׉?4ׁB!בCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://cgLQxj6iEQxeFuW3CeWkHsKgLgaS7QCXLYn_URboHbcPt`n׉ 7cassandra://3ySlW3D2vvASHTvcXNuqZiHiTBZZhINtresriYOUoFsͱ`׉ 7cassandra://hXqAi4ue3aoggbCj1AoOLTA9cvji4x6uG407rHZoC6U;`׉ 7cassandra://A_ugXI9qNpJG_xFIszFHijPLfX5uSK0_Oprryi8jwXw L4͠EaSMpXJӺ/׈EaSMpXJӺ!׉EPrime Time C ONNEC TICUT OCTOBER 2021 GETTING THE FACTS Brist back their annual health fair Erica Drzewiecki | Staff -- Advocates for Bristol Seniors’ table at the Bristol Senior Center’s Informational Health Fair Thursday. From left, secretary Jan Palin and vice president Carol Kallberg. Call the owner, Tyson, at 860-583-1526. Voted 2021 & 2020 Best Nursing Home! So far, we had 0 residents w/COVID. F ׉ 7cassandra://hXqAi4ue3aoggbCj1AoOLTA9cvji4x6uG407rHZoC6U;`aSMpXJӺ"aSMpXJӺ! sבCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://P1tl6W2TdeG0UfqAycNAnJ5Wfyv6KXtIfC-dNIjy8OA]`n׉ 7cassandra://0kb-3H9n-KRKZGaK7HSkrkg8PXQ-r_fgfVSZpV5Fkao͎`׉ 7cassandra://T9eigz_hDJ8HxnAhWXb7j-7bfjU4rzL4lQ5PoZS9Nic-`׉ 7cassandra://jtnn4AaW7wWkPDMItFMiYmtN6MxXJBd3inco_wJVFzAO~͠EaSMpXJӺ2טsu׉׉ 7cassandra://52qAqj9BJp5LLfNbM-M1CFE68uQrOMCwX_FC1EUaRkQ ?`n׉ 7cassandra://Y0CzgxO8t0hXQ5K5Xg2VVIL0a9dndS_qQMZK43-3VSIͮ`׉ 7cassandra://0wfWys2IzWQKfmwqAL7opzUo8G0J-zXi1XQLWRBYIzE2`׉ 7cassandra://3rQ33POjmavf-mTlSqSmBWweVm_FsHceRat3voSO1BQlCt͠EaSMpXJӺ3נaSMpXJӺ?&l9ׁHhttp://www.rydershealth.comׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺ>0̸̆9ׁHhttp://belair-manor.netׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺ=̣ 9ׁHhttp://www.PinesBristol.comׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺ<_a 9ׁHhttp://Ktelderlaw.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EINSIDE October Bristol Senior Center’s Information Health Fair sees good turnout, provides quality knowledge PAGE 6 FEATURES 3 Daniel O. Tully | 4 Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri 5 Stephen Allaire | 8-9 Healthy Living 10 Datebook Connecicut Prime Time is published monthly by Central Connecticut Communications, LLC, One Liberty Square, P.O. 1090, New Britain 06050. Free copies are distributed throughout Central Connecticut. For a location near you, call 860-225-4608. Prime Time is a free newspaper and is delivered at no cost. Should you choose to receive copies, or have delivery stopped, please call 860-225-4608. Michael E. Schroeder Editor and Publisher mschroeder@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Erica Drzewiecki Staff Writer edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Gary Curran Advertising Director gcurran@centralctcommunications.com 860-225-4601 Eye Center Locations One Lake Street, Building C, New Britain, CT 06052 • 860-826-4460 1345 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 • 860-585-0000 1 (800) 889-6008 • www.starlingphysicians.com B2 Connecticut PRIME TIME • October 2021 Joanne Cyr-Callaghan, BC-HIS Board Certi fi ed Hearing Instrument Specialist Because I Wear Hearing Aids Myself, I Understand Hearing Loss. VOTED BEST BEST OF READERS’ POLL ES OFT O 021 20 MEDICAID ACCEPTED HEARING SPECIALIST YEAR AFTER YEAR BEST OF READERS’ POLL ES OFT O 021 20 860-506-3720 | 72 PINE ST., BRISTOL www.bristolhearingaids.com Comprehensive medical care for routine eye exams, the treatment of eye disease, and ocular surgery Alan L. Stern, MD Corneal Surgery Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery Laser Vision Correction Patricia A. McDonald, MD Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery External Diseases Edward P. Fitzpatrick, MD Disease & Surgery of the Retina & Vitreous Diabetic Retinopathy Macular Degeneration Martin C. Seremet, MD Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery Glaucoma Therapy & Surgery Sarit M. Patel, MD Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery Christopher J. Russo, MD Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery Dr. Charles R. Robinson, MD Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery Tracey L. Asmus, OD Routine Eye Exams Contact Lens Exams & Fittings 97459 ׉ 7cassandra://T9eigz_hDJ8HxnAhWXb7j-7bfjU4rzL4lQ5PoZS9Nic-`aSMpXJӺ#׉EColumn Expanding home care services We often hear complaints about the State of Connecticut, from taxes to long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, in the area of paying for home care, the State of Connecticut is a national leader. For several years now, our state has been expanding home care services, including paying for 24-hour care. The state has predicted long-term care trends for the next 20 years. The state projects major increased demand for and use of home care provided through Medicaid. Seniors nationwide and in Connecticut are demanding alternatives to institutional care. In most situations, seniors are more satisfied with their care when it is received at home. One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a significant loss of personal autonomy, but it also comes with a tremendous financial price. Nursing home