Health + Wellness
2019
Living healthier together.
Fall & Winter Programs Health Education and Support for the Monadnock Region
Please join us for one or more of the upcoming programs designed to provide learning opportunities and supportive connections with others on similar paths to health and wellness.
REGISTER TODAY!
Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events.
2019
Fall & Winter Programs
Please join us for one or more of the upcoming programs designed to provide learning opportunities and supportive connections with others on similar paths to optimal wellbeing. These classes and programs are brought to you by the Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center and are part of the many ways we are working to advance the health and wellbeing of the Region. Cheshire Medical Center established the Center for Population Health as a department dedicated to guiding and facilitating the implementation of communitybased health and wellness projects and policies, integrating our clinical care into these efforts, and providing resources for education, outreach, and support to individuals, families, work-sites, schools, and the community.
All programs are held at Cheshire Medical Center, 580 Court St., Keene, NH unless otherwise noted. All programs require registration and are free, unless otherwise noted. If special accommodations are required for you to attend any of our programs, please call the Center for Population Health at (603) 354-5460.
Learn How to Navigate Cheshire Medical Center’s Patient Portal, myD-H
Dana Carley, Patient Portal Concierge, Cheshire Medical Center myD-H is Cheshire Medical Center-Dartmouth Hitchcock’s online patient portal that makes managing your health information and communicating with your health care team easy and convenient. If you have questions about creating a myD-H account, or need assistance navigating your account, you can make an appointment with Dana Carley, the patient Portal Concierge at Cheshire. Call 603-354-5454 x 2446 to set up a one on one session to learn how to get the most out of this useful tool.
Flourishing Skills Group
Jennifer Begley and Tom Stearns, PhD., Cheshire Medical Center’s Resilient Living Team We could all use a little help reducing stress, building resilience, and cultivating joy to create more meaningful, happy lives. This monthly skills group will allow you tune inward and use Positive Psychology tools to improve your life in a nonjudgmental, supportive group setting. Each meeting will start with an overview of the month’s topic and tools like gratitude, mindset, and mindfulness, then group activities to build the supportive connections that will help you apply and sustain these skills and practices in your daily life. Think of it like a support group for happiness and wellbeing. First Tuesday of every month 5:15-6:30 p.m. Central Conference Room 6
Healthy Living with Diabetes Class
Ruth Goldstein MS, RD, LD Outpatient Registered Dietitian Cheshire Medical Center Healthy Living with Diabetes is designed to teach you the skills you need to control your diabetes and prevent or delay complications associated with this disease. Each session consists of 4 classes. Topics include diabetes management, healthy eating, activity, medications, & coping with diabetes (stress management). Choose a 4-week session: Tuesdays, September 3–24 Tuesdays, October 8–29 Tuesdays, January 7–28 Tuesdays, March 10–31 All classes: 3:00-4:30 p.m. Team F /Centering Room
REGISTER TODAY!
Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events. 2
Sleep Good–Feel Good!
Catherine Sickles, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Behavioral Health Specialist, Cheshire Medical Center Sleep problems are some of the most common concerns that patients bring to Family Medicine. Poor sleep is a contributor to many health issues―from mood problems to high blood pressure to poor attention span and memory. Join us for these monthly classes to explore the benefits of restorative sleep and learn how you can get more of it. Choose a series: Tuesday Evenings, September 10, October 8, November 12 5:00-6:30 p.m. North Conference Room 2 Wednesday Mornings, September 25, October 30, November 20 10:00-11:30 a.m. North Conference Room 2
Slips, Trips, and Falls—Oh No!
