For Better Health THE NEWTOWN BEE, FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
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ACCESS PT Can Help You Move — And Stretch — In The Right Direction
By Eliza Hallabeck Whether you are rebounding from a wide range of injuries, or just feeling some uncharacteristic aches and pains after a strenuous weekend of sports or yard work, visiting a physical therapist could be an important step on your road to recovery. And Newtown’s newest PT practice may offer just the expertise you need to start feeling better. Access Physical Therapy & Wellness (ACCESS PT) opened its Newtown location, 170 Mount Pleasant Road, in 2021, with Dr Michael Pro, PT, DPT, at the helm. “It has been really great becoming a member of the community,” Pro said in a recent phone interview. According to ACCESS PT’s website, accessphysicaltherapywellness.com, the practice offers physical therapy, manual therapy, sports medicine, dry needling, concussion therapy and other physical therapy and wellness related services. The ACCESS PT Newtown office is also situated near other health care offices in Newtown and Stony Hill’s so-called “medical mile,” and Pro said during a recent phone interview that, “We’ve been able to really kind of supplement their care for their patients by offering physical therapy services.” ACCESS PT allows patients to seek treatment without a prescription or referral from a doctor, according to Pro, who added that Medicare is the only insurance provider that requires a patient to have a prescription from a doctor for ACCESS PT’s services. Getting To Know Newtown Pro and his family — wife Ashley Pro and twin 8-month-old boys Everett and Oliver — have been getting to know the Newtown area more. They enjoy walking on the Fairfield Hills campus and anticipate bringing their boys to Newtown Community Center events once they are a little older. According to his biography on the ACCESS PT website, Pro earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree at Ithaca College; he worked in outpatient orthopedics for 12 years with a focus on functional movement; he trained in the McKenzie Method of diagnosis and treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine; he is certified in dry needling for a wide array of soft tissue disorders; he specializes in vestibular therapy for vertigo as well as post-concussion syndrome; and as an athlete he “enjoys being active and helping people achieve their func-
Dr Michael Pro, PT, DPT, at the Access Physical Therapy & Wellness (ACCESS PT) Newtown location. tional goals and return to the activities they enjoy.” Pro also works out of ACCESS PT’s New Fairfield location on certain days. The area towns, he said, all have “tight-knit communities and everyone has been welcoming” since the business was established. Pro explained that ACCESS PT, as a company, prides itself on patient care, really trying to make a patient’s experience individualized. “We are a local and physical therapist owned company,” Pro shared. A Family Affair According to ACCESS PT, the company was started in 2002 when brothers Christopher and Stephan Alabanese, and their wives, Janet and Shannon, were working as physical therapists. With the aim of starting a business plan for quality physical therapy, they opened
the first location in Montgomery, N.Y. Pro said Connecticut now has ten locations for ACCESS PT, and the physical therapists who work at the locations all live in the communities they serve. Pro shared that the types of ailments he helps people with include muscular skeletal injuries, neck and back pain, post-operation joint surgeries, balance, vertigo, dizziness, and acute injuries or sports injuries. ACCESS PT’s Newtown location, 170 Mount Pleasant Road, is open Monday from 7 am to 7 pm, Tuesday from 2 to 7 pm, Wednesday from 7 am to 7 pm, Thursday from 3 to 7 pm, and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm. For more information call 203775-3840, e-mail Newtown@accessptw. com, or see its website accessphysicaltherapywellness.com. Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.
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Left to right at a recent ribbon cutting event for ACCESS PT in Newtown are Newtown Economic Development Commission Chair Jeffrey Robinson, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, ACCESS PT CoFounder Steve Albanese, Ashley Kurtz, Regional Director Olu Olapinsin, Newtown Clinic Director Michael Pro, Ashley Grenzhauser, Jeffrey Miscioscia, Johnny Lugo, and Enely Sokk. —Bee Photo, Voket Access Physical Therapy & Wellness (ACCESS PT) Newtown office.
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Endowment Expands Marathon Foundation’s Platform Of Youth Running Programs By anDy HUTcHison Remember as a kid, how great it felt to just run around? These days, local pediatricians are encouraging children to run races as one form of fun exercise that could actually help them enjoy a markedly healthier adulthood. “I think we’re all underestimating the importance of mental health and exercise,” said Dr Poonam Bherwani, of Center For Pediatric Medicine in Danbury, adding that children have become attached to the screen for video games and social media, especially in the past couple of years due to the pandemic. “This is a good time, the start of summer, to get them out,” said Dr Bherwani, adding that “the foundation is definitely laid down as a child. It’s about training, the workouts, how you eat — healthy habits.” There are many options for children to exercise and, specifically, run. Organized races are most popular during the warmer months and there are numerous opportunities in and out of town. For instance, the annual Rooster Run is coming up at Fairfield Hills on Saturday, June 18. And between now and then there are races in nearby towns, including several run through the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF). Newtown pediatrician and marathon runner Laura Nowacki is the designee for Southbury pediatrician Dr Susan Beris’ Youth Running Program, funded under an endowment that is expanding the HMF platform of youth running opportunities. Through that generous endowment provided by Beris, HMF will reach more students and increase inclusion, diversity, and opportunities to support the next generation of lifelong runners. HMF launched the program at the Middletown 10K & 5K on April 10.
Newtown pediatrician and marathon runner Laura Nowacki is the designee for Southbury pediatrician Dr Susan Beris’ Youth Running Program, an endowment that is expanding the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s youth running opportunities. Movement Is Medicine “Movement is medicine. Susie is giving all of our children the gift of running. Her program is helping them create a lifelong healthy habit that can help prevent so many chronic diseases. It can help them manage stress and deal with trauma, which benefits their brain as much as their body,” Nowacki said. “Susie is creating a community of healthy kids. Her legacy helps a whole generation of our children
become healthy adults. She has dedicated her life and now her legacy to our children. Susie is a real-life superhero.” Nowacki noted that one of Beris’ patients, an 8-year-old with academic and behavioral challenges came into the office with a binder containing all his 5K bibs and times, including his HMF race in March. “He was proud to say he’s graduated from the kids runs and now, at age 8, holds 10 minute
miles just like Doctor Susie. His self-esteem and academic success have been the real reward, per his mom,” Nowacki said. Nowacki was challenged by a 10-year-old with Down syndrome to do an HMF 5K with her this year. Nowacki has been cheering on the little girl since she was a preschooler, when she started doing kids races locally, and they are looking forward to running together this year. The following new programs will be offered to reach more middle and high school students: *Junior Team HMF (grades 6-8): new initiative to expand opportunities for select FitKids in School participants nominated by program coaches and then accepted to the team based on responses in personal essays. Team members will be provided a custom race shirt, free 5K race, volunteer engagement and mentoring, support and recognition opportunities. *HMF High School Program (grades 9-12): new initiative to support high school running programs and coaches in underserved communities with training resources for coaches, race entries for students and funding to support the purchase of shoes, transportation to events and an annual field trip to inspire a love of running for youth to reap health and wellness benefits in their future. Recruiting Lifelong Runners HMF FitKids races (2-11 year olds) and HMF FitKids in School (grades 4-8) will continue under the Susie Beris, MD Youth Running Program umbrella. “We believe deeply in doctor Beris’ commitment to build lifelong runners and are tremendously honored to carry out her mission by expanding the presence of HMF youth programs and resources,” said Beth Shluger, founder and CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “Through this generous donation as a starting point to build from, the Susie Beris, MD Youth Running Program will reach many
Residents Encouraged To Apply For Heating, Water Assistance HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont has announced the launch of a new online application for heating and water assistance programs that help incomeeligible families from Connecticut pay their utility bills. Eligible residents can now apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) through a joint online application that is available at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply. The online application is part of ongoing efforts to make more state government services available to be conducted over the internet to ensure that outdated bureaucratic processes are not a hindrance to accessing critical goods and services in times of need.
