Healthy MAY 2012

8
MAY 2012 A guide to better health from The Backus Health System As we celebrate National Hospital Week, the Backus Health System thanks its staff for all they do year-round. Healthy CONNECTIONS Making miracles happen

Transcript of Healthy MAY 2012

Page 1: Healthy MAY 2012

MAY 2012

A guide to better health from The Backus Health System

As we celebrate National Hospital Week, the Backus Health System thanks its staff for all they do year-round.

Healthy C O N N E C T I O N S

Making miracles happen

Page 2: Healthy MAY 2012

Lettuce Wraps with Shiitake MushroomsMakes 4 servings

n The lettuce in this recipe serves as a vessel for a very flavorful shiitake filling. Feel free to use any type of lettuce or even cabbage if you wish.

Recipe of the month

1 8-ounce package ready-to-eat, sea-soned tofu

salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, to taste

soy sauce to taste3 tablespoons chopped garlic2 tablespoons chopped ginger21/2 cups shiitake mushroomscarrot cut into fine strips

1 head lettuce, use large leaves1/2 lemon

n Stir fry chopped garlic, ginger and carrot with some water in wok for a few minutes until soft.

n Add the shiitakes, soy sauce, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

n Cook about another 5-10 minutes, then add the dried tofu and finish up the cooking, about 2-5 minutes. Spoon the mixture into the lettuce/cabbage leaves, add a few drops of lemon juice, and roll them up!

Source: The Survivor’s Handbook: Eating Right for Cancer Survival

We want to know your comments, questions or story ideas.

n Keith Fontaine, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer [email protected] 860-823-6539

n Shawn Mawhiney, Director of Communications and Community Relations [email protected] 860-889-8331 x2312

NEED BACK ISSUES OR REPRINTS?n Ginny James, Communications

Assistant [email protected] 860-889-8331 x4211

OTHER RESOURCESn The Backus Hospital website contains

a wealth of useful healthcare informa-tion, including an archive of past issues of Healthy Connections

www.backushospital.org

n Subscribe to HealthE*Connections, our free e-newsletter. Visit our website to enter your e-mail address.

n Follow Backus on: facebook.com/backushospital

twitter.com/backushospital youtube.com/backushospital

Copyright © 2012 • Backus Corporation • May 2012 ~ Vol. 12 ~ Issue 5

PLEASE RECYCLE

THIS MAGAZINE

“Made from soybeans, tofu is high in protein, low in saturated fat and has zero cholesterol which makes it a good meat substitute. When grown in sunlight, mushrooms can be good sources of vitamin D, which promotes bone health.” — Lauren Nichols, Backus registered dietitian

HOW TO REACH US

HONORS

19 Backus physicians named ‘Top Doctors’N ineteen physicians on the Backus

Medical Staff have been named to Connecticut magazine’s an-

nual listing of “top doctors” in the state.Selections are based on question-

naires the magazine sent to doctors across the state, asking them to recom-mend a physician to whom they’d send a loved one. The top vote-getters make the list.

The physicians were featured in the April issue of Connecticut magazine. This year’s winners include:

TOP NEWS

10 communications awards for BackusThe Backus Communications Department will receive 10 awards at the 2012 New England Society for Health Care Communications Lamplighter Awards Ceremony on May 17 in Boston.The awards recognize the best healthcare communications in New England. Winning entries include:n Advertising — Total Campaign: Most Wired awardn Electronic Marketing — Health E*Connections e-newslettern Outdoor Advertising — Most Wired billboardn Websites — backushospital.orgn Internal Periodicals — HospiTelln Community Relations/Outreach/ Advocacy — Rx for Health prescriptions for farmer’s marketn Crisis Communications —Hurricane Irenen Photography — Photos of Matt Crowe’s recoveryn Annual Report — Connections, the Backus online annual reportn Logo — New London County Food Policy Council.

n For more information on these stories, go to backushospital.org

n Sergio R. Casillas, MD, general surgery/colorectaln David E. Coletti, MD, general surgeryn Franklin P. Friedman, MD, genitourinary surgeryn Laurentiu P. Galan, MD, pediatricsn Jeffrey A. Hertz, MD, ophthalmologyn Mahesh N. Kabadi, MD, internal medicinen Tarik Kardestuncer, MD, orthopedic surgeryn Robert E. Levin, MD, internal medicine/rheu-matologyn T. Casey McCullough, DO, urologyn Joseph F. O’Keefe, MD, internal medicine/physical medicinen John A. Pagnozzi, MD, general surgery/colorectal

n Steven Powell, MD, inter-nal medicine/pul-monary medicinen Anis Racy, MD, neurologyn Michael J. Rajkumar, MD, internal medicine/infectious diseasen Donna M. Romito, DO, internal medicine/pulmonary medicinen Camille G. Salame, MD, MS, neurosurgeryn You Sung Sang, MD, internal medicine/gas-troenterologyn John P. Tauro, DO, DC, neurologyn Mark R. Tousignant, MD, general surgery/bariatrics.

