Wellness Clinic & Blood Pressure Screenings
4th Thursday of each month, 10 am –12 pm with Foot Clinic 12:30 – 3 pm
On your next visit to The Thompson Wellness Clinic, please welcome our new Clinic nurse, Connie Powell. Connie has been a nurse for 19 years and started her career as a cardiac nurse in a hospital. She continues to teach nursing students in addition to her working a busy clinic schedule with the VNA/VNH. Her new position enables her to fulfill her passion of contributing to communities. Connie will also provide foot clinic hours in addition to Mary Wood. Please support our monthly Wellness Clinic by checking in with Connie for a wellness check.
Water Aerobics Class
Woodstock Athletic Club
Fridays, March 8—May 17, 2019
1:30 – 2:15 pm, Cost: $80 for 10 week class
The Thompson Center will provide shuttle service to and from class if needed. Please register in
advance by calling 457-3277. Payment is due at time of reservation and must be received prior to the start of class series.
Fall Prevention Clinic at The Thompson
Provided by Upper Valley Rehab Physical Therapists
Balance Clinic hours will resume on June 12th, by appointment. New dates and schedule will be posted on The Thompson website and in this newsletter.
Falls are not a normal part of aging and can result in more serious injuries over time, but the risks can be reduced by working on all the possible causes.
Upper Valley Rehab will be offering a Fall Prevention Clinic at the Thompson Center and will provide free comprehensive fall risk Screenings for people who have fallen or who have a fear of falling. At the Clinic/Assessment, a licensed physical therapist will ask participants to complete a fall assessment screen which will include a history of previous falls and what might be causing them. Additionally, a therapist will screen participant’s gait, balance, range of motion, strength and sensation and ask questions regarding home environment, fear of falling concerns, and pertinent medical history that can contribute to falls. This total assessment will include your screen results, which can be sent to your primary care physician, and recommendations for treatment if needed. Each comprehensive assessment is about fifteen minutes and will require an appointment.
Please wear or bring the shoes you wear most often inside and outside of your home. Please bring devices you use for walking like a cane or walker.
Hand or Foot Reflexology
Offered by Deborah Neuhof, Certified Reflexologist
Tuesdays, April 23 May 7 & 21, 9:30 – 12:30 pm
$30 for 30 minutes
Experience Reflexology techniques to de-stress and promote a balanced, wholistic well-being. Loose clothing recommended. Call in advance to make your appointment.
Chair Massage
Thursdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am
$15 for 15 minutes
Massage Therapist Sara Smith will offer 15 minute massages or you can ask for more or less time at the time of your reservation. Be kind to yourself and treat yourself to a chair massage by calling The Thompson.
FITNESS H2O on FREE SENIOR FRIDAYS
Upper Valley Aquatic Center
9:15 – 10:10 am
Open swimming available from 9-11 am
A low-impact, low-intensity class in the shallow-water, focusing on overall strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Seniors get in free to all of UVAC facility Fridays 9-11am! This is a free walk-in class for those 65 and older. All fitness levels are welcome.
Transportation provided by The Thompson Center upon request.
20 REASONS TO TAKE TAI CHI at the Thompson Center
Next round of classes: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 – $18
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29- $15
Beginner 9:30, Advanced 10:45
- Improves balance
- Improves coordination
- May lower blood pressure
- May help control blood sugar levels
- May help you sleep better!
- Reduce arthritis pain
- It’s fun to learn something new
- Can improve posture
- Two teachers—more individual attention
- Great social activity
- Helps prevent falls
- Can reduce stress
- Improves leg strength
- We start with a short form
- Enjoy gentle, low-impact movement
- No competition, no pressure
- Low cost
- Scholarship assistance available
- Mindful, meditative practice
- We laugh a lot!
Hearing Healthcare and Hearing Aid Updates
Monday, April 15, 1:00 pm
Presented by Johnson Audiology
Hearing loss affects over 36 million Americans and is the third most common health problem in the United States. Audiologist, Dr. Julie Johnson, will discuss the changing landscape of hearing healthcare and how to be a savvy hearing aid consumer and what to look for from a hearing aid provider.
Dr. Johnson, graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC and completed her externship at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She moved to the Upper Valley in 2003 to join Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center as a clinical Audiologist and later as a clinical coordinator. In 2014, Dr. Johnson established Johnson Audiology, a private practice providing hearing health care to continuing care facilities, including Kendal at Hanover. Dr. Johnson has a working proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology.
Dr. Rieke graduated with a Doctor of Audiology degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her externship at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in 2009. She continues to see patients at DHMC and also works as a research Audiologist for a lab at Dartmouth College. Dr. Rieke is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. In addition, she conducts research related to cochlear changes from noise and ototoxicity. Dr. Rieke is also involved in research related to developing low-cost audiometric technology to improve global hearing healthcare in impoverished rural communities. For more information about their services,visit www.johnsonaudiology.org.
Intro to Medicare for New Enrollees
Tuesday, April 16, 1:00 pm
Presented by Senior Solutions at The Thompson Center
Are you almost 65 year of age and thinking about signing up for Medicare? Are you retiring and losing your health insurance benefits? Come and learn when and how to enroll in Medicare. State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Coordinator, Pati Kimball, will be presenting this class for those individuals who will be signing up for Medicare. Pati will discuss the different levels of Medicare coverage options such as supplement plans, and Advantage plans as well as the current prescription drug plans. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is advised by calling The Thompson Center.
Diabetes Self Management: Tools and Tips
Thursday, April 18, 1-2 pm
Come to the Thompson to hear more about how to control your blood sugar.
