Meet Jeff Panepento, MSPT, CSCS, CKTP, CDP

Physical therapist and sports fan, Jeff Panepento, never seriously considered going into any other career than PT– unless you count his childhood dream of being a professional baseball player. Jeff has been with RVNAhealth for two years, and we think he’s right where he was meant to be. MLB’s loss was RVNA’s gain!

Where did you grow up? Where do you reside now?
I grew up in Rochester, NY, and now live in New Milford, CT.

What brought you to RVNA?
I was looking for a change after over 10 years at a previous clinic and heard that RVNAhealth was a great organization.  The more I learned about it through the interview process, the more impressed and excited I was at the possibility of working here.

What is your role at RVNA? I’m a physical therapist onsite at Rehab by RVNA, and I also treat patients in their homes for RVNA’s northern territory, which includes New Milford, Brookfield, Danbury, Bridgewater, and surrounding areas.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
This is just a great organization with great people. I enjoy the variety of treating patients both in our Rehab by RVNA facility and in their homes. And, I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the growth of our on-site services.

Did you ever consider another profession?
Nothing seriously. Other than professional baseball player, of course.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my kids and family, sports, and working out.

What is your hidden talent?
I was born with no sense of smell, like many of my other family members. I guess that could be considered a talent in some cases….

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would travel with my family, probably do some home updates, and definitely get some great front-row seats to some awesome sporting events and shows.

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story to share?
I just think it’s been cool that I’ve been able to work with people through their whole rehab process — from the day after they came home from the hospital and began physical therapy at home, to the conclusion of their therapy at Rehab by RVNA when they’re fully recovered. It’s given me a unique perspective on the therapy process and has been very rewarding to be with some of these great people from A to Z!

Sponsor Spotlight

For Chris Couri, Supporting RVNAhealth is Personal

Ridgefield native and business owner, Chris Couri, is part of a family dedicated to supporting local philanthropies. It’s no surprise, then, that he is an active supporter of RVNA. As the co-owner and president of Young’s of Ridgefield fencing and landscaping and President of We Do Lines, a parking lot striping company, Couri brings not only his generosity, but also his business acumen and services to the table. In fact, Young’s landscapes the grounds of the RVNAhealth building and We Do Lines “did the lines” in RVNA’s parking lot on Governor Street. Inside the building, Couri is a member of the RVNAhealth Development Committee, helping to cultivate donor and community relationships, and supports RVNA’s local fundraising events throughout the year. In addition to tending bar for RVNA’s 2017 Guest Bartender Night at Gallo Ristorante and chairing the 2016 Autumn Dinner, Couri serves as a member of the Marketing Committee and, thus, is a familiar face around the agency.

“RVNAhealth is very meaningful to my family because of the high level of service and care they provide in the Ridgefield community and beyond, to people in need from birth through end of life,” he says. “As they say, excitement is contagious. When you spend even just five minutes at RVNA, the amazing energy and constant buzz of good people doing good things proves how true that is. Giving back to our community is paramount in each of our businesses, and we feel honored to be able to support RVNA, their mission, and their team of all stars!”

Behind the scenes this year, as part of his RVNAhealth Governor Society membership, Couri sponsored the RVNAhealth Spelling Bee, Health & Wellness Fair, Spring Breakfast, and has pledged to support the upcoming Autumn Dinner with auction items and in-kind donations from his businesses. Couri himself was instrumental in creating and defining the Governor Society, an opportunity for loyal RVNAhealth business donors to structure their annual contributions of $1,000 or more in a way that is particularly meaningful to them as individuals and naturally aligned with their business offerings.

“Donors like the Couris, who look to support us more than just financially, but on a personal level, as well, with their time and expertise, are an essential part of RVNA’s connection to the community,” says RVNAhealth President and CEO, Theresa Santoro. “They serve the very community to which they belong every time they support our mission.”

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities at RVNAhealth or becoming a member of the Governor Society, contact Mary Jean Heller, director of philanthropy at (203) 438-5555 x1206.

Safe at Home

RVNAhealth Offers Home Safety Assessments and Modification Plans

We all want to feel comfortable and safe in our own homes. But, what’s comfortable and safe for one person may not be for another. And, your safety needs may change throughout your life, particularly if you have a change in your health. Maybe you’re having a joint replacement and need temporary modifications for better accessibility. Maybe you have arthritis and need a permanent solution to make your home more workable for you. Or, maybe you simply want to be sure you can stay in your home safely as you age. Whatever your situation, RVNAhealth can help.

Our skilled clinicians are trained to provide home safety evaluations and develop modification plans for those in need of temporary or permanent adjustments to their homes. Suggested modifications may be as simple as eliminating throw rugs, improving lighting, adding non-slip treads to the stairs, or installing grab bars in a shower. More elaborate solutions may include equipment such as lift chairs, ramps, or hospital beds.

