RVNAhealth’s First Annual Parkinson’s Symposium Recap

“Living Well With Parkinson’s” …a name apropos for RVNAhealth’s first annual Parkinson’s Symposium, was held at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office on Friday, January 26th. With over 60 attendees and nearly 20 healthcare experts presenting or hosting information tables, the three hour event successfully delivered an agenda packed with information for both newly and existing diagnosed Parkinson’s patients, loved ones and care partners.

The Parkinson’s Symposium was the brainchild of Dr. Kate Campbell, Director of RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center and Outpatient Rehabilitation. “After nearly a year since the launch of ourParkinson's Symposium Quote Parkinson’s Center, I wanted to create an opportunity to bring together some of the best local experts from within RVNAhealth and other healthcare institutions. Our goals was to give the Parkinson’s community an afternoon to gather in one place and immerse themselves in learning and helpful discussion,” said Campbell. Main stage presentations included topics on the benefits of exercise, awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation, the importance of Movement Disorder Specialists, and the role of sleep in Parkinson’s. Breakout sessions gave participants an opportunity to customize their afternoon of PD learning. These options ranged from exercise demos, and cooking and nutrition, to information on clinical trials, mental health tips, and an overview from an organization dedicated to hiking trips for people with PD.

RVNAhealth would like to thank our visiting presenters:  Dr. Zion Zibly and Dr. Sophie Holmes and Sophie Elliott, Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sarah Buckingham, Stamford Health, and Dr. Leon Meytin, Hartford Healthcare. We would also like to add a tremendous thanks to our RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center staff who lead presentations, exercise classes, nutrition discussions, and more! Finally, we thank our sponsors who helped to make this event possible: Abbott, Abbvie, APDA of Connecticut, Medtronic, and Supernus.

With a successful first Parkinson’s Symposium complete, there is little downtime for Campbell as she continues with plans for the Parkinson’s Center’s second year in operation. “There’s a lot to be excited about at the Parkinson’s Center – we are taking more of our presentations out into the community, we are testing out new and more exercise class options, and we are soon kicking off our second Parkinson’s Bootcamp cohort, where we’ll work intensely with about 10 individuals over the course of 8 weeks. If you haven’t heard about Bootcamp, you should! We are making real life change and enabling individuals with powerful tools to take control of their Parkinson’s diagnosis–contact us to learn more!” says Campbell. “We are passionate about offering these resources to the Parkinson’s community – we are a place for community, compassion, health and wellness, and a partner in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”

For more information about the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, check out our webpage, call 203-438-5555 ext 1082 or email ParkinsonsCenterLeaders@rvnahealth.org.

Visiting physician speakers in the main hall
Breakout session on Gut Health
Our sponsor and PD experts informational hall
Lunch and time to speak with PD experts
Our sponsor and PD experts informational hall
Visiting physician speakers in the main hall
Breakout session – Demo boxing class
Dr. Kate Campbell, RVNAhealth Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation and Parkinson’s Center

 

Women’s Health Cooking Class: Menopause/Perimenopause x Mediterranean Diet – Ridgefield

women's nutrition

JANUARY PROMOTION: If you sign up in January for any currently posted cooking class, receive $5 off using the code “January5”.  And if you bring a friend/partner – you will BOTH receive $10 off.

Join Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator Monica Marcello, MS, RD and explore the intersection of Women’s Health, focusing on Menopause and Perimenopause, and the Mediterranean Diet. Learn how to optimize energy, maintain a healthy weight, and minimize symptoms through diet at this important stage of life.

Menu: Prepare a delicious and healthy meal featuring Chicken Souvlaki, a Mediterranean twist on chicken tacos – that is a weeknight staple. Complement your meal with a refreshing Mediterranean Mocktail.

Where:  RVNAhealth Kitchen, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield CT

When: Wednesday, January 31st, at 5:30pm

Price: $65 per Class

Register HERE to Attend

 

 

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group for Individuals, Family & Caregivers

Please join us for our free Parkinson’s disease support group for individuals and adult family and/or caregivers.  Our support groups are facilitated by the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center team – including social workers and spiritual care coordinators.

Parkinson’s disease family and caregiver support groups are designed to allow participants to connect on their experiences and receive helpful advice, and create a community with others walking in similar paths.

The groups will take place monthly at our RVNAhealth Ridgefield facility at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield, CT.

Register in advance here or email us at PCinfo@rvnahealth.org or call our Parkinson’s Center at 203.438.5555 x1082.

RVNAhealth Partner in Care – Wilton Meadows and The Greens at Cannondale

RVNAhealth has partnered with Wilton Meadows and The Greens at Cannondale for twenty-five years, since The Greens opened its 142-bed assisted living and memory care community in nearby Wilton.

Anna Mae S., a resident of The Greens, is building strength following a fall thanks to the help of RVNAhealth Physical Therapist Jennifer Cangialosi PT, DPT, LSVT BIG, CDP, who works on-site in the RVNAhealth Therapy Gym.

