Flu Season Prep: Importance of Vaccines for Seniors

Fight the flu with vaccination

As flu season nears, protecting seniors is essential, as they are more vulnerable to complications. A key step is getting the annual flu vaccine, which can significantly reduce risks.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Seniors, especially those over 65, have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to serious flu-related complications like pneumonia or worsening chronic conditions. Most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths occur in this age group.

The Flu Vaccine’s Benefits for Seniors

While not a guarantee against infection, the flu vaccine lowers the chance of getting the virus and reduces symptom severity. High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are available for older adults, offering stronger protection.

When and Where to Get Vaccinated

Seniors should get vaccinated by late October to be protected as flu season begins. RVNAhealth is happy to provide several opportunities to check this task off your list!

  • Saturday, October 5th from 9am-12pm – RVNAhealth 49th Annual Wellness Fair – Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, Ridgefield. Walk-in flu vaccines (high-dose and regular) are offered to all individuals 6 months and older. Vaccines are free for children through the age of 18. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Saturday, October 19th from 9am- 11am – RVNAhealth Drive-Thru Clinic, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. As another convenient option, we offer our drive-thru clinic in the parking lot of RVNAhealth in Ridgefield. To expedite your process, please book a time slot HERE (1 slot per family/car) AND complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • At RVNAhealth By Appointment, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield – A limited number of appointments at our Ridgefield office will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening hours until 6pm will be available on Wednesdays. Available appointments may be booked HERE (1 slot per family). Please also complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Other Flu Prevention Tips

  • Practice hygiene: Wash hands frequently and use sanitizer.
  • Avoid sick people: Limit exposure to those who are ill.
  • Boost immunity: Eat healthily, stay hydrated, and rest.
  • Clean surfaces: Disinfect high-touch areas regularly.
  • Caregiver Vaccination: Caregivers should also get vaccinated to help shield seniors from the flu.

For More Information

Flu vaccines, paired with preventive measures, are crucial for protecting seniors during flu season. Contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555, or fill out our contact form with any questions. You can also visit our flu vaccine page for more information.

Walking BIG for Parkinson’s Disease

Walking BIG for Parkinson's Disease Event

Join RVNAhealth for our first annual ‘Walking BIG for Parkinson’s’ walk on Saturday morning, September 7th in downtown Ridgefield.  We’ll be walking to raise money, spread awareness, and celebrate RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center’s first full year supporting individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s in our community.  Funds raised by the walk will help bring continued Parkinson’s education, therapy, and support to the community and help subsidize treatment and programs for those needing financial support.

This event is a great opportunity to honor and support those living with Parkinson’s disease and is a great outing for the whole family to participate in. Grab your friends, family, and co-workers, and come out to support a great cause.

Register by August 30th

Registration is $40 per adult, with kids ages 12 and under free. All participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch, refreshments, and dessert.  Music will be provided by Big Daddy.

Register by scanning or clicking on the QR code below:

Event Schedule

9:00 – 10:00am:            Check-in at RVNAhealth main parking lot and get your t-shirt

10:00 – 10:30am:         Opening ceremony

10:30am – 11:15am:    Walk begins!  Two options – a 0.5 mile and a 1.5 mile planned route through Ridgefield downtown

11:15 – 12:00pm:        Join us back at RVNAhealth’s parking lot for lunch, refreshments, meet with vendors, and enjoy our DJ

 

About RVNAhealth

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.

A Celebration of Health, Wellness, and Friendship at the 2023 Autumn Dinner

On September 30th, RVNAhealth held its annual Autumn Dinner at Silver Spring Country Club. Great fun was had by all, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, scotch tasting, dinner, our amazing “Date Night for a Year” raffle, an exciting live auction, and heartwarming generosity in support of our vital programs and services. We are proud to offer home health and hospice care, Well-Child Clinics for children and families in need, and our Chronic Care program to help vulnerable uninsured and underinsured neighbors.

Jeanette Rizzo, this year’s impact speaker, shared a personal story about how RVNAhealth was “without a doubt, the best decision” she made when choosing health and home care for her mother. Her story highlights the very special bond that was created between her family and her mother’s RVNAhealth caregiver – a relationship which reflects the experience RVNAhealth strives to create for every patient and family member in their care.

Theresa Santoro, the President & CEO, delivered an inspiring address, underscoring RVNAhealth’s mission and both its commitment to and profound role it plays in the community’s well-being.

RVNAhealth serves a diverse range of people across 35+ Connecticut communities, from uninsured children to those in need of sports medicine, to elderly individuals with varying medical requirements, and those requiring end-of-life care. Mrs. Santoro highlighted the organization’s broad-reaching impact and its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all.

