Train Your Brain!

In case you’ve already forgotten!

The Psycho-Neuro-Immunology Institute (NEPNI) is once again presenting its fun and informative brain health course, “Train Your Brain to Retain.”  This 7-week class is being offered at two convenient times: Tuesday mornings from 10 to noon or Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30.  Both sections begin on April 1st. (Yes, the easier to remember it by!)

Classes will be held at 31 Frog Hill in Brattleboro.  There is a limit of 12 students per class. You must register by Friday, March 28.


Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Named One of Constant Contact’s 2013 All Stars

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital recognized for achieving exemplary marketing results

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has received the 2013 All Star Award from, the trusted marketing advisor to more than half a million small organizations worldwide.Each year, Constant Contact bestows the All Star Award to a select group of businesses and nonprofits that are successfully leveraging online marketing tools to engage their customer base, and drive success for their organization. Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact’s international customer base.


42 U.S.C. Section 1396p(b)(B) Questions for Low Income VT Home Owners Dreaming of Florida

42 U.S.C. Section 1396p(b)(B)

Are you age 55 or older, and a single home owner who receives Medicaid,
or suddenly got signed up for Medicaid when you explored the Obamacare
 government Affordable Care Act website because you fit the new higher  income guidelines for  Medicaid under  Obamacare?

If you are getting arthritic from living in a cold wet climate, you might be thinking of moving south to a warmer and drier climate; but now you have to figure out if Medicaid / Obamacare has put a lien on your home before you sell it, because they aren’t adequately  warning or informing anyone!


CircusYoga Workshop Comes To Putney

Circus Yoga Workshop comes to Putney!

Circus Yoga combines the best of circus games and partnered yoga. Join Circus Yoga founder, Erin Maile O’Keefe, for a Sunday afternoon of pure fun.

Bring your friends and family over the age of 7.


Act 39: Know The Facts

Brattleboro Area Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Ethics Committee invite the public to a free presentation about Act 39: Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life. Vermont’s law pertaining to Patient Choice at the End of Life took effect on May 20, 2013 and legalizes physician-aid in dying for eligible adults living with a terminal illness. Featuring Cindy Bruzzese, the Executive Director of the Vermont Ethics Network, this forum is not a debate for or against Act 39; it is a public informational presentation only and allows time for questions and answers.

When: Monday, March 24, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Brew Barry Conference Room, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital


Train Your Brain!

Where are my keys?  What is that person’s name?  Why did I come into this room?

Sound familiar?  Want to do something about it?

The latest brain research has reached such popular publications as National Geographic and AARP Magazine.  It has scientifically revealed that our mind-body connections can have a positive influence on our memory.  The faculty at Brattleboro-based NEPNI (the Northeast Psycho-Neuro-Immunology Institute) has extensively explored much of this evidence-based brain research and wants to share it with you.


Center for Cardiovascular Health at BMH In Conjunction With Rescue, Inc. To Offer Rapid CPR

To raise awareness among local women that heart disease is their #1 health threat, the at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with Rescue, Inc. today announces free Rapid CPR training.

. representatives will be onsite in the lobby of the Richards Building at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, February 19 and 26, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.

Rapid CPR, also known as hands only CPR, skips the “mouth to mouth” breathing, relying on rapid chest compressions instead, which has been proven to be as effective as regular CPR until help arrives. Rescue, Inc. will be onsite with mannequins to provide this training free of charge. No registration is required.


Center for Cardiovascular Health at BMH to Host Red Dress Event

To raise awareness among local women that heart disease is their #1 health threat, the Center for Cardiovascular Health at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital announces it will host a Red Dress breakfast with Phaedra McDonough, APRN. The breakfast is free of charge.

The breakfast will occur on Wednesday, February 26, starting at 7:15 AM in the Brew Barry Conference Center. Phaedra will discuss the risk factors for women’s heart disease, symptoms and what women can do to prevent or reduce their risk of a heart attack. There will be time for questions to follow.


