Community

UConn Health February Programs, Events

Posted on January 16, 2015April 4, 2018 by Chris DeFrancesco

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for February and early March 2015. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 2/9)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health, Dowling North Building
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Feb. 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 860-679-4410 or email hackett@uchc.edu for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Understanding Heart Rhythm Disorders”
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Drs. Christopher Pickett and Heiko Schmitt from the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center present a free talk on what causes heart rhythm disorders, signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, and treatment devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Feb. 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. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

New “Living With Heart Disease” Support Group Starts
Monday, Feb. 16. 1 to 2:30 p.m., UConn Health, Cardiology Conference Room (2^nd floor)
This free six-week education based support group is for patients and family members interested in learning more about living with heart disease. Meeting Mondays through March 23, topics include “How My Heart Works,” “Proper Nutrition With Heart Disease,” “Living Fully With Your Heart Disease,” “The Emotions of Heart Disease,” “My Medications,” and “Exercise and Heart Disease.” One-time registration is required for all six sessions by Feb. 13. Call 860-679-3633 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Feb. 16, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center
“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 monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, 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.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Feb. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
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 Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyuike 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 2/9)
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2:30 to 3:30 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.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, March 4, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, March 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, March 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 860-679-4410 or email hackett@uchc.edu for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, March 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. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, March 16, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center
“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 monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, 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.

(date changed 1/22)
New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
~~Tuesday, March 10,~~
Tuesday, March 17, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health, Dowling North, 3rd floor
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, April 21, 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, smart shopping, and summer holiday eating. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

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Rheumatologists and Primary Care Physicians Join UConn Health

Posted on December 30, 2014December 31, 2014 by Carolyn Pennington

Rheumatologists Dr. Kristin Logee and Dr. Ranadeep Mandhadi are now part of UConn Health. They offer personalized care for patients with rheumatologic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, gout and osteoarthritis.Both have expertise in the use of ultrasound for diagnosing and treating rheumatological conditions, including ultrasound-guided injections.

Dr. Logee, a Plainville resident, earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

She did her internal medicine residency and her fellowship in rheumatology at the UConn School of Medicine.

mandhadi_ranadeep — Dr. Ranadeep Mandhadi

Dr. Mandhadi, a New Britain resident, graduated from Osmania Medical College in India, did his internal medicine residency at Chicago Medical School, completed a special clerkship in sports medicine at Harvard Medical School, and was fellowship trained in rheumatology at the UConn School of Medicine.

Logee and Mandhadi are members of the American College of Rheumatology and see patients at UConn Health in Farmington.

Accomplished primary care providers Dr. Susan Levine and Dr. Lynn Yu recently joined UConn Health. Both Levine and Yu offer preventive care such as vaccines and physicals; help patients manage chronic conditions; and offer advice on nutrition and work/life balance.

Dr. Levine, a West Hartford resident, earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, performed her residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital, and received a master’s degree in public health from the University of Connecticut. Levine’s special interests include medical ethics, end-of-life care, and global health. Levine sees patients at UConn Health in Farmington.

Dr. Yu, a Simsbury resident, graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine and performed her internal medicine residency at the UConn School of Medicine. Her special interests include the health benefits of nutrition and exercise. Yu sees patients at UConn Health’s Simsbury office.

Volunteers Donate to Cancer Center Snack Cart

Posted on December 19, 2014December 1, 2016 by Carolyn Pennington

From left, UConn Health volunteers Nanette Levin, Mary Anne Everett, Bill Katz, George Ziewacz, and Emily Chan.

UConn Health volunteers who work at the main information desk are doing something a little different this holiday. Instead of exchanging gifts with each other, the dozen or so volunteers decided to contribute that gift money to something benefitting the hospital. The group chose to help stock the snack cart used in the cancer center. The volunteers wheel the cart twice a day through the infusion room of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“We get more satisfaction out of this than the little gifts we give to each other,” says volunteer Bill Katz. “The cancer patients really light up when we bring the cart around. They really enjoy the extra attention and the volunteers feel good doing it.”

The donor-funded snack cart started making its rounds in September of this year. The volunteers’ generosity will mean more than three months-worth of snacks for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments.

“Patients can be here for four to eight hours a day, having the complimentary snack cart allows patients to receive snacks they might have not been able to get due to being connected to their IV the entire day,” explains Heather Jimenez, administrative program coordinator for the cancer center. “The patients enjoy the snack cart just as much as the volunteers enjoy administering the snacks. It’s a win-win for both parties involved. We try to make the patient’s experience during this difficult time a little better in any way we can.”

Buffalo Soldiers Support Sickle Cell Research

Posted on December 18, 2014December 22, 2014 by Carolyn Pennington

Seventeen members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Hartford arrived at John Dempsey Hospital on December 16 to deliver a special gift. The Buffalo Soldiers presented their first check of many to come for $1,000 to support sickle cell anemia research. The club, which is affiliated with the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers/Troopers Motorcycle Club, has designated UConn Health as the club’s official recipient of charitable donations raised through rides, community events, and member contributions.

Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Hartford presents a donation to sickle cell anemia research at UConn Health.

Sickle cell disease is an extraordinarily painful genetic blood disorder that affects blood circulation and commonly leads to death in childhood or by age 40. Patients need multidisciplinary care throughout their lives to treat complications from the disease and manage their pain. Most institutions provide only pediatric sickle cell treatment. Dr. Biree Andemariam, assistant professor of medicine at UConn Health, is among a small number of physician-scientists who specialize in adults. She leads the only comprehensive adult sickle cell program in northern Connecticut. The team-based approach includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and patient navigators working together. The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinical and Research Center attracts patients and families from across Connecticut and beyond.

