HealthONE: What Is the Magnitude of This Project?
Dr. Dirk Stanley, UConn Health chief information officer, addresses this in the first installment of the “HealthONE In the Know” video series.
https://youtu.be/kYPYOZVtyb8
Author: Chris DeFrancesco
Exclusive Preview of UConn HealthONE
The hypothetical story of a marathon runner named Honey Bewell will illustrate the different processes of a patient encounter using UConn HealthONE, the new electronic medical record system UConn Health is introducing in the spring.
The role-play scenario, titled “Marathon Misadventures,” is the main event that precedes a series of breakout sessions on Thursday, Nov. 9, collectively known as the Workflow Walkthrough.
In the light-hearted portrayal, happening in the Massey Auditorium at 9:15 a.m. and then again at noon, Bewell shows up at the UConn Health Emergency Department complaining of abdominal pain after completing the Hartford Marathon. Her medical history already is in HealthONE and immediately available to the triage nurse. Subsequent providers can easily review a consolidated patient history as well as the new details from this visit.
“It’s meant to be fun. It’s silly on purpose,” says Stephanie Vospette, a consultant on the HealthONE project. “We’re portraying what a patient might experience here at UConn Health, and we encourage people to come and see it.”
The intended audience includes management team members, physicians, nurses, technicians, subject matter experts, and various HealthONE team leaders.
“This is a consolidated demonstration of Epic that reflects what we’re building for UConn Health,” Vospette says. “It’s really an opportunity to see what work’s been done with HealthONE, a high-level view offering another look at the system, with the intention of increasing engagement and even generating some excitement.”
Epic is the vendor providing the software platform on which UConn HealthONE will run.
“Marathon Misadventures” also will demonstrate the involvement of HealthONE throughout different phases of care, including a follow-up visit. The breakout sessions, which include smaller-group demonstrations and open houses, start at noon.
“The team is really excited to be showing the UConn Health version of Epic to those who will actually use the system,” says Christopher Carroll, the HealthONE project’s director of ancillary applications.
To date, all of the HealthONE module teams have been working with their specific departments, but the role-play sessions show the integrated solution and data sharing that will be live on April 28.
Anyone who has the opportunity to attend and wants to learn more about how UConn HealthONE will work—or what becomes of Honey Bewell—is welcome to attend.
Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.
UConn Health November 2017 Programs, Events
Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for November and early December 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.
Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information. (Last updated 10/25)
UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Nov. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.
Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Nov. 20, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. A physician’s referral is required. Fee is $20. Call 860-679-3245 more information.
(Canceled 10/25)
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Nov. 22, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.
Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Dec. 2, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally will meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.
Breast-feeding Class
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.
MacNeil Stepping Down as Dental Dean
Following is an announcement from interim Provost Jeremy Teitelbaum:
Dean R. “Monty” MacNeil has informed me that he will step down from his position as Dean of UConn’s School of Dental Medicine on June 30, 2018, after 11 years of service in that role. Starting July 1, 2018, he will return to research, clinical and educational work as a member of the school’s faculty.
Under his leadership, the School of Dental Medicine reached number 11, rising from 18, in its level of funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The School received the pre-eminent award for a U.S. or Canadian Dental School for contributions to oral health and dental education, the William J. Gies Award for Achievement in 2016. The school increased the diversity of its student body to levels far above national averages, and, in partnership with the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, joined in the creation of a new cross-campus Biomedical Engineering Department.
The physical infrastructure of the school has been transformed under Dean MacNeil. The school has seen a new Dental Clinical Research Center; the Grasso Simulation Lab; the Dental Arts Center; and the new Orthodontics Center in the Outpatient Pavilion, as well as an expansion and renovation of its research infrastructure, classrooms, student work space, and administrative space. It also extended its community based programs, opening a new Pediatric Dental Clinic in West Hartford and a new practice in Storrs Center. In early 2019, an extensively renovated and expanded Dental Care Center will be complete, marking an almost entire renewal of the School’s infrastructure.
Dean MacNeil’s efforts also led to the establishment and growth of the Dental Medicine Alumni Association and to a major growth in philanthropic giving to the school. His efforts led to the school receiving the single largest gift in its history. He brought national recognition to the School through professional service and leadership activities, including his current service as Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Dental Education Association.