GMCFit is having a Membership Drive during February.

Green Mountain Community Fitness is the perfect place for small group trainings in downtown Brattleboro at 80 Flat St.

Start a new membership during February and your first month is only $75 (a savings of $50).

GMCFit offers a variety of trainings including Boot Camp, Cardio blasting INSANITY, BEAST Boot Camp, P90X, POWER Pilates, and Zumba.

Nutritional Couseling and personal training sessions are also available.

All levels are welcome. Are you ready for a change?!?

Strength • Wellness • Community

www.gmcfit.com


Belly Dance for Core Intelligence and Creative Expression

Belly Dance for Core Intelligence: Our core is much more than the surface abdominals, connecting down to our pelvic floor and back and around to our sacrum. Learn how to utilize basic belly dance exercises and moves to build deep core awareness, strength, and control without ever having to do a crunch or sit up. 

Belly Dance for Creative Expression: Dance is a universal form of expression and belly dance is ancient, drawing on the social and ritual dances of many cultures. This class will provide a safe space for dancers of all levels and abilities to explore dance improvisation and creation through the language of belly dance. No prior dance experience is necessary. Please wear loose or stretchy, unrestrictive clothing. 


Taiji Quan Beginner’s Class Begins

New Beginners Tai Chi & Taoist Exercises Starting in Putney.    

Taiji Quan, otherwise known as Supreme Ultimate Boxing, is an ancient form of martial art that has been practiced for both health and self defense. It can be practiced for recreation and to increase strength, flexibility, and vitality well into old age. Taiji Quan is not performed in the same manner as most western calisthenics or sports. It requires a tremendous amount of mental and physical concentration and control. Taiji Quan is often described as a moving meditation. After practice, one feels invigorated, clear-minded, and peaceful.


Just So Pediatrics Moves to New, Larger Location

is moving to a new location in the Medical Office Building at 19 Belmont Avenue, Suite G102 on the ground floor, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

Situated just across the street from their old location at 16 Belmont Avenue, the new office provides larger space and updated facilities, including five exam rooms instead of four. The move will take place on Friday, February 14, with the office reopening in its new location on Monday, February 17.

Just So Pediatrics offers comprehensive care to infants, children, and adolescents. The pediatric group includes Dr. Valerie Rooney, Dr. Jane Katz Field, and certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Cynthia Howes. Along with their staff, they share the goal of making your child’s visit a comfortable one.


Caregiver Support Group

Are you feeling alone and stressed taking care of a loved one? Would it be helpful to have a safe and confidential place to discuss your concerns and feelings related to being a caregiver? Would support, encouragement and connection to community resources help you in your role as caregiver?

Whether you are caring for a loved one full-time or part-time, please join us at our next Caregiver Support Group. You will be able to connect with others who are currently caring for loved ones (including long-distance) or perhaps are beginning to prepare for the responsibilities of care.


The Center for Cardiovascular Health at BMH Hosts a Series of Events in February to Help Local Women Learn The Heart Truth®

To raise awareness among local women that heart disease is their #1 health threat, the at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital today announces a series of events for February to promote the Heart Truth: a nationwide effort to spread information about women and heart disease, prevention and wellness.

The month long event will include:

  • Radio series entitled Matters of the Heart (every Monday in February 9:15 AM on Live and Local)
  • Red Dress breakfast with Phaedra McDonough, APRN (7:30 PM on February 26)
  • Café Chats with Cardiac Nurses for Risk Factors of Cardiac Disease (February 11 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM)
  • Love your Heart Blood Pressure Screenings (Mondays in February 12:00 – 1:00 PM)
  • Rapid CPR Classes (February 19 & 26 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM)
  • Walk this Way to Better Health fitness walks (Tuesdays at 4:30 PM and Thursdays at 3:15 PM)
  • and more.

Barre Classes Arrive In Southern Vermont

Have you heard of Barre or BarSculpt?  It’s a new fitness regime that has been sweeping the nation!  Think of it as “Pilates Evolved.”