Discuss the challenges with Nancy McCullough, RN, MS from Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Healthier Living with Diabetes
A workshop facilitated by specially trained leaders from Gifford Medical Center and Mt. Ascutney Hospital
Free Six-Week Class: Wednesdays
May 1, 8, 22, 29 and June 5, 12 (no class on May 15) 1:00—3:30 pm
What the Program Offers:
- Problem solving & action planning
- Healthy eating
- Exercise
- Monitoring blood sugar
- Managing stress
- Handling sick days
Whos’s it for?
For those diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and their caregivers and family members.
Through this Diabetes Self-Management Program you can get the support you need to better manage your Diabetes and help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, blindess, and kidney failure.
To register, please call The Thompson. For more information contact Pam Butler at The Thompson Center or Megan Sault, Gifford Community Health Team 728-9324.
Women and Heart Disease, Learn the Facts
Presented by Rita Rice, RN BSN CRNI
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center Cardiac Rehab
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 pm
Cardiovascular diseases, which include stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds, but… about 80% of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented! This program will be a discussion about facts on heart disease in women, screenings, risk factors, symptoms, physical activity, nutrition, and new blood pressure guidelines.
Rita Rice has been a practicing nurse for 43 years with an extensive background in critical care, emergency care and home care. She is a certified IV nurse and was formerly the Critical Care Coordinator at MAHHC. She runs the Cardiac Rehab program at MAHHC and has worked with the Disaster Team for Eastern United States and Europe. She is most proud of the 2018 national certification of the MAHHC Cardiac Rehab program. Rita says; “I believe we all have a job to live a long, happy, and healthy life.”
Introduction to Medicare for New Enrollees
Tuesday, June 4, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Presented by Senior Solutions
Are you almost 65 year of age and thinking about signing up for Medicare? Are you retiring and losing your health insurance benefits? Come and learn when and how to enroll in Medicare. State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) counselor, Pati Kimball, will be presenting this class for those individuals who will be signing up for Medicare. She will discuss the different levels of Medicare coverage options such as supplement plans, and Advantage plans as well as the current prescription drug plans. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is advised.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Ongoing, on the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Support and education can make a critical difference for family members and caregivers of patients with memory loss or disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Please join our confidential monthly support group (with complimentary lunch) and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges.
Bone Builders
Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 pm
The Bone Builders exercise program, developed at Tufts University, addresses bone health for people of all ages. Women especially may have thinning of bones as early as age 40, but men are welcome in this class and will benefit as well.
Bone Builders classes, with instructor Althea Derstine, are ongoing on Monday and Thursday each week. Classes are free. Minimum of six participants required. Please sign up in advance.
MEMOIR CLUB
Ongoing, Mondays, 10:15 am – noon
In this informal group, we encourage one another as we record stories that may otherwise be lost or forgotten. Each person has an opportunity to read aloud one to two pages each week often triggering group memories and lively discussion. No pressure… reading is optional!
Stretch and Balance Class
Led by Certified Fitness Trainer, Liz Hatfield
Mondays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Monday morning Strength and Fitness class will now focus on gentle stretching, flexibility, and balance. Liz will guide her class through a series of stretching exercises which can be done on a floor mat for those who choose to, or while seated. All levels and abilities are welcome! Mats will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have one.
Regular Strength and Fitness class will remain the same on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Cost: $3.00/class or 12 classes for $30 on a punch card.
Open Pickle Ball
Woodstock Athletic Club
Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 – 10:00 am
Fridays – schedule to be announced. Call the Athletic Club at 457-6656
Cost:$10 per 1.5 hr court time session. Walk-ins welcome and equipment is provided. Ride service available from The Thompson with advance notice.
Foot Care Clinics
9:00 am – 2:30 pm, on the 2nd Friday & 3rd Wednesday of every month
12:30 – 2:45 pm
In addition to Mary Wood’s clinic on the second Friday and third Wednesday of each month, we are happy to offer more foot clinic availability with our wellness clinic nurse, Mary Ann Conrad. Mary Ann will be offering an additional foot clinic every other month on the 4th Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:45 pm following her wellness clinic hours.
Both clinics will now be $20 and patrons are asked to bring their own towel. As always, please inform us in advance if you cannot make your appointment.
Veggie VanGo at Mt. Ascutney Hospital
Second Tuesday of each month
10:00 am – 11:00 am
VeggieVanGo, a mobile nutrition program of the Vermont Foodbank, will be coming to Mt. Ascutney Hospital once a month to provide FREE fresh produce for people facing hunger. So if you know of an individual, family or patient who might benefit from receiving a delivery of fresh, healthy veggies, you can help by sharing this information and encouraging them to pick up their FREE vegetables. And if you, or members of your family could benefit from the program, we hope you’ll come too! Visit Vermont Foodbank for more information.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE CLINIC
2nd Monday of the month, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, by appointment
Would your loved ones know your wishes about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? There is a legal document called an Advance Directive that you can complete to give guidelines about your wishes and appoint someone to represent you if you are not able. We have arranged for a trained and caring volunteer to be at the Thompson Center every 2nd Monday from 1pm – 3pm. These volunteers will take the time to explain both the document and the simple process used to make your wishes known. The most important part of this process is talking to those you love about what matters most to you. You can call 457-3277 to schedule an appointment.
Get Your Medical Questions Answered by a Gifford Medical Center Health Care Provider
Do you have a medical question that you would like answered by a medical professional? Tune in to the Royalton Community Radio program, “On Call”, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 -7:00 pm on FM channel 96.5. If there is a specific topic you would like to hear about, call Nikki Gewirz, P.A. at 802-763-2700 or email her at ngewirz@giffordmed.org.