2 l HEaltHy ConnECtionS MAY 2012 The William W. Backus Hospital

Page 3: Healthy MAY 2012

Eleven Backus RNs to be honored for excellence

NIGHTINGALE AWARDS

From top row left, Lois Annino, Backus Home Health Care; Teresa Biss, Patient Care Ser-

vices; Elisabeth Dowd, Emergency Depart-ment; Rebecca Lassan, Psychiatric Services;

Renee Malaro, Emergency Department; Josephine McDonald, Birthing Center; Billie

Jo Peloquin, Progressive Care Unit; Katie Pollard, Nursing Education; Melissa Rainey,

Same Day Surgery; Alison Taylor, Progressive Care Unit; Tori Tyler, Critical Care Unit

E leven Backus Hospital nurses will receive Nightingale Awards this year.

Originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut,

the Nightingale Awards recognize exceptional nurses and promote the nursing profession.

“Congratu-lations to each of our 11 Nightingale recipients for being shining examples of the nursing profession,” said Dave Whitehead, President and

Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks, as well, to all of our professional nurses for the care and dedication that they exhibit throughout the year.”

A committee of past honorees made this year’s selections.

“I would like to congratulate all of our Nightingale nominees,” said Mary Bylone, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “They should be applauded for their commitment to clinical excel-lence, quality and patient experience. They serve as mentors to their colleagues and help to foster a cul-ture of teamwork. On behalf of Backus, thank you for all of your hard work.”

Awards presentation

n What: Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursingn When: Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m.

n Where: Mystic Marriott, Grotonn Details: To learn more, go to backushospital.org/nightingales/2012.

Top-notch nurses

The William W. Backus Hospital MAY 2012 HEaltHy ConnECtionS l 3

n Every year, National Nurses Week (May 6-12) focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to im-prove the health of millions of individuals.

Page 4: Healthy MAY 2012

Many hands make health workNATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK

S ince 1893, Backus has been delivering healthcare, hope and comfort to east- ern Connecticut patients.

During National Hospital Week, celebrated May 6-12, the Backus Health System would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation to the talented and dedicated team of healthcare professionals who make

miracles happen everyday.From our newly accredited Breast Center

or growing physician practices to expanding emergency care and community outreach programs, Backus remains committed to improving the health of our region.

The skills and compassion of our staff are central to the care of our patients throughout

the Backus Health System, be it at the main campus of the hospital, at a satellite health center, an outpatient lab, Backus Home Health Care or any other part of our organiztion.

“Healthcare is changing, and so is Backus,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Whitehead. “We are no longer just a hospital, we are a health system. We don’t just

Some members of the Backus team include the medical staff, maintenance, security, housekeeping, volunteer services, nurs-ing and registration. But in reality, the Backus Health System is made up of 1,800 employees, 482 volunteers and nearly 300 physicians at the hospital, Backus Business and Technology Center, various health centers, Backus Home Health Care, Backus Physician Services, Backus Outpatient Care Center, labs and more. All of these people and departments work together to provide the very best patient care possible throughout the year.

4 l HEaltHy ConnECtionS MAY 2012 The William W. Backus Hospital

Page 5: Healthy MAY 2012

C hildren can climb around in an ambulance, spin the Safety Wheel for a prize

and receive free bicycle hel-mets at Safety Camp this month, which is organized by Backus Hospital and American Ambulance.

This is the seventh year Backus has hosted its free annual Safety Camp, and it grows each year with different activities and information for families.

May is Trauma Month and May 20-26 is Emergency Medical Services Week, so Backus hosts the event to recognize its partners in the community, such as fire-fighters, police and ambulance staff.

The event has fun activities for kids and families, visits from their favorite safety char-acter, such as Trauma Roo, Smokey Bear and the Crash Test Dummies, information about safety and food. Ms. Mosier said usually about 500 attend the popular event.

There will be information on electrical safety from Norwich Utilities, and water safety from Bubbles to Butterflies Swim School. It will include booths with activities and information from Norwich Police Department, Norwich Fire Department, LIFE STAR, American Ambulance, A Safe Place and more.

Many hands make health work

Jean Carlos Montalvo, left, gets a free helmet from members of the Yantic Fire Department at the Backus Safety Camp.

