Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Pictured: Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, with (left to right) New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, Roxbury First Selectman Patrick Roy, Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter, TS, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci.
The Amber Room Colonnade was filled with energy and enthusiasm when RVNAhealth hosted more than 400 guests bright and early in the morning on Friday, April 26 for our Annual Spring Breakfast. Each year, our Spring Breakfast event raises critical funds to support nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care in the home, as well as our mission-driven community programs like Well-Child Clinics for uninsured children, Chronic Care for vulnerable elderly or disabled individuals, and the Nurse Family Partnership. The event was a record breaker in attendance for RVNAhealth as business partners, health care professionals, civic leaders, donors and friends came together over breakfast to learn about the breadth of RVNAhealth services and their impact across 35+ communities in the area.
Impact Speaker, Anne Mead, Ed. D., Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships for the Danbury Public Schools, spoke about the profound impact of the RVNAhealth Well Child Clinics in the Danbury Schools, helping vulnerable families and students access the vaccinations and routine health care needed to attend school. This valuable community service is one of many ways in which RVNAhealth upholds its commitment to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.
RVNAhealth is grateful to our Spring Breakfast Sponsors, Table Hosts, and many guests who supported our important work last Friday morning, buying raffle tickets, tipping their hosts, and bidding on auction items, too!
RVNAhealth is pleased to offer the AARP Safe Driver Course at its Ridgefield offices on Monday, May 6th. Registration details can be found at the end of this article on safe senior road tripping.
The Lure of the Wide Open Road
According to a recent report from AARP, three out of five Americans aged 50 and older will plan a trip this year, with road trips emerging as the preferred mode of travel. Road trips offer distinct advantages, including the opportunity to explore local attractions en route, savor regional cuisine and culture, and be in control of your own agenda. But, like all travel trips, proper planning and preparation is essential to being able to enjoy those moments on the road!
Planning Ahead for Road Trips
For older adults planning a road trip, here are some essential packing items and planning considerations:
Pack all prescription and over-the-counter medications. Consider if any refrigeration or cooling mechanisms will be required and plan in advance.
Pack supportive footwear and clothing. Consider comfortable shoes with good support and tread, compression socks, and clothing that can be layered for all temperatures.
Pack any comfort aid items. Travel pillows, blankets, and seat cushions can help reduce fatigue and support relaxation during rest stops or overnight stays. A massage ball or exercise band are great small tools to pack and can help loosen sore or stiff muscles on the road.
Know your way. Carry a reliable GPS device or use navigation apps on smartphones.
Pack car emergency supplies. Have a flashlight, extra batteries, a multipurpose tool, and a roadside emergency kit in your car. Be mindful of maintaining a fully charged mobile phone and a car charger for communication in case of emergencies.
Stay in communication. In addition to a smartphone, bring a backup battery and charging cords. And don’t forget to have all important contact numbers (family, physicians, etc.) easily available.
Stay active and hydrated. Maintain your health by staying hydrated and engaging in light physical activity during rest stops. Stretching or taking short walks can help alleviate stiffness and improve circulation.
Consider purchasing travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. This can offer financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected situations.
Brush up on your driving know-how and rules of the road…speaking of which, read on for RVNAhealth’s hosting of the AARP Safe Driver course next week!
AARP Safe Driver Course at RVNAhealth
RVNAhealth is proud to host the AARP Safe Driver Course at our 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield office on Monday May 6th from 9:00am – 1:30pm. Take the AARP Smart Driver classroom course and you could save money on your auto insurance. Learn techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way and roundabouts. Understand how to reduce traffic violations, crashes, and risk of injury and discover proven driving methods to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road! You must register in advance and there is a fee payable to the instructor on the day of the class.
RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.
Living LOUD – Starting June 4th
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Susan DiGregorio, SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with our adult patients at the RVNAhealth Therapy Center. Susan specializes in the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, cognition and voice following neurological, traumatic injuries and treatment for head and neck cancers.
Susan joined RVNAhealth in 2017 as a therapist in both in-home and outpatient settings. She then pursued in-home therapy full time before returning to outpatient therapy, where she enjoys the opportunity to help her motivated clients set and achieve their goals. Prior to RVNAhealth, Susan worked for eight years in a sub-acute setting.
Susan earned her B.A in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2004, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Lehman in 2011. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Susan lives in Danbury with her husband, daughter, cat and dog. They love to stay active as a family with hikes, bike rides and catching live music whenever they can.
RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.
Technology is a regular part of modern daily life and has, for many, become a literal pain in the neck. The hours spent hunched over technology—cell phones, tablets, and computers—can result in a condition coined Text Neck Syndrome, a stress injury to the neck, shoulders, and cervical spine. Text neck, also known as tech neck or forward head posture, is a modern condition characterized by neck pain and stiffness resulting from excessive or prolonged use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. When using these devices, especially for extended periods, people often crane their neck forward and downward, which can strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back.
Physical therapists are inundated with complaints of the syndrome. RVNAhealth Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Kate Campbell, DPT, provided insight into the phenomenon increasingly seen in patients at the Rehabilitation & Wellness Center.
What are the symptoms of Text Neck Syndrome?
Nagging or sharp pain in the upper back or neck that is often triggered when bending the neck in a downward forward motion
Excessive discomfort and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back, particularly at the end of the day
Headaches, often frequent, exacerbated by screen time
Decreased or painful head mobility
How are symptoms assessed?
