfield County Region of the American Heart Association is accepting nominations for its Lifestyle Change Award through Oct. 1. Ideal can-didates are people who have taken control of their

health in areas of diet, exercise or tobacco ces-sation and seen positive results in weight, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar. Winners will be recognized at the associations Heart Walk on Oct. 25 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

To nominate an indi-vidual for a Lifestyle Change Award download the form at fairfieldcoun-tyheartwalk.org or email Kevin Byrne at [email protected].

Heart Walk registration is open online at fair-fieldcountyheartwalk.org. Corporate, community and family teams are wel-come to register to walk for their own heart health and the funds raised will help other hearts in our community.

For more information about the Heart Walk or to start a team, email [email protected]. To sign up your team online, visit fairfieldcountyheart-walk.org.

Honor someone who has made a healthy lifestyle change

aged each other during our workouts and even outside of the Y. I would see other Lean Machiners when I was out for a run and they would cheer me on!

The programs focus on overall health and nutrition, as well as fitness, also helps to facilitate change. Cindy Brown, winner of the last installment of Lean Machine who lost more than 5% of her body fat said, the combination of health coaching and fit-ness made this program work for me. I realized that working out on the elliptical wasnt enough. I needed the health coachs tips to increase my metabolism and give me more energy. I needed my trainers guidance and enthusiasm to gain strength and per-severe.

All of the participants will receive the following throughout the 8-week competition: 2 group training sessions per week with a personal trainer, five health coaching workshops with certi-fied coach Leila Wetmore, weekly healthy coaching advice and exercise plan provided by email, optional weekly weigh-ins and before and after pictures, a 10% discount at Embody Fitness Gourmet throughout the duration of the competition, 10% off all personal training packages purchased from Nov. 8-21, a Living. Longer. Stronger. water bottle, and a chance to win one of three amazing prizes. There will also be a private Facebook group to share tips and questions with Lean Machine coaches.

Additionally, a teen version of Lean Machine will also be held Sept. 26 through Nov. 21. This program for 10-to-15 year-olds is designed to help teens incorporate healthy habits into their lives. Teen Lean Machine winners are based on administered fitness tests and activity tracked by the FitBit Flex.

Registration for both adult and teen Lean Machine takes place at the Darien Ys Wellness Center. Lean Machine program fee is $470 for members of the Darien YMCA, and $570 for non-members.

For more information regarding Lean Machine, email [email protected] or call 203-655-8228 ext. 1322 or visit darien-ymca.org.

Our children know us deeply. The younger the child, the more he or she absorbs the stress, anger, or sadness we feel. When our home life and schedules are chaotic, overcrowded, or unpredict-able, how can our middle schoolers believe that the routine of homework, reasonable bedtimes and other boundaries matter? If we need a break, are short tempered or passive-aggressive, but say Oh, everythings fine to our teenagers, why would or should they share their deepest truths with us, or ask for guidance?

To serve as our childs unconditional advocate, to provide a home that is a soothing, safe zone and retreat, and to encourage kids to do and be the best they can this year in school, there are many surpris-ingly simple and doable strategies.

Put on your own oxygen mask, as an individual, and as a couple if you are in a relationship. Clear out your own lingering issues if not for yourself then for your childrens well-being. Its tough for your child to focus on school challenges when his or her fundamental concern is really you. If you need help, face it and deal with it.

Next, be proactive and specific in talking with your kids and establishing a balanced, reliable and breathable home life. Before school starts, ask them directly whether they have concerns, what they look forward to and what they need from you. Respond by letting them know whatyour hopes are for them, and your plans (expectations) to help things go smoothly.

Family meetings (Im a huge fan!) should go beyond scheduling logistics. Everyone has the chance to air grievances, boast, make requests, and get equal air time, at least once a week, reliably. Mom or Dad runs the meeting; families are not democracies.

The world is a hot fudge sundae delicious and brimming with goodness. Too much, though, and families grow ill. The pressure on performance, whether academic, musical, athletic or social, has simply made our families miserable, exhausted and hopeless.

Instead, focus on each persons ability to do their best and be happy within the framework of a larger organism the family unit. There are only so many hours to work, drive carpool and help with homework and only so much disposable income for leotards or cleats. The greater good of coopera-tion and mutual benefit for families, even when everyone gives up a bit, in the long term, is smarter.

Scheduled downtime, each week, adult private time (date nights), unstructured quality time with your kids develops bonds far more potent than cheering when a goals made, preceded by the yell-ing to finish homework, get in the uniform, get in the car, and bringing along a sibling who resents it. Passions matter. In all families, large and small, there has to be a realistic appraisal of the time and resources that can be given to each family member, including the adults.

Allison B. Spitzer is a Trumbull-based coach-therapist. Her

practice, Periwinkle Health, provides children and adults short-

term, creative, pragmatic and alternative strategies for stress

management and life challenges. Reach her at 203-218-2200 or

periwinklehealth.com.

Parental mental health and school

performance

by Allison B. Spitzer

Lean Machine program at Darien Y

Continued from page 1

Bryan Haeffele photos

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