The state has extended by one month the deadline by which households can apply for benefits for the 2021-2022 season from the original deadline of May 31, to the new deadline of June 30, 2022. Additionally, for qualifying households that use oil or propane, the state will pay for fuel deliveries through May 31. “For years, we have offered assistance for these programs through only paper-based and in-person applications. Today marks a major step towards making it simpler and easier for residents to apply for heating and water assistance,” Lamont said. “I know that rising energy prices are hitting low-income families especially hard. This program is designed to provide relief.”
“At the Connecticut Department of Social Services, we are on a journey to make it as simple and easy as possible for residents to apply for and renew their benefits,” Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford said. “We are proud to launch this online application. I want to thank our teams within the Department of Social Services, the Department of Administrative Services, and our partners, the Community Action Agencies, for all their work in launching this online application.” “For almost 60 years, Community Action Agencies have been on the forefront of ensuring that Connecticut’s residents can access the programs they need to improve their lives, like childcare, home heating help,
and job training,” Deb Polun, executive director of the Connecticut Association for Community Action, said. “We are excited that this online application will provide yet another way for residents across Connecticut to receive assistance with paying their bills.” CEAP is a federally funded program that provides winter heating assistance to more than 75,000 income-eligible households every year. Eligible families can receive between $410 to $1,015 in basic benefits alone. Families may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement or repairs for heating equipment and water heaters. Both homeowners and renters are eligible, and assistance is available for natural
DANBURY — General and bariatric surgeon Dr Julio Teixeira has joined Nuvance Health as chair of surgery for Danbury and New Milford hospitals and will serve as the health system’s chair for bariatric surgery. “Dr Teixeira is an accomplished surgical leader and brings an impressive array of clinical, administrative and academic experience to help grow, innovate and optimize our surgical programs through the future,” said Dr Christopher Lehrach, Chief Physician Executive for Nuvance Health. “We look forward to sharing his expertise and national and international reputation of excellence to deliver high-quality, advanced care to patients across our many communities.” A board-certified surgeon, Teixeira has been in practice for more than 24 years and brings expertise in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, stomach, gall bladder and the small intestine, and other complications related to obesity and laparoscopic surgery. He also specializes in solid organ surgery such as the spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. As chair of surgery for Danbury and New Milford hospitals, Teixeira will lead the department and oversee all administrative and clinical functions of surgical services, including ambulatory and inpatient surgery, in addition to trauma. He will leverage his passion
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gas and electric heat, as well as deliverable fuels like oil and propane. LIHWAP provides water assistance to the same families who are eligible for CEAP, and eligible families can receive up to $1,000 in household water and wastewater benefits. The programs are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. In addition to applying online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply, residents can also contact their local CAA with additional questions or to apply for assistance in person or over the phone. In Newtown, contact the Human Services Office at 203-270-4330. To apply online for CEAP or LIHWAP, visit ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.
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more middle and high school students, providing them with the support and the inspiration to positively impact them today and in the future.” A designated HMF program coordinator will work with local school contacts and engage within the running community to expand the reach of the youth program platform, particularly focused on engaging more middle and high school students. “Running has been an important part of my life for a long time. I know firsthand that it can provide tremendous physical and mental health benefits for our youth — I want to share that as far and wide as possible,” Beris said. Members of the HMF community will be able to share their passion and help build the love of lifelong running in youth. The long-term success of the program will depend on engaging volunteers and on the continued generosity of participants and partners to make donations supporting program sustainability. Following the Hartford HealthCare Mystic Half Marathon and 10K on May 15 is the Johnson Brunetti 5K to benefit Hartford’s Camp Courant in Farmington on May 20 and the UConn Health Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in Simsbury on June 4. Hartford Marathon Foundation races continue throughout the summer and into the fall. The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, the foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners. For more information, visit HartfordMarathon.com.
Dr Julio Teixeira and expertise in bariatrics as the service line chair to optimize Nuvance Health’s existing bariatrics program with best practices and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across the health system’s Oncology, Heart and Vascular and Neuroscience institutes to enhance the delivery of care. “Obesity is a complex condition, and we need to look at treatment with a comprehensive approach to communication and bedside care that considers all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle and medical experiences,” Teixeira said. “Together, we will forge an ongoing commitment to advance the delivery of safe and effective care for those we are honored to care for.” Teixeira has led several surgery programs and pioneered new methods to advance the
treatment of obesity. He brings experience from participation in FDA trials to evaluate the Realize Gastric Band in the United States and innovate surgical methods, such as endoscopic stenting, to treat complications of bariatric and single incision laparoscopic surgery. Prior to joining Nuvance Health, he served as chief of minimally invasive surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, part of Northwell Health in New York, since 2013. He also served as director of the health system’s bariatric collaborative program beginning in 2018. He is also an Associate Professor for the Department of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, part of Hofstra/Northwell, in Uniondale, N.Y. He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his general surgery residency at New York Medical College in New Rochelle alongside a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery. Teixeira is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and international committee member with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He has published extensive peerreviewed studies and educational literature, earning national recognition as a top physician by New York magazine, Healthgrades and other trade publications.
THE NEWTOWN BEE, FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
C-THREE
Saddle Up And Find Out If Equine Supported Therapy Is Right For You By Alissa Silber Horses may not have doctoral degrees, but many individuals have discovered that docile equines have a natural prowess for being therapeutic. Whether someone’s special needs are physical, mental, or emotional, there are proven benefits to interacting with horses that people can harness to improve the quality of their life. Little Britches Therapeutic Riding, Inc, is a local group founded in 1979 that has a mission to enrich the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic riding and equineassisted activities. It offers equine therapy at its two locations. The group’s main site is at a private farm at 30 Trophet Road in Roxbury, from May through November. Last year, the organization partnered with Shepaug High School’s Agrascience Academy in Washington, and now utilizes its indoor facility. It has allowed them to extend their work for six weeks in March through April, as well as six weeks in November through December. Little Britches Therapeutic Riding Executive Director and Instructor Alice Daly said, “That partnership is huge for us,” because it allows them to continue to help individuals throughout the colder months. The organization has a trained staff that includes multiple physical and occupational therapists, because each week they typically serve about a dozen riders who require the assistance of a therapist. They also have four instructors who are Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International certified. “And we have volunteers who come and work as horse leaders and side walkers to assist our riders,” Daly said. “We are volunteer dependent, and our volunteers are amazing. We appreciate that they are able to come out and walk for three hours.” Having a variety of team members is crucial, because Little Britches Therapeutic Riding serves individuals who
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Little Britches Therapeutic Riding side walker Julie Frank watches as rider Caleb Vannucci practices hand/eye coordination and prepares to catch a toy die while on Lucy the horse at Tophet Road Farm in Roxbury, Conn. —photo courtesy Alice Daly are school ages, as well as many adults, with a wide range of disabilities. “I’d say our largest portion of the population are those on the autism spectrum. I think that is probably due to the fact that it is where the most research with therapeutic riding has been done,” Daly said. They also work with riders who have cerebral palsy, attention deficit, and anxiety. With that in mind, Daly finds that the benefits of equine therapy that individuals experience will vary depending on the person. “A universal benefit is that you are going to increase core strength,” she said. “For a lot of our riders, they probably don’t have a lot of physical activities that they can participate in, so they are going to increase core strength.” Another valuable aspect is the act of actually getting to be part of activities. “We can get them off the side-
lines and they are actively participating. Especially for kids that team sports don’t work for, this is a physical, athletic opportunity, as well as being therapeutic. That’s huge,” Daly explained. For riders on the autism spectrum, equine therapy can help with sensory experiences. While riding, they can touch the horse’s mane and coat, smell the outdoors, and have the tactile input from the horse. Daly noted, “If you are talking about somebody with cerebral palsy, the physical movement of the horse is going to help with their gait, if they are not ambulatory or have an atypical gait.” The team also plays games with riders that help with hand/eye coordination; they work on engaging in communication, and they do Sally Swift activities that work on skills, such as balance. To find out if equine therapy at Little Britches Therapeutic Riding is suitable for an indi-
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going to a typical riding program,” she said. “You want to find the one that is going to suit your needs.” For more information about Little Britches Therapeutic Riding, visit littlebritchesct. org. Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.