BarSculpt is a unique combination of cardio, core strenghtening and stretching, that results in a strong, lean, flexible body.  It’s also a safe workout for people of any fitness level. 

BarSculpt classes have arrived in Putney and are being taught by Putney resident, Maria Ogden.  Maria has been involved in fitness activities for 30 years and brings her own love of this exercise to Hot Wheelz Cycle Studio.


BMH Welcomes New Director of Organizational Improvement

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Robert Gailey as the new Director of Organizational Improvement.

In this position, Gailey will work closely with the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathleen McGraw in leading the hospital’s Organizational Improvement efforts. He will also work with BMH’s quality director and department managers in developing quality improvement teams for specific “service lines” within the hospital.

Gailey, who has a Master of Science degree in organizational effectiveness with a specialization in healthcare, comes to BMH with 15 years of experience in healthcare supervisory roles and quality leadership positions. Most recently, he worked as the Quality Improvement Outcomes Coordinator at Union Hospital of Cecil County, a 122-bed facility in Elkton, MD, along the Baltimore-Philadelphia metro corridor. He is also well versed in both LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies for streamlining business processes and eliminating waste.


Brattleboro Cardiology Awarded Funding for Participation in Pilot Program

The Center for Cardiovascular Health at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) was awarded funding of $5,000 from (VITL) for its participation in a pilot program. The pilot provided the Center early access to VITLAccess, which is designed to share patient health information through the Vermont Health Information Exchange (HIE), which is managed by VITL.

VITLAccess is a new, secure web based provider portal that allows healthcare providers to search and view information about their patients who may have received care from healthcare organizations across the state and in the surrounding area. This information includes radiology and lab reports, hospital admission, discharge and transfer summaries, medication history, and other health information. VITLAccess will be offered to all providers across the state beginning in the spring of 2014.


Renaissance Fine Jewerly Raffle Helps Open “The Doorway to Exceptional Care”

announced its diamond halo earring raffle raised $895.00 for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s “Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign.

“The winner was Danielle Lauria,” said Caitlyn Wilkinson, owner of Renaissance Fine Jewelry on Main Street in Brattleboro. “She came in almost every day and bought tickets in both her name and the name of her newborn daughter. And the day after the drawing, Danielle’s husband brought her into the store and we surprised her. She was totally shocked; she couldn’t have been more excited. She even wore them out of the store,” said Wilkinson.


Georgio’s Customers Help Open “The Doorway to Exceptional Care”

Georgio’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant announced fifty two customers participated in its special fund raiser to support the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Emergency Department renovation and expansion project.

During the month of November, for every pizza sold to a customer presenting a special coupon, Georgio’s made a donation to “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” campaign.

“This is my hospital and I wanted to support the project” said George Leristis, owner of the restaurant located at 419 Canal Street in Brattleboro. “We are happy that we could support the hospital’s efforts to improve its Emergency Department. It is important it remains available for anyone who needs medical care, all day, every day.”


Health Care Reform And You: The Patient-Centered Medical Home

You and the Patient-Centered Medical Home: What is it? How does it affect you?

These are open Putney community sessions focusing on how health care reform in Vermont is affecting the way in which health care services are organized and delivered. Come learn about how the Vermont Blueprint for Health, the statewide initiative designed to improve the health of Vermonters, is using a model for health care delivery called the “Patient-Centered Medical Home”, or “PCMH” for short to enhance the way your health care is managed. 

Learn what a PCMH is and what your rights are as a patient receiving care in a PCMH.  Both medical offices in Putney, HeartSong Health in Community and Putney Family Health Care, are now certified PCMHs, all of the BMH medical practices either have become certified as PCMHs or are in the process of becoming certified.   If you receive care in Putney, you are now part of a PCMH.  If you receive care in a BMH practice in Brattleboro, you are, or will soon be, part of a PCMH.  Make sure that you know what this means for you and your family.