Get to the Starting Line with RVNAhealth

August 4 2021:  In just over three months time, Andrea McGowan will be standing on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island, about to embark on one of life’s fascinating journeys: the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon. Between now and then, Andrea will increase her weekly running mileage; conquer distances she has never approached before; and will log hundred of miles on the roads. Andrea is doing the race not only for personal challenge and fun, but to raise funds for Girls on the Run NYC, a not-for-profit organization with a mission near and dear to her heart.

To get to the NYC Marathon starting line feeling her best, it’s Andrea’s job to stay healthy and strong, which is exactly what brought her to RVNAhealth on a recent weekday evening.  Andrea came for a Running Evaluation with RVNAhealth physical therapist, Kate Campbell, DPT.

“I’m so excited to be training for and running the NYC Marathon,” says McGowan. “I feel great right now, and I want to keep it that way. I’ve had shin splints, occasional Achilles tendinitis, and some toe pain in the past, and I want to keep those at bay, so I can enjoy my increased fitness, and relish the race experience.”

“Training for a marathon — or any race for that matter, “says Campbell, “is a true investment of time, energy, and emotion. You want to stand on that starting line confident, strong, and ready to achieve your goal. It’s no fun to race injured or tentative. Our Running Evaluation is an intensive assessment that helps you understand your strengths and vulnerabilities. Andrea is smart to be doing this proactively, so nothing will sideline her training or compromise her race.”

The 90-minute evaluation includes video analysis of running mechanics; strength assessment of muscles related to proper mechanics and injury prevention; flexibility assessment; a foot and shoe analysis; and an individualized home exercise program based on the evaluation results and aligned with personal goals.

Meet Andrea McGowan

Andrea McGowan, at left, with Kate Campbell, DPT

Q:  How many years have you been running?
A:   I have been running for about 10 years, but have competed in other sports my whole life.

Q:  What did you learn in your Running Evaluation with Kate?
A:   I learned so much about my stride; where I should be striking the ground; where my feet should land with regard to my body, and much more! I also learned some great exercises that can help me prevent injuries.

Q: When did it first occur to you that you wanted to run a marathon?
A: After I did my first half-marathon in 2017 (Fairfield Faxon), I think it ignited the idea! I like to push myself and having a goal to work toward really helps my mental health while improving my workouts! I decided to take a gap year before I start medical school in 2022, so now feels like the perfect time!

Q: Do you know what you’ll be focusing on in medical school?
A: I’m interested in working in gastroenterology or women’s health! I truly haven’t decided, but I hope to do research and practice clinically. (By the way, Andrea is going to medical school at the University of Michigan. Go Andrea!)  

Q: How is training going?
A: Training is going well! I look forward to my workouts after I finish my work day. I have been following a training plan that was recommended to me by a few other runners. I am trying to be super intentional with my workouts and also with my recovery. I am increasing my mileage gradually each week.

Q: Do you think you’ll be a multi-marathoner, or ‘retire’ after NYC and move on to other pursuits?
A: I can definitely see myself catching the marathon bug because I like working toward goals! I think it will be a matter of how this one goes and how much time I have in the future.

Q: Can you tell us a little more about Girls on the Run (GOTR)?
A: Absolutely! Girls on the Run NYC is a nonprofit organization that empowers young girls through a transformative running-based curriculum. The program focuses on building skills surrounding connection, confidence, self-esteem, and goal-setting all with the overarching goal of helping girls recognize their limitless potential!  I am so excited to be part of the GOTR NYC Marathon team. In today’s world, girls are constantly greeted with the idea that they are not enough and that they need to change themselves in millions of ways to meet societal ideals. I love that GOTR works to challenge those beliefs and empower girls to be their authentic selves.

To learn more, or schedule an RVNAhealth Running Evaluation, contact rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org, or call 203-438-7862.  

