FIGHT THE FLU

The flu is more than a stuffy nose, it’s a serious, sometimes fatal disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu every year. Getting vaccinated every year is the best protection. The flu normally hits its peak in CT around February, but now is the time to take action to prevent it. It’s time to get your flu shot from VNA Community Healthcare. We will be holding public flu clinics at various sites throughout the community.Why get your flu shot from us, instead of a store? • All vaccine given by VNA Community

Healthcare is preservative free. • All shots are given by licensed and

experienced nurses. • We offer various vaccine strains:

• Quadrivalent vaccine, which provides protection against 4 strains of flu.

• For seniors, we offer high dose flu vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for people over 65, especially those who have a weakened immune system or serious illnesses.

• By getting your flu shot from us, you are supporting a local nonprofit that gives back to your community.

• We accept many insurances (please bring all of your cards with you): Medicare, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Healthy CT, Connecticare and Harvard Pilgrim Health insurance. For those not listed, we accept cash or credit card.

To find a flu clinic near you, call our flu line at 203.458.5920 (Shoreline) 203.407.7430 (Hamden area) or visit www.ConnecticutHomecare.org.

203.458.4200 ConnecticutHomecare.org 203.288.1623

HEALTH & WELLNESS UPDATE Autumn 2016

FIND THE HELP YOU NEED – CALL OUR HELPLINE: 1.866.474.5230

Call VNA Community Healthcare’s toll free Helpline at 1.866.474.5230 to get information on community resources, home healthcare, benefit or entitlement programs, wellness programs, and much more. The Helpline is answered between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

VNA COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE WINS NATIONAL PATIENT SATISFACTION AWARD

We recently received the Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction by Fazzi Associates because of our proven leadership and excellence in patient experience and satisfaction with services received. When compared with all other home healthcare agencies in the nation, VNA Community Healthcare’s overall patient satisfaction placed our agency in the top 25% of Fazzi’s National Patient Satisfaction database.

HOME HEALTHCARE CAN HELP WHEN YOU:

• Have fallen and need home rehabilitation • Need to learn how to manage a new condition • Have problems with new or ongoing

medications and need help organizing• Have been in the hospital and need help to

recuperate• Need a home medical procedure • Have an unstable medical condition and need

a nurse to check on you• Have problems with sores on your skin that

won’t heal If you have any questions, call our toll free Helpline: 1.866.474.5230.

VNA Community Healthcare Health & Wellness Update

203.458.4200 ConnecticutHomecare.org 203.288.1623

CARE FOR MOMS & BABIES TOO

Many people think that home healthcare agencies are only for older adults, but VNA Community Healthcare cares for new moms, infants and children at home as well. Our Maternal Child Health team provides: • One-on-one breast feeding assistance &

coaching• Assessment of the health of mom & newborn,

including baby weight checks• Information about feeding, safety, growth, and

overall infant care • Medications and

treatments• Care after a cesarean

section• Monitoring of

postpartum diabetes and depression

To learn more about this unique program contact Sue Brinigar, RN at 203.458. 4361 or visit our website: ConnecticutHomecare.org

B E S I D E Y O U A T E V E R Y T U R N

C O M M U N I T YH E A LT H C A R E

GIVING TUESDAY FUNDRAISER

Join us on Tuesday, November 29 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Eli’s on the Hill in Branford (624 W Main St.), for a Giving Tuesday Happy Hour. This free event will feature drink & food specials throughout theentirerestaurant,plusaraffleandsilentauction.Giving Tuesday is the international day of giving. Be part of the movement and support a local charity.

All proceeds raised through this event, and all our fundraising efforts, support our mission to empower our patients and their families to take control of their health and have a better quality of life.

Contact Traci Knapp for more information: 203.458.4246 or TKnapp@vna-commh.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON WELLNESS: YOGA

Ali Beale, a registered yoga instructor, teaches six classes at VNA Community Healthcare’s Wellness Center (753 Boston Post Rd., Guilford). What advice would you give someone who has never tried yoga?

First... don’t be intimidated to try it! It can be frightening to walk into your first class. Your mind is filled with all the reasons why you shouldn’t be there. ‘I’m not flexible enough, too old, injured, out of shape’

...the list goes on and on. Let your teacher know you’re new and if you have any concerns, health issues or injuries. There are always modifications to keep you safe. Yoga is meant to heal, never hinder. Most important! Remind yourself that yoga is so much more than exercise.What are the benefits of yoga? Yoga works on so many levels: body, mind and spirit. It is truly wonderful for all ages. Yoga strengthens, lengthens and tones your body, while increasing flexibility. It also has been shown to lower blood pressure, regulate hormones, lower blood sugar, reduce anxiety and support osteoporosis. Your mind may become clearer and help you improve your decision making skills.Why do you like teaching at VNA Community Healthcare?What I love the most is the feeling of community it creates. Because students pre-register we can grow and build as a class, together. It becomes more personal which can lead to a deeper practice. I also love the idea that yoga doesn’t have to take place in a studio. The classes here are affordable, half the price of many studio classes. To learn more about VNA Community Healthcare’s Wellness Center programs, call: 203.458.4284 or visit: ConnecticutHomcare.org.