“RVNA’s home evaluations are all about helping our customers remain comfortable and safe at home,” says RVNAhealth Care Coordination Manager Melissa Woodhouse, RRT, MOT, OTR/L, CDP. “Even small adjustments can make a big difference to a person’s safety and well-being.”

As part of the home evaluation, RVNAhealth works with clients to assess the property, identify areas of concern, recommend solutions, and help source products as needed.

“Our clinical expertise enables us to assess not only what a customer needs now, but also what they may need in the future,” adds Woodhouse. “And, we’re always available to re-evaluate at any point along the way.”

To schedule a home safety evaluation or learn more, contact RVNAhealth at 203-243-5555, option 2.

Home evaluations are very frequently covered by insurance. As part of the service, RVNAhealth helps clients determine if their assessment qualifies for coverage under Medicare or other plans prior to performing an assessment. For those assessments not covered by insurance, the standard fee is $149.

Protect Your Skin this Summer

Spring in New England has finally arrived, and summer is not far behind. We all look forward to spending more time outdoors, which means more time in the sun. The downside is that increased sun exposure brings with it an increased risk of ultraviolet (UV) skin damage, sunburn, and possibly skin cancer. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million new cases diagnosed and 2.2 million people treated annually. Each year the new cases of skin cancer exceed the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, and melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is the second most common form of cancer for those 15-29 years old. Whether from the sun or an artificial source, UV radiation is known to cause cancer, and it affects people of all races and ethnicities.

Even on a hazy or cloudy day, bad sunburns can develop because of accidental overexposure. The skin can repair a reasonable number of mutations that result from UV exposure, but this safety mechanism can be overwhelmed by massive DNA damage caused by a sunburn. Mutations that aren’t repaired can lead to the development of skin cancer.

A suntan is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself from additional sun damage. Because DNA or cellular damage is the prerequisite for pigment production, a suntan is a sure sign that the skin has been harmed. As of now, there are no effective treatments to reverse the damage and mutations caused by a sunburn, so prevention is key.

To protect yourself from overexposure, try to follow these precautions: do not let yourself burn or tan either outdoors or in tanning beds; seek shade when outdoors, especially between 10am and 4pm; wear sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, hats, sunglasses, etc.; apply sunscreen generously; use caution near water, sand and snow which reflect the sun’s damaging rays; check the UV index reported by the National Weather Service; and get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet and not excessive sun or indoor tanning.

Introducing … Rosalind Harris

Rosalind Harris is the administrative manager at RVNA. This means that she brings order, process, pragmatism — and often a healthy dose of humor and fun —  to the organization, building and the team.  Ros has worked at RVNAhealth for nearly 10 years … but did she ever aspire to be a nurse herself? Read on and find out.

Where did you grow up and where do you reside now? I grew up in Greenwich, lived in Ridgefield for 20 years, and now live in Danbury.

What brought you to RVNA? I learned of the opportunity at RVNAhealth and it sounded like a great organization to be involved with. It still is.

What is your role at RVNA? I’m the administrative manager and oversee contracts, office management, and assist Theresa. (That’s Theresa Santoro, President and CEO, incidentally.)

How long have you worked at RVNA? The time has flown by, but I will have been at RVNAhealth 10 years this summer.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love working with our staff and helping to make the office run as smoothly as possible.

Did you ever consider being a nurse? Oh no. I have the greatest admiration for all of our clinicians, but I don’t think I could inject an orange!

What do you love to do when you’re not working? I’m am outdoor person so I love to hike, ski, garden and kayak. I’m in a fun book group too and love going to my second home in Maine.

What is your hidden talent? I don’t think I have any.  (Editor’s note: Not true) I was a figure skater when I was young, so I can still get around pretty well on my skates.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Set up a charitable foundation and help RVNAhealth and other worthy causes. I’d probably travel too.

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?  I do have a funny story, but I don’t want to share it on the world wide web. Remind me to tell it to you some time!

Meet Lynn Karmel, Physical Therapist

Last week, shortly after the storm and tornadoes blew through the area and many of our patients and staff were without power and resources, RVNAhealth physical therapist, Lynn Karmel, sent an email to the RVNAhealth team that went a little something like this …

“We are one of the few houses in our neighborhood with power. Feel free to email me if you want to come over for showers, charging devices, and staying over. I have extra room and fluffy towels. I’ll even make breakfast!”

It was a tempting offer even to those of us with power! Lynn was been a physical therapist for 34 years — hard to believe — and with RVNAhealth for nearly two years, during which time both the staff and Lynn’s patients have relished in her professional talent and boundless generosity.  Learn more about Lynn Karmel!

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Bronx.

