Author: Chris DeFrancesco

Standing Up for UConn

Posted on February 16, 2017February 16, 2017 by Chris DeFrancesco

UConn Health faculty and staff attend a public hearing over state funding for UConn. (Photo provided by Andrea Keilty)

Last night in a show of solidarity against millions of dollars in proposed state budget cuts facing UConn and UConn Health, nearly 100 students, doctors, faculty and staff attended the Appropriations Committee hearings at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

UConn had several diverse panels of speakers sharing their personal perspectives with legislators about the detrimental impact any potential budget cuts could have on their education, research or care of patients.

UConn is currently facing up to $28 million in budget cuts while UConn Health is facing $13.2 million.

UConn Health’s five-person panel discussion was kicked-off by Evan Woodford, a second-year student in the UConn School of Dental Medicine. He told the committee, “I worry what message will be sent to future students if that vital support needed to continue to provide their educations…is withdrawn. I urge you to minimize the amount of the proposed budget cuts in order to maintain our excellent progress.”

Bayan Abunar, a second-year student in the UConn School of Medicine, testified, “It is through the state funds to UConn Health and your regular investments to our School of Medicine and Dental Medicine that have made it an affordable and accessible place for students of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including myself, to learn to be compassionate health care providers. I urge you to continue to invest in these entities by restoring funding to the FY16-17 level which provide tremendous benefit for the students, patients and Connecticut’s economy.”

Michel Gueret of Canton, a stage IV lung cancer survivor, also spoke about the cutting-edge and lifesaving immunotherapy clinical trial he had access to at UConn Health’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“My survival, literally against all odds, is the real testimony,” Gueret said. “It is evidence of what a research-driven UConn Health can and will continue to deliver to the people of Connecticut with your continued unwavering support. I thank each member of the committee for standing up to safeguard UConn Health. With your support–one day in the future–they will be there to save your life or that of your loved one in need, just like they saved my life.”

Mark Driscoll, a biotech entrepreneur who started the company Shoreline Biome at UConn’s Technology Incubation Program (TIP) in 2015, told the lamwakers, “UConn and UConn Health are vital components of the foundation of a robust ecosystem that is needed for the high tech life science businesses and industries of today to be successful. I urge you to consider that continued strong investment in UConn and UConn Health as part of our economic growth plan should remain a high priority as we look for long term solutions to our budget problems in Connecticut.”

UConn Health researcher Caroline Dealy spoke about the various ways she serves the state as a UConn alumnus, UConn Health scientist, entrepreneur, business owner and educator of students.

“UConn needs resources for research so that scientists like me and others who are speaking tonight can continue to bring new knowledge into the world, while engaging in the process of discovery, the next generation of change-makers: UConn’s students,” Dealy said. “I urge you, please don’t cut UConn’s resources. It’s just too important.”

Earlier in the day UConn leadership, including President Susan Herbst and Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs, also shared in-person testimony with the Committee.

“I ask for your support to protect the viability of your public academic health system and to do what you can to minimize cuts to UConn Health so that we can continue to deliver on the investments and provide Connecticut and its people with excellent service,” shared Agwunobi.

Agwunobi Eying Strategic Cuts, Continued Growth, Affiliations

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Chris DeFrancesco

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi speaks at a town hall meeting for faculty and staff Feb. 8, 2017. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

In the face of continued financial challenges, UConn Health still has great potential, Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, chief executive officer and executive vice president for health affairs, told employees at a town hall meeting this week.

“We have amazing, amazing opportunity here at UConn Health,” Agwunobi said. “We are investing for long-term growth, but have serious short- to mid-term financial headwinds.”

Agwunobi said UConn Health has to significantly cut costs while protecting its teaching, research, and clinical care missions, adding that details on how to do that are still being worked on and are forthcoming in the months ahead.

“One thing I can reassure you is that whatever we do in this organization, we will be very, very thoughtful about how it is done, and our mission,” he said. “We’ll be very thoughtful about that and make sure that it does not impact our mission, and does not impact people unnecessarily, wherever we can avoid that.”

He said understanding the context of those decisions is important, explaining that the budget target for fiscal 2018 is a nearly $16 million loss, and that the institution may have to overcome up to an additional $10 million in state funding cuts. At the same time, UConn Health must continue to invest in itself, he said.

