RVNAhealth CNA School Graduates Its First Class

Theresa Santoro with graduates of RVNAhealth's 1st CNA School 2024

Pictured: CNA Graduates, teaching staff, and Theresa Santoro, President & CEO, RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is thrilled to announce the graduation of our inaugural CNA School class! Twelve dedicated students completed the program in August and passed the Connecticut State CNA exam, and we are excited to welcome them to the RVNAhealth team. Each of these graduates excelled in their studies, and we could not be prouder of their hard work and commitment.

Investing In Certified Nursing Assistants as an Integral Part of Healthcare
RVNAhealth CNA School 2024
CNA Students in the RVNAhealth Clinical Training Lab in Ridgefield, honing their skills before moving on to their hands-on clinical training.

Balancing the supply and demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) has been challenging at times, which is why we have long envisioned establishing a training program at RVNAhealth to support individuals aspiring to enter the healthcare field. Thanks to the generosity of dedicated donor, Linda Reddy, we are proud to offer a comprehensive training program that not only leads to certification but also provides employment opportunities within our organization. This program offers a valuable pathway for individuals to start or advance their careers, gain diverse experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare industry. “My donation to RVNAhealth is in honor of my father who had a long-standing career in healthcare and nursing. I am delighted to support this critical initiative to enhance the future of healthcare and am thrilled with the success of the inaugural class,” says Reddy.

Over the past decade, the role of CNAs in the home setting at RVNAhealth has expanded significantly. This reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare, with a growing emphasis on aging in place while receiving high-quality, personalized, and technologically advanced care.

The CNA role serves as a vital entry point for those looking to learn the complexities of patient care in a home setting. CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing essential care services that help patients remain healthy and comfortable. They often have the most direct contact with patients and their families, and their dedication, compassion, and expertise have a profound impact on patient outcomes.

Congratulations to our CNA Graduates

“Establishing this program has been a longstanding dream of mine,” says Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, “and we are incredibly proud to have achieved this goal. This initiative is a testament to RVNAhealth’s commitment to fostering the future of healthcare. By investing in education, we are not only supporting our community but also strengthening our mission to deliver excellence in home healthcare.”

Celebrating successful completion of RVNAhealth’s CNA School 2024
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.

Private Nurse Services: When and Where You Need It

private nurse services

Many people are lucky to have health insurance covering most medical needs. However, there can be times when extra healthcare services are desired. For example, a loved one might need help understanding new medication or care routines, or they might need a blood draw but don’t feel comfortable venturing out of the house, or maybe you just want a peace of mind vitals check and someone who can speak directly to their doctor. In these situations, RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL division offers private pay nurse services from licensed RNs and LPNs, allowing patients to access a wide range of medical services, including hands-on care, consultations, advocacy, and training.

The Benefits of Private Nurse Services

Services from our private pay nurses include offerings such as medication management, pre-pours and administration, routine injections not covered by insurance, blood draws and lab delivery, diabetes care, and elective procedure recovery, to name just a few.

Private nurses can also assist patients ‘informationally.’  They can accompany patients to medical appointments — asking questions, collecting information, and providing feedback and guidance to families and loved ones.  They can provide education to patients and families, and train family caregivers on routine care needs.  For distant families, a private nurse can act as a central point of contact, providing ongoing health monitoring, managing physician communications, offering professional insights and affording peace of mind that a loved one is being well cared for and well looked after.

A significant benefit of private nursing is direct and convenient access to high-quality, personalized care when and where you need it. Because private nursing operates outside of the realm of insurance, access to services can be immediate and flexible, offered in-home or at a patient’s facility, with no limitations on time or length of service. StayingWELL’s private nurses work directly with patients’ physicians, ensuring a collaborative and individualized care plan.