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Little Britches Therapeutic Riding side walker Jill Nelson oversees rider Asa Langer and Rowdy the horse at Shepaug High School’s Agrascience Academy in Washington, Conn. —photo courtesy Alice Daly vidual, the person’s doctor must give clearance for them to ride. Also, depending on what the person’s disability is, all riders must get evaluated with a physical or occupational therapist. Daly adds that those with sensory sensitivities should work on wearing a helmet prior to coming to ride. This is because all riders must wear a helmet. Equine therapy may not be a perfect fit for everyone, but for those who do wish to see if it is right for them, Daly recommends they should visit PATH International, pathintl.org, to learn more. “They should do their research and look at the different programs just like if you were
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At Rising Starr Horse Rescue, 93 Silver Spring Road in Wilton, Certified Yoga Instructor Ellen Bonheim strikes a pose surrounded by equine friends Army and McQuinley. —photo courtesy Michele Lavelle By Alissa Silber For those who feel they may not need supported equine therapy but would still like to explore the benefits of being around horses, some horse rescue organizations welcome visitors. One place to do that is at Rising Starr Horse Rescue, located at 93 Silver Spring Road in Wilton. The nonprofit was founded in 2015 with the mission to save, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome abandoned, neglected, or abused horses. The group is not PATH International certified to offer equine therapy with therapists, but it has many programs and services that offer public participation. Rising Starr Horse Rescue President Michele Lavelle says the group offers mounted and ground lessons, equine yoga, trail rides, volunteer opportunities, and life coaching with a Certified Equus Coach. Additionally, they offer programs free to first responders, and offer a Veterans Outreach Program free of charge for veterans and their families. “We also partner with StandFast Alliance, which gives resiliency training to first responders and veterans,” Lavelle said. “We can always pair up one of our programs with theirs here at the farm, and that’s all free of charge.” Rising Starr Horse Rescue provides so many programs, many free of charge, because they know the benefits that being around horses can have on people of all ages. “Being around horses can be so calming and beneficial. It can help with anxiety and things like that … the lessons we offer are very therapeutic in the sense that riding itself improves coordination and helps with muscle tone. It helps with confidence, too,” Lavelle said. She added, “We’re not doctors, we’re not therapists, we
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PEDIATRICS Alyse Willeford, a student and volunteer at Rising Starr Horse Rescue in Wilton, spends times with Pixie, who is the group’s honorary “spokespony.” —photo courtesy Michele Lavelle just truly believe that being around the horses and working with them the correct way helps with being grounded, focused, and it calms you down.” The Rising Starr Horse Rescue team has not only seen the positive effects people have experienced by coming to their farm, but they have also seen the life-changing impact it makes on the horses themselves. “When we bring in the horses that we rescue, they are so physically, mentally, or emotionally broken from whatever situation that they came from — whether it be being abused or neglected. Just working with them and showing them love and kindness that they haven’t had in their life — or they had at one point and lost — and how they slowly come around and learn to trust again mirrors a lot of people’s lives in a way,” Lavelle said. The public is welcome to visit Rising Starr Horse Rescue to see what they are about and if being around horses can make a positive impact on their life. For more information about Rising Starr Horse Rescue and their horses available for adoption, visit risingstarrhorserescue.org. Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.
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By sHannon Hicks It’s been nearly 50 years since a Newtown firefighter died in the line of duty. It was October 1973, according to Newtown Fire Marshal Richard Frampton, when Newtown Hook & Ladder Assistant Chief Steve Sauter collapsed while on the scene of a house fire in Sandy Hook. Sauter later died of heart failure. This incident a half-century ago remains a stark reminder today that fighting fires comes with many risks, many related to the heart. It has long been known that compared to people in other occupations, firefighters are known to have a disproportionately high risk of heart disease. Almost half of fatalities in onduty firefighters result from sudden cardiac death — when the heart suddenly stops beating and pumping blood to vital organs. Recent research shows there is a new one to consider. According to information published in March in Journal of the American Heart Association, increased exposure to fires appears to raise the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation, or AFib, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other problems. The Journal is an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). In a normal heartbeat, the four chambers of the heart work in a steady, rhythmic way. With AFib, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “disorganized electrical signals cause the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria) to quiver, contracting in a very fast — often more than 300 beats per minute — and irregular way, or fibrillating, hence the name.” The rapid and irregular upper chamber beating often causes the lower chamber to beat more rapidly than normal, also in an irregular way. In some patients the AFib causes the lower chamber to beat faster than 100 to 175 beats per
The first step to caring for one’s heart can be as easy as taking a walk, according to Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert. Residents of all ages, she said, have been taking advantage of the trails and open spaces at Fairfield Hills to do just that. —Bee Photo, Hicks minute (bpm). A normal heartbeat, in contrast, is very regular and beats at about 60 bpm at rest. According to the AHA, AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. At least 2.7 million people live with it in the United States. Those with the condition have an increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other heart complications. More Fires — More Risk Researchers are finding that the more fires a firefighter fights, the higher the likelihood they would report having been diagnosed with AFib. This includes any type of fire, not just ones that grab headlines like buildings. Firefighters also contend with vehicle fires, woodland fires, dumpster fires, even transformers atop utility poles that burn. The recent AHA study recruited participants from
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five professional firefighter organizations. The study was conducted from 2018-19 among active firefighters across the country who completed a survey about their occupational exposure (number of fires fought per year) and their history of heart disease. Of the 10,860 firefighters who completed the survey — 93.5% male, and 95.5% age 60 or younger — 2.9% of the men and 0.9% of the women reported a diagnosis of AFib. Paari Dominic, MD, was the senior author of the study. Dominic is also the director of clinical cardiac electrophysiology and associate professor of medicine and molecular and cellular physiology at LSU Health Shreveport in Louisiana. “Among adults in the general population younger than age 60, there is a 0.1-1.0% prevalence of having AFib. However, among our study population, 2.5% of firefighters ages 60 or younger had AFib,” Dominic said upon the publication of the research. “Of the few respondents who were 61 or older, 8.2% reported a diagnosis of AFib.” Compounding Factors The analysis found: 2% of those who fought 0-5 fires per year developed AFib; 2.3% of those who fought 6-10 fires per year developed AFib; 2.7% of those who fought 11-20 fires per year developed AFib; 3% of those who fought 21-30 fires per year developed AFib; and 4.5% of those who fought 31 or more fires per year developed AFib. After adjusting for multiple risk factors for AFib — such as high blood pressure and smoking — researchers found a 14% increased risk of atrial fibrillation for every additional five fires fought annually. Dominic said clinicians who care for firefighters should
already be aware of the increased cardiovascular risks inherent with that work, “especially the increased risk of AFib.” Conditions that elevate their risk further, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, lung disease and sleep apnea, he further noted, “should be treated aggressively. “In addition, any symptoms of AFib, such as palpitations, trouble breathing, dizziness and fatigue, should be investigated promptly,” Dominic said. There are more than 1.1 million firefighters in the United States. Newtown has five volunteer fire companies. Fire Marshal Frampton in April said there are approximately 175 firefighters among those companies. Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert notes that every active firefighter in Newtown is required to have an annual physical. “It is important that they have a good relationship with a primary care provider, and to make sure that provider knows they are a firefighter so they understand the additional risks,” Culbert told The Newtown Bee. “It is possible that the provider sees the patient’s employer or insurance information and does not know they are a firefighter, and it is critical information for them to consider when caring for the patient,” she added. Firefighting & AFib Dominic and the other researchers say multiple mechanisms may be involved in the association between firefighting and AFib. First and foremost is the inhalation and absorption through the skin of harmful compounds and substances produced by the combustion of materials during a fire.