“We have to continue the commitment to growth, there’s no way of shrinking ourselves to success,” Agwunobi said. “We have to grow, and we will continue to do that. We have to strengthen our surgical services—we really have to focus on that—our ORs, our outreach to physicians in the community, getting referrals into our systems, hiring faculty members in surgery, that’s very important.”

He noted that 73 faculty members have joined UConn Health since 2015, many of them clinicians.

“That’s our economic engine,” Agwunobi said. “We bring them in, they start up their practices, we give them equipment, we give them staff, and they see patients. Patients come to us and that’s how we increase out top line, our revenues.”

A video recording of the town hall meeting is available on Mediasite.

“On the one side we hire, we protect our mission, teaching and academic and clinical, and on the other side, we cut costs,” Agwunobi says. “And at the same time we look at affiliations and other structures, other partnerships that we can help to spread our costs, that we can help to increase the size of our network, that we can get more revenues into our system.”

Another priority is a focus on leadership and culture. Agwunobi cited results from last year’s employee engagement survey indicating areas in need of improvement. He said it starts with the leadership.

“We’ve started leadership development sessions, which I and others hold, and we actually have done three already,” he said. “What we’re focusing on is servant leadership. We’re here to serve the needs of the faculty, the patients, the employees, to have a culture of yes rather than a culture of no, to have a culture of supporting the people we are here to serve, being honest and proactive about communication, being good at what we do, being competent and continually learning as leaders, supporting our employees, and also being innovative.”

Agwunobi announced plans for a “360-degree survey,” where leaders will be evaluated anonymously by the people who report to them, as well as their peers.

Vice President of Human Resources John Peeples speaks at a town hall meeting for faculty and staff Feb. 8, 2017. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

Attendees of Wednesday’s meeting also got a public introduction to John Peeples, who joined UConn Health as vice president for human resources late last year. Peeples announced he will start holding small group meetings with front-line staff in work areas throughout the campus in March, April and May.

“I’ll go out and make sure that the employees have an opportunity to meet me, share with me things that are important to them, such as, how do we make this a great place to work,” Peeples said. “In addition to that, what are some of the programs and services that are important to the employees that we should consider as we look at HR and how HR is delivered to the workforce. More importantly, I just want to hear what people want to say—What do you want to share with me?”

An HR perspective survey will follow Peeples’ listening tour.

Peeples also said HR is undergoing a transformation toward having a greater focus on recruitment, retention, and training and development.

“Not only do we have to worry about the labor contracts and policies and corrective actions and those things, but we also have to be concerned about how we advocate for both managers and employees,” he said. “We need to be concerned with all rights that employees have, not just rights under a labor contract, but rights that you have to just have a great place to work.”

Also giving brief remarks were Dr. Bruce Liang, dean of the UConn School of Medicine, and Roberta Luby, associate vice president, UConn HealthONE.

Liang said the new medical school curriculum is going well, and the school getting ready for next year’s accreditation survey. He said the new simulation center is open to—and being used by—medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students, and coming soon is a new suite for advanced training in laparoscopic surgery.

Luby, who is overseeing the elaborate transition to UConn Health’s new electronic medical records system, said the project is progressing well and is on track for an April 28, 2018, go-live date.

Save

Lifeless Infant Revived by UConn Health Clinical Lab Staff

Posted on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017 by Chris DeFrancesco

Latonya Robbs-Joseph and Juan Carlos Restrepo are credited with saving the life of an infant who had stopped breathing in the clinical lab Jan. 17. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

Quick action by UConn Health staff prevented a tragedy in the clinical lab last week.

A horrified woman burst out of a consultation room holding her one-month-old daughter, who had stopped breathing.

The closest person was clinical coordinator Latonya Robbs-Joseph, who took the infant and started CPR. Someone else called 7777, the internal emergency number.

“She was red, turning purple,” she says. “There was no response. She was limp.”

Laboratory assistant Juan Carlos Restrepo then gave it a try.

“The baby felt like a doll, with no movement, and she was changing color,” Restrepo says. “After I would say 20 to 30 seconds, the baby’s stomach releases as I compress, and then I start hearing the baby cooing. I pick up the baby, she’s looking at me, I’m looking at her, and her chest starts to move. As I look at the mother, the mother was shaking and crying, then I saw the biggest smile. And the baby then rested her head right on my chest after that. And that, well, that was a moment.”

Restrepo says after he handed the baby back to the grateful mother, he was overcome with emotion and had to step out into the hallway.