care costs between $180,000 and $216,000 a year. Studies show that older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes if they possibly can – not a surprise. As a result, most care is provided at home, whether by family or by hired help. This has many consequences, some of which may be quite unexpected. To begin with, family members shoulder most of the burden of caring for the elderly at home. Being the primary caretaker for someone who requires assistance with activities of daily living, such as walking, eating and toileting, can be a consuming and exhausting task. One important consideration when one family member has the sole responsibility of caring for a parent or other older relative is the question of equity with other family members. For example, is the child being fairly compensated for her work? If the older person is living with a child, does the elder help pay for the house? If the care is taking place in the elder’s home, should the child have an ownership in the house? For parents with only one child, such arrangements may not be so complicated, but if the parent has more than one child, it can be difficult to know what’s fair. Connecticut, like most states, is recognizing that home care is more costeffective than institutional care. In Connecticut, financial or other assistance may be available for those who choose to remain in their homes despite declining capabilities. Public and private agencies Daniel O. Tully offer a variety of home care services that may be available: Home health care, either parttime or 24-hour care Personal care and homemaking services, such as shopping, cooking and cleaning Services to the home, such as meals programs, transportation and home repair Medicare and Medicaid provide some One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. coverage of the medical portion of home health care. (In some cases, 24/7 care can be covered.) Although the coverage is often inadequate, when combined with other resources available to the client and his family, it may be enough to keep a fragile older person at home for a longer period of time. An experienced elder law attorney can devise creative solutions to your health care puzzle. Knowledge is power and knowing that you can stay at home should give you peace of mind – and hope. Daniel O. Tully is a partner in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc., with offices at 120 Laurel St., Bristol. Contact him at 860-583-1341. ktelderlaw. com. Ktelderlaw.com 860-589-1682 61 BELLEVUE AVENUE BRISTOL, CT 06010 www.PinesBristol.com Bel-Air Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 256 New Britain Ave., Newington Ph: 860-666-5689 • belair-manor.net • 31 Spacious Private Rooms • Specialized Cardiac Pulmonary Orthopedic Rehabilitation & W ary • Aquatic Therapy, Urology Clinic, and IV Therapy • Out Patient Therapy nic, “For me, the Aqua Th erapy in the S Pool motivated me to get back to the place I love, the ocean!” Short-term Care • Rehabilitation Services • Post-acute and Transitional Care Ryders Health Management Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers www.rydershealth.com IF LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE THEN A SMILE IS PART OF THE CURE High Quality Care is not complete without the kindness and compassion of a dedicated staff. At our center, we strive to provide excellence in care with the friendliest of smiles. Our staff is committed to going the extra mile to make your time spent with us a five-star experience. Let our smiles be a part of your road to recovery. Visit us online or call to schedule a personal tour today! • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies • Orthopedic Injuries and Post-Surgical Care • Respite Care MEDICARE 5 Star Rating BEST OF READERS’ POLL 2021 October 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME B3 • Cardiac & Pulmonary Recovery Programs • Hospice Services Coordination 90998 ׉ 7cassandra://0wfWys2IzWQKfmwqAL7opzUo8G0J-zXi1XQLWRBYIzE2`aSMpXJӺ$aSMpXJӺ# sבCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://5KToepj_Nbp4m458MDunb6YghuIhOG24QGqaLYAj4Ds#`n׉ 7cassandra://adbnZAy34Z9QgEdf1ZGIVhFvBbbdVdSAbeCrhM1_uAw͡`׉ 7cassandra://jHPHhRRBiCAOKTHU5uLXT4BeD9__yicy3BOKpmFlOcc+`׉ 7cassandra://EGPqFQvXAdzIZO8xJvBgyFzamlMYvHyaYNonmSxMpS4S2͠EaSMpXJӺ;טsu׉׉ 7cassandra://huMWE0EyU6tlG0hyGqe-8sfZnZvcJPOFbP4KNVGJEf0&"`n׉ 7cassandra://YXc_IfgwRHSGqdfRtjsjGuGzL9USmhaqth9Va5ex0b4͡W`׉ 7cassandra://kzo7gMzG807RZJZv0CllsJBGsQQ1Sr4sbBRsf3kfC_M3h`׉ 7cassandra://KfuCA-yU0Of60248RqQa34TaDkwUm-b6uObatfLalXs\͠EaSMpXJӺ@נaSMpXJӺD'̓9ׁHhttp://www.allaireelderlaw.comׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺCb9ׁHhttp://www.nutmegtv.