These contributions to research, education, outreach, and advancement form a truly distinguished record of service. On behalf of the entire university, and especially the faculty and staff of the School of Dental Medicine, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dean MacNeil for his efforts over the past decade and, indeed, over the entire period of his career at UConn.
During the next weeks, we will make plans to conduct a search for the School’s next dean with the goal of a smooth transition next summer.
UConn HealthONE Is on Twitter
https://twitter.com/UConnHealthONE/status/918896715742183425
UConn HealthONE has established a Twitter account as another vehicle to inform and engage the hundreds of UConn Health providers and support staff who will be using the electronic medical record system that debuts April 18, 2018.
“As we move closer to go-live, the flow of information is even more crucial,” says Dr. Dirk Stanley, UConn Health chief medical information officer. “We understand that traditional methods of communication like emails and intranet pages may not be ideal for clinical staff we are trying to reach. Twitter gives us another tool to help our users easily find important messages, directly from their phone, tablet, or PC.”
Any UConn HealthONE stakeholder is invited to follow the HealthONE account: twitter.com/uconnhealthone.
Employee Engagement Survey Returns for Year 2
https://youtu.be/eYPIv4L4H6w
The 2017 UConn Health Employee Engagement Survey is now open and will remain so for the rest of this month for all regular payroll employees.
It’s the second installment in a series of three annual surveys, an effort by Dr. Andy Agwunobi, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs, to gauge and ultimately improve employee engagement.
“For an organization to perform well, or to surmount tough challenges, everybody has to be pushing in the same direction,” Agwunobi says in a video message to the UConn Health Community. “It has to be a completed team effort, and everyone has to feel good about that and have pride in their organization.”
Employees should complete the survey online by way of a unique link they were emailed Monday. Responses go to a third-party administrator and are kept nonidentifiable.
In 2016, the first year of the survey, the participation rate was just below 50 percent. The results—including an overall engagement score of 3.67 out of 5—led to a series of leadership development sessions and other steps taken at the management level to attempt to improve employee engagement.
Agwunobi is looking to surpass the 60 percent participation for this year’s survey.
“Your honest responses will go a long way toward helping us effectively measure employee engagement with real data and identify prospective areas of improvement within the workplace culture,” Agwunobi says.
More information about this year’s survey, including a frequently-asked questions page, is available on the Employee Engagement page on UConn Health Express.
Patient Perspective Key in Creation of HealthONE’s Patient Portal
On the third Tuesday of the month, Frank Greaney of Southington has a standing appointment at UConn Health’s Outpatient Pavilion.
He is a patient, but for this hour his role is patient representative—a voice at the table where a crucial component of UConn HealthONE is taking shape.
Greaney, a founding member of the UConn John Dempsey Hospital Patient and Family Advocacy Council (PFAC), also serves on the Online Patient Engagement Committee (OPEC). This group was established earlier this year by the staff tasked with building the patient portal for HealthONE, the high-tech electronic medical record (EMR) system UConn Health is unveiling next spring.
“The OPEC members actually welcome and invite our comments,” says Greaney, a retired health care executive who, between his life’s work and his own medical challenges, has set foot in many of the country’s most successful health care facilities. “I’m impressed by the diligence of the OPEC participants and their diligent work. Everything they do has an effect on the project.”
The HealthONE patient portal will enable patients to complete such tasks as arranging appointments, requesting prescription refills, and accessing test results, all by way of a secure online account.
“My test results will be available quickly,” Greaney says. “I can run a table on my lab results for the last six months, a year, a year and a half. I can look at a summary from the last visit. I can arrange, change, or cancel appointments, and indicate the reason for my visit. It’s really going to do a lot.”
Greaney would know. He is one of two patient representatives recruited to join OPEC. Both are familiar with Epic, which provides the EMR software platform, and MyChart, which is Epic’s patient portal, from their experience as patients at other hospitals. UConn Health chose Epic as the vendor for its EMR system and branded it as UConn HealthONE.
“There’s a discipline to electronic medical records that does not exist outside the world of electronic medical records,” Greaney says. “This improves internal quality and empowers us as patients to have an active role in our care. You have your own records now. You have your own information. It’s empowering.”
OPEC members are a diverse group representing perspectives from throughout UConn Health, from patient care to billing to compliance to information technology.
With input from the patient representatives, they come up with recommendations on how to optimize the portal and make HealthONE a valuable tool for patients.