“It was a very moving experience,” Robbs-Joseph says. “I think it was that parental instinct. We’re both parents. People were like, ‘What did you think?’ I didn’t. Instinct just kicked in, and I was like, ‘God, please save this baby.’”

Both Robbs-Joseph and Restrepo are certified in infant CPR.

“All we want to do is serve, and that was one of those given moments where we put that to practice, 110 percent,” Restrepo says. “This is one of those moments that everybody just chipped in, everybody just did their part, and the willingness of everyone is what stood out. We saved a life, as a team.”

Robbs-Joseph says she hopes this story inspires others to be trained in infant CPR.

“It doesn’t hit you, but then when you think about it and you still can see that little baby in your hands, it’s like, ‘Thank God that I was there, thank God that I was trained, thank God we didn’t hesitate, and just kicked into mode,” she says.

Looking at Us: Alexis Crean, Human Resources

Posted on January 26, 2017December 27, 2018 by Chris DeFrancesco

Alexis Crean brings a positive attitude to her role as HR organization and staff development specialist. (Photo by Janine Gelineau) — Alexis Crean brings versatility and a positive attitude to her role as HR organization and staff development specialist. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

If you’ve attended an employee recognition event, employee orientation, or a professional development course, chances are you’ve met Alexis Crean, organization and staff development specialist in the UConn Health Department of Human Resources. And, chances are her role runs counter to your preconceived notions about HR. Alexis has been with UConn Health for 23 years, the last 19 in HR. She lives in East Hampton with her husband and two teen daughters.

Q: What are some of your responsibilities in UConn Health HR that perhaps historically are not associated with human resources in general?

I know that this might sound cliché but I really do believe that Human Resources is about what we can do to help the organization, and its people, become more successful. I have been the lucky recipient of working for some great individuals who have helped me shape my career and that is why I choose to give back every chance I get. I have found in my 23 years with the organization that one of the best ways to do that is to build strong relationships. It’s about having a one-on-one conversation with the new manager who isn’t getting the most out of her team, and then helping her to get more out of that team. It’s about helping employees understand their role in the future and why “our” organization values them. Yes, we all have to make sure that we are abiding by the rules and regulations but as an HR professional I always keep the person I am serving front and center, giving him or her the best I can offer.

Favorite movie:
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Favorite musician:
Mozart

Favorite place to visit:
I love going to NYC any chance I get

Famous person you’d most like to meet:
Coco Channel

Favorite delicacy:
Colombian Empanadas

Q: How do you make your unique role in HR your own?

My mom always told me, “Bien predica quien bien vive”—“Lead by example.” That’s why I always keep a look out for ways that we can show employees that Human Resources really does care and that it’s not just talk. So if I can make an employees’ experience that much the better by offering a meaningful recognition event, or providing compassion during a difficult time, I am your person. People often say, “I wish I had your job because it looks like so much fun,” and I respond, “Thanks so much for saying so, and know that it is done with much thoughtfulness and attention to detail,” because I enjoy giving back to a community that I respect so much.

Q: What is something about UConn Health HR that you think is generally misunderstood?

To employees, HR could be the person they see only when something goes wrong. Yes, we‘re there when someone gets fired, during exit interviews or disputes, so it’s easy to see why Human Resources is commonly misunderstood. In my experience, being an HR professional is a constant balancing act of being an employee advocate, maintaining compliance, and acting in the best interest of the organization, ensuring that employees get recognized and offering resources to assist in developing their work and life balance.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role?

I am especially proud of the gift I have of visual storytelling. From the age of 5 years old I have been telling stories through pictures. I never thought that my passion would transcend into my daily work. It is so rewarding for me to take people’s messages and create a presentation or a visual that inspires understanding, action and change.

Q: Anyone who’s worked with you knows you always bring such positive energy. How do you maintain that so consistently?

Thank you, that is very kind of you to say! I subscribe to the Positive Attitudinal Effect. Meaning, the greatest thing about attitude is that it is the one thing we all have the ability to control. It’s a choice. You could say that my positive attitude is my secret sauce. A positive attitude has a positive impact on my productivity, work quality, service, innovation, and the emotional bond I feel with my colleagues, customers and family. It’s what I am trying to teach my daughters to practice, every day.

Q: What’s something you like to do outside of work?