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EColumn Are you ready to become your parent’s caregiver? By CZEPIGA DALY POPE & PERRI LLC All major life transitions require preparation and adaptation. Graduation, moving into your first apartment, landing your first job, getting married, having kids, changing careers, retiring — each of these life events typically comes with a lot of planning. Becoming a caregiver for an aging parent, however, is an event that takes many people by surprise. Sometimes, there’s a sudden health crisis like a stroke or a deteriorating chronic condition. Other times, the turning point is a long time coming, but is obscured by denial. Americans who provide care for a loved one wish they could go back and take more time to prepare. They wish they had known which questions to ask, which steps to take, and how to best assess the situation so that they could guarantee the best quality of life for their parents and themselves. If you’re considering taking on a caregiver role, your first step needs to be an honest assessment of what support you can realistically provide. You need to consider logistical matters such as availability, financial flexibility, physical capability and skill level. But also, you must consider your emotional capacity to handle what can be a stressful situation. You should also give some thought to how taking on caregiver responsibilities will affect other relationships in your life. Examples of the kinds of questions you might ask yourself include: How much time do you have available on a regular basis? How will becoming a caregiver affect the time you spend on other parts of your life? Metro News Service Is your working situation flexible enough to accommodate the additional responsibilities of care giving? Where can you reduce other responsibilities in your life? Do you have the skills necessary to provide the kind of care that’s needed? While your initial response might be to just do whatever needs to be done to ensure your parent’s well being, it’s important to step back and ask the hard questions that will help you determine if becoming a caregiver is the best solution for everyone involved. Perhaps even more difficult than asking yourself hard questions is sitting down with your parent for a frank and personal conversation about what lies ahead. In the best-case scenario, you will cover a range of topics to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for any eventuality. Having advanced directives in place allows you and your parent to specify B4 Connecticut PRIME TIME • October 2021 wishes in case of a medical emergency. A living will helps to clearly define your parent’s preferences if they are unable to speak for themselves. In addition, though they may be difficult to discuss, having a healthcare proxy and — if it’s what your parent wants — a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place are important elements of a proactive plan. It’s traumatic enough to see your parent endure any kind of medical crisis, but even more so if you also have to bear the burden of making critical decisions without the benefit of knowing your parent’s wishes. Likewise, getting up to speed on your parent’s entire financial situation is an important step that will help avoid confusion and inconvenience later on. In addition to having a firm grasp of your parent’s overall financial situation including assets (real estate, stocks, bank accounts, and any other valuables such as might be stored in a safe deposit box), you also need have detailed knowledge of insurance policies and coverage. Make sure that you have access to and the authority to manage all the relevant accounts in case of an emergency. On a related note, it’s critical to have early conversations about how to handle the disposition of various assets in preparation for potential developments that might require applying for Medicaid or some other benefit that will be granted based on financial need. Talking to one of our Connecticut elder law attorneys who can provide guidance on the best way to preserve your parent’s financial assets can make a world of difference. Finally, it’s of the utmost importance that you take the time to explore all the support resources available to you. Caring for an elderly parent is not an easy task. The demands of managing the day-to-day care are only one aspect of the responsibility. On top of those tasks, there are the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, healthcare professionals, and other groups and individuals. Failing to take care of your own needs will put you at risk for physical and mental burn out. Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri is an estate planning, elder care, special needs, litigation and probate law firm with five offices in the state, including Berlin and Simsbury. More information is available at czepigalaw.com ׉ 7cassandra://jHPHhRRBiCAOKTHU5uLXT4BeD9__yicy3BOKpmFlOcc+`aSMpXJӺ%׉EColumn Taking care of your mother, father When mom or dad are in decline, physically or cognitively or both, families are faced with questions and choices on how best to care for them. Although circumstances vary from family to family, there are guidelines to help decision making. The goal is to be in the least restrictive living situation possible, but to be safe. Home is the starting point and where most want to stay. If dementia advances enough to create safety risks such as leaving the stove on, or letting strangers into the house, or wandering or not doing proper hygiene, a child or other caretaker must be in When mental faculties decline to the point where 24 hour care is needed to assist with the house to keep a watchful eye. Once when my grandmother was alive, she was found wandering and lost in a town next to where she lived. Fortunately, the police recognized her, spoke Polish, knew our family and I got the call to come get her. She had no clue what was happening, but from that day on a family member or friend had to be with her to keep her safe in her own house. Stephen Allaire bathing, dressing, toileting or transferring in or out of bed or a chair, then actual physical care is needed, and for some that is impossible due to work schedules or for those who live too far away to provide care. Although Connecticut has some of the strictest rules in the country for home care eligibility, it does have good funding for those who can qualify. In some cases, that could mean 24-hour care at home. It behooves families to get early and thorough advice on what programs are available, and how to plan to qualify for them. With my mother, we started with two wonderful women who alternated hours and days for about 5 hours a day. As her dementia increased that gradually grew to almost 8 hours a day. But she was losing weight and one of my eldercare coordinators said, “She needs more socialization”, so we moved her to an independent living facility that had many people she knew from our hometown. She put on 12 pounds in three weeks because she was socializing at breakfast, lunch and dinner and took part in group activities. To a greater or lesser degree everyone needs socialization and physical health will benefit from it. Her caretakers still came in daily, but her spirits and health brightened. VA benefits paid for part of the care. After three years in independent living, her dementia took a turn for the worse and she became full care. At that point, a skilled care facility was the practical answer and at that point she qualified for Medicaid. The point of this personal story is to show there is no one size fits all. Some children live nearby, and others don’t. Some are working or caring for their own children or a spouse and time is limited. If an elderly person has significant physical problems, and requires two people to assist in or out of bed, a chair or the toilet, then it is prohibitively expensive to stay at home and at that point a nursing home may Convert Your Stories VHS Tape Photos Nutmeg TV, 9 Eastview Dr., Farmington We Don’t Send ‘EmOut! Don’t They Deserve It?? 860-321-7405 www.nutmegtv.com October 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME B5 be the only option. Another option for care short of a nursing home is assisted living. Connecticut has many good facilities, that provide meals, cleaning, supervision, and socialization. In general, those are for people who can pay privately, as Connecticut Medicaid does not pay for the cost of assisted living. The greater central Connecticut area is blessed with many living options, including continuing care retirement communities. Those provide fully independent living to start, then change to assisted living as needed, and full nursing level care if required. Attorney Stephen O. Allaire and Attorney Halley C. Allaire are partners in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with offices at 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, 860-259-1500, or on the web at www.allaireelderlaw.com. If you have a question, send a written note to either Attorney Allaire at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, and they may use your question in a future column. Film Slides ׉ 7cassandra://kzo7gMzG807RZJZv0CllsJBGsQQ1Sr4sbBRsf3kfC_M3h`aSMpXJӺ&aSMpXJӺ% sבCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://uPvmeT7Yls7y96803C-Ve9t8S5TDEuPRX2SDpANV_to`n׉ 7cassandra://cG-PojBqWj-WAMKpLp7eAs2azoOaHvMj6lawyuNgTQIͫ*`׉ 7cassandra://Tx5Aodguw0sWyZbTMO82kImB5XBPU22tNyV0o0aZyFw8G`׉ 7cassandra://soRDWYyLkJlSVKxFC0AGZzbSVlo610lyugISc_LX7dEp ͠EaSMpXJӺEטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://GVcz_aSPDwSgLLyF0dSZsChlCe_7eduwEASCXKisP6Q`n׉ 7cassandra://ZzPld0aKS-8yT_rilbQN-6CXZQIj_bhJMotd7K8WQDMͯ`׉ 7cassandra://YDzH8SZjMmg1Llwt0MV7HGY3KLPY-81bRb71iF6EFUE5`׉ 7cassandra://CLrTYNOzPF_LlKsNOq5CltbJDxARDCmRH2TkNA18R74 R͠EaSMpXJӺFנaSMpXJӺJ~T9ׁHhttp://www.medicare.govׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺI̝9ׁHhttp://www.mbmanor.