“We want to create a product that our patients are happy with,” says Bonnie Johnson, a HealthONE analyst who facilitates the OPEC meetings. “We want to make sure we not only are meeting statewide regulations, but also the expectations of our patients, because we also want to stay relevant in the marketplace.”
Topics OPEC has weighed in on so far include recommendations on screen design, support mechanisms, and timing of the portal’s introduction to patients.
“We are most pleased to have patient advocates who have joined our OPEC committee to provide a consumer perspective,” says HealthONE Ambulatory Director Kathy Noel. “The widespread perspectives shared by many across the organization allow us to discuss and determine our course through the eyes of different stakeholders.”
But that doesn’t mean the patient representatives have the final say.
“We’re here to provide perspectives, to give our opinions if asked, with the understanding that, ‘Anything we say, you are free to completely ignore,’” Greaney says. “The internal stakeholders are at the table as this program unfolds. This project requires a staggering amount of coordination. The people in this group are at the top of their respective games. And Bonnie seeks buy-in from everyone who makes this hospital work at the granular level.”
Dr. Rebecca Andrews, primary care physician and OPEC chair, says ultimately HealthONE will offer patients much more than a new and improved accessible portal for messaging.
“The hope is to engage the patient through inpatient admissions or after outpatient visits and in between episodes of care,” Andrews says. “If we develop a robust population health team, it would also be a means to reach out for testing, guideline-driven care, or needed visits to a whole group of patients at once.”
And that can only help patients, Greaney says.
“I think this is the highest-quality, safest hospital in the state,” he says. “HealthONE is a true portal, one that will open a lot of doors for the community.”
HealthONE Training Taking Shape
As integrated testing continues, another important UConn HealthONE project is underway.
In preparation for the training that starts in February, principal trainers are working on building training environments for HealthONE, the sophisticated electronic medical record system UConn Health will use starting in the spring.
Fifteen principal trainers and their counterparts from Epic, the software vendor, are in the middle of a three-week process.
“These training environments are not only critical for training but coming in October is pilot training,” says Kim Robinson, UConn HealthONE training director. “Pilot training is a chance for the subject matter experts who have been working with the trainers to develop curriculum to see it in action in the training environment.”
The goal is to have 49 certified trainers in place to handle the task of training the more than 3,000 estimated HealthONE users. The full training phase is scheduled to start in late February, leading to the April 28 go-live date.
More information about UConn HealthONE is available at http://uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr.
UConn Health October 2017 Programs, Events
Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for October and early November 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.
UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally will meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Oct. 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Oct. 16, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. A physician’s referral is required. Fee is $20. Call 860-679-3245 more information.
Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.
Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).
Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Oct. 25, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.
Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.
Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Nov. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.
Wellness Center Opens Next Month
It’s only a matter of weeks now before students, staff and faculty have their own wellness center.
UConn Health is dedicating more than 3,600 square feet to an around-the-clock, badge-access facility that will offer 13 cardio machines, 9 resistance machines, free weights, locker rooms with showers, and a healthy vending machine. It also will have two rooms for fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, Zumba, behavioral counseling, and stress management.
The location is the main floor on the academic side of the main building, in what formerly was known as the Friends Lecture Room (LM 034).
Scheduled to open by late October, the wellness center will also will be available to graduate students and residents. Details on the enrollment process and membership fees are to be announced shortly.
“This is something the UConn Health community has been asking us about for a very long time,” says UConn Health Chief Adminstrative Officer Carolle Andrews. “The facility is part of a larger vision of student and employee wellness we are offering on campus as we strive to become an even greater example of health and well being, given our mission of public health and public service.”
The wellness center will have a coordinator whose duties will include managing the membership, overseeing the fitness programs, and communications.
The fitness equipment is on order and will include:
- 4 commercial treadmills
- 4 adaptive motion trainers
- 2 step machine
- 3 stationary bicycles
- 1 leg extension/ curl
- 1 chest press
- 1 bicep curl
- 1 abdominal machine
- 1 glute extension
- 1 back extension
- 1 lateral pulldown/row
- 2 benches/utility seats
- 1 dumbbell – weight stack
- 18 yoga pads
- 1 plyometric box
- 2 medicine balls
- 2 kettle bells
In the coming months, the wellness center will have a website that will include fitness class schedules and a form to register for them.