A Tale of Two Diets – a Primer on Intermittent Fasting and the Ketogenic Diet

Nuts, salmon, avocado, eggs and other high-fat and protein and low-carb food choices
On Jan. 25, RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian and nutrition educator, Ava Safir, JD, MS, RDN, presented A Tale of Two Diets at Fit Club in Ridgefield, offering education and information on Intermittent Fasting and the Ketogenic Diet. The presentation was fascinating, covering the science behind the diets as well as benefits and pitfalls of both. Following is key information from the presentation. Continue reading

Cast Your Ballot for RVNAhealth!

The exterior of Fairfield County Bank in Rowayton on a partly sunny day
Fairfield County Bank has selected RVNAhealth as one of four charity contenders for their February 2020 Charity of the Month program. This honor is in addition to their decades-long support of our organization and our mission. Cast your ballot for RVNAhealth!Continue reading

Essential Health and Travel Safety Precautions

There is currently no vaccine for the 2019-nCoV infection. During this Novel Coronavirus situation, as always, you should practice essential safety and travel precautions, as advised by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Continue reading

Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Basics

A graphic showing the CDC's recommendations for reducing risk of being infected with coronavirus

The 2019-nCoV is a novel strain of a common family of viruses called coronaviruses. Coronavirus infections are most prevalent during the winter months and range in severity from the common cold to more virulent strains.

The Coronavirus presents as a mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, headache, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. 

Coronavirus information and updates are being released up-to-the minute by such global health organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

These sources offer timely, measured information, recommendations for prevention and treatment, information for travelers  and recommendations for action. 

In addition to staying informed, follow standard health and travel safety measures
(with increased rigor), and stay up to date with all recommended vaccines (include flu and travel-related immunizations).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact RVNAhealth Community Nurse Manager, April Rodriguez, RN.

Tips for Understanding and Tracking Your Blood Pressure

An American Heart Association infographic with recommendations for understanding your blood pressure and getting an accurate reading.

Did you know that one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure? By 2030, it is expected that over 41 percent of U.S. adults will have this condition. The normal blood pressure for adults age 20 or over is no higher than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

The first number in your blood pressure reading is always larger and refers to systolic BP (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats). The second number in the reading is always smaller and refers to diastolic BP, the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats and refills with blood.

RVNAhealth offers blood pressure screenings throughout each month. View our Community Events Calendar for dates, times and locations.

The infographic below from the American Heart Association is a handy source for understanding your blood pressure and recommendations for ensure that you get a proper reading.

Recommendations include:

  • Don’t smoke, exercise, drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol within 30 minutes of measurement.
  • Rest in a chair for at least 5 minutes with your left arm resting comfortably on a flat surface at heart level. Sit calmly and don’t talk.
  • Make sure you’re relaxed. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor with your back straight and supported.
  • Take at least two readings 1 minute apart in the morning before taking medications, and in the evening before dinner. Record all results.
  • Use properly calibrated and validated instrument, check the cuff size and fit.
  • Place the bottom of the cuff above the bend of the elbow.