Newtown Fire Marshal Richard Frampton heads toward a burning residence that required a response by all five of Newtown’s fire companies, and additional manpower from additional companies. According to new research, the more fires a firefighter fights annually, the higher likelihood they have of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a potentially fatal heart condition. —Bee file photo “Exposure to these substances, especially particulate matter in air pollution, even for a short time has been previously linked to an increased risk of AFib,” said Dominic. Firefighters are also exposed to high physical and psychological stress. Career firefighters also have long work hours, “all of which can increase their adrenaline levels and cause an imbalance in the mechanisms that maintain heart rate,” according to the study. Heat stress, or the exposure to high temperatures, was also highlighted because it can cause an increase in core body temperature and severe dehydration, “both of which increase the demand for a higher heart rate, and may subsequently trigger AFib,” Dominic said. First Step Toward Prevention AFib is a progressive condition that tends to worsen over time. Symptoms are not always present, and the condition may be diagnosed only after testing for other heart conditions. Physicians at Johns Hopkins Medicine caution that not all cases can be prevented. Taking steps to avoid coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, however, can help avoid developing A-fib due to these causes. Basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active, and keeping to a normal weight as indicated on a bodymass index chart.
“Having regular physical exams, appropriate health assessments, and having that good relationship with a primary care provider will help achieve that goal,” Culbert said. “Our firefighters are important members of our communities,” she added. “Especially in our region since the majority of our firefighters are volunteers who have other jobs, families, and other civic commitments.” It’s important, she said, for all residents “to strike a balance to achieve effective self care and maintain good health.” The easiest way to start, she said, is to begin walking. “Walking is the best. If you can walk, it’s one of those things anyone can do,” Culbert said. “You don’t need special equipment, you don’t need a membership, you can go at your own pace. It’s such a versatile, accessible way to get physical activity.” The Fairfield Hills campus is a central location that many residents have discovered. With plenty of sidewalks, fields, and even a 2.9-mile paved walking path with a few hills, the 185-acre Town-owned property offers plenty of recreational opportunities. Culbert loves that. “It is amazing how many people walk there,” she said. “I always thought it would be popular, but it’s a perfect example of ‘If you build it, they will come.’” Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.
Healthy Aging Tips Tendered During National Older Americans Month
NEW YORK, N.Y. — As part of National Older Americans Month this May, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing 10 steps for healthy aging. “Each May during National Older Americans Month, we celebrate older adults and honor them for their contributions. Promoting healthy aging helps ensure older adults remain vibrant, integral community members for many years to come,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr, AFA’s president & CEO. “Lifestyle choices such as eating a nutritious diet, getting proper sleep, and regularly exercising your body and brain, are all steps individuals can take to promote brain health and wellness and potentially reduce their risk of developing a dementia-related illness.” AFA offers the following 10 tips for healthy aging: Eat Well — Adopt a low-fat diet high in fruits and veggies, like strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugar. In general, foods that are “heart healthy” are also “brain healthy.” Stay Active — Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall well-being. Brisk walking benefits brain
health, while aerobics can boost your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility. Learn New Things — Challenge your brain by starting a new hobby like playing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or something you have not done before. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine. Get Enough Sleep — Getting a consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful.
Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking. Mind Your Meds — Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you have not taken in a while (whether over the counter or prescription), talk to your doctor or local pharmacist. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol — Smoking can increase the risk of other serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can impair judgment and cause accidents, including falls, broken bones, and car crashes.
Stay Connected — Social interaction and maintaining an active social life are very important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Engaging in your community and participating in group activities is also beneficial. Know Your Blood Pressure — Blood pressure can impact your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is in normal range. See Your Doctor — Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any concerns or questions you have about your health. Get a Memory Screening — Our brains need regular checkups, just as other parts of our bodies do. Memory screenings are quick, noninvasive exams for our brains. AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday — visit alzfdn.org or call AFA at 866-232-8484 to learn more about getting a free virtual memory screening. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit alzfdn.org.
THE NEWTOWN BEE, FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
C-FIVE
Dr Andrew Bazos—
Orthopedic Surgeon To Athletes Offers Tips To Prevent Routine Injuries
By JiM Taylor With the warm weather comes more time exercising outdoors, more time digging into yard or garden chores, and other more strenuous projects around the house. To help prevent these activities from generating painful results, local orthopedic surgeon Andrew Bazos recommends stretching and preparation as the two key things to prevent injury. Bazos said that as an orthopedic surgeon, his care specializes in problems with muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves, all of which can be injured during physical activity. Injuries occur when the body comes under stress — the types of stress that can occur from any number of things throughout the day and can “apply to everyone.” “You can hurt your shoulder playing lacrosse or falling off a ladder,” said Bazos. “The force is the same.” Many active adults will be beginning their softball leagues this spring, and while the “beauty of softball is that it can be played by all ages,” said Bazos, “many in their 50s still have the same mindset they had in their 20s.” “The feeling as adrenaline revs the engine at a higher level than some are used to,” said Bazos. Add to that the higher level of inactivity over the last two years due to COVID-19 preventing people from getting together, many people are starting playing a sport that their bodies are not prepared for.
muscle on the collar bone, can be a problem. A bruise can heal normally but a tear may require surgery. To prevent rotator cuff injuries, Bazos recommends warming up and stretching the throwing arm, as well as preparing in the months beforehand with low velocity throwing, leading up to short distance pitching. Lower back injuries can come from any number of sports and non-sports related activities, particularly from lifting, or “wrestling with a lawn mower or chain saw.” To prevent lower back injuries, in addition to stretching, Bazos recommends “being smart about weight” and keeping things being lifted “close to the body.” Bazos is uniquely qualified to provide this advice having served athletes from many area high schools including New Milford, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield and Newtown as well as private schools including Canterbury, Kent, The Frederick Gunn School and Hotchkiss as well as area professional sports organizations. He has also provided years of service as the medical director for Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and the US Tennis Open and also serves as the tournament physician for the Men’s Big East Basketball Tournament every spring. Bazos also directs the medical coverage for several prestigious national events including Burning Man and this year’s Super Bowl venue in Los Angeles.
“Unlike professionals, an adult softball league player isn’t going to have two months of spring training to get ready,” said Bazos.
Rapid Acceleration Trauma Because of this, the “number one” way for adults to injure themselves playing softball is from “rapid acceleration,” from activities such as trying to run to catch a fly ball or stretch a double into a single. Hamstring pulls are injuries that require surgery to correct, while pulling an Achilles tendon is an injury that can “lay-up” an amateur athlete for weeks. Prevention of such injuries comes from “aggressive stretching,” and not just immediately before physical activity. “Not just before, but days or weeks before,” said Bazos. “It’s something onerous and not fun, but it really is critical in preventing injury.” Stretching and otherwise preparing the body for increased physical activity is the key not only for hamstring and Achilles tendon pulls, but also a number of other common injuries related to physical activity. Long throwing, particularly over the shoulder throwing as opposed to underhand throwing, since it’s a “less natural” movement for the body, can “wreck the shoulder,” said Bazos. For those playing tennis, a big source of injury is called “tennis elbow,” which stems from tightness in the muscle from the forearm to the
wrist. It is the sort of injury that can also occur from non-sports activities, such as repetitive lifting with the arms during manual labor. Calf pulls, also caused by sudden acceleration, is when a person pops the back of their calf muscle. While it can be treated non-surgically, it takes four to six weeks to heal and may become a chronic weak spot. Keys To Prevention For those playing baseball, rotator cuff injuries, coming from pinching a
Attorney General Calls On EPA To Strengthen Lead Poisoning Protections HARTFORD — Attorney General William Tong recently joined a coalition of 19 state attorneys general calling on the US Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen protections against lead poisoning, particularly for children living in low-income communities and communities of color. In comments on the EPA’s “Draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities,” the coalition called the draft strategy a “strong starting point.” However, the coalition lays out specific recommendations for how EPA should bolster the plan to more aggressively and comprehensively combat the many ways in which children are exposed to lead. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious and irreversible adverse health effects. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that children in at least four million households nationwide are exposed to high levels of lead. A 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics suggested that more than half of all US children have detectable levels of lead in their blood. That study also found that elevated blood lead levels in children were closely related to poverty, race, and living in older housing.