When did you decide you wanted to become a Physical Therapist?
I wanted to be a PT since I was fairly young…around 14 or 15, when I volunteered at Montefiore Hospital. They didn’t have any spots left to be a “Candy Striper,” so they asked me to help out in the PT department instead, transporting patients…. When I watched the therapists treating patients, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Watching patients progress and seeing improvements in their lives as they recuperate. I especially like seeing patients in their homes — in their own environments.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I like to go biking with my family. We love to try different biking trails. I also love to be at the beach — it’s my happy place.

What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is cooking.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would buy a small beach cottage … a comfortable place for my whole family (and potential future grandchildren) to spend time together.

Do you have a favorite physical therapy moment or story?
I love working for RVNAhealth. The staff has some of the kindest, most dedicated and caring people I have ever worked with.

March 2018: Meal Prep Saves the Day

“I hear about Food Prep Sundays and see people’s food prep photos on social media. Is food prep really what I need to do to reach my weight and nutrition goals?”

The short answer is “yes.” Advance food prep is an important tool to have when it comes to meeting your health and weight management goals. Why? As we’ve discussed before, planning ahead is an important part of any goal you’re trying to meet or habit you want to develop – whether it’s exercising more, sleeping better, or eating healthier.  The philosophy behind Food Prep Sunday is to invest a few hours on a Sunday (or whatever day works for you) to prepare healthy meals in advance and set yourself up for a successful, low-stress week. By preparing meals for the week ahead, you’re less likely to succumb to quick, unhealthy choices or take-out at the end of a hectic day.

An added benefit of this lifestyle shift is that it can significantly reduce the amount of food that gets wasted. This issue has become so pervasive in the US that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org) is addressing it as part of National Nutrition Month in March. Under the theme Go Farther with Food, the organization hopes to encourage people to plan ahead, not only for the sake of their nutrition goals, but also for the sake of cutting back on waste. Reducing the amount of food we all throw away saves money and cuts back on the amount of food that ends up in landfills. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Have a Game Plan
The first step is to plan your menu for the week. Consider keeping a “playbook” of your go-to recipes and rotate through them. Keep them simple, especially to start, and choose recipes that have some ingredients in common to save time and waste.  A good example of this is prepping lettuce for salads. Instead of cutting up one romaine heart, prepare the whole package so that assembling salads are quick and easy. Cut up bell peppers into strips to add to salads, use in stir-frys or enjoy as a snack. Meal Prep Sunday can include completing the recipe from start to finish and refrigerate/freeze  until you’re ready to eat it, or simply prep the ingredients – chop, marinate, etc., — so cooking the dish is easier later on. (Just make sure to follow proper safe food handling procedures, particularly when it comes to raw poultry or meat.)

The A-List
Once you have your plan, make a grocery list of all the items you need. And — here’s the tricky part – stick to it. Challenge yourself to buy what you need to make your meal plan a success, without being tempted by the things that aren’t part of the plan.

Shop Your Season
Choose fruits and veggies that are in season – they’re cheaper. Also, shop local if you can. Buying produce from a farmer’s market or local food stand means the food was picked recently and didn’t have to travel far to get to your table. The benefit? It stays fresher longer, so you’re less likely to throw it away before you have a chance to eat it.

Stock Up, but Don’t Overstock
We all know the expression “out of sight, out of mind.” The same holds true for food, so keep your fridge and pantry clutter free. Buy only what you really need for the week, and try to use up most of what you have before you venture out on your next shopping trip. If your fridge is overfull, you might not even realize what’s in there until it’s too late– what a waste!

Cook Once, Eat Twice
While you’re at it, consider doubling or tripling a recipe and freezing the leftovers in individual portions for those nights when you’re short on time.

Make Friends with Your Freezer
We all know the freezer is a great way to store leftovers so you can reheat them for another meal down the road. But there’s so much more it can do for you. Got berries or veggies you can’t use up? Catch them before they go bad – wash, dry, and toss them in a freezer bag to use in smoothies or other recipes such as muffins or sauces.

Oh, and BY the Way…
Sell by, best by, use by? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Deciphering the real meaning behind these guidelines can mean the difference between throwing away something prematurely and getting the most out of what you buy. Here’s a quick tutorial:  Sell by is a note to the grocer as to when the item should come off the shelf if not sold – so if it’s past the “sell by” date, you should pass by it in the store; best by refers to the time period when the food is at its best in terms of flavor, though you can still consume it after that date; use by means the food should be eaten by that date. Still confused? When in doubt, throw it out. As much as we want to save money and reduce waste, it’s not worth the price of getting sick!

Planning ahead in the grocery store and your kitchen is good for your waistline, great for your family’s budget, and even better for the environment. It’s a win-win (win). Good luck on your food prep adventure! If you need help getting started on your nutritional journey, feel free to contact me for a private consultation at 203-438-5555.

April 2018: Seasonal Allergies and Nutrition

Is there a link between seasonal allergies and diet?