Meet Corrine Muy-Cando, BSN, RN, NCPD, CFNC, Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Corrine Muy-Cando
Corrine Muy-Cando, BSN, RN, NCPD, CFNC, Clinical Nurse Supervisor

Corrine is a private nurse and Clinical Supervisor for StayingWELL’s Private Health Care Services. Corrine has 25 years of experience in the healthcare field, with experience working in both direct care and hospital settings. In particular, her years of experience caring for oncology patients, as well as the disability community and those with special needs, has driven her passion for personalized, patient-centric care.

When asked what she values most about her private nursing role, Corrine’s response was immediate, “Time for my patients!” Elaborating, she explained how fast-paced the traditional medical field has become, including the time healthcare workers have to spend with their patients. Patients and loved ones are often left feeling unsure or confused about their care routines and needs following changes to their health. “Many will only remember a portion of the instructions provided by their medical team and don’t know how to access what they’ve been instructed. This is just one example of where we help — by filling the gaps and giving patients and their loved ones as much time as needed to deliver the care and understanding they need.”

Contact Us For More Information

Private nurses are employed by RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL Services as either Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses and all have access to the entire RVNAhealth suite of services and team, ensuring seamless care and transition between services if needed. Private nursing services are available to patients in-home and at facilities located in western Connecticut. A more detailed information sheet on private nurse services can be found here. To inquire about private nurse services, please contact us at info@rvnahealth.org or 203.438.5555, option 2.

 

Wrapping Up RVNAhealth’s First Dementia Education Series

dementia education

As June came to a close, so did RVNAhealth’s first Dementia Education & Resources series. Thanks to a grant from Union Savings Bank and support from our donors, RVNAhealth introduced the program in February, a series of 7 educational presentations to bring much-needed education and awareness to those affected by dementia or interested in learning more. With statistics stating that one in three seniors, ages 65+, will develop some form of dementia, many are surprised to find that community resources and education specific to dementia are lacking. As RVNAhealth’s first educational-focused series on dementia, “Our goal was to help fill the resources gap and provide those impacted by dementia with tools, support, and a sense of community. This was a great first step in the dementia education space. We look forward to repeating these presentations and bringing new requested topics and content based upon our attendee feedback,” says Gigi Weiss, MSPT, RVNAhealth Senior Director of Rehabilitative Therapies and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). P.S. – Read through to the end to find our video library of dementia presentations! 

Dementia Resource Building

Adding dementia education to RVNAhealth’s community education programming calendar was a natural step. With numerous Certified Dementia Practitioners on staff, RVNAhealth offers a broad array of care and support services, delivered by employees with the expertise needed to deliver exceptional communication and assistance between our team, the caregiver, patient, and family. Some of those services include:

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group: In support of the challenges and needs facing the caregiving population, RVNAhealth offers a Dementia Caregiver Support group monthly, in coordination with the Alzheimer’s Association. Held on the fourth Monday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office, the caregiver support group aims to create a safe, confidential, supportive environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.
  • Personal Medical Alert Services: At the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, when round the clock care may not be necessary, a personal medical alert device can provide caregiver peace of mind for the health and well-being of a loved one. RVNAhealth offers a variety of in-home and on-the-go Lifeline device options.
  • Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services help patients extend their independence in activities and speech.  Occupational and Speech Therapists help to stimulate cognitive and fine motor skills while providing practical tools to maximize activity, safety, and enhance quality of life.
  • Nutrition Services: Nutrition services for dementia, offered by our Registered Dietitian, are aimed at promoting appetite, healthy body weight, and positive engagement with food, while balancing each patient’s unique nutritional needs.
  • Private Duty Caregivers: Available as hourly or live-in, our private duty caregivers can provide a variety of non-medical personal and household assistance based upon a patient’s evolving needs.
  • Private Duty Nursing: Providing immediate access to care for medical needs and treatments not covered by insurance.  From medical care in the home, to medication preparation and administration, to peace of mind medical assessments and vital sign checks when getting to the doctor is too difficult – Private Duty Nurses provide immediate and customized care in coordination with a patient’s doctor.
  • Palliative & Hospice Care: For advanced dementia disease, palliative and hospice care with RVNAhealth provides in-home comfort care and peace to patient and family. An experienced team consisting of medical, social, spiritual, and family support volunteers bring their expertise and experience in dementia care to families and their loved ones.
Stay in Touch for Dementia News and Programming

To stay in touch with us about details or to register for any of these or RVNAhealth’s other educational and program offerings, please check out our calendar of events regularly. And if you would like to subscribe to our RVNAhealth Dementia-specific communications, please sign up HERE.