Children who have been exposed to even very low levels of lead are at risk for neurological and physical problems during critical stages of early development. In fact, no safe lead level in children has been identified. Children under the age of 6 are more likely to be exposed to lead than any other age group, as their normal behaviors could result in them chewing lead paint chips; breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint that gets on floors, window sills, and hands; and lead can be found in soil, foods eaten by children, and other consumer products. In their comments, the coalition credits the EPA’s Draft Lead Strategy for identifying government-led approaches to increasing public health protections, addressing legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures, and promoting environmental justice. However, the coalition’s comments identify numerous other measures necessary to strengthen the Strategy by aggressively targeting hazards posed by lead in paint, drinking water, soils, aviation fuel, air, food, and through occupational and takehome exposures. These include: *Increasing resources for the enforcement of existing laws relating to lead
paint in rental housing and amending existing regulations to require landlords to increase the frequency of inspections of houses with a history of lead paint hazards; *Developing proactive policies and standards for hazardous waste sites, drinking water, and other sources of lead exposure that are more protective of health and designed to reduce lead poisoning; *Developing aggressive deadlines for tightening standards, developing enforcement policies, and conducting an endangerment determination for lead in aviation gas under the Clean Air Act; *Identifying meaningful environmental justice targets to ensure that the communities most in need and the vulnerable are protected; *Encouraging inter-agency collaboration and data-sharing with other federal agencies such as HUD, OSHA, FAA, FDA, and USDA; *Pledging allocations of federal funds to replace drinking water service lines containing lead reaching struggling and historically marginalized communities; *Adopting federal regulations requiring testing of water and remediation of lead service lines and lead plumbing fixtures in public, charter, and private schools, and in
Tag! You’re It—
Expert PA Provides Tips For Coping With Pesky Skin Tags WEST ISLIP, N.Y. — So, you just discovered that first, small and unwanted nub of skin. Or you are glumly resigned to living with a number of them, and they seem to be multiplying. Not to worry — skin tags are very common. Researchers estimate that about half of all adults will have at least one in their lifetime, with their incidence increasing after age 50. “Skin tags are almost always harmless,” said Angie Seelal of Advanced Dermatology, PC, “and do not require treatment. Removal is generally for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated. Your doctor has several options for removing them but removal at home risks bleeding or infection and is not recommended.” What is a skin tag? A skin tag, also known as an Acrochordon, is a small benign growth usually attached to the skin by a tiny stalk. It is composed of blood vessels and collagen and enclosed by an outer layer of skin. A skin tag hangs off the skin by its stalk, unlike moles and some other skin growths that lie flat against the skin. Most skin tags measure just a couple of millimeters but some may grow as large as 2 centimeters. Skin tags may appear anywhere on the body but are most common where the skin rubs against itself, such as in armpits, groin, neck, eyelids, and under the breasts. What causes skin tags? A definitive cause of skin tags isn’t known but because they show up where the skin folds or wrinkles, it is thought that friction may play a role. Various studies have shown an association between skin tags and the human papillomavirus (HPV) and also a possible link to insulin resistance and high body mass index. Skin tags occur commonly in
childcare centers; *Expanding multi-language informational campaigns and blood lead testing programs to address “take-home lead” exposure — lead from work that accumulates on a worker’s clothing and shoes; and *Developing other specific metrics for achieving and evaluating success in lead reduction. “The EPA’s proposed strategy is a longoverdue, important first step to protecting our children from the serious, irreversible harms of lead poisoning,” said Attorney General Tong. “But it’s not enough. Every year hundreds of Connecticut children are lead poisoned, with children of color poisoned at much higher rates than their white peers. We cannot waste this opportunity for aggressive federal action to get this hazardous substance out of our homes, apartments, soil, and drinking water and to protect our most vulnerable children.” Joining Attorney General Tong in submitting the comments are the attorneys general of New York, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
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This project was supported, in part by grant numbers 90SAPG0068, 2003CTMIAA and 2003CTMISH from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
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pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and weight gain. There may be a genetic tendency to develop skin tags. Who is at risk for skin tags? Skin tags affect men and women equally. Based on the incidence of their occurrence and research studies, you may be more likely to develop skin tags if you are overweight or obese, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have close family members who have skin tags. “There is no sure-fire way to prevent skin tags,” said Seelal, “but you might be able to minimize their occurrence by maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding clothing or jewelry that repeatedly rub the same area.” How are skin tags removed? Dermatologists are the best qualified medical professionals to remove skin tags. They have the training and skills to treat delicate areas, like the eyelid, to minimize scarring, and to diagnose growths that aren’t skin tags. Removal methods include: *Heat (cauterization) — burning it off *Freezing (cryosurgery) — using a probe containing liquid nitrogen
*Ligation — cutting off the blood supply to the tag *Excision — cutting the tag out with a scalpel Your doctor will determine the best method based on the size and location of the tag and other factors in your medical profile. Treatment is typically done in the doctor’s office and involves only mild, easily managed discomfort. There is seldom any permanent scarring. Skin tags do not grow back once removed. “Skin tags shouldn’t be a cause for concern,” says Seelal. “They pose no threat to your health. You may never notice them and tiny ones might fall off on their own. If they are bothersome, either cosmetically, because they interfere with grooming activities like shaving, or because they are in a location that is prone to irritation, skip the do-it-yourself techniques and talk to a dermatological professional about the best way to remove them.” Angie Seelal, PA-C, is a Certified Physician Assistant through the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Learn more at advanceddermatologypc.com.
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THE NEWTOWN BEE, FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
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Stinkin’ Thinkin’—
By ricHEllE PaynE We’re all wired to want to grow toward the highest version of ourselves. There are many components involved in moving your life forward. Growing toward our goals is much like driving a car. There are seemingly infinite moving parts involved in keeping your car on the road. Well, negative thought patterns are like the pesky check engine light that alerts you to a problem but doesn’t help you fix it. Or maybe you don’t notice — or try to ignore — the light, until the car sputters or, worse, stalls. We readily accept that we can’t drive a car without oil or gas, or even a driver’s license, registration and insurance. It’s the same when we expect something from ourselves that doesn’t exist, or when we undervalue the truth that we know about ourselves. When we disconnect and begin sputtering through life, we impede our ability to achieve our goals. We cannot always immediately pinpoint why we feel disconnected. But there is a solution — if you’re willing to do the work. There is a proven way to create meaningful, lasting, transformative change, and it starts with resolving unresolved childhood memories, unlearning early learning patterns and reprogramming the thinking and behaviors we’ve picked up along the road of life. Where Beliefs Begin As children, we are told bedtime stories of people performing great feats of supernatural strength, knights in shining armor riding horseback, pumpkins turning into carriages and talking frogs. They are stories of good versus evil to remind us of the rewards of beneficial behavior.