ROAD SAFETY

n Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians and children on bikes, skate-boards and scooters. n For those do-ing these activities, make sure you wear helmets and proper safety gear, such as knee pads and elbow pads. Also be aware of traffic and drive safely.

WATER SAFETY

n Swim with a partner.n Don’t go out too deep in open water.n Don’t dive into shallow water or water of unknown depth.n Parents should main-tain constant supervision. Don’t rely on floatation devices as they can shift position or lose air. n Take a CPR course.

SUN SAFETY

n Wear sunscreen and reap-ply often. n Make sure you hydrate properly.n Don’t stay out in the sun too long, limit the amount of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.n Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Avoiding the summertime bluesGillian Mosier, Backus Hospital Trauma Program Manager, offers these tips:

FUN IN THE SUN

care for patients when they are sick — we are involved before, during and after their hospital stay. I want to thank all of our staff members throughout the organization for their hard work and effort throughout the year, because with all these changes one thing stays the same — the high-quality, compas-sionate care we provide to our patients.”

Some members of the Backus team include the medical staff, maintenance, security, housekeeping, volunteer services, nurs-ing and registration. But in reality, the Backus Health System is made up of 1,800 employees, 482 volunteers and nearly 300 physicians at the hospital, Backus Business and Technology Center, various health centers, Backus Home Health Care, Backus Physician Services, Backus Outpatient Care Center, labs and more. All of these people and departments work together to provide the very best patient care possible throughout the year.

Camp stresses summer safety

The William W. Backus Hospital MAY 2012 HEaltHy ConnECtionS l 5

If you gon What: Backus Safety Campn When: May, 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.n Where: Backus Hospital parking lot

n National EMS Week (May 20-26) brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.”

Page 6: Healthy MAY 2012

May’s walking event concludes two-year run in Plainfield

Enjoy LIFE program wraps up

A t the final Enjoy LIFE event, you can get some exercise

while exploring the walk-ing trails at Plainfield High School.

Alice Facente, RN, of the Backus Education Department, said the trails have loops, so people can make their hike longer or shorter and go at their own pace. The walk should last about an hour and is between one and two miles.

“We want to showcase these great free re-sources, and promote the benefits of exercise,” Ms. Facente said.

Studies show incorporating 30 minutes of brisk walking into your exercise routine can help

reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

This is the last session in the Enjoy LIFE series.

Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) is a partnership with the Plainfield Recreation Department to improve health in Windham County.

In case of inclement weather, call 860-564-1819 to find out if

the event has been canceled.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

If you go

n What: Enjoy LIFE: Take a Walk With Us and Put Some Spring in Your Stepn When: Thursday, May 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.n Where: Plainfield High School, 105 Putnam Road, Central Village

Taking stepsto ensure good healthn The Enjoy LIFE program included many successful events in collaboration with the Plainfield Recreation Department. Here’s a look at a few:

n May 2010: Inaugural event showcasing area resources. Attendance: 75.

n June 2010: Pro-gram focused on how to maintain a healthy weight, purchasing healthy foods and smart snacking.Attendance: 86.

n Sept. 2010: Event on cholesterol health. Some participants brought screening results from the week before. Attendance: 53.

n Feb. 2011: Pro-gram on correct ex-ercising techniques. Attendance: 36.

n Sept. 2011: Program on keep-ing bones strong and healthy. Attendance: 60.n April 2011:

Event on foot care and exer-cise. Atten-dance: 54.

n April 2012: Event on how to cope with anxiety. Attendance: 70.

6 l HEaltHy ConnECtionS MAY 2012 The William W. Backus Hospital

Page 7: Healthy MAY 2012

The William W. Backus Hospital MAY 2012 HEaltHy ConnECtionS l 7

Education Programs, Clinics, Events and Screenings“Comforting Hands” program Open HouseThe Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI) and Volunteer Services are launching a new pro-gram for those interested in learn-ing to provide light and comforting hand massage for our inpatients. No experience is necessary. Training and mentoring will be provided. A monthly volunteer commitment is required.• Monday, June 11• 6 - 7:30 p.m.• Backus main lobby conference

rooms 1, 2Program free but registration required. For more information, call Amy Dunion or Paula Novak at 860-425-3877.

Community Blood Pressure ScreeningsFree blood pressure screening on the third Wednesday of each month.• Wednesday, May 16 • 1 - 2 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference

room 3Program free; no registration required.

HIV Education and Testing SiteOffers free, anonymous and confi-dential HIV education, counseling and testing. Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 107 Lafayette St. in Norwich. Clinic will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Day holiday. Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6343.