Dementia Presentation Video Library

For those that may have missed our presentations, or would like to go back and review topics, we are pleased to provide our dementia video library of the following recorded presentations:

 

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.

 

The Role of Geriatric Care Managers in Navigating the Aging Process

Geriatric Care Manager at RVNAhealth

What is a Geriatric Care Manager and why would I need one? This is an important question many have, but few know much (or enough) about! So let’s set the stage…

  • Do you have a loved one who has experienced a recent health or cognition change that will affect their daily or future living?
  • Do you know someone who is living alone or might need more care?
  • Do your loved ones have advanced directives in place, and have you had end-of-life care and wish discussions?

These scenarios only skim the surface in the range of topics that a Geriatric Care Manager can assist with. Whether seeking help during a period of transition or simply planning for the future, RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Management team of licensed clinical social workers offers expert senior guidance, advocacy, and support.

Help Designed For Navigating The Aging Journey

Navigating the complex world of senior care and aging requires careful knowledge and time. As RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Manager, Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, works to support and educate clients and family members through their unique aging journey.

“I consider a large part of my role as an educator. Often, when a loved one experiences a sudden health or cognitive change, the children or spouse are not prepared for what those changes mean. Most are not aware of critical resources and options available to them.  That’s where I come in. I am a passionate counselor and advocate for our senior population. And helping individuals and families navigate the aging process is an honor,” says Amy.

Amy spends much of her time meeting with clients to understand needs, developing a plan, and then getting to work in connecting them with relevant and available resources and options. That work can span a wide range of support depending on an individuals’ needs and circumstances. Support may come in the form of education or advocacy on health and medical resources, connection to legal or financial assistance, social services, living and caregiving options, end-of-life planning, and more. “It can be really hard to summarize the services of a Geriatric Care Manager,” says Amy. “But that’s the beauty and importance of what this role is all about – it’s about each individual client and family and assisting them with their own specific needs.”

Questions or Want to Discuss a Geriatric Care Management Need?

RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Managers are available to clients on a private-pay basis for as little as an hour or for as long as an individual or family would like for ongoing needs and oversight.  “A lot can be accomplished in a one hour conversation,” says Amy. If you have an inquiry or questions about Geriatric Care Management at RVNAhealth, please call us at 203.438.5555 option 2.

About Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, RVNAhealth Geriatric Care Manager

Amy Feder, RVNAhealth Geriatric Care Manager, LCSW, CDP, CMCPrior to her new role, Amy worked as an RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker.  She has also worked for many years as a Geriatric Care Manager for the Senior Choice at Home program through Jewish Senior Services. Amy’s background as a Certified Dementia Practitioner/ Geriatric Case Manager has provided her a unique ability in supporting geriatric patients and their families.  Amy has facilitated caregiver support groups throughout assisted living facilities in Connecticut and has spoken on the importance of self-care for family members caring for elderly loved ones.

Amy received her Master’s in Social Work from NYU in 1994, and has worked at both NYU Medical Center and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.  Amy is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association, NASW, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Care Manager (CCM) through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She feels it is a privilege to provide care for the senior population.

 

 

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.