Four Ways Your Brain Is Hardwired To Think Negative Thoughts
We tell stories to make sense of the world. Since there is no escape from life’s negative or painful experiences, we form certain curious beliefs about ourselves to help understand what’s happening around us and how to get our needs met. So much of what happens in our early years is unconscious and involuntary, so we as humans have developed a set of survival skills to fill in the gaps that our parents or primary caregivers couldn’t, or didn’t, explain to us. “The soul is a recorder of all memories,” said Transformational Guide Jaime B. Haas, known for her methods to silence the inner critical voice so you can finally break free from negative thoughts and limiting beliefs. “The subconscious mind holds on to messages that were told to you as a child that you not only held on to, but created a belief system that you shaped your life around to make sense of the world.” According to Haas, much of our early learning patterns are layered with assumptions and messages that have been reinforced over time. “The key to personal growth is to stop placing our well-being on external factors and deal with the core wounds that inform our limiting, negative, fear-based beliefs,” she says. “It’s critical to find the painful, harmful thought patterns and behaviors from years of programming and painful experiences. It is in the process of identifying exactly what you are thinking and doing and deciding to take action that the greatest change and healing starts to happen in your life.” The Great Transformation Each of us is presented with invitations to keep growing. The battle is if we choose to accept them. We are constantly being presented with situations that
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we don’t want or don’t make us feel good or whole. We either turn it against ourselves, against others or we awaken to the opportunity to change. Anxiety and fear of the unknown are manifestations of the way we are hardwired to perpetuate the task-and-reward system that we learned as children. We want to make someone else the bad guy — or at least the reason for our discontent — or worse, we turn on ourselves and create more problems. Bottom line: We’re uncomfortable with the silence that accompanies reflection that leads to change, so we don’t take the brave, solitary journey inward. Growth, or the great transformation, happens when the desire to change becomes greater than the fear of change. In other words, it’s when you are so uncomfortable and unhappy with the way things are or how they are trending that the fear of change no longer has a grip on you. You are willing to do what it takes to make the necessary changes, even if you don’t know what to do first. According to Haas, there are at least four reasons why you can’t stop thinking negative thoughts about who you are, your ability to get what you want out of life and how capable you are at achieving your goals. Haas’s proven approach is like taking your car through a multi-point inspection. You’ll need to address all the reasons why you are trapped by your negative thoughts. “We know we have to do more than buy shiny new hubcaps, or get a new paint job, or go through the car wash to keep a car running safely on the road toward a destination,” Haas said. “We also know these actions don’t fix the car and they certainly can’t help get you to your desired destination.” It’s important to address all four reasons because if you arbitrarily eliminate one or two, you won’t have the scaffolding to support your new framework. One or more of the old habits will creep back into your thoughts, conversations and behaviors.
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Supporting Your Framework “These four reasons are just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “But the things you learn when you address them become the building blocks to achieving the quality of life you desire.” 1. Fears or Limiting Beliefs Fears or limiting beliefs keep you stuck. To kick off the work, you will need to identify and then reprogram any existing negative belief patterns by replacing them with positive and affirming thoughts and actions. You’ll also be challenged to stop listening to the voices in your head telling you the lies about yourself and leading to your misperception of the world. It is about reprogramming your mind for the better by thinking and behaving in ways that create a more positive, loving way of seeing yourself and the world. In other words, do you build yourself up, or beat yourself up? When you detach from negative thoughts, you will be able to cultivate more joy, envision more, or greater, possibilities for your life and be more present. It all starts with making small changes, such as in the way you talk to yourself and what you were taught to believe. 2. Negative Manifestation Compulsion (NMC) Do you constantly criticize or judge yourself, or others? If you were raised in a household where finding fault was common behavior, your brain was likely programmed to interpret your negative thoughts as literal truths. When you begin to question the source of these false “truths,” you begin to engage in rituals, behaviors and actions to create a different experience. “The transformation begins when you take positive action to stop living in old, critical belief systems,” Haas said. “My method helps you address the reasons why you might be holding on to negative thoughts. You will learn how to unpack them, which involves choosing to replace them with new, positive thoughts, reciting affirmations that resonate with your new experience and showing up differently in your life.” 3. Your Perception of Self If you are very harsh on yourself and focus on all your missed opportunities, weaknesses and perceived flaws, you’re not alone. Research shows that struggling with, arguing with, trying to drown out or push away negative thoughts about yourself only amplifies the problems and makes them worse. The dilemma is not that we have negative thoughts; it comes when we begin to believe those thoughts and cannot evolve. It’s about building self-love from within. “It’s a multi-faceted process that involves finding your feelings, affirming the good about yourself, practicing meditation and self-care, showing up present, authentic and honest in your life and doing more things that bring you joy,” Haas said. “There is no quick-fix or magic bullet. It is a holistic set of actions.” 4. Focusing on the Outside to Fix the Inside “You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on,” Haas said. “But if you’ve done everything to change the outside from pursu-
ing a degree, changing jobs and relocating to a new city; to fixing your body or changing your wardrobe, and you still haven’t gotten what you want in life, that means it’s time to look inward.” When we seek external sources to validate our sense of self, we empower that thing or person outside to be the source of our identity and well-being. “When we give all our power to other people to make us feel better about ourselves, we will never feel OK on our own,” Haas said. “We begin to crave that hit to fix us, or that crumb of love, attention or affection to actually feed us, but it’s just a temporary fix. It’s never enough or it never feels right, so we go back out on the hunt for the next hit, repeating patterns of behavior or thinking that don’t serve us.” The work is about discovering, nurturing and excavating our well-being from within. In order to do that effectively, we must find a connection with an infinite power source so we are content, no matter what happens in, to and around us externally. Haas believes many self-help ‘gurus’ suggest there’s just one thing you should focus on. “They tell us that positivity or meditation, for example, are the key to solving our problems, when they are just parts of the solution,” she said. The most helpful, beneficial practice is one that is holistic, dynamic and prescriptive. The objective is to identify and address the root causes or triggers of your negative thinking, so you can fundamentally change the relationship you have with your thoughts, yourself and the world. It’s uncomfortable to relive the dynamics surrounding our core wounds. The Process Of Change Haas says most people get stuck on autopilot to avoid the discomfort and they stay there. “We get stuck on autopilot and don’t even know it, despite feeling the discomfort and drowning in the unwanted results,” she said. “We don’t even recognize it because these feelings are familiar and there is comfort in the familiar. It is when we take a completely different approach that we will truly have a new experience.” The process of change may feel scary and uncomfortable — and the process takes time — but it’s actually the point, according to Haas. “If you are comfortable, then you are not changing,” she said. “It is when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, commit to doing things differently, feel the fear but do it anyway, that’s the great awakening. Life becomes a lot better than the stories we tell about it. Our brains are hardwired to keep us ‘safe’ and avoid perceived harm, but you should never confuse what’s ‘safe’ with what’s best for you. We all want to stay safe, but playing it safe is not actually changing.” One thing is sure, there is no straight line to healing. When you engage in this pattern of work, Haas warns, sometimes you will feel that you’re going backward and you might not want to stay the course as a result. It’s important to pinpoint the exact thinking and behaviors that are keeping you stuck in repetitive experiences. When you do, you’ll have the insights to change your life. “The grounding that accompanies pattern work helps you manage the moments when you feel defeated,” Haas said. “You need to address these foundational truths to help you move forward because this transformation will take commitment and work.” In all, Haas advocates for a trifecta of awareness, affirmations and deliberate actions, because the way we end patterns is by doing things differently. Richelle Payne is an awardwinning brand strategist and writer based in Philadelphia.
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C-SEVEN
Insurance Exchange Launches Enrollment Period For Low-Income Families By Jenna Carlesso @CTMirror The state’s health insurance exchange is opening a special enrollment period for lowincome families that will run for the rest of the calendar year. Residents whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level qualify for low- or no-cost health plans on the exchange, known as Access Health CT in Connecticut. That’s a household income of $26,130 for a family of two, $39,750 for a family of four or $46,560 for a household of five (Access Health is using last year’s FPL calculations for the enrollment period). The low- and no-cost plans are made possible by subsidies from the American Rescue Plan Act. “This new Special Enrollment Period is all about creating access for Connecticut residents with lower income to get the health insurance coverage they need at an affordable price,” James Michel, CEO of Access Health, said in a statement. “And it is another way we are working to accomplish our mission of increasing the number of insured residents and reducing health disparities.” If the enhanced federal subsidies are extended beyond 2022, the enrollment period could be extended as well, he said. Coverage for those who sign up would begin on the first of the month following enrollment. So if a person signs up for a health plan in April, coverage would begin May 1.