The evening’s program included a scotch tasting sponsored by Compass Box Whiskey, live musical entertainment by singer/songwriter Nick DePuy, and autumnal centerpieces generously donated by Mary Jones at Rodier Flowers. The charismatic Tom Pesce guided guests through an engaging live auction and paddle raise to raise funds in support of RVNAhealth’s mission.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the dedicated RVNAhealth staff, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jeanette Rizzo for her valuable contributions as the evening’s guest speaker, our sponsors and advertisers for their unwavering support, and every member of the Autumn Dinner committee for their tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication in planning and organizing this unforgettable event.

Celebrate and Support RVNAhealth at Autumn Dinner 2023

RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner 2023

RVNAhealth will host its annual Autumn Dinner on Saturday evening, September 30 at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, CT. The Board of Directors, Autumn Dinner Committee, and friends of the organization look forward to celebrating the meaningful work of RVNAhealth and the continuum of care the agency provides throughout 35+ Connecticut communities.

Guests will enjoy evening cocktails and live music by Nick DePuy on the patio, bourbon tasting sponsored by Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, and dinner. A live auction hosted by entertainer, Tom Pesce, will include spectacular prizes, including tickets to a NY Giants game in a fully catered suite, a Loon Mountain ski vacation package, dinner for 8 catered by renowned local chefs Sarah and Bernard Bouissou and more!

Our ever-popular “Date Night for a Year” raffle is back! The always exciting date nights include a spa experience for two at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, ACT of Connecticut and Danbury Hat Tricks tickets, and gift certificates to fabulous area shops, inns, and restaurants from Ridgefield to Litchfield, to name just a few!

The evening is hosted in support of RVNAhealth’s home health and hospice care, and the agency’s mission-driven public health services and wellness programs. This year’s impact speaker will be Jeanette Rizzo, who will share a personal story about how RVNAhealth was “without a doubt, the best decision” she made when choosing health and home care for her mother. Her story includes the very special bond that was created between her family and the RVNAhealth caregiver who was honored to attend Jeanette’s daughter’s wedding even though her mother passed prior to the event. This relationship reflects the experience RVNAhealth strives to create for every patient and family member in their care.

We would like to provide a tremendous thank you our sponsors, including:

  • Presenting Sponsor: Bill Lichtenberger
  • Diamond Sponsors: The Bossidy Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, Joseph and Shelley O’Connor, Eileen and Jay Walker
  • Platinum Sponsors: Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC, Robert H. Martinsen, Mutual of America
  • Gold Sponsors: BMW of Ridgefield, Cramer & Anderson, LLP, The Donnelly Family, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Starr and Harvey Herscovitch, Christopher and Mary Joyce, Meadow Ridge, Reynolds & Rowella, LLP, Savings Bank of Danbury, SimiTree Healthcare Consulting, Wilton Meadows and The Greens at Cannondale
  • Silver Sponsors: Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, John and Lori Berisford, Jill Bornstein/Upnext Leadership Coaching, Gaetano Castellano, Kevin and Elaine Cox, Anita and Nick Donofrio, Elizabeth Murray Ellis, Hamlet Hub, Adam and Glori Norwitt, Dan and Annette O’Brien, On the Mend Medical Supplies & Equipment, Donna and Joe Pastore/Pastore LLC, John and Joanne Patrick, Thomas and Michele Quindlen, Ridgebury Riders, Rodier Flowers, Union Savings Bank, Peter and Lisa Vanderminden, Barbara and William Wyman, Young’s of Ridgefield.

If you are interested in supporting the RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, you may purchase sponsorships, program book advertising, or tickets at RVNAhealth.org.  If you would like more information, please contact Debbie Campbell at 203.438.5555, x1249 or dcampbell@rvnahealth.org.

Gather Your Friends and Join RVNAhealth’s Annual Spring Breakfast!

Click here to Sponsor a Table or Make a Donation
RVNAhealth will host its 22nd Annual Spring Breakfast on Friday, April 28 from 7:30am-9:00am at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. The Board of Directors, Spring Breakfast Committee, and friends of the organization look forward to celebrating the meaningful work of RVNAhealth and the continuum of care the agency provides throughout 35+ communities. Each year, the Spring Breakfast brings together 400 local business leaders, medical professionals, community groups, and RVNAhealth supporters to welcome spring and raise funds critical to patient care and program support. Funds raised allow RVNAhealth to care for patients and clients regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances and make a lasting impact on the lives of those served. It’s truly an inspiring morning and a great way to start the day! This year’s impact speaker is a business leader who has worked with RVNAhealth to provide care for her elderly parents. She will describe how the integrated continuum of RVNAhealth services supported her family, even as their needs changed, and she will offer useful insights for others who may be caring for aging loved ones. You are invited to become a sponsor or host a table at this year’s event, which will include a delicious breakfast, live auction with travel and entertainment packages, and a raffle with over 40 prizes. You may purchase sponsorships or tables online at RVNAhealth.org or contact Connie Marsala, Development Manager, at 203.438.5555, x1018 or cmarsala@rvnahealth.org.