Sharil Cass, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist, Cheshire Medical Center A slip or fall can have serious consequences as we get older. Studies have shown that 1 out 4 independent older adults fall each year. Join us for an interactive, evidence-based presentation for adults who are at risk of falling. You will learn about factors that increase the risk of falling and strategies to keep you safe at home. We’ll discuss the importance of exercise, medication review, vision screening, footwear, and home safety. After the presentation we will have a balance screening clinic with Cheshire Rehabilitation Physical Therapists to review your personal fall risk and options for reducing it. Thursday, September 12 2:00-3:00 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Balance Screening Clinic
Sharil Cass, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist and Cheshire Rehabilitation Physical Therapists Learn more from Cheshire Rehabilitation Physical Therapists what your fall risk is and options for reducing your risk. Come early and join us for the “Slips, Trips, and Falls—Oh No!” presentation about strategies to keep you safe at home or stop by after the presentation for a balance screening. Thursday, September 12 3:00-4:00 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Chair Yoga Betty Christiansen, Certified Yoga Instructor Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga practiced sitting in a chair or standing, using a chair for support. As with other forms of yoga, this exercise helps to reduce stress, and improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Perfect for anyone new to yoga or for anyone who is uncomfortable getting onto the floor. 3-week series: Thursdays, September 12, 19, and 26 4:00-5:00 p.m. Auditorium A and B
Advance Care Planning: It’s About the Conversation!
Jennifer McCalley, MSW, ACHP-SW Program Coordinator, Honoring Care Decisions or Nicole Boudle, RN, and Lori Guyette, RN, Collaborative Care Nurses, Cheshire Medical Center What if a sudden illness or injury left you unable to speak for yourself? Who would you want to speak for you? What would you want them to know about your values and wishes? Advance care planning is a process that helps any adult at any state of health think about your values and goals; consider health care choices you may have to make in the future; talk about your choices with your doctor and your loved ones; and make or update a written plan for the future (advance directive). Join us in a thought-provoking conversation to help make your wishes known. Make your voice heard and take control of your healthcare. You will have the opportunity to complete or update your advance directive if you are ready or sign up for a 1:1 meeting with a trained Honoring Care Decisions facilitator for a more in depth conversation. NOTE: Anyone who turns in a COPY of an advance directive for the medical record will be entered into a raffle. Two $50.00 gift cards will be awarded each month between now and the end of November. Choose a date: Tuesday, September 24 5:00-6:30 p.m. Auditorium B Wednesday, October 23 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Auditorium B Thursday, November 21 3:00-4:30 p.m. Auditorium B Thursday, December 12 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Auditorium B
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2019
Fall & Winter Programs
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice
Jennifer Begley, Director of Resiliency and Wellbeing, Cheshire Medical Center This 4-week program combines the practice of mindfulness with the development of our personal strengths. Throughout the program, we will blend ‘strong mindfulness’ in which strengths such as curiosity, self-regulation and gratitude are utilized to establish mindful practice, and ‘mindful strengths’ wherein mindful practice is used to enhance awareness and development of personal strengths. Tuesdays, October 8-29 4:30-6:00 p.m. Auditorium A
Amplified Listening Devices, Magnifiers, Point to Communicate Boards
Dawn Welshman, Interpreter Program Coordinator, ADA/504 Coordinator, Cheshire Medical Center Cheshire Medical Center is committed to providing effective access during your visits to ensure you and those you meet are communicating effectively! Is there something we can do to assist you in hearing better during your visit? Reading documents? We have auxiliary aids, such as assistive hearing devices, magnifiers, point to communicate boards and more that can be borrowed while you are here. Come learn about what is available and how to make sure they are ready for your visit! Thursday, October 10 10:00-11:30 a.m. Auditorium A and B
Diversity and Cultural Competence Dawn Welshman and Arnold Mikolo
What cultures do you belong to? Likely more than anyone could guess. How do your cultures frame your world view and experience, or those of others for that matter? This eyeopening, fun, and interactive workshop helps you examine your perceptions of both diversity and culture, giving you tools to better navigate our diverse world. Please register by October 6th. Saturday, October 19 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. North Conference Room 1
So You Want to Have a Difficult Dialogue: More Complex than Rocket Science?!