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EStaying in good health Bristol Senior Center holds annual Information Health Fair, provides important knowledge Erica Drzewiecki | Staff Visitors to the Informational Health Fair peruse booths in the Bristol Senior Center gymnasium Thursday. By ERICA DRZEWIECKI A year ago the mantra was “stay home, stay safe” and although we aren’t free of covid-19 quite yet, people are now coming out of their homes with good health in mind. The Bristol Senior Center’s Annual Informational Health Fair drew upwards of 250 seniors from Bristol and surrounding communities Sept. 23. The largest event held inside the facility in a very long time, the fair represented a rebirth of an annual tradition. Physical, emotional and mental health and wellness were promoted by over 50 different vendors form all facets of the community - from housing and transportation, to healthcare, insurance and veteran’s affairs. only for the good of older adults, especially coming out of this pandemic. Admission to the fair is free and The largest event held inside the facility in a very long time, the fair represented a rebirth of an annual tradition. “Our whole goal is just to get the information out there,” Senior Center Assistant Director Jason Krueger explained. While other venues that host health fairs pile on vendor fees and charge admission, Bristol’s Department of Aging does it B6 Connecticut PRIME TIME • October 2021 vendors are charged a modest fee ahead of time, if only to guarantee they will show up to participate. Seniors were simply asked to register in advance for staggered arrival times throughout the morning. “People signed up for their hour and it allowed us to control the numbers coming through our building,” Senior Center Director Patty Tomacak said. “Adding the sign-up was very beneficial because it didn’t have everyone showing up at once and it gave people the opportunity to visit freely with the vendors they wanted to.” Masks are still mandated in the senior center at all times, by all people, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Walking out of the gymnasium, husband and wife Ed and Alice Testa carried goody bags filled with handouts and health information. “It was very informative,” Alice said of the fair. “And it was just wonderful ׉ 7cassandra://Tx5Aodguw0sWyZbTMO82kImB5XBPU22tNyV0o0aZyFw8G`aSMpXJӺ'׉E :Erica Drzewiecki | Staff Erica Drzewiecki | Staff VAdvocates for Bristol Seniors’ table at the Health Fair Thursday. From left, secretary Jan Palin and vice president Carol Kallberg. to see people I haven’t seen since we reopened the center.” Bristol-Burlington Health District staff were on-hand signing people up to receive the covid-19 vaccine if they hadn’t already. Bristol Stop & Shop Pharmacy Manager Samantha Fraczek administered the flu vaccine to countless individuals. “Every year it seems we have more people showing up,” she said. “We did a lot of flu shots today.” At Wheeler Clinic’s table, visitors discovered that the organization offers much more than behavioral and addiction services. “People were excited to learn that we do primary care as well,” Community Health Worker Luis Perez said. Standing tall beside a lifesize model of a spine was Dr. Hugues Valcourt, of Sovita Chiropractic. “I’m checking people’s posture and telling them how it’s affecting their bodily functions,” he said. Willing participants were asked to step up onto two small Dr. Hugues Valcourt explains the importance of good posture for the spine during the Bristol Senior Center’s Informational Health Fair Thursday. scales, one foot on each, to test their weight distribution. “The biggest issue with the senior population is forward head posture,” Valcourt pointed out. “It forces constant pressure on the spine and that affects all functions of the body. Constantly remind yourself to stand tall and sit tall.” There to meet seniors and sign up new members were Bristol Advocates for Seniors Vice President Carol Kallberg and Secretary Jan Palin. Their group sponsors causes and Monsignor Bojnowski Manor Skilled Nursing Facility • 50 Pulaski St., New Britain Call 860-229-0336 or visit www.mbmanor.org A Compassionate Bridge to Wellness • 24-hour skilled Nursing Care • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • End of Life Care • Social & Therapeutic Programming/Activities • Beautiful Surroundings • Discharge Planning • Coordination of Homecare Services for your return home • Respite Care • Pastoral Care • Short-Term Rehabilitation & Recovery Stays • 7 Days a week of Therapy Services October 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME B7 organizations that improve the lives of Bristol seniors, such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and Dial-a-Ride. “We’re trying to get new members to sign up and join our committee,” Palin said. The Senior Center’s next big happening is the 8th Annual Craft Fair, set for Oct.22-23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items are handmade by area vendors and Bristol seniors, who work in the center’s woodshop, ceramics, quilting and other groups. Admission is free.  5 Star Rating for Overall Quality Care by Nursing