Hospice Southeastern ConnecticutOffering a wide variety of grief-support groups for children, teens, adults and seniors, these sessions are for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. All six-week groups are free of charge. Please go to www.hospicesect.org to see the full list of meetings. Pre-registration is required by calling 860-848-5699.

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster for patients having surgery at BackusUse Guided Imagery and relax-ation to help feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after surgery and recover more quickly. The patient will receive a book, CD and a 90-minute instructional

class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery. A friend or family member may accom-pany the patient. Instructor: Paula Novak, RN, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner.• Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

and by appointment• 2 - 3:30 p.m. • Backus Outpatient Care Center,

111 Salem Tpke., NorwichThere is a $20 materials fee for a CD (and optional $15 book fee) for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 860-425-3877 to register.

Sail Through SurgeryA pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery. • Friday, May 4 • 4:30 p.m. • Backus Same Day Surgery waiting

area • Saturday, May 19 • 10 a.m. • Backus Same Day Surgery waiting

areaProgram free but registration required. Call 860-823-6328.

Sexually Transmitted Disease ClinicDiagnosis and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases; HIV and Hepatitis C testing is available. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at 107 Lafayette St., Norwich. No appointment needed. Only eight patients seen each clinic session. No new registrations accepted after 7 p.m. Clinic will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Day holiday. Program free. Call 860-823-6344.

Southeast Healthy Living Expo Two Backus technologists will pro-vide free bone density screenings for osteoporosis risk. Just place your bare foot in the machine and results are printed in five minutes.• Friday, May 18• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.• Crystal Mall, WaterfordProgram free; no registration required.

Childbirth and Infant CareBreast-feeding Preparation Class• Thursday, June 7 • 6 - 8:30 p.m. • Backus E-260 conference room Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Childbirth Refresher Class A one-evening class taught by a certified instructor for couples

who have had an infant less than three years ago.• Thursday, May 31 • 7 - 9 p.m. • Backus Birthing CenterThere is a $35 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Childbirth Preparation Classes (weekday)A four-week series that includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three months prior to due date.• Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 • 7 - 9 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference

rooms 1, 2There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Childbirth Preparation Classes (weekend)A two-day weekend class that includes a tour of the Birthing Center. • Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6• 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference

rooms 1, 2 There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Couples Massage for PregnancyThis one-evening class teaches partners simple massage tech-niques to release pain or discom-fort during pregnancy and labor.• Wednesday, June 27• 7 - 9 p.m.• Backus Birthing CenterThere is $50 fee and registration is required. Call 860-572-1872 or e-mail [email protected].

Infant-Child CPRFor parents and parents-to-be in the instruction of CPR for infants and children. Classes limited to eight people.• Thursday, May 10, June 14 • 6 - 8 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference

rooms There is a $35 per couple or $20 per person fee and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Nurturing Your Newborn — An Infant Care ClassTwo-hour class teaches normal newborn behavior, tests and pro-cedures in the hospital, and how to care for your baby in the first few days at home. Topics include: safe sleep, swaddling, bath demonstration, feeding, newborn appearance and behaviors and when to call the doctor. • Thursday, May 17, June 21

• 6 - 8:30 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference roomProgram free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Prepare for your Scheduled Cesarean SectionLearn what will happen when you come into the hospital for your c-section. Learn ways to decrease discomfort and take care of your newborn while recovering from surgery.• Thursday, May 24 • 6 - 8 p.m. • Backus Birthing Center confer-

ence roomProgram free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email [email protected].

Sibling ClassOne-hour class helps big brother or sister, ages 3-6, prepare for the new addition. Tours of the Birthing Center and practice caring for a new baby are included, so bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal.• Tuesday, May 15, Monday, June 4 • 10 - 11 a.m. • Backus Birthing CenterProgram free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Teen BirthingA two-evening childbirth prepara-tion class to prepare adolescent couples for labor and delivery. A second evening class on newborn care follows. • Wednesday, June 20 • 4 - 7 p.m. • Backus Hospital Birthing Center

conference room• Thursday, June 21 • 6 - 8:30 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference room There is a $10 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail [email protected].

Support GroupsBrain Injury Support Group For persons who have experienced a brain injury, and for their families and friends. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month.• Thursday, June 7• 1:30 - 3 p.m. • Backus Medical Office Building

conference roomProgram free; no registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 4060.

Breast Cancer Support Group For breast cancer patients and their families, sponsored by Backus Hospital and ECHO. Usually held on the third Tuesday of each month.• Tuesday, May 15, June 19• 7 - 8 p.m. • Backus Medical Office Building

Radiation Therapy Waiting RoomProgram free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group For cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Education and support group during treatment and afterward. Usually held the third Tuesday of the month. • Tuesday, May 15 • 5 - 6 p.m.