Dottie Morris, Associate Vice President of Institutional Equity and Diversity, Keene State College Communicating across cultures and social identities can be a complex process within any community. It is important to have ways to identify, discuss and address these complexities in order to benefit from the wealth of experiences within a community. The main question we will address during this workshop is, “How do we create and maintain an environment rooted in compassion, mutual respect and equity where productive, growth producing, and rich dialogue can take place?” We will examine factors contributing to the complex nature of dialogue, especially when it comes to difficult and anxiety producing topics. We will also discuss strategies to help facilitate the creation of an environment where difficult dialogue can take place. Tuesday, October 22 6:00-8:00 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
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Assistive Hearing Technologies
Joan Marcoux, Communication Access Specialist, New Hampshire Dept. of Health and Human Services and Stacy Driscoll, Assistive Technology Specialist, Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire The prevalence of hearing loss essentially doubles with each decade of age. As a result, nearly two of three Americans ages 70 and above have a clinically meaningful hearing loss, and yet only about 15 percent of people with a hearing loss in the United States use a hearing aid. At the same time, technology is continuing to advance rapidly, and newer devices, such as hearing loops in public spaces, personal amplified listening devices, and hearing applications built into smart phones, have tremendous potential to help people communicate better. Please come and learn more about both old and new technologies and resources for people with a hearing loss Thursday, October 24 3:00-4:30 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Personal Emergency Preparedness
Survivor Voices―Sharing the Story of Suicide Loss
Deb Baird, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NH and NH Survivors of Suicide Loss Speaker NAMI New Hampshire is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all people affected by mental illness and suicide through support, education and advocacy. Through the sharing of their personal stories of losing a loved one to suicide, speakers promote healing and understanding, which in turn supports and encourages suicide prevention efforts. The speakers tell about the life and the death of their loved one, how they coped and continue to cope with the loss, and what has helped or not helped. The goals of this program are to raise awareness of the risk factors and warning signs for suicide; increase help-seeking behavior; reduce the stigma, shame, and isolation that loss survivors feel; and teach individuals and communities how to better help loss survivors and how best to respond to suicide death in a sensitive and informed manner Tuesday, November 12 6:00-7:00 p.m. Auditorium A and B
Olivia Watson, Center for Population Health, Cheshire Medical Center
Kids in the Kitchen Holiday Cooking Class (Special)
Families or loved ones may not be together in an emergency, so it is important to plan in advance. Attend this highly interactive, two-hour workshop to learn how to be better prepared as an individual or family. Discussions will be on how to make a family plan, build an emergency kit and what items should be included, and the proper way to store it. The workshop will also cover items to keep in mind if the need changes from sheltering in place to evacuating.
Come and celebrate the holiday season with KSC Dietetic Interns as they show you how to put a nutritious twist on all your favorite sweet and savory holiday treats! This hands-on cooking class is an event the whole family will enjoy. All participants will be able to sample the treats prepared and go home with recipes. Bring a reusable storage container if you would like to take home leftovers. Ages 6+; Limit: Six families per section; Please include your email address when you sign up. (Note: If there is a snow day on December 7th, the class will be rescheduled for December 14th).
Thursday, October 24 6:00-8:00 p.m. North Conference Room 1
Keene State College Dietetic Interns
Choose one: Saturday, December 7 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Keene State College, Joslin House Foods Lab Saturday, December 7 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Keene State College, Joslin House Foods Lab
REGISTER TODAY!
Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events. 5
2019
Caregivers’ Workshop Series
This Fall, Monadnock Aging Resource Collaborative (MARC) is offering the following series of workshops to help caregivers of aging loved ones. MARC is a group of local organizations working collectively to provide education and support to our region’s aging population and their families. Members include: Alzheimer’s Association (MA/NH Chapter), Bayada, Cheshire Medical Center, DH Honoring Care Decisions, Keene Family YMCA, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, KSC Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning, Keene Senior Center, Monadnock Collaborative/ServiceLink, and Monadnock Family Services.