Home Compare www.medicare.gov 72960 ׉ 7cassandra://YDzH8SZjMmg1Llwt0MV7HGY3KLPY-81bRb71iF6EFUE5`aSMpXJӺ(aSMpXJӺ' sבCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://CYmX86tvO773b7muSTUeqIYfDB_On3EkiPINvBaUH8Iv`n׉ 7cassandra://Jgn3dV2VfdDeF0NHY01wsX6cOLd4q_uM7NnYs3yr9nE͚E`׉ 7cassandra://IoydgEjyemo3TGX-zRd6qbrQiL3k44i2b9p59ZXxjAA-K`׉ 7cassandra://gDE-UJYy4LCBF9Tr8Xig7mh14zHoBz-IW6Pdbiumahǩ6͠EaSMpXJӺHטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://t-rKOGLQgA4M4_f4wEIuS0yoB-e5i93a1y76ZltsVlo`n׉ 7cassandra://OMPmQqnbl1SJpHT9x5eaEwBIQ5LR2eMiGwJ26nxGhLwͥ`׉ 7cassandra://GF_hZDNME0exgLnLNbJOWPBYFw5PHLrsLPC-DF8yfaM0`׉ 7cassandra://Ik4xJiJgleyZSeGDAoN-r6yS27R632Gx1Yzmc14mBnc5F͠EaSMpXJӺK׉E &HEALTHY LIVI NG Making a full recovery Support can be positive for covid-19 longhaulers The covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in truly unprecedented ways. Both physically and mentally, the impact it has had on all of us can’t be denied – and that certainly rings true for those who have had covid, thankfully recovered, but who are still feeling the lingering effects of the virus. We commonly refer to these individuals as covid longhaulers. They often struggle with getting back to full strength following their battle with coronavirus. Shortness of breath, continued fatigue, brain fog, mental health issues and a host of other lingering effects are still experienced. activities have become difficult tasks as symptoms are still hanging around several weeks or months later. To fully recover, we know additional support may be needed. We’re happy to say that Bristol Health is here to Lynnette Senetcen, RN provide that extra help in regaining the happy and healthy life that was experienced pre-covid. We invite anyone dealing with issues surrounding coronavirus to join us in our COVID Support Group. The goal of the Support Group is to provide an opportunity for people to share their personal experiences and feelings, When your mental health is in a good place, you can then focus your attention on the lingering physical effects covid-19 has left behind. Prior to contracting covid, these individuals were active and healthy, participated in competitive sports, ran marathons and took care of their communities. Now, simple learn about coping strategies and to receive information about the resources that are available. There’s no pressure to share. We welcome you to B8 Connecticut PRIME TIME • October 2021 Metro News Service come and listen as simply being around others who are going through something similar and hearing their stories can help. There is a special guest speaker and free refreshments as well. The next meeting is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 4-5 p.m. It meets in the Hughes Auditorium at Bristol Hospital. Lisa Coates, LCSW will be the session’s guest speaker to talk about the effects covid has on your mental health. The mind is the perfect place to start recovery. When your mental health is in a good place, you can then focus your attention on the lingering physical effects covid-19 has left behind. The Support Group is part of Bristol Health’s Post-Acute COVID-19 Treatment & Rehabilitation (PACT) program. The program brings multiple specialists together to provide our community’s covid longhaulers with the individualized care they need to achieve maximum recovery. For questions about the Support Group call 860585-3580. Lynnette Senetcen is a registered nurse in Bristol Hospital’s Bernie Guida Center for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. She helps lead the PACT program. ׉ 7cassandra://IoydgEjyemo3TGX-zRd6qbrQiL3k44i2b9p59ZXxjAA-K`aSMpXJӺ)׉E HEALTHY LIVI NG Knowing the facts Understanding prostate cancer symptoms and treatments September is recognized as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – shining a spotlight on one of the most common cancers among men. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 250,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease in 2021. At some point in their lives, roughly 13% of men will deal with a prostate cancer diagnosis. There are two types of screenings for prostate cancer. The first is a PSA test, which is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen – a substance that comes from the prostate. High levels of PSA could be an indication of prostate cancer. The second type of screening is a rectal exam, in which the doctor will feel for any abnormalities or nodules on the prostate. If the PSA level is high, or Kenneth Weisman, MD then talk to the patient about doing a biopsy. We go in and get a closer look to know exactly what we’re dealing with and make a diagnosis. So when should you start being screened for prostate cancer? Generally among men with no risk factors, doctors start doing the PSA screening between the ages of 50 and 55 years old. However, for men who have a family history of prostate cancer, and for African American men, who have a higher prevalence