The privately owned assisted living facility has sponsored our Wellness Fair since the beginning, enabling RVNAhealth to provide area seniors with free health screenings and vaccinations. Over time, The Greens/Wilton Meadows increased their support of our events and programs; they are now a member of RVNAhealth’s Governor Society of dedicated partners who commit $1,000 or more in annual support.

RVNAhealth caregivers spend a lot of time on the beautiful Cannondale Campus. Our agency provides skilled nursing, private-duty nursing, home health aides, and hospice care. We also manage an on-site physical therapy clinic to help residents maintain their strength and balance. We offer wellness programs for residents and this year we’ll be providing Dementia Caregiver Training and certification for staff at The Greens, too.

Ellen Casey, Senior Executive Director of The Greens is a firm believer in the many benefits of working with RVNAhealth: “Like The Greens, RVNAhealth is a private care provider that emphasizes quality and personal attention. Their excellent communication across levels of care helps our staff provide the highest quality, personalized services to our residents, even as their needs change,” she said. “RVNAhealth is truly part of our care team.”

The award-winning Cannondale Campus consists of The Greens at Cannondale Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, Wilton Meadows Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, and Nuvance Health’s Geriatric Assessment Program.

For more information about becoming a member of the RVNAhealth Governor Society, contact Jennifer Christensen, Donor Engagement Officer, at jchristensen@rvnahealth.org, or (203) 856-5137. For more information about the Greens, visit their website.

From Movement to Comfort: Exploring Exercise Impacts and End-of-Life Care in Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia – Norwalk – FREE

In this presentation, two seasoned experts from RVNAhealth will shed light on distinct yet interconnected aspects of managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia. The first prong will be led by Kate Campbell, RVNAhealth Director of Outpatient Services who will delve into the practical benefits of tailored exercise in PD and dementia. This will encompass improvements in motor skills, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being. Simultaneously, Deborah Piela, RVNAhealth Hospice & Palliative Care Support Manager will discuss end-of-life care and will provide insights into navigating the complexities of palliative care for individuals facing advanced stages of PD and dementia. By presenting these two perspectives, our aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding that acknowledges both the immediate impacts of exercise and the practical considerations of compassionate end-of-life care in these challenging conditions.

RSVP to Cary Jackson at dariencrd@MaplewoodSL.com or call 203.202.9883

Living BIG- Ridgefield

Living BIG addresses the problem of patients’ movements becoming smaller and more tentative as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. Each class, the therapist takes the patient through a series of whole-body LSVT BIG exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Exercises are all exaggerated to reinforce that the patient needs to make his or her movements bigger.

NEW LOCATION!!: Steel Fitness, 62 Danbury Road, Ridgefield

TIME: Every Monday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

For more information call: 203-438-7862 or email: rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehab@rvnahealth.org. To register, email us HERE and specify “Balance & Beyond”.

 

Symposium: Living Well With Parkinson’s Disease – Ridgefield – FREE

RVNAhealth Parkinson's Center Expo

This event is now full for in-person registration. To register to attend virtually via Zoom , please register HERE!

Living Well With Parkinson’s Disease Symposium (FREE)
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
Friday, January 26th
11:00am – 2:00pm

Join RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center for their first “Parkinson’s Disease Symposium.” Come for an afternoon of presentations by RVNAhealth and external Parkinson’s healthcare experts, and peruse at your leisure our RVNAhealth and Parkinson’s-related vendor information tables. Check out agenda below! We will have numerous internal and external experts offering information on Parkinson’s diagnosis, treatments, and general health and wellness for those living with PD. Lunch will be available for registered participants.

Agenda/Topics

Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

 

Gut Health: Fact vs. Fiction – Sherman (Virtual) – FREE

Please join us for Gut Health: Fact vs. Fiction
VIRTUAL PRESENTATION – Open to the Public
Hosted by Sherman Library
Presented by RVNAhealth

Thursday, January 25th – 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Gut health has risen in popularity all over the media and generally with good reason. Scientists are just starting to scratch the surface on how important our gut microbiome is for overall health. But with new information comes lots of misinformation. Join Monica Marcello, RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian, MS, and Nutrition Educator and learn what is worth your time and effort and what can be left behind to effectively optimize your gut health and improve your overall health.

Registration Details Coming Shortly

EXERCISE CLASS: Strength and Beyond – Ridgefield

As an enhancement to RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes, we are pleased to present our new class, “Strength and Beyond”!

This class, a level up from our original Balance and Beyond class,  is designed to build strength, restore balance, improve your mobility all while giving your brain a great workout!

This higher intensity interval training class will have you moving through a series of upper and lower body strengthening, functional mobility, balance and cognitive stations all customized to meet your fitness level and goals.

This program is geared towards everyone with a focus of those finding it difficult to start an exercise program or those who need help progressing their current exercise program.  Exercises are also specific for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. What a great way to exercise in a group and meet new people. Bring your friends and exercise together!

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Strength & Beyond classes are offered every Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.