An Introduction to “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” and the NH Family Caregiver Program
Safety and Memory Challenges
ServiceLink is NH’s front door to the NH Family Caregiver Program which provides information, support and connection to services. Our staff offers the Powerful Tools for Caregivers curriculum to provide caregivers with tools for self-care. Powerful Tools for Caregivers focuses on YOU, the caregiver. By the end of this session you will have “tools” for taking care of yourself. The class is designed to reduce feelings of powerlessness by giving you “tools” that work. We can’t take away your challenges as a caregiver, but the class can help you to manage challenges better and to seek and find solutions.
Dementia-related changes affect how to think about safety. This program teaches strategies to encourage a safe environment and lifestyle for those affected with memory challenges. This workshop is intended for family members/care partners only.
Jennifer Seher and Bev Packard, Monadnock ServiceLink
Thursday, September 12 5:30-7:00 p.m. Auditorium A and B NOTE: ServiceLink will also be running the full six-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers program on Fridays from September 20 – October 25, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Bev Packard and Judy Epstein will be co-leading the class. Please call Monadnock ServiceLink at 603-3571922 to register for the six-week class.
Regaining Your Energy, Optimism, and Hope
Jennifer Begley and Tom Stearns, PhD., Cheshire Medical Center Resilient Living Team The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel that you’re in over your head or have little control over the situation. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind. In this session, we will review the source and signs of stress and quickly dive into the skills and strategies that can help you regain a sense of balance, joy, and hope.
Carrie Amorim Good, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter
Thursday, October 10 2:00-4:00 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Strategies for Advocating for Your Loved Ones
Jennifer McCalley, MSW, ACHP-SW, Honoring Care Decisions and Chris Selmer, R.N., Monadnock Adult Day Care Jennifer McCalley and Chris Selmer will share their experiences supporting families and caregivers in the medical and community setting. They will share tips about what caregivers need to know to navigate the medical system and get community resources and support for their elders and themselves. There will be time for questions from the participants. Tuesday, October 15 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2 SAVE THE DATE!
Keene Senior Center’s “50 and Better Expo” Join us at this free event focused on informing older adults about the array of services and opportunities available to them in the Monadnock Region. Featuring vendors, workshops, and entertainment and socialization opportunities. Learn more at thekeeneseniorcenter.org. Saturday, October 26 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Keene Recreation Center, 350 Washington Street
Wednesday, October 9 2:00-3:30 p.m. North Conference Room 1
REGISTER TODAY!
Reserve your place by calling (603) 354-5460 or visiting health-wellness.cheshiremed.org/events. 6
Below and on the next page are some of the additional programs and support services offered by various members of the Monadnock Aging Resource Collaborative.
Dementia Conversations
Carrie Amorim Good, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. This workshop is intended for family members/care partners only. Wednesday, October 30 1:00-3:00 p.m. Auditorium A and B
Effective Communication Strategies
Carrie Amorim Good, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter Communication is more than just talking and listening―it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. This workshop is intended for family members/care partners only. Wednesday, November 13 1:00-2:30 p.m. Auditorium A and B
Legal Considerations When Managing Another’s Affairs Sarah Frankel, Attorney at Law, Ward Legal Group Who makes the decisions when someone becomes unable to make his or her own? Attorney Sarah Frankel will discuss powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianships. The presentation will also include other legal considerations when there is an incapacity and important things to know when acting as someone else’s agent. Estate planning tools such as revocable living trusts and wills will also be discussed. Tuesday, December 3 6:00-8:00 p.m. North Conference Rooms 1 and 2