Ridgefield Thrift Shop Awards Grant to RVNAhealth’s Hospice program

Ridgefield Thrift Shop grant award to RVNAhealth 2024

The Ridgefield Thrift Shop has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a grant to support the Ridgefield Thrift Shop Hospice Fund at RVNAhealth. Thrift Shop volunteers, Annette Robertson and Shirley VanDam, presented the grant check to Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO, and MJ Heller, RVNAhealth Director of Philanthropy, at the Thrift Shop’s grant award reception on April 29, 2024.

The fund was initially established in 2019 to help sustain the critical services provided by RVNAhealth’s hospice program. The renewal of this grant will continue to offset many unreimbursed program costs, including bereavement support to patients and families, music and pet therapies, end-of-life wishes, and the annual memorial service to name a few.

RVNAhealth’s hospice program serves patients in their residences, including private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or hospitals, and it addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to ensure quality of life and comfort in one’s final days. The program has grown exponentially since its inception in late 2018 and now serves more than 450 hospice patients and their families annually. In addition, dedicated agency volunteers provided 1,600 hospice volunteer hours to ensure patients and their loved ones received companionship and support at this difficult time.

The relationship between RVNAhealth and the Ridgefield Thrift Shop dates back to 1937, when the Thrift Shop was created to support and sustain the work of RVNAhealth, then known as the District Nursing Association.  “We are so thankful for this opportunity to continue to work together to ensure quality health care remains accessible to individuals throughout Connecticut,” says MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy at RVNAhealth.

“This grant will provide essential funding to our hospice program, making sure that our patients and their families receive the full care and support they need during such a sensitive time in their lives.  We are grateful to have compassionate and dedicated community partners like the Ridgefield Thrift Shop who help bring our mission to life.”

If you are interested in supporting RVNAhealth or learning more about our hospice or grants programs, please visit rvnahealth.org/support-us or contact MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy, at 203.438.5555, x1206, or email mjheller@rvnahealth.org.

Dynamic Duo: Volunteer Lead and Therapy Dog Win Hospice Award

Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and our beloved hospice therapy dog Sophia won the 2024 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care – Volunteer Award.

Pictured: Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and Sophia (Therapy Dog), along with Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO, and the RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care teams.

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and our beloved hospice therapy dog Sophia won the 2024 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care – Volunteer Award. The award was presented at the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home Statewide Hospice & Palliative Care Annual Summit.

About the Award

Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and our beloved hospice therapy dog Sophia won the 2024 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care – Volunteer Award.
Stephanie and Sophia are pictured here with Florence Wald’s daughter, Shari Vogler

The award was established to honor Florence Wald, a pioneer in improving the care of dying patients worldwide. Florence Wald’s focus on an interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care led her to open the first hospice in the United States (here in Connecticut!) in 1971. As a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to social justice and reverence for life, she invited patient, family, and team participation. She truly listened to their input which ultimately started the hospice reform movement in this country.

A Passion for Hospice Volunteers

In her role as Hospice Volunteer Manager, Stephanie Peppe is crucial in recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers who provide invaluable support to hospice patients and their loved ones. Stephanie manages a team of 70+ volunteers and in the past 12 months, they have provided over 1,600 hours of help in the office and the field visiting patients and their family members.  Stephanie is steadfast in her mission to educate and inspire others to recognize the value of hospice volunteerism. “People are usually drawn to hospice volunteer work because of a positive personal experience with a loved one,” she says. “But I encourage all to consider hospice as a volunteer path. It really doesn’t take much except being there — sitting with a patient, walking the dog, or providing respite for the family so they can run errands,” she says. “Presence means the absolute world to patients and their families.”

Welcoming our Therapy Dog

On June 8, 2021, RVNAhealth welcomed Sophia, RVNAhealth’s Hospice Therapy Dog. Sophia was trained at ECAD — Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities and was originally intended to be a seeing-eye dog, but her calm demeanor and mild pace ultimately destined her to be the perfect facility/therapy dog. In addition to her hospice volunteer role, Stephanie took on the lead role for our pet therapy program.