I get this question all the time. And the short answer is YES!  There is a relationship between a person’s diet/nutrition and their seasonal allergies and the connection can best be understood with an explanation of “Oral Allergy Syndrome.”

Also known as “pollen-food syndrome,” Oral Allergy Syndrome is when a person exhibits an allergic reaction in response to certain food items, typically foods that are high in pollen and allergens, such as tree nuts, raw vegetables, and raw fruits. Different foods cause trouble for different people, and typically relate to their specific seasonal allergies.  But first, it’s important to note the difference between Oral Allergy Syndrome and more traditional food allergies to be sure you’re seeking the right help if you respond allergically to certain foods. Let’s start by breaking it down….

Oral Allergy What?

Those who suffer from seasonal allergies due to tree pollen, grass pollen, or ragweed can also experience a type of allergic reaction when eating foods that contain those allergens, as well.  Reactions can range from mild itching and tingling of the lips and tongue to extreme itching of the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. This kind of reaction is called Oral Allergy Syndrome. It is common in older children, teens, and young adults, and is most frequently found in people who have grass pollen, birch, and ragweed allergies.

What to Watch Out For

Allergic to ragweed? You may find yourself reacting to bananas, melon, or zucchini.  Sensitive to grass pollen? Dates, oranges, potatoes, or peanuts could cause trouble.  Is tree pollen your nemesis? The list of potential trouble makers is long, and includes apples, strawberries, cherries, beans, carrots, almonds, sunflower seeds, and more. The good news is that people who suffer from Oral Allergy Syndrome may be able to eat foods that typically trigger an allergic reaction if they’re cooked. Cooking alters the proteins that cause the reactions, so the immune system no longer triggers a response. Check with your doctor before trying this approach.

Food Allergies – Nothing to Sneeze At

It’s important to make the distinction between a reaction caused by the presence of pollen in certain foods, and a full-blown food allergy, which can be much more serious. There are eight major food allergens – fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. In allergic individuals, these foods cause symptoms ranging from mild itching of the skin that comes in contact with the allergen, stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, and hives to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.

While those with Oral Allergy Syndrome can sometimes eat bothersome foods by cooking them, this is NOT the case for those with a traditional food allergy. If you are having any concerns with reactions to food, it is always best to see your doctor or allergist to confirm whether or not there is a true allergy present.

As a dietitian, I work with many clients who have food allergies and intolerances. We work together to examine symptoms and see what foods work best for them. I’m also able to give clients alternatives to the foods that they really miss and help create menus to be sure they’re getting the proper nutrition for their needs.

If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, it’s critical to get tested by a professional, as opposed to trying to solve the problem yourself. Once you have your results, you can work with both your doctor and a dietitian to stay safe and find foods that you enjoy.

It’s allergy season.  Be careful out there!

If you need help getting started on your nutritional journey, feel free to contact me for a private consultation at 203-438-5555.

Hospice by RVNA Team Trains in Mind-Body Medicine

In early May, Hospice by RVNA team members Ashley Hicks-Kiefer, LCSW and Betty Avery, RN, BSN spent four days at Ann’s Place in Danbury attending professional training in Mind-Body Medicine.

They met and worked with leaders in the integrative medicine field as well as 100 colleagues from all over the world. In addition to experiential exercises in large groups, Hicks and Avery participated in eight Mind-Body Skills groups where they learned mind-body techniques — such as meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, working with drawings, breathing, movement — to develop self awareness and increase engagement in self-care.

Hicks, Hospice Social Worker, and Avery, Hospice Case Manager and Nurse, will introduce and share these techniques with their RVNAhealth Hospice patients as part of the care and attention they bestow.

Hospice by RVNA is currently achieving certification in the state of Connecticut and is expecting full certification in the next several months.

What is Arthritis and Who Gets It?

Arthritis is very common and refers to joint pain or disease. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Risk factors include age, gender (more women than men experience it), genetics, weight, joint injuries or overuse, and infection. Common arthritis joint symptoms are swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.  Symptoms can be mild to severe and can come and go. In some cases, the disease can progress and become debilitating over time.

Often thought of as a disease that affects the elderly, sixty percent of the American adults with arthritis are of working age, 18-64 years old. There are many different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, a wearing away of the cartilage that cushions joint bones and can result in chronic pain and the potential need for joint replacement. Other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and lupus.  Some forms of arthritis can affect other organs and cause widespread symptoms. Arthritis often occurs with other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity, and together they can make disease management challenging.

Appropriate treatment to reduce symptoms of arthritis depends on proper diagnosis as determined by a physical exam and other testing. At a minimum, a self-management education program, physical activity like walking or swimming, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce symptoms and preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life. In more serious cases, additional treatments can include medication, physical and occupational therapy, and surgery. Rehab by RVNA at 27 Governor Street provides physical, occupational and speech therapy on site.

For more information call 203-438-5555.