We love our community and proudly give back to it through our family charity, the Turkey Plunge, which has raised $166,000 over the last seven years for our local food bank. There is something very satisfying about bringing together people, have some fun and making a difference in people’s lives!

UConn Health February 2017 Programs, Events

Posted on January 9, 2017February 23, 2017 by Chris DeFrancesco

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for February and early March 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 2/23)

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd 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.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Feb. 13, 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 offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, March 4, 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, March 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.

(Added 2/10, Corrected date and time 2/23)
Childbirth Preparation Class
~~Saturday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.~~,
Wednesday, March 8, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd 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.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, March 15, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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 Support Group
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, March 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.

Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.

UConn Health January 2017 Programs, Events

Posted on December 16, 2016January 30, 2017 by Chris DeFrancesco

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for January and early February 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 1/4)

(Added 12/22)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Jan. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd 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.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Jan. 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.

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, Feb. 14, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860.679.7692 for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Jan. 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.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, Jan 19, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Jan. 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, Jan. 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.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Jan. 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.

(Added 1/4)
Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Jan. 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.

(Added 12/22)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd 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.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Feb 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.

Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.

Looking at Us: Karen and Bruce Nelson, Children’s Book Authors

Posted on December 8, 2016December 27, 2018 by Chris DeFrancesco

By day they help deliver care in the Calhoun Cardiology Center. But in addition to their clinical roles at work and parenting responsibilities at home, Karen and Bruce Nelson write children’s books. In fact, they’re working on a series of children’s stories, the first of which, Mortimer the Wise, Book 1, was published last year. Karen, a staff nurse, and Bruce, a cardiovascular technologist, both work in the cardiac catheterization lab and have been married for nearly eight years. Together they have a 5-year-old son, Brucie, and they live in Southington.

Q: How did you come to be authors of children’s literature?

Bruce and Karen Nelson say their son, Brucie (center), is the inspiration for their series of children's books. (Photo provided by Bruce Nelson) — Bruce and Karen Nelson say their son, Brucie (center), is the inspiration for their series of children’s books. (Photo provided by Bruce Nelson)

Karen: Our son is the inspiration.

Bruce: We were reading all these children’s books to him over and over, and I thought I could write a better book than some of what I was reading. We are working on what we hope will be a series of probably 10 stories, each with its own life lesson. Book 1 basically introduces all the characters, and Book 2 will be about sharing. But the life lessons are inspired by our son, as a 5-year-old who sometimes struggles to find his way in terms of listening, sharing, patience, conflict resolution—things he hasn’t quite mastered yet, but hopefully he will. We try to keep it simple: “This is the lesson, you can’t really miss it.”

Karen: We have a rough list of all the characters and all the lessons for each book.

Q: How do you work together to write these stories?

Bruce: I’ve written poetry and have had a few poems published.

Karen: I don’t really write, but I’m a good storyteller. I’m one of those people who will dream in movie form. He is a stronger writer than I am.

Bruce: And she has a better imagination, but I can put it down, I can write it. We actually work really well together, as far as making the stories work, both for this series and another project we have in the works.

What is your favorite restaurant?
East Street Eatery, Wolcott

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Woodloch Pines, the Poconos

What is your favorite holiday?
Karen: Christmas
Bruce: Halloween

What is your favorite movie?
Karen: “Ever After”
Bruce: “Caddyshack”

Who is your favorite musician?
Karen: Billy Joel
Bruce: The Beatles

Q: Describe your experience with the publishing process?

Bruce: We were kicking around the idea in January 2015, and actually started the process in April, putting the book in paragraph form to submit to the publisher. A woman we work with in the cath lab, Patty Fagan, her cousin owns a publishing company in Maine, Goose River Press. We asked Christy Meyer, who worked with us as the time, if she’d like to draw for us, and she was overjoyed—it turns out it was her life’s ambition to illustrate children’s books. It took another five months to put everything together, tweaking it, setting all the pages, putting the pictures together so they fit the story, things like that.

Karen: And it was funny, my daughter, who was 12 at the time, proofread it for us, which helped keep it simple and more understandable for kids.

Q: What have you learned from this endeavor?

Karen: It’s taught us to really focus our attention, instead of flipping out on the child, to, “What is the issue, what do we want the end result to be?” And we tailor our energies to altering the behavior rather than just yelling about it.

Bruce: The book has definitely been a lesson for the both of us too. It’s definitely taught us both patience for sure, me especially.

Q: Where do we find Mortimer the Wise, Book 1?