• Backus Medical Office Building conference room

Program free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777.

Huntington’s Disease Society of America Support GroupA gathering for members of the Connecticut affiliate. Meets on the third Thursday of the month• Thursday, May 17 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.• Backus main lobby conference

room 3To learn more, contact Debbie Pausig at 203-985-8246

Lap Band/Bariatric Support Group For patients who have undergone or considering bariatric surgery. Meets on the third Tuesday of the month. • Tuesday, May 15, June 19• 5- 6 p.m. • Backus Outpatient Care Center

conference room 1, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich

Program free, but registration is requested. Call Joan Sommers at 860-889-8331 ext. 4965.

Laryngectomy Support Group Tri-County New Voice Club for laryngectomy patients and family. Meets on the third Sunday of the month. • Sunday, May 20, June 17• 1- 3 p.m. • Backus Medical Office Building

Radiation Therapy conference roomProgram free; no registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 3480.

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Blood Cancer Support GroupEastern CT Hematology and Oncology offers a support group for persons, family members and friends dealing with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood can-cers. Meets on the third Tuesday of every other month. • Tuesday, May 15 • 5 - 6 p.m. • Backus Medical LibraryProgram free; registration is requested but not required. Refreshments provided. Call 860-886-8362 ext. 293.

Psycho-Educational Support Group for Cancer Patients and Survivors“Diagnosed with Cancer? What You Need to Know” is for anyone affected by cancer. Held the sec-ond Tuesday of every month.• Tuesday, May 8, June 12• 5 - 6 p.m. • Backus main lobby conference

room 1Program free; registration requested but not required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 4239.

Sharing and Caring: Stroke Support and Conversation GroupFor persons who have experienced a stroke, and for their families and friends. Usually held on the second Thursday of the month. • Thursday, May 10, June 14• 1 - 2 p.m. • Backus Outpatient Care Center

conference room 1, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich

Program free; no registration required. Call 860-823-6317 and ask for Pam or 860-889-8331, ext. 3480.

NEW

TO YOUR HEALTHMay/June ’12CALENDAR

Page 8: Healthy MAY 2012

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #130SPRINGFIELD, MA

backushospital.org

with aliCE FaCEntE, RN

Q: I know I should wear sunscreen to protect my skin, especially in

the summer, but should it be SPF 8, 15 or 50? It’s confusing.

A: Skin cancer is the most com- mon form of cancer in the

United States. Protect yourself by using sunscreen year-round with SPF of 15 or more, even on cloudy days. Some dermatologists recom-

mend SPF of 30. Reapply after swimming or sweat-ing from exercise. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeved clothes, and avoid direct sun between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Sun exposure ages skin prematurely,

another reason to take these precautions. Report any abnormal-looking areas of skin to your health care provider.

ASK THE NURSE

Protect yourself with sunscreen The early unseasonably warm weather may have sent you searching for

your summer clothes, but it also has sent pollen counts soaring.Jan Akus, MD, private practice physician and a member of the Backus

Medical Staff, said in recent years several options and medications have helped the majority of people who suffer from allergies.

Allergies can cause runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and sneez-ing. It can make you feel sick and feverish, hence the name hay fever. Dr. Akus recommends taking these actions:n Follow pollen counts and air

quality information to estimate severityn Avoid the specific allergen that causes your symptomsn Use a mask when doing yard workn Use air filtration machines in bedrooms.“If you can still not avoid allergic reactions, you can turn to over-the-

counter treatments. Antihistamines are the first treatment option,” Akus said.

Oral antihistamines reduce sneezing, runny nose and itching of the nose, palate and eyes, Akus said. They are effective but can make you drowsy. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and deslonati-dine, are effective but more costly.

Antihistamines taken through the nasal passages, such as azelstine, relieve symptoms of sneezing and runny noses. Steroids taken through the nasal passages are one of the most effective medications for improving nasal congestion, runny noses, itching and sneezing, Akus said.

with Jan aKUS,

MD

HEALTH TIP

Early spring sets off allergies

Healthy C O N N E C T I O N SIn this issuen ‘Top Docs’ at Backus

recognized in magazine

n Backus Nightingale nurses named

n National Hospital Week recognizes hard work done by everyone

Send us your questions

n If you have a question for the nurse, call 860-889-8331, ext. 2405 or e-mail [email protected]

GRAND OPENING

Plainfield Backus

Emergency Care Center

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a

week beginning July 9

Route 12, Plainfield