A physical examination and medical history are part of evaluating patients with the symptoms of Text Neck Syndrome. Review of discomfort, mobility limitations, and lifestyle are all relevant factors in comprehensive assessment and if more serious injury or diagnoses are suspected, a referral for imaging could be recommended. A treatment plan developed by a physical therapist is often the appropriate course of action for many patients.
How is Text Neck Syndrome treated?
All RVNAhealth patients receive personal assessments and treatment programs to address individual presentation of symptoms. There are strengthening exercises and posture adjustments that can mitigate the discomfort and physical misalignments that accompany the syndrome.
A customized plan is developed to address the needs of each patient based on individual lifestyle and ability which can include time working with a physical therapist at the Rehabilitation & Wellness Center and at-home exercises.
Yes! Starting with proper posture is key. And make sure to align technology with eye level to help alleviate neck pressure. Since the average human head weighs around eleven pounds, a downward and forward-positioned head puts significant strain on the neck, spine, and supporting muscles.
Regular stretching can also help to release muscle strain and strengthen stabilizing muscle groups. We recommend chin tucks and gentle arching/backbends while seated to help. You can view some of these recommended stretches in video included here.
Finally, take frequent breaks from technology whenever possible. Take deep breaths while going on a short walk and remember to stand straight with the shoulders back. Practicing good posture is a worthwhile habit!
Since society’s reliance on technology is not likely to dissipate, mindfulness of body position during use can minimize the negative physical consequences of excessive screen time. If you feel you may suffer from Text Neck Syndrome, or any similar ailment causing discomfort, contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center team at 203.438.7862. For more information about our RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center visit www.rvnahealth.org/rehab.
RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.
Here is a preview of the exciting live auction items that will be up for bid at the 23rd Annual RVNAhealth Spring Breakfast on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, 7:30am. Funds raised will support our home health services, hospice care, and community health and wellness programs across 35+ towns in the region.
BROADWAY YOUR WAY
A car service will whisk you away to the bright lights of the big city! Enjoy your Broadway show of choice with your $500 Broadway.com gift certificate. Dine at your restaurant of choice with your $250 American Express gift card, before or after the show. Gift of John & Lori Berisford and George Earl, Jr.
FOUR FOR FORE – GOLF FOURSOMES
Can you ever have too much golf?! Hit the links with three friends and enjoy some of the nicest courses around. This golfer’s package includes a round for four at each of these great area clubs: Ridgewood Country Club, Salem Golf Club, Silver Spring Country Club, and The Club at River Oaks — all with lunch and carts. Time to play hooky! Gift of Bob Rossman/The Club at River Oaks, Dan LeBlanc/Ridgewood Country Club, Bill Hecht/Salem Golf Club, Karl Habib/Silver Spring Country Club
FAMILY FUN IN FALMOUTH – ENJOY A SUMMER WEEK ON CAPE COD
Relax with a summer escape to the Cape, July 26 – August 2. Enjoy spacious, 2-bedroom accommodations at InnSeasons HarborWalk in Falmouth, MA. Overlooking Falmouth Harbor, this resort is minutes from the beach, downtown and the island ferries making it ideal for exploring the Cape. The newly renovated suite sleeps eight, with a queen-sized bed in bedroom #1, two full-sized beds in bedroom #2, a full-sized pull-out sofa in the living room and a full kitchen. Head off to Martha’s Vineyard with two roundtrip tickets on the Island Queen and enjoy a sail {for two} on the Black Dog Tall Ship, Alabama. Gift of The Couri Family and Christopher & Mary Joyce
BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST!
Gourmet dinner for 6, professionally prepared and served in the intimacy of your home, by À Table/S+B catering. Includes a generously donated charcuterie board and a $200 VISA gift card to purchase wine pairings of your choice to complement your meal. A beautiful flower arrangement will complete the evening’s presentation. Gift of Sarah and Bernard Bouissou of À Table, 109 Cheese & Wine, Rodier Flowers, Diane Minck, Debbie & Peter Hayes
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF AFRICA – ZULA NYALA PHOTO SAFARI
Here’s your chance for that bucket list trip to South Africa! Capture your own award-winning photographs of elephants, giraffes, hippos, leopards, zebra and many more plains wildlife in the heart of one of Africa’s richest conservation regions. This Photo Safari for two includes 6 days/6 nights luxury accommodations, including 3 delicious meals daily and 2 daily open Land Rover excursions with experienced guides. Before you depart, come to RVNAhealth for a complimentary travel health consultation to make sure you are prepared for your adventure. (NOTE: This trip does not include cost of vaccinations, airfare, airport transfers, personal beverages, side trips or phone calls. Trip must be used within two years of auction date.) Gift of Zulu Nyala Group and RVNAhealth
BATTER UP YANKEES FANS
You, your friends, and the Yanks! Win four tickets to Yankee Stadium with seats in a prime location: 12th row, field level behind on-deck circle (you pick the date, based on selection and availability). Use a $200 gift card to dine at The Audi Club. In-seat wait service is available too! Gift of Marci & Ted Tregurtha and Patti & Steve Ross
THE METS & YOU!
Sit back at Citi Field, enjoy the Mets, a little batting practice, and dine before the game using a $200 gift card. Four tickets to a game (you pick the date, based on selection and availability). Prime location—15th row, field level behind home plate. In-seat wait service available! Gift of Marci & Ted Tregurtha and Patti & Steve Ross
Susan DiGregorio, SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with our adult patients at the RVNAhealth Therapy Center. Susan specializes in the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, cognition and voice following neurological, traumatic injuries and treatment for head and neck cancers.
