News

Free Blood Pressure Clinic at Grace Cottage on Thurs., Dec 13th

| News

On Thursday, December 13th, Grace Cottage Family Health will host a free blood pressure clinic, run by Community Health Team member Bill Monahan, RN. Those over 50 who have been told they have high blood pressure, or who do not know their blood pressure are encouraged to attend. Participants will learn about hypertension, the ‘silent […]

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When it Comes to Hospice Care, It’s All About How You Live

| Graceful Health

By Dr. Anne Brewer, Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital        

I have been privileged to work with hospice and palliative care teams for the past 25 years. Despite growing public awareness, there are still many questions about exactly what hospice is, and how it differs from palliative care.

Patients and families will ask: Why choose hospice? When is it appropriate? How is it different from palliative care? When is palliative care an option? And, where can someone receive hospice or palliative care for themselves or a loved one? Does choosing hospice mean giving up?

Palliative care may be used for anyone with a severe chronic disease, regardless of their prognosis.

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‘Giving Tuesday’ to Raise Funds for New Cardiac Monitoring System

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After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a worldwide day of philanthropy during the season of gratitude. Grace Cottage Hospital asks its friends and neighbors to participate in its Giving Tuesday campaign on November 27th and help fund a new cardiac monitoring system for its hospital patients. The price of the desired multi-unit […]

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Community Health Teams and Their Maturing Impact on Chronic Illness

| Graceful Health

By Bill Monahan, RN, Grace Cottage Outreach Coordinator

Blueprint for Health? Community Health Team (CHT)?

What are these, and how can they help you for free?

The Vermont Blueprint for Health was conceived in 2003 during Governor Douglas’s administration and implemented in 2010. The goal of Blueprint is better coordination of patient care for individuals, better health for the whole community, and reduced health care costs.

This nationally recognized, multi-faceted program includes a system of Community Health Teams (CHTs). There are fourteen CHTs in the state of Vermont, all subsidized by private insurers, Medicare, and grants, so that their services are offered to the community free of charge. Each team adapts its services to the needs of its particular service area.

When a primary care provider identifies that a patients needs additional support, beyond what can be provided during an office visit, that provider can refer the patient to the CHT, thus connecting patients to additional resources.

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Hospital Staff Enjoys National Recognition for Patient Satisfaction

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In early October, Grace Cottage Hospital Nurse Manager Rebecca Lapointe returned from the National Rural Health Association’s annual Critical Access Hospital conference in Kansas City carrying a prestigious award. For the second year in a row, Grace Cottage Hospital achieved national recognition as a “Top 20 Critical Access Hospital (CAH) for Best Practice – Patient […]

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Dr. Ron Vallario Joins Grace Cottage Family Health

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Dr. Ronald Vallario is now seeing patients at Grace Cottage Family Health three days a week. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Vallario is a graduate of Rutgers University (B.A. in Psychology), University of South Carolina (Masters of Social Work), and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; he completed his family medicine residency at North Carolina […]

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Restless Leg Syndrome Support Group Offered

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Starting October 10th, Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital will host a weekly support group for people suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS.) The group will meet on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00, from October 10 – November 14, or as long as there is sufficient interest. The RLS Foundation estimates that the lives of more than […]

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Best Hand Wins at October 10th Poker Walk

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The Grace Cottage Rehabilitation Department is celebrating National Physical Therapy Month by hosting its 20th Annual Poker Walk on Wednesday, October 10th. This free, fun, two-mile walk/run is held each year—rain or shine—to encourage people to get out and exercise. No pre-registration is required. Playing cards are distributed along the way, and a prize for […]

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Staying Fit Beyond the Summer

| Graceful Health

By Cheryl Shaw, Grace Cottage Hospital Health Coach

Summer is a natural time for outdoor sports, exercise, and activities. Now, as autumn arrives, you may find yourself challenged to keep up the workout routine you established during warmer, “longer-day” months.

For most healthy adults, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of both. Of course, in order to determine the best level for you, have a consultation with your provider first.

Once you know what type of activity is best for you, how will you keep your routine going when days are shorter, the weather is darker and cooler, and the pull toward seasonal comfort foods kicks in?

The best solution is to prepare and think ahead.  Here are some tips. Maybe one or more of these will work for you:

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