of prostate cancer, screening should begin between the ages of 40 and 45. Symptoms of prostate cancer, compared to other cancers, may not be as obvious. Some of the symptoms I see in men over the age of 40 are most often urgency or frequency when it comes to At some point in their lives, roughly 13% of men will deal with a prostate cancer diagnosis. something of concern is felt during the physical examination, we will urination, a decrease in the stream of urine, or getting up more than once at night to urinate. Some men may not notice these changes right away because they can gradually get worse over the course of several years. If someone Metro News Service is noticing any of those symptoms and they go on for a month or longer, he should see a doctor. When it comes to treatment, there are several different options, depending on the individual’s diagnosis. Prostate cancer runs the gamut from not posing any risk to being life threatening. One of the big advances in prostate cancer treatment has been adding the option of active surveillance. If we find a minimal amount of cancer that’s low grade and testing reveals that the cancer is unlikely to progress, the patient can opt to come back to be re-evaluated every six to 12 months. If a more advanced form of cancer is found, a patient can undergo a robotic surgery to remove the prostate. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, doctors will work with patients to determine the best course of action, which may be radiation therapy or other forms of treatment. If caught early, prostate cancer can be very survivable. Men need to pay attention to their body and if they notice any changes, see a doctor. Dr. Kenneth Weisman is a board-certified urologist with the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group and the Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute, with offices in Bristol, Plainville and Southington. For more information, visit https://hartfordhealthcare. org/services/urology-kidney or call 860.348.2500. October 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME B9 ׉ 7cassandra://GF_hZDNME0exgLnLNbJOWPBYFw5PHLrsLPC-DF8yfaM0`aSMpXJӺ*aSMpXJӺ) sבCטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://I-YfBkYO5O9eYkegF69zkg9cV8cAQWZWq8ZrCLfSzaU`n׉ 7cassandra://t7-KQiy72MI8xbGuuOkejmEF_fS570XjIUvvrdpOffQͮ(`׉ 7cassandra://OqGDmqZNEh07eSZB-f3bGpNW0N-GSGS0SgEU2JxFH2k-U`׉ 7cassandra://ri6Z_wp-KKOVJFmpR--T6bZstH4ShApDrr4Q4Rt88Q0vY"͠EaSMpXJӺNטsu׉׉ 7cassandra://OykU-_O0F8Gm6NpADRxsT3ns66lECiLh-Uf0N_y1neEG`n׉ 7cassandra://XEzSnrhAXi6pRSrqZDB3rJtbmBA2P3S_fZg_wVP_a4I͖`׉ 7cassandra://MIFIndEE2dAt082cEhwcQZr1__Wx6RK8rgsXQLEZLrY5`׉ 7cassandra://q6TvjUgjlzOPJmPn88KyflnfxdsGLOyBHlxeoD8li8IL>_͠EaSMpXJӺOנaSMpXJӺT̥9ׁHhttp://www.HHCHealth.org/ׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺS}̆9ׁHhttp://omkeystone.comׁ ׁ ЈנaSMpXJӺRJہ̗9ׁHhttp://www.faceook.com/ׁ ׁ Ј׉EDAT EBOOK Ongoing Cruise Nights The Bristol Auto Club's 2021 Cruise Nights are back. They will be held every first and third Saturday until October 2. Admission is free. There is also raffle prizes and oldies music. These event will be held at 430 N. Main St. Car Meet Up The Foxbody Club of Connecticut will hold a meet up every Friday in the Bristol Friendly's parking lot at 497 Farmington Ave. Bring out your car and see other cars. The event starts at 6 p.m. Free Movie Tuesdays Bristol Senior Center shows films every Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. in the Dining Room. There is a 25 person capacity. You must call 860-584-7895 to reserve a spot. Bristol Senior Center is located at 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Cornhole Bristol Senior Center will be offering Cornhole for any Bristol Senior Center member. Games will be played Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in their Gymnasium. They will be capping the number of participants at 16 per day. Registration is required by calling 860-584-7895. Bristol Senior Center is located at 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Shuffleboard Bristol Senior Center will be offering Shuffleboard for any Bristol Senior Center member. Games will be played Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in their Gymnasium. They will be capping the number of participants at 12 per day. Registration is required by calling at 860-584-7895. Bristol Senior Center is located at 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Pickleball Bristol Senior Center will be offering Pickleball for any Bristol Senior Center member. Games will be played Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., or 2:30 to 4 p.m. in their Gymnasium. They will be capping the number of participants at 12 per time slot. This schedule will only run until they’re able to schedule some of our other activities again. Registration is required by calling 860584-7895. Bristol Senior Center is located at 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Bristol ‘s Farmer’s Market The Bristol Farmer’s Market is back. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will continue every Saturday until October 30. The farmers market accepts payment vouchers from the Woman, Infants and B10 Connecticut PRIME TIME • October 2021 Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has certified all participating farms in the market. Art Happy Hour Art Happy Hour returns at New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. The event will happen every Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. New Britain’s Farmer’s Market The New Britain Farmer’s Market will be open in Central Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesda,y through October 27. Social distancing is enforced throughout the market and hand sanitizing stations will be set up for public use. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will also highlight a vendor each week and showcase local businesses. Those interested are highly encouraged to follow the Parks and Rec Facebook page at www.faceook.com/ nbparksnrec for weekly updates. Om Keystone looking for volunteers Om Keystone association, a fundraising group, is seeking to continue to support the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol, but needs help. “ We are not looking for donations or dollars. We are, however, looking for your time, your compassion, skills and talents. We are looking for young and not so young members of our community who are interested in making a difference for the benefit of our kids,” the group said in a release. Visit omkeystone.com for more information. Tuesday| 5 Virtual Class: Understanding Lymphedema The free virtual class, “Understanding Lymphedema,” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., and will provide information about the causes and effects of swelling, management techniques, and how skilled occupational and physical therapy can help. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or go online to www.HHCHealth. org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class. Thursday| 7 Virtual Class: Healthy Brain Series Information and strategies on maintaining a healthy brain will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, presented by a certified dementia specialist from Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registration is required; call 1-855442-4373 or go online to www.HHCHealth.org/ VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class. Thursday| 14 Virtual Class: Creative Communications - The Use of ‘Fiblets’ Communication is impacted differently throughout the stages of dementia and many caregivers report that it is stressful. Join the virtual class from 6 to 7 p.m. This program will share creative communication tips to better connect with your loved one with dementia. Presented by Patty O’Brian, CDP, and dementia specialist. Sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or go online to www.HHCHealth. org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class. Saturday| 16 Celebrate New Britain! Cedar Mountain Commons, will be hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to learn more about how living at a senior community can be the most comfortable. ׉ 7cassandra://OqGDmqZNEh07eSZB-f3bGpNW0N-GSGS0SgEU2JxFH2k-U`aSMpXJӺ+׉EW OCTOBER, 2021 CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 1. Pouch 4. Cooling device 7. Corporate exec (abbr.) 10. Antidiuretic hormone 11. South American plant 12. Adult female bird 13. Type of snake 15. Soak in water 16. Emerge 19. Church tower 21. Having solidified from lava 23. Eye parts 24. Natural 25. Swiss river 26. Require to live 27. Obstruct 30. Immobile 34. Expression of satisfaction 35. Moved quickly 36. Popular cocktail 41. Dish detergent brand 45. Waxed finish 46. Kyrgyzstan mountain range 47. A place to get clean 50. Able to be rescued 54. Large, open grassland 55. Expressions for humorous effect 56. Hindu goddess 57. Beverage container 59. Long narrow hilltop 60. Sir (abbr.) 61. Data executive 62. Doctor of Education 63. Car mechanics group 64. Autonomic nervous system 65. “The Partridge Family” actress CLUES DOWN 1. Cavalry-sword 2. Gland above the kidneys 3. Hat 4. Predict 5. A teamÕs best pitcher 6. Countries 7. Substitutions 8. Peruses again 9. Popular food 13. Reciprocal of a sine 14. Of or relating to the ears 17. __ juris: Independent 18. Keyboard key 20. Fat from a pig 22. AC manufacturer 27. Organization of N. and S. American countries 28. 22nd star of a constellation 29. Scoundrel 31. A way to save money 32. Boy or young man 33. Midway between northeast and east 37. Egg-laying mammal 38. Salt of citric acid 39. Barbary sheep 40. Actress __ de Mornay 41. Gambling hotspots 42. Wing-shaped 43. Basked in 44. Poison 47. Beats per minute 48. Macaws 49. Military vehicles 51. Elderly woman 52. Body part 53. Midway between east and southeast 58. Forearm nerve (abbr.) 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