On hand to thank the Buffalo Soldiers for their generosity and commitment were Andemariam, Dr. Pramod Srivastava, director of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sanford Cloud, chairman of the UConn Health Board of Directors, as well as faculty and staff from UConn Health and the UConn Foundation.

Dozens of Toys Donated to NICU

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Carolyn Pennington

Thanks to a toy drive organized by the Connecticut State Police, dozens of toys were donated to Connecticut Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UConn Health Tuesday. Nearly two dozen babies are currently being treated in the NICU and this donation will greatly help the parents who may not have the time or money to buy gifts for young family members.

“These parents have babies that are critically ill so they are spending most of their free time here with their babies so that doesn’t leave much time for shopping,” explains Deborah Feigenbaum, NICU social worker. “So they’re able to do some Christmas shopping here for the children who are important in their lives, helping to alleviate some stress.”

Feigenbaum went on to say, “It’s an unexpected surprise when they walk in and see the generosity of what the troopers have brought to us. And an additional benefit is it makes our staff feel really good!”

Shortly after the toy delivery, Marie Bagdis of Burlington was delighted and grateful to be able to pick out a couple of gifts for her son Dominic. He was born 8 weeks early and is now 35 weeks old.

Connecticut State Police deliver dozens of toys to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Marie Bagdis of Burlington chooses a gift for her son Dominic.

Anne Diamond Named CEO of UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital

Posted on December 9, 2014October 27, 2016 by Carolyn Pennington

The UConn Health Board of Directors has named Anne Diamond the chief executive officer of UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital. Diamond has been serving as interim CEO since August 2013.

Since joining UConn Health four years ago, Diamond has been instrumental in improving the hospital’s performance in several key areas including quality, service, and patient satisfaction scores. The Joint Commission in 2013 rated UConn Health in the top third of hospitals nationally on key quality metrics. Patient satisfaction has improved in almost all hospital areas, and key measures of service, such as emergency department wait times, have improved dramatically.

Financial and operational performance has also improved as UConn Health has recorded over $50 million in cost savings over the past two years and hospital admissions and operating room cases are now at the highest levels they’ve been in the past four years.

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, UConn Health’s interim executive vice president for health affairs, cited Diamond’s strong focus on safety and quality and also praised her for her leadership and ability to work collaboratively.

“Anne is an inspirational leader with a strong focus on quality and safety,” Agwunobi said, adding that she will lead a major transition in 2016 as construction is completed on UConn Health’s new hospital tower.

Diamond joined UConn Health in 2010 as associate vice president of clinical operations and became chief operating officer a year later. Following the resignation of Dr. Mike Summerer, Diamond was named interim CEO in August 2013.

Prior to arriving at UConn, Diamond worked for Salem Health, the parent organization for Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital in Salem, Ore., where she served as vice president for service lines and operations.

Diamond also worked for 10 years at the Electric Power Research Institute, an international not-for-profit organization based in Palo Alto, Calif., where she served in multiple roles including leading the health care research division.

Earlier in her career, Diamond worked at Maimonides Medical Center in New York, as director of the Safety/Radiation Safety Office. She also worked at the University Hospitals of Cleveland as a nuclear medicine technologist and research technologist.

Diamond earned her undergraduate degree in nuclear medicine technology from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa., and is a graduate of Concord School of Law, where she was awarded the Executive Juris Doctor Award for Academic Excellence.

Free Shoes, Foot Exams for Homeless

Posted on November 26, 2014April 30, 2018 by Chris DeFrancesco

Dr. Lauren Geaney, UConn Health foot and ankle specialist, provides a foot exam at the Salvation Army shelter in New Britain Nov. 25. Foot care providers volunteered at shelters throughout the country in the days leading up to Thanksgiving as part of the national Our Hearts to Your Soles campaign to provide shoes and foot care to those in need. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health Photo)

The nationwide “Our Hearts to Your Soles” campaign was organized locally for the eighth year by Dr. Michael Aronow, former UConn Health physician who now practices privately. Joining him from UConn Health were cast technician Kathleen York, medical assistant Lori Engengrro, administrative program assistant Carmen Propiescus, and Dr. Lauren Geaney, foot and ankle surgeon.

Retailers donated the footwear and socks. Between the two shelters, the volunteers provided 33 pairs of shoes and left behind 69 additional pairs. They also took information from 10 other would-be recipients whose sizes weren’t immediately available so the proper sizes could be provided in the coming days

Physician Assistants Volunteer During National PA Week

Posted on November 20, 2014December 1, 2016 by Carolyn Pennington

To celebrate National PA Week, a group of physician assistants from UConn Health volunteered their time on Saturday, Oct. 4to Habitat for Humanity. Pictured from left to right are: Matt Champeau, Corey Champeau, Jen Lardner, Lisa Malone, Karin Sweet, Sree Reddivari, Jeff Reut, and David Kotler. Collectively, this group of physician assistants represents the Departments of Neonatology, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, and Neurosurgery.

Local Students Visit UConn Health’s Electron Microscopy Facility

Posted on November 20, 2014December 1, 2016 by Carolyn Pennington

Students from Talcott Mountain Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (TMA) in Avon visited the Central Electron Microscopy Facility (CEMF) at UConn Health in Farmington. The sixth to eighth grade students had just completed a course on cell biology having used light microscopes to study cell and tissue structure. At UConn Health, they were interested to see how electron microscopes can be used to observe the fine details of cell structure.

Dr. Arthur Hand, professor of Craniofacial Sciences and Cell Biology, and CEMF research assistant Maya Yankova demonstrated how specimens are prepared, how the transmission and scanning electron microscopes are used to image the specimens, and what they look like when seen at very high magnification.

TMA Dean Lydia Gibb, science teacher Thomas Noonan, math teacher John Lombardo, and parent Dr. Angabeen Khan, accompanied the 28 students.