This is the second special enrollment period currently underway at Access Health. The exchange is also running open enrollment through June 30 for those who qualify for the Covered Connecticut program, an initiative under which the state pays a residents’ portion of the health coverage premiums. The program is open to parents or caregivers and their dependents. To qualify, a household’s income must be greater than 160% of the federal poverty level but not greater than 175%, and parents or caregivers must have at least one child who is young-
er than 19 and a full-time student. During Access Health’s last regular enrollment period, which ended in January, 112,634 people signed up for health plans on the exchange, a record number. Currently, 846 residents are enrolled in the Covered Connecticut program, which
launched last year. During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers were aiming to improve health care access by expanding the state’s Medicaid program, known as HUSKY, by adjusting the qualifying threshold so more people could enroll in coverage. Governor Ned Lamont’s administration floated an
alternative: Use state funds to boost subsidies on the exchange that could make health plans free for people who meet certain guidelines. Lamont’s plan was ultimately successful, and the state expects a 50% federal reimbursement in the second year. Here are some key things to know about the Covered Connecticut program: Who qualifies? During the first year of the program, households earning more than 160% of the federal poverty level, but not greater than 175%, qualify for free coverage. A family of one at 160% of the FPL earns $20,426 annually, while a family of four earns $41,920. At 175% of the FPL, a family of one earns $22,310, while a family of four earns $45,850. The household must also have at least one dependent child under age 19 to qualify. A child who is age 18 must be a full-time student. As many as 8,000 people will be eligible for the free health plans in the first year, state officials said. During the program’s second year, the coverage will be expanded to households earning over 138% of the federal poverty level, but not greater than 175%. Up to 32,000 more people are expected to qualify in the second year. What type of coverage will I get? Eligible households will be enrolled in a silver plan on the exchange. Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc offer individual plans
Nearly $30 Million More In Medicaid Funding Coming For Substance Abuse
HARTFORD — Connecticut recently received federal approval of an application that will provide heightened treatment of Connecticut residents struggling with substance use disorders, including first-time federal funding of residential care services and increased provider payment rates. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has green-lighted Connecticut’s plan for increased services under a “Section 1115 demonstration waiver,” a key step that paves the way for matching funds in crucial areas not typically covered by Medicaid. The waiver covers all substance use disorders, including alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs, and misuse of prescribed medications. It was sought on behalf of the Lamont administration by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) with support from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF). “Through this initiative, we estimate a boost of nearly $30 million in annual Medicaid funding to help our efforts in combatting substance use disorders, overdose fatalities from opioid misuse, overuse of hospital emergency departments, and in addressing related treatment needs,” Governor Ned Lamont explained. “Our goal is to strengthen the treatment system for the entire state and make sure we are doing everything possible to prevent further tragedies that have impacted so many of our families and communities.” “The opioid epidemic has destroyed lives prior to the pandemic and since then rates of substance misuse and overdoses have only risen,” the
members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation said in a joint statement. “This new Medicaid funding will be critical to treating substance use disorders in the state and saving lives. We will continue to work in Congress to do everything we can to address this crisis.” “Under this new arrangement, Connecticut will receive federal funding for the first time to support substance use treatment in residential care facilities,” DSS Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford said. “Specifically, the federal government will now help fund care of Medicaid beneficiaries who are primarily receiving treatment and withdrawal management services for substance use disorder while residing in psychiatric hospitals or other residential treatment facilities with greater than 16 beds — otherwise known as ‘institutions for mental diseases.’ These new funds will also be re-invested in higher provider
Historical Society Offers Sensory Sensitivity Tools HARTFORD — The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) is a popular destination for families. But sometimes a trip to the Museum can be a very overwhelming or even a stressful experience for some children with sensory sensitivities, which are sometimes related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To make the CHS experience more accessible and enjoyable for neurodiverse families, CHS now has sensory backpacks available. These sensory kits contain industry-approved tools that will help families navigate our museum. “Neurodiverse audiences matter to us, and their experiences in the Museum are important,” says Robert A. Kret, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Historical Society. “In
providing sensory bags, we continue our work towards inclusive experiences for all visitors. We look forward to receiving feedback from the families who use these tools, to help us best ensure they fit their needs.” Each bag includes fidget tools, sunglasses (both adult and child sizes), noise-reducing headphones (adjustable to fit adults and children), a social story that uses photos and words to help families know what to expect throughout their visit, and timers that help children set the pace during their visit. Sensory bags are free resources and are available at the admissions desk. Visitors who would like to check out a bag just need to request one upon purchasing their admission tickets.
rates and ensuring high-quality care consistent with the American Society of Addiction Medicine.” “We are committed to providing a full continuum of treatment services to individuals living with substance use disorder,” DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta said. “Additional federal reimbursement will enhance our ability to serve Connecticut residents. Our existing services will be strengthened as we are able to make a larger investment in
the agencies providing 24/7 support to individuals living in communities across the state. The implementation of this initiative will result in more robust treatment options, improve health outcomes, and support multiple pathways to recovery.” “As we continue to strengthen and empower families leading to the safety of children, these additional resources will directly impact those most vulnerable in our communities,” DCF Commissioner Van-
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nessa Dorantes said. “We look forward to collaborating with our sister state agencies and community partners as we continue to enhance the support network for the children and families we serve across Connecticut.” In summary, this expanded coverage and reinvestment in the service system will help individuals struggling with substance use disorder by ensuring access to critical, high-quality treatment, including medications for addiction treatment; improving health outcomes for all individuals served; reducing overdose deaths; reducing preventable utilization of emergency departments; improving transitions between levels of care; and reducing readmissions to the same or higher levels of care, when preventable. Due to longstanding federal policies, until now Connecticut was prohibited from receiving any federal matching funds for Medicaid/HUSKY Health members admitted for residential substance use treatment. Lamont thanked CMS Administrator Chiquita BrooksLaSure for her agency’s favorable review of Connecticut’s application for the Substance Use Disorder Demonstration initiative, which is funded through March 2027.
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through Access Health CT. The policies give consumers access to preventative care, coverage for prescription drugs, pregnancy care, and coverage for behavioral and mental health care, among other benefits. Will I have to pay anything? No. The Covered Connecticut program funds the cost of all premiums, deductibles, copays, co-insurance and out-ofpocket costs for qualifying residents, making the coverage free. To sign up or inquire about eligibility for the most recent enrollment period, residents should call 855-805-4325. To sign up for the Covered Connecticut program, consumers should call 860-241-8478.
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C-EIGHT
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Nuvance Earns ‘Center Of Excellence’ In Robotic Surgery Accreditation
DANBURY — Four Nuvance Health hospitals have earned accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Danbury Hospital in Connecticut and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York received the designation by SRC, a leading independent, external evaluator of programs and services for surgeons and hospitals, which looks at quality of care provided and overall patient safety. The evaluation is conducted every three years and the hospitals’ accreditations are through 2025. “Robotic surgery has reinvented how we perform and deliver a positive patient experience for surgical procedures of various specialties, including gynecologic care, weight loss, thoracic, gastrointestinal, colorectal and general surgery,” said Dr Christopher Lehrach, chief physician exec-
Danbury Hospital staff from surgery, quality, nursing, operations and more participated in the Surgical Review Corporation Robotic Center of Excellence site visit.