Preventive Screenings Made Easy at RVNAhealth’s Wellness Fair

Where will you be on Saturday morning, March 25th? If you’re due, or behind, on any preventive health screenings or have health and wellness questions you’ve been meaning to call a professional about – why not stop by RVNAhealth’s Wellness Fair and check some of those things off your list…all in one place, at one time, and its FREE!

So, what’s the big deal about preventive screenings? Yes, they require time – and, let’s face it, it’s not fun – but, going to the doctors for preventive health care visits is an important part of overall health. At these appointments, doctors can recommend certain screenings that you should receive, depending on your age and medical history. These screenings may detect potential health problems early on, when your chances of slowing disease progression and/or successfully treating a health problem are the greatest.

Your age is a starting point in determining which screenings are most important. For instance, someone in their 60’s should be tested regularly for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, mental health conditions, and certain types of cancer. Other simple types of screenings, such as vision and hearing, are important at any age.

We know one of the barriers to completing these screenings is the challenge of making so many different appointments. That’s why RVNAhealth initiated its Wellness Fair nearly a half century ago – a community event for people to catch up on the most common health screenings, all in one day! And that’s why we continue to offer this FREE event each year. This year, RVNAhealth will host our 48th Annual Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 9am-12pm, at East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield. We invite you to come, take stock of your health, learn something new, and walk away with valuable resources.

Led by RVNAhealth’s clinical staff and representing our whole suite of services – nursing, rehabilitative therapies, nutrition, hospice, private caregivers, and social work – this popular event is designed to meet health and wellness needs across all ages. RVNAhealth partners with other local experts to provide a wide range of screenings: anemia, blood pressure, blood glucose, carotid artery, cholesterol, balance, foot exams, grip strength, hearing, vision, skin cancer screening and more. We will also continue our tradition of offering vaccines to the community – including high dose and regular flu vaccines, and COVID-19 boosters.

This year’s event is made possible with the generous sponsorship support of BMW of Ridgefield, Bethel Healthcare/Village Crest for Health and Rehabilitation, Brookdale Place, Homecare Homebase, Ridgefield Crossings, Ridgefield Glass, The Vascular Experts and The Greens at Cannondale/Wilton Meadows.

RVNAhealth will also be collecting donations of healthy, non-perishable food items for our Food Pantry, which serves our homebound and low-income patients in need. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win an Adam Broderick Gift Basket.

To stay up to date on the Wellness Fair or register for reminders, visit our event page. We hope to see you there!

Let’s Talk Bone Mineral Density

Beating Osteoporosis education

Osteoporosis is a common condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density which can lead to an increased likelihood of fractures from low trauma forces resulting in hospitalizations and decreased quality of life.  According to a 2010 CDC study, more than 10 million adults over the age of 50 had osteoporosis, with women having a higher likelihood (~30% of population, vs. men at ~16%). And with the consideration that osteoporosis increases with age, the lifetime risk of resulting fracture is 50% for women and 20% for men.[1]

Researchers recently took a closer look at the effectiveness of the current clinical practice guidelines and created a new and improved model for treatment. The new research shows that weight bearing exercises (such as walking, yoga, and tai chi) in combination with resistance training of varying loads were most effective in increasing bone mineral density in susceptible fracture locations such as the hips and base of the spine.

These guidelines are not universal. Fitness plans and treatments should be customized by a trained professional for each individual.

RVNAhealth is pleased to offer several upcoming and ongoing programs, aligned to osteoporosis prevention and treatment:

  • Ongoing class: Balance & Beyond – Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00-1:00pm at RVNAhealth. An ongoing 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! Learn more and register here.
  • Ongoing class: Strength & Beyond – Every Tuesday 1:00-2:00pm, and every Thursday 11:00am-12:00pm at RVNAhealth. This class is a level up from the Balance & Beyond class and 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. Learn more and register here.
  • Past class: Beating Osteoporosis with Targeted Nutrition and Exercise – January 25th from 12:00-1:30pm. Join us at the Ridgefield Library to hear RVNAhealth experts discuss (and demonstrate!) key exercises to optimize bone health and how nutrition can help to prevent and improve Osteoporosis. Come prepared to move! Watch presentation HERE.
  • Past class: Interactive Cooking Class – Three Bone-Building Recipes – January 27th from 4:30-5:45pm at RVNAhealth. Separate myth versus fact on all things osteoporosis and discuss mechanisms to promote bone health while cooking alongside RVNAhealth’s registered dietitian. Check back to our nutrition calendar for future offerings.