Bruce: It’s available online, but we prefer to sell it ourselves, so we can sign copies for people. We also sold a few copies to the Connucopia Gift Shop, so it’s available there too, both in the main building and the kiosk in the Outpatient Pavilion.

Last Call for 2016 HEP Compliance

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Chris DeFrancesco

A screenshot from the Health Enhancement Program online portal.

Following is a message from Anne Horbatuck, vice president of ambulatory services, Anne Diamond, UConn John Dempsey Hospital chief executive officer, and Dr. Steven Lepowsky, UConn School of Dental Medicine senior associate dean for education and patient care:

Call for Your HEP Appointment Today

Now is the time to schedule all your preventive health visits and screenings required through the state Health Enhancement Program (HEP). The deadline to complete all your visits and screenings is Dec. 31.

UConn Health can schedule HEP appointments for all state employees and their dependents (if applicable). Appointments are available Monday through Friday at UConn Health locations throughout the state including Canton, East Hartford, Farmington, Putnam, Plainville, Simsbury, Southington, Storrs, and West Hartford. Here are the dedicated numbers to call:

All medical/preventive appointments: call 1.844.577.7055

For appointments at the Storrs office: 860.487.9200

For mammography appointments: 860.679.2784

UConn Health can help you fulfill all your HEP requirements including yearly physicals, cholesterol screening, vision screening (ophthalmology), mammography, women’s health, colon cancer screening, colonoscopy, blood draw, and more.
Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please feel free to leave a message after hours.

For Dental cleaning appointments: call 860.679.3170

This applies to the necessary dental cleanings.
Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please feel free to leave a message after hours.

To make sure you are scheduling all required appointments for your age group, please log onto the HEP portal at www.CTHEP.com. If you prefer to access this information by phone, you can contact Care Management Solutions toll free at 877.687.1448.

UConn Health Providers Continue ‘Our Hearts to Your Soles’ Tradition

Posted on November 23, 2016November 23, 2016 by Chris DeFrancesco

Medical assistants Doreen Smith (left) and Lori Engengrro are among the local foot care providers who regularly volunteer at the annual Our Hearts to Your Soles event at the Salvation Army shelter in New Britain. (Photo by Michael Aronow)
Medical assistant Lori Engengrro helps fit a pair of shoes at the Friendship Service Center in New Britain, part of the 2016 Our Hearts to Your Soles campaign. (Photo by Michael Aronow)
Local foot care providers, including (from right) UConn Health medical assistant Lori Engengrro, former UConn Health physician Dr. Michael Aronow, and UConn Health medical assistant Doreen Smith, continue the tradition of offering free foot exams and shoes for those in need, pictured here at the Friendship Service Center in New Britain. (Photo provided by Michael Aronow)
Medical assistant Doreen Smith is among the regular volunteers at the annual Our Hearts to Your Soles event at the Salvation Army shelter in New Britain. (Photo by Michael Aronow)

Tuesday night in New Britain, a group of local foot care providers, including medical assistants Lori Engengrro and Doreen Smith from the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, volunteered at the Friendship Service Center and the Salvation Army shelter to offer free foot health screenings as well as new pairs of shoes (or boots) and socks. About 40 people left with new, proper-fitting footwear, and another 50 pairs were left behind for others who may be in need. The shoes and boots were provided by Red Wing Shoes.

Our Hearts to Your Soles is an annual holiday-time campaign to provide shoes and foot care at homeless shelters and other service centers across the country. Dr. Michael Aronow, formerly of UConn Health and now in private practice, began UConn Health’s involvement in 2007 and has been the local organizer each year since.

UConn Health December 2016 Programs, Events

Posted on November 18, 2016April 30, 2018 by Chris DeFrancesco

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for December 2016 and early January 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 12/14)

Holiday Bazaar and Basket Raffle
Friday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health, rear of the cafeteria
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual winter holiday shopping event includes 20 vendors and the Auxiliary’s popular raffle of gift baskets created and donated by UConn Health employees, as well as a new vendors’ basket. Note the new location this year, as the main lobby is under construction. Drawing is at 3:30. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 3, 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.

(Canceled 11/22)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

(Location updated 12/14)
Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, ~~Katz Conference Room (C2116)~~ University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Dec. 15, 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, Dec. 19, 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. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Dec. 19, 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 offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 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.

(Added 11/22)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Jan. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.