BAYADA HOSPICE: We provide the highest end of life care so people with advance illness can remain at home with comfort, grace, and dignity. Our Bereavement program offers individual support to those dealing with grief and anticipatory grief, and for those who desire a better understanding of the end of life. Bereavement support groups offer companionship and understanding at a time that can otherwise be quite lonely. Being with others who have experienced a similar loss and are going through a similar process can bring ease to the grieving process. For dates on support groups in Keene, or to schedule an appointment for individual support, please contact: Supriya Shanti, LICSW, Bereavement Program Coordinator, 802.490.2099 or sshanti@bayada.com. Keene Family YMCA: At the Y, we strive to meet the needs of all members of the community. An important component of that is to provide care to the caregivers. We know being the full or part time caregiver to a loved one is critical, yet tiring, work. That is why we can be your partner in care for yourself and the people you are providing care for. Our facility offers many ways to relax―yoga and meditation classes, sauna, hot tub, 2 indoor pools, and an indoor track. We offer group exercises classes for people of every age and ability including Tai Chi for Better Balance, Arthritis Aquacise, and Senior Strength. There is something for everyone here at the Keene Family YMCA. Learn more at keeneymca.org. Keene State College’s Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL): The intent of CALL is to offer high-quality, non-credit courses, mainly Liberal Arts courses, to Adults aged 55 and over at a reasonable cost. Classes are led by members, community experts, and Keene State faculty. CALL classes are offered for eight weeks in the fall and eight weeks in the spring, with a four-week “mini-session” offered in January and February. All classes are held on Fridays. To learn more about the program and to sign up for the CALL newsletter go to keene.edu/call or call (603) 358-2290. Neighbors-In-Deed: Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center’s Neighbors-In-Deed program provides person-centered independent living services to seniors age 65 and older, adults with disabilities, and veterans and military families so they can remain living in their homes as long as possible. Volunteers are matched one-to-one to provide ongoing companionship and non-medical assistance with daily activities such as: visiting, shopping for groceries and doing errands, providing transportation to medical appointments, completing home repairs, and providing respite care for family caregivers. To learn how to volunteer or to receive services, call 603-3576893 or visit monadnockvolunteercenter.org. Monadnock RSVP is a program of Monadnock Family Services, a Monadnock United Way agency.
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INSIDE: 2019
Fall & Winter Programs Health Education and Support for the Monadnock Region
See inside for a complete listing of upcoming programs designed to provide learning opportunities and supportive connections with others on similar paths to health and wellness.
In addition to the workshops and programs listed inside this guide, the following supports are offered to caregivers by Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS).
HCS CARE TALKS and Support Groups
HCS Care Talks are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services, Castle Center, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene. Please RSVP to Marianne, 603-352-2253 x4294. HCS CARE TALK: Effective Communication Strategies Nichole Von Dette, Community Educator, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter This program is designed to provide practical information and resources to help caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia. Tuesday, September 24, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. HCS CARE TALK: Legal Issues Facing Family Caregivers Susan R. Abert, Esq., CELA, Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation This discussion will cover a range of legal concerns when planning ahead for a family member with chronic illness or incapacity. Whether you have started the process or need a jump start to begin planning, this workshop will focus on answering your questions. Tuesday, October 22, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. HCS CARE TALK: Connecting and Compassionate Communication in Family Life; Some Basics Sue Ellen Sweeney, Life Mastery Consultant, Certified Transformational Life Coach, Grief Recovery Specialist Misunderstanding and unresolved hurt often leads to strained relationships in family life. How can we begin to communicate with our family members in a way that leads to more connection and harmony? Sue Ellen Sweeney, transformational life coach and life mastery consultant, will offer an inspirational and interactive workshop that will help you begin to transform your family relationships by learning to communicate with more honesty, respect and compassion. Tuesday, November 19, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. HCS CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Marguerite Cheney Ed.M, Bereavement Coordinator, Hospice at HCS. Feeling overwhelmed and alone? Drop in for support and information and connect with others who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Exchange practical information on caregiving problems and possible solutions. Share different ways of adapting to the continuing stress of coping. Share concerns in a supportive environment. Registration not required. 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:00 to 11:30 am. HOSPICE AT HCS: BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS Marguerite Cheney Ed.M, Bereavement Coordinator, Hospice at HCS. These groups provide information and support around issues of grief and the loss of someone close to you. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of every month, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.
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