If you have questions regarding any of the above programs or would like to schedule an appointment with our therapists to create a program specialized to fit your needs, please contact us at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@RVNAhealth.org. We hope to see you soon!

[1] https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/Fulltext/2022/04000/Physical_Therapist_Management_of_Patients_With.9.aspx

An Autumn Dinner to Remember

On September 24th RVNAhealth hosted its annual Autumn Dinner at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Friends, supporters, clients, and clinical staff came together to celebrate the agency’s work providing exceptional health and wellness care for individuals of all ages.

Guest speaker, Joseph Pastore, shared his personal experience with the care his family received from RVNAhealth when their twins were born, one with a life-threating health concern. Twenty years later, he called upon RVNAhealth again when he suffered a stroke at age 53. Mr. Pastore has spent the past two years working with the RVNAhealth Rehab team and has successfully regained his strength and mobility.

President & CEO, Theresa Santoro, spoke about the increase in demand for home health and hospice care following the peak of COVID-19. “We surpassed quite a milestone this year, caring for more than 5,000 patients in their homes. That’s three times our patient count of 5 years ago.”

RVNAhealth cares for people across all stages of life in 35+ Connecticut communities, from first-time mothers and uninsured children to older patients with varying medical needs and people needing end-of-life care.

Mrs. Santoro noted the challenge of meeting the increasingly complex needs of patients in the context of the work force shortage. “RVNAhealth must remain a competitive and appealing employer through innovation and technology, education, and skills training.”

The evening featured a bourbon tasting sponsored by Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, live music by singer/songwriter, Nick DePuy, and autumnal centerpieces donated by Mary Jones at Rodier Flowers. Popular entertainer, Tom Pesce, led the guests through a spirited live auction and paddle raise to fund the RVNAhealth mission.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and RVNAhealth staff, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Joseph Pastore for serving as the evening’s guest speaker, our sponsors and advertisers for supporting the agency, and every member of the Autumn Dinner committee for their time, enthusiasm, hard work and dedication in planning and organizing this memorable event.

 

Don’t Miss the Fun at Our Autumn Dinner!

RVNAhealth is hosting our annual Autumn Dinner on Saturday, September 24 at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. We have a wonderful evening in store and invite the community to join us in celebrating and supporting RVNAhealth, our exceptional staff, and the vital healthcare services we bring to the greater area.

One of our biggest fundraising events of the year, guests will enjoy cocktails on the patio, a bourbon tasting, live music by local singer/songwriter, Nick DePuy, and a farm-to-table inspired dinner.  Our popular “Date Night for a Year” Raffle will return with gift certificates to fabulous area restaurants, from Ridgefield to Litchfield, an overnight stay at the West Lane Inn, a spa experience at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, a shopping spree at J. Seitz & Co., tickets to ACT of CT, MoMA and more!

Additionally, our live auction will offer several exciting experiences, including:  box seat tickets to see Andrea Bocelli perform at Madison Square Garden; first row tickets to see the Jets/Patriots battle it out in Foxborough, complete with a weekend stay in Boston; catered dinner for 10 by Chef Sarah Bouissou, of Bernard’s & Sarah’s Wine Bar; three-night stay for two in Monterey, CA, including golf at the Links at Spanish Bay and the Del Monte Golf Course; and a Presidents’ week ski vacation at Loon Mountain.

If you’re interested in supporting the RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, you may purchase tickets or make a donation to the event here or call Connie Marsala, Development Manager, at 203.438.5555 x1018.

RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner 2022 – Join Us!

RVNAhealth will host its annual Autumn Dinner on Saturday, September 24 at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. The Board of Directors, Autumn Dinner Committee, and friends of the organization look forward to celebrating the meaningful work of RVNAhealth and the continuum of care the agency provides throughout 35+ communities.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, live music by Nick DePuy, Bourbon tasting sponsored by Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, farm-to-table fare, and live auction all in support of RVNAhealth.

This year’s impact speaker will be Joseph Pastore, managing partner at Pastore LLC and active member of his community. Joe will share a personal success story about how the RVNAhealth team helped him recover his health following a sudden illness and return to the many activities he enjoys with his family.

RVNAhealth is very grateful for early sponsorship support from these businesses and friends.  If you are interested in supporting the Autumn Dinner, you may purchase sponsorships, program ads, or tickets online or complete this form  and return to RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Christensen at 203.438.5555, x1052 or jchristensen@RVNAhealth.org