COVID-19 Vaccine: Taking it to the Streets

After a successful run at Yanity Gym in Ridgefield, administering over 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines from January through May 2021, RVNAhealth took the show on the road this June, bringing the vaccine and education to individuals where they live, work — and sometimes even where they play. We’ve administered vaccines in homes and we’ve set up shop at street festivals, schools, churches, libraries, and, of course, the Danbury Farmers’ Market!

And individuals and families have come. Many who want to learn about and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut have not yet had the opportunity. Real-life obstacles — time, transportation, access — have gotten in the way. “Our work this summer,” says Laura Shulman Cordeira, Director of Community Health & Wellness at RVNAhealth, “is not about volume. It is about finding the pockets of individuals and families who want the vaccine – or want to learn about it – and simply have not had access or opportunity. This work is very important. Everybody who wants the COVID-19 vaccine deserves to get it.”

Whenever possible, RVNAhealth works to offer nutrition along with the vaccine. We’ve partnered with Community Food Rescue, conducted food drives, and at the Farmers’ Market, vaccine recipients are given $10 vouchers to shop at the Market following their shot.

RVNAhealth’s work in Danbury is made possible through the generosity of the Danbury Health Equity Grant and in collaboration with the many Danbury partners who support it, including: Danbury Health Department; Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC); Community Health Center of Danbury; Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut; and RVNAhealth. 

2021 Mary Edna Cargill Scholarships Announced

This June, RVNAhealth was delighted to honor our 2021 Mary Edna Cargill Scholarship recipients. The Mary Edna Cargill Scholarships are awarded each year to deserving Bethel residents who are enrolled in, or pursuing, degrees in a health-related field.Continue reading

Welcome Sophia!

On June 8th, we welcomed a very special addition to our RVNAhealth team —  Sophia, our very own therapy dog! There have been lots of ooohs and aaahs around the RVNAhealth offices since she arrived and several weeks later, it still takes Sophia quite a while to get to her desk in the morning — what with all the greetings and affection.

Sophia, a golden retriever, is two years old and has been in training since her birth.  She 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.

Prior to her arrival in the office, our three RVNAhealth handlers, Stephanie Notaro, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator; Stephanie Collins, BeWELL Coordinator; and Garrett Walkup, Hospice Pastoral Care Coordinator received extensive training with Sophia at ECAD — Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities.  They all passed their final exams, and graduation took place on June 16th. It was a lovely ceremony with four other graduates alongside our Sophia. It wasn’t announced officially, but we suspect she was the valedictorian. She’s awfully smart. 

Since her arrival, Sophia has been busy getting acquainted with the RVNAhealth Ridgefield and New Milford offices, her working role, and her handlers. She has been on hospice patient visits, has visited Ridgefield Crossings and Wilton Meadows, and has chaperoned at COVID-19 vaccine appointments. We’re looking forward to bringing her to all the towns we serve. Sophia truly comes to life when she’s doing her job.  As should we all! 

In the weeks and months to come, she’ll be going to volunteer events, bereavement groups, and community education and outreach events.  As Sophia’s schedule fills up and we introduce her to society, we’ll keep you posted on opportunities to say hello. She’s quite a darling. Check out the photos below.

 

RVNAhealth Heads to the Ball Fields

We all need children in our lives, which is why RVNAhealth was especially honored and happy to sponsor a minor league team in the New Milford Youth Baseball and Softball League this past spring. RVNAhealth and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice merged last November, opening the way for expansion teams and brand new sponsorships. Go team! Continue reading

Danbury Farmers’ Market and RVNAhealth Team Up for Vax + Veggies

RVNAhealth and the Danbury Farmers’ Market are teaming up to host Vax + Veggie this summer. Vax + Veggie is simple — every Friday from June 25 through August 27, RVNAhealth will be on-site at the Danbury Farmers’ Market to provide COVID-19 education and vaccines for all those interested, ages 12+.  No IDs or Insurance are required — everyone can just come as they are!Continue reading