A Dynamic Duo for RVNAhealth Hospice

Together, Stephanie and Sophia have helped pioneer a special approach to hospice care, bringing comfort and companionship to patients in a unique and meaningful way. Sophia’s presence has been a source of joy and comfort to many, embodying the spirit of compassion and companionship that is central to hospice care.

Stephanie’s tenacity in challenging misconceptions about hospice care, her dedication to educating and inspiring others, and her innovative use of animal-assisted therapy with Sophia truly set her apart as a leader in the field of end-of-life care. Sophia’s role as a therapy dog has brought comfort and joy to many patients and their families, highlighting the importance of companionship and emotional support in hospice care. Together, Stephanie and Sophia have touched the lives of countless individuals, embodying the spirit of Florence Wald’s interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care. Congratulations to Stephanie and Sophia for embodying the spirit of excellence in hospice care!

For More Information About Volunteering at RVNAhealth

Watch Sophia, star in ‘A Day in the Life of a Hospice Volunteer”

RVNAhealth welcomes all inquiries for volunteer opportunities. The RVNAhealth volunteer program offers safe and diverse opportunities for donating time in a way that is purposeful and meaningful for everyday heroes of all ages. Share the gift of your time across our robust organization in an administrative role, or join our Hospice volunteer corps, dedicated to supporting patients and families at end-of-life. A little known fact specific to our hospice volunteers program — RVNAhealth, and all Medicare-certified hospice programs, are required by law to have 5% of service hours performed by volunteers.  Why?  Because hospice care in the U.S. was founded by volunteers, and the commitment to the power, beauty, and altruism of volunteering remains!

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at RVNAhealth, please visit us here and fill out our Volunteer Inquiry Form.

 

 

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.

Journey Essentials: Ready, Set, Road Trip!

Road trips and safe driving tips

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.

See AARP’s website for more information and tips on driver safety. We wish you safe and healthy travels on the open road!

 

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 21st Century Pain in the Neck

Text Neck and therapy at RVNAhealth

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.

Physical therapy can be accessed through a doctor referral or, for Connecticut residents, through the statewide Direct Access program which enables CT residents to see a physical therapist without doctor referral for up to six visits.

Are there ways to prevent neck strain?

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.

Join Us for Breakfast!

We hope to see you at our annual Spring Breakfast on Friday, April 26th, 7:30-9:00am at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT. The morning will be complete with exciting auction items, great raffle prizes, delicious breakfast, and an inspiring impact speaker.

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+ Connecticut 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 have a lasting impact on the lives of those served as well as their families. It is truly an inspiring morning and a great way to start the day!

Anne Mead, Ed. D., Director of Family, School and Community Partnerships for the Danbury Public Schools, will share insight into the partnership between RVNAhealth and the Danbury Schools, the profound impact of RVNAhealth’s Well-Child Program in Danbury, and the long-term, often life-changing, benefits the program provides to the families it serves and the community as a whole.

Laura Shulman Cordeira, MPH, Director of Community Health and Wellness at RVNAhealth, sums this up well in noting that “Our two teams have worked together to remove as many barriers as possible for students to meet the medical requirements needed to attend school. It is an innovative solution in a school district where the growth of the student population has outpaced the growth of pediatric practitioners.” Dr. Mead agrees, noting, “The partnership between Danbury Public Schools and RVNAhealth is invaluable to ensure health and access to education for our most vulnerable students and their families.”

This year’s Live Auction is filled with exciting opportunities including an African Safari for 2, a family summer vacation to Cape Cod, NY Yankees and NY Mets tickets, a NYC night out for dinner & a Broadway show, a four courses golf package … and more! Special thanks to our Sponsors, whose generosity provides invaluable support to our mission to provide unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.

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 that includes dozens of prizes. You may purchase sponsorships or tables online at RVNAhealth.org or contact Jennifer Christensen at 203.438.5555, x1052 or jchristensen@rvnahealth.org.