Newtown Delegation Members Tout Support Of Health Care Legislation Newtown’s State Delegation Leaders Rep Mitch Bolinsky (R106) and Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) issued a number of releases pointing to their advocacy and success promoting health-related legislation in the 2022 session that ended May 4. On April 28, the Connecticut State Senate unanimously passed SB 369, an Act Concerning the Department of Developmental Services’ recommendations regarding various revisions to developmental services statutes affecting the IDD community. Hwang, the ranking member on the legislative Public Health and the Insurance and Real Estate committees endorsed the bill and lauded the efforts SB 369 makes in support of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers. “For adults living with disabilities and their supporting caregivers, there are many challenges in their lives they are forced to overcome. This bill finally removes the barriers that many of these individuals face when they are inadvertently deemed ineligible for specific types of state and federal support,” said Hwang. “I am proud to collaboratively join the effort to assist the IDD community in utilizing any and all financial aid possible.” The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 allowed states to create taxadvantaged savings programs for
eligible people with disabilities (designated beneficiaries). Funds from these IRS Section 529A ABLE accounts can help designated beneficiaries pay for qualified disability expenses. Distributions are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Sen Tony Hwang had co-sponsored Public Act 15-80 which codified Connecticut’s ABLE program for CT residents. Key Cancer Screenings Two days earlier, the Connecticut State Senate in a bipartisan unanimous vote passed Senate Bill 358, An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Screening. Hwang led strong legislative support of SB 358, which encourages insurer coverage of preventative care and early detection for multiple cancer diagnoses that threaten women’s public health. This bill expands insurance coverage requirements for mammograms, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) for breast screenings under certain commercial health insurance policies. It also requires the policies to cover certain procedures related to breast cancer treatment, including breast biopsies; certain prophylactic mastectomies; and breast reconstruction surgery, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, the bill requires these health insurance policies to
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utive for Nuvance Health. Our multidisciplinary teams continue to elevate their expertise, collaboration and innovative approach to surgery to help patients return to their daily activities and enjoy life again.” This designation signifies Nuvance Health hospital robotic surgery services meet national and internationally recognized standards for quality of care following a series of inspections and extensive review of surgical volumes, equipment, standardized operating procedures and patient education. This is in partnership with physicians, nurses, administrators and others involved in the comprehensive programs offered. Inspectors also educate staff on best practices to help organizations enhance care and services offered. Learn more about surgical services at Nuvance Health. For more information on SRC, visit www.surgicalreview.org.
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State Rep and Newtown resident Mitch Bolinsky and Newtown’s State Senator Tony Hwang. cover the following services related to the testing and treatment of ovarian cancer: (1) genetic testing, including for breast cancer gene one (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene two (BRCA2), under certain circumstances; (2) post-treatment CA-125 monitoring (ie, a test measuring the amount of the cancer antigen 125 protein); and (3) routine ovarian cancer screenings, including surveillance tests for certain insureds. Hwang stressed, “this issue matters deeply for me — for my mother, my mother-in-law, my wife and my daughter. Every protection should be in place so that no woman — and no family — has to unnecessarily endure the news that a loved one has a lifealtering medical condition that could have been detected early and an opportunity to find a medical recovery plan.” “This is indeed an insurance mandate; I believe that advanced breast cancer screening using the latest tools and technology to save lives matters is an important policy choice. The health of our loved ones is priceless. Early detection and prevention may possibly save healthcare costs and most importantly, save lives. Ultrasounds for women who have dense breast tissue means early detection and more options to healthy outcomes. This measure prioritizes research, testing and proactive healthcare,” he continued. The senator said he was very
pleased to see this bill pass with bipartisan support. “To give some perspective to the potential impact these preventative screenings can have, one in every eight women faces a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. That is one in every eight of our mothers, daughters, wives, sisters or other beloved women in our lives. In 2021 alone, there were over 3,500 breast cancer diagnoses made in Connecticut,” said Hwang “While additional requirements on insurance companies may have an initial cost to implement, in the long run preventative care costs far less — emotionally and financially than treating life-threatening illnesses. Finally, I want to acknowledge those who wrote, emailed and testified — in sharing their stories — they are the true heroes who deserve the most credit for this bill’s passage.” Additionally, SB 358 requires that the breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health give priority to women in minority communities with higher rates of breast/cervical cancer. The bill also requires inclusion of tomosynthesis in breast cancer screening where possible and the addition of HPV tests to program services. Mental Health Support On April 28, Bolinsky hailed the unanimous passage of a bipartisan, ground-breaking children’s mental health proposal in
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the House of Representatives today, to address critical short and long-term mental and behavioral health needs of Connecticut’s children. The bill, cosponsored by Bolinsky, will address a combination of factors that have traditionally limited youthaccess to appropriate social/emotional care, at this time of great need. A new state infrastructure will be deployed to create a network of professional clinicians, counselors and interventionalists close to home and in our schools, focused on detection, family-connected early interventions and care in new, more timely and compassionate ways than in the past. The need to address the youth mental health crisis has significantly increased due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rates of depression, suicide, and self-harm have risen among adolescents, and emergency rooms across Connecticut are inundated with patients awaiting placement into inpatient psychiatric beds. Schools across the state are facing a shortage of mental health professionals and are sounding the alarm on the need to expand access and support services. Bolinsky said, “This new network is a serious investment in our children and, ultimately, in the future of Connecticut. The anxiety of a pandemic, the isolation caused by lockdowns and nearly two years not being able to see and relate to each other and many of the adults in their lives just devastated so many young people. The needs are many and they cannot wait. This is not a perfect bill but it’s a great start.” According to the Children’s Hospital Association, in 2020 there was a 24% increase in mental health emergency visits in children age 5 to 11 and a 31% increase in children age 12 to 17. How It Works The legislation, House Bill 5001, An Act Concerning Children’s Mental Health, aims to address the youth mental health crisis and support children and families through the following measures: Enhancing the Behavioral Health Workforce *Creates a partnership with Connecticut Children’s to coordinate a training program for pediatricians to treat early-stage mental health concerns. *Provides funding for the recruitment and retention of child and adolescent psychologists to address the state shortage. *Expands license reciprocity for out-of-state mental health professionals to increase the number of providers and establishes a need-based state licensure fee scholarship with a focus on diverse applicants. *Establishes grant program for local school boards, youth camps, and summer programs to hire mental health specialists. *Creates a screening tool for pediatricians and emergency room physicians to recognize mental health concerns in children for early intervention. Expanding Behavioral Health Treatment Facilities *Creates an intensive outpatient counseling pilot program in Waterbury for a federally qualified health center to provide treatment for adolescents with behavioral health needs. The program, slated to open before Fall 2022, will serve at least 144 children per year. *Supports opening of the new DCF Urgent Crisis Centers, specializing in meeting urgent pediatric behavioral health needs. *Expands ACCESS Mental Health to provide up to three
follow-up telehealth visits directly to certain patients after a pediatrician has first utilized ACCESS Mental Health on behalf of a patient and to provide short-term care coordination services, through a contractor, for all patients on whose behalf ACCESS Mental Health is utilized. Increasing Access Through Insurance Coverage *Eliminates prior authorization for inpatient psychiatric services in certain circumstances where there is imminent danger in the patient’s health or safety, or the health or safety of others. *Requires individual and group health insurers to cover intensive evidence-based services used to treat mental and behavioral health conditions in children and adolescents. *Requires individual and group insurers to cover collaborative care for behavioral healthcare. Senate Advocacy Hwang spoke in support of SB 2, which is the culmination of two long years of increased leadership and activism on children’s education and mental health supports. SB 2 required that every Board of Education identify a “Family Care Coordinator” to assist school social workers and psychologists by serving as a liaison with local mental health care resources/providers to help give students access to the care they need. “This measure to better support children’s mental health is a bipartisan, community collaborative act to begin the difficult task of reversing the trends of the increasing needs of mental health support and intervention,” said Sen Hwang, a vocal advocate for in-person learning and local control over masking mandates since the beginning of the pandemic. “Statistics were on the rise well before the onset of the pandemic, but the Covid-driven disruption, isolation and uncertainty have wreaked havoc on these precious childhood years that too many of our children have missed out on,” said Hwang. “Whether at school or through their healthcare providers, the state of Connecticut must do a better job of connecting children to important resources, and SB 2 is a good start to making the necessary changes to support Connecticut’s future.” “There has been a true and necessary call to destigmatize and increase the awareness of the wide array and severity of mental health challenges which children face. To increase our research and data, this bill creates a study, to be completed by the University of Connecticut, to examine the impact of social media on children,” Hwang said. “Also, this bill implements a 50-person Children’s Behavioral Health Cabinet to assess children’s behavioral health services in the state, make recommendations for improvements, and ensure timely access to services for children who need these services. “Communications will be better as we will increase parental communications and notifications required to be made by Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood,” said Hwang. “And, most importantly, this bill provides many measures to help children needing mental health support both in building awareness and expanding access to services. Mobile crisis services will be enhanced and broadened to bring counseling to more children at home or at school. Finally, it will implement a pilot behavioral health program expansion of federally qualified health centers to expand needed mental health services.”