USMC COMREL: Cleaning historic beach
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Storybook Parade 2015:
November:
Children dress as favorite characters
Warrior Care Month
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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November 6, 2015
Vol. 32 No. 42
Weekend flooding shuts down Sigonella for a day By LT Paul Newell NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – After constant rains pelted Sigonella and surrounding areas throughout Sunday into early Monday, Sig’ Citizens had Sicily’s version of a snow day. Following a weather warning from local agencies on Sunday evening and heavy rains that persisted throughout the day NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis notified the community of a delayed 10 a.m. start for all non-essential base employees. Not long after morning dawned Monday reports of impassable roads to include the closure of SP-105/106 by local law enforcement and between six and eight inches of water accumulation in front of Marinai led Dennis to completely cancel Monday’s non-essential base activities. “Delaying or canceling school or work costs our government thousands of dollars. From a Sig’ Citizenship “resource conservation” view this is something we never take lightly. At the same time, health and welfare trumps dollars and we will never unnecessarily put anyone’s life at risk which is why Monday morning the choice to cancel outright was easy,” stated Dennis. Beyond weather reports a major key in both keeping the community informed and also helping Dennis and other base leaders understand exactly what they were dealing with were the actions
of Security Department personnel who stood watch and made patrols through bleak conditions in order to provide the intelligence needed to make informed decisions. “Our Team monitored roads, provided constant updates, aided motorists in distress, and coordinated with host nation agencies to have a clear understanding of exactly what we were dealing with locally,” said Lt. Juan Cardona, NAS Sigonella Security Officer. “We did all that and continued to man our posts. I couldn’t be more proud of our Team and the collaboration of the Installation.” By keeping tight control over Marinai’s main gate Security members also limited the high waters from spilling into the base. In addition, the berms installed by Pizzarotti were crucial to helping contain the flooding. “My hat’s off to Pizzarotti,” Cardona said. “They really stepped up when we needed them and I’m very grateful.” By Tuesday the worst was over and after a 10 a.m. delayed start the community returned to their normal activities under sunny skies. Unfortunately for Sigonella’s children Monday was a bit too balmy to build Frosty, and perhaps even more disappointed they had to get back to school Tuesday after a delayed start. But whether or not they’ll ever come to appreciate it they and their loved ones were being safeguarded by a community totally committed to their well-being.
Physical therapy: Keeping the fit, fit BY HN Christopher Andrade USNH Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Crystal clear blue beaches, a massive volcano, and a warm and inviting culture, are just some of the first impressions people have when arriving to Sicily. The island has several outdoor activities ranging from snorkeling and hiking in the summer months, to snowboarding and skiing in the winter months. It comes naturally that when we enjoy these outdoor activities, we sometimes push our bodies past their limits. Even with proper training, the most physically fit can get hurt. Physical therapy is an allied health discipline that focuses on restoring movement and function. Sessions can vary from low-impact aerobic training, strengthening and flexibility exercises, pain relief modalities, and stretching. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s Physical Therapy Department has treatment programs that cater to almost any musculoskeletal injury (i.e. related to the bones or muscles). They ensure that Sig’ Citizens are able to function at their optimal level. “Our patients range from geriatrics to pediatrics, active duty, dependents or retirees, inpatient or outpatient ¬– we see it all in the military,” says Lt. Nicole Martin, Physical Therapy Department Head for the Hospital. The diversity of the patient population is one of the best things about being a Navy physical therapist. Martin explains that her experience prior to entering the military has helped manage the diverse patient population. “My previous experience in a skilled
Heavy rains in Sigonella led to completely cancel Monday's non-essential base activities, Nov. 2. The rain accumulated between six and eight inches of water in front of Marinai. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released) nursing facility as well as inpatient ICUs, has prepared me for the diverse patient care needs of the Navy,” said Martin. October is National Physical Therapy Month in the United States. This is a time when physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and students in training are recognized for their contribution of restoring and improving motion in peoples’ lives. This was celebrated at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella with an open house hosted by the Physical Therapy Department on Oct. 14. With benefits including improved functional mobility, strength, balance, endurance and pain management, it is safe to say that physical therapy has a major impact on the well being of Sigonella’s citizens. “Most of our service members like what they do and want to get back to full duty as soon as possible, so they work hard to get better,” says Martin. “Working directly with patients gives us the opportunity to assign paced training programs specific to their diagnosis,” she adds. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his job, HN Brandon Brashears, physical therapy technician responded warmly, “Helping patients through the recovery process, seeing patients progress back to a healthy active lifestyle.” He adds, “I have been injured before so I know how hard and challenging it can be for someone to recover from an injury – that is one of the main reasons I chose this job.” A referral from your primary care provider is required for a physical therapy appointment. They cater to almost every age group and activity category. To speak with your provider for a possible referral, contact your Medical Home Port at 624-4622 or 4623.