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Diane and Phil Hannah of New Milford, Connecticut faced a series of health problems — including Phil’s skin cancer diagnosis — that made it difficult for them to keep up with everyday tasks, like shopping for groceries and preparing meals. The Eating Well program supported Diane and Phil during this challenging time by providing vouchers for free, nutritious meals from the New Milford Hospital café after each of Phil’s radiation therapy sessions. The Eating Well program aims to improve the overall well-being of patients and caregivers, and is fully supported by generous donors. Eating Well is a component of New Milford Hospital’s Plow to Plate program. Plow to Plate meals are freshly prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

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A herniated disc caused Pat Bifano, age 75, debilitating pain that disrupted her life. Minimally invasive robotic spinal fusion surgery at Norwalk Hospital gave Pat her life back. Norwalk Hospital offers a new robotic-guidance and navigation system that enables specially-trained surgeons to perform spinal fusion surgery less invasively and with even greater accuracy and precision. The main benefits to patients of using robotic technology for spinal fusion are smaller incisions, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to traditional spinal fusion.

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Danbury Hospital launched Healing Hugs, a new service where trained volunteer cuddlers provide comfort to babies in the Danbury Hospital Spratt Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Studies have shown that NICU babies who are cuddled experience immediate benefits, like lowered heart rate and reduced stress, and also long-term cognitive, neurological, and social benefits. A local woman is paying it forward by volunteering as a cuddler, nearly 30 years after her son’s life was saved in the Danbury Hospital NICU.

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For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on physical activity, sleep, and screen time for children from birth through age four. The WHO guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of childhood obesity, which is rising worldwide, and help young children establish habits that promote lifelong physical and mental health. Avoiding or limiting screen time and engaging in physical activity and creative, unstructured play can help children learn and develop important motor, cognitive, and social skills.

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The ACC/AHA published new heart disease prevention guidelines for primary care providers to use when treating patients with heart disease or who are at risk for heart disease. The guidelines recommend for primary care providers to go beyond medical intervention, and consider the patient’s socioeconomic challenges when it comes to accessing care and making lifestyle changes to improve his or her condition. The guidelines include a new recommendation that low-dose aspirin should not be administered on a routine basis for primary prevention of heart disease among adults 70 years of age or older, or at any age who are at increased bleeding risk.

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The summer heat can take a toll on seniors. In particular, seniors should take special care during the summer months to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Even when it’s hot outside, seniors still need to exercise. They should consider changing their exercise routine to avoid the heat and stay active. Summer health considerations for seniors include managing medications that can cause dehydration, and getting outside for at least 30 minutes per day to get enough Vitamin D. Older skin can be thinner and burn more easily. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

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Hot summer weather can be challenging for the elderly. For example, they are more vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, than younger people. Make sure the senior citizen under your care drinks plenty of water, has access to air conditioning, and wears sun protection clothing. Going on vacation? Keep in mind that for those with dementia, traveling may be difficult and confusing. By taking special precautions and establishing a support system, the senior under your care can have an active, healthy, and safe summer.

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Summer is a great time to get outside with the family, but it is also the time of year when kids are most often injured. You can protect your child by following tips for outdoor activities, heat and sun, and water safety.

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A $1 million gift from Dr. Eric Moskow, a primary care physician and healthcare entrepreneur, and his family will establish the Neligan-Safford Endowed Chair in Primary Care, the first chair in primary care at WCHN. The endowed chair is named in honor of Dr. Patrick Neligan and Dr. Theodore Safford, Jr. These late primary care physicians were at the forefront of many advances in primary care and community health initiatives, and they mentored Dr. Moskow early in his career.

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Study findings presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Meeting showed that Apple Watch was able to accurately detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heart rhythm, 84 percent of the time. Dr. Ira Galin, a cardiologist at Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, attended the Apple Watch session at the ACC annual meeting. He said although we have a long way to go in terms of reliability and accuracy, the Apple Heart Study shows that wearable devices could have a promising future in the detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

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The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association released research study results that suggest drinking diet beverages may increase stroke risk in women over 50.

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Advanced telestroke technology allows neurologists to help diagnose stroke remotely — saving time and saving lives

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Twenty-three year old Lauren Williams was rushed to Danbury Hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of Type 1 diabetes. Danbury Hospital emergency, progressive care, and endocrinology care teams are highly skilled at effectively and expeditiously identifying and treating DKA

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Health Quest and Western Connecticut Health Network combine to form new health system to be called Nuvance Health

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A Connecticut man sustained an injury that caused two herniated discs in his spine and resulted in extreme pain and loss of function in his left leg. After successful spine surgery at #DanburyHospital, he’s back to the activities he loves, including prepping his boat for the spring.

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Western Connecticut Health Network gastroenterologists provided answers to common questions many people have about colorectal cancers, colonoscopies, and at-home colon screening tests.

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Tony Teixeira from Danbury, Connecticut had minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove a rare heart tumor.

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An 86-year old woman from Danbury, Connecticut had Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) to treat severe aortic stenosis. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that is a safe alternative for patients who are at intermediate to high risk of complications from open heart surgery.

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Norwalk Hospital same day total joint replacement surgery leaves patient highly active and pain-free