Public Internet Now Available at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group
Slocum-Dickson will now offer public internet access for patients and visitors at the New Hartford location. This will allow patients and visitors to access the internet from their laptop computers and mobile devices. The internet can be enjoyed from most patient waiting areas. This service is free and can be accessed with most properly configured wireless devices. Brochures that outline the steps to accessing the internet while in the Slocum-Dickson building are available in the waiting areas. The medical group is pleased that they were able to respond to patients’ requests for internet access while visiting the facility. Patient satisfaction is a priority for Slocum-Dickson Medical Group; therefore they continue to make adjustments that will make visiting the facility even more pleasant.
Hundreds Attend Local Heart Health Event,
Makeover My Heart
Tim Liddon, Personal Trainer form Paragon Athletic Club, gets the crowd on their feet during his presentation.
On Saturday February 6, 2010, Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Hosted the 2nd Annual Makeover My Heart at the Radisson Hotel in Utica, NY. Over 300 women turned out for the event which featured presentations on a variety of heart health topics. Along with a dedicated committee of local professionals, Founder and Executive Director, Lisa Ennis, a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, developed the annual Makeover My Heart Event in 2008 as a way to raise community awareness about the importance of heart health for women. The goal of the program is educating women about heart disease, offering information about risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as tips for healthy eating and lifestyle modification.
Makeover My Heart allows women to learn about heart disease in a fun and relaxing way, by incorporating education with complimentary spa services that leave guests pampered and refreshed. Vendors included: massage therapists, makeup artists, fitness experts as well as health assessment screening. Attendees had the opportunity to win a number of prize packages, including the coveted “Makeover My Heart Challenge” provided by Paragon Athletic Club. This package begins with a comprehensive body assessment and nutritional consultation to develop a personalized exercise program and nutritional plan, followed by a 12 week intensive program that includes exercise and diet under the supervision of your own Personal Trainer and Registered Dietician. The program will continue with a full one year membership to Paragon Athletic Club that includes full use of the gym facilities as well as all available classes.
Speakers at the event included: Slocum-Dickson Nurse Practitioner Diane Scalise, Slocum-Dickson Cardiologist Mark Blaker, MD, Faxton-St.Luke’s Director of Relationship Based Care Mary Beth Dowling, RN, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Health and Wellness Consultant Pat Palmisano, RD, Heart Disease Survivor Mary Schumacher, Slocum-Dickson Pulmonologist Sam Faradyan, MD, Paragon Athletic Club Certified Personal Trainer Tim Liddon and Motivational Humorist Bobbie Staten. Presentations throughout the day covered a variety of topics, from facts about heart disease and risk factors, to how to get your family on the path to a heart healthy lifestyle. The audience left with a wealth of information and practical suggestions for heart healthy living. The day ended on a light note with humorist Bobbie Staten and her presentation “Why They Drive Us Crazy”.
New to the program this year, was the addition of mini clinics during the lunch session. Slocum Dickson Cardiologist Tom Mathew, MD, led a wine tasting and spoke about the benefits of red wine. Sandy Walker, RN, BA, CIIG held a guided imagery session designed to promote self healing and personal growth. Anna Case utilized the Radisson’s pool area to demonstrate water aerobics and Ai Chi. The mini clinics were a big hit among the ladies who attended.
Slocum Dickson Medical Group is the presenting sponsor of Makeover My Heart, however the program also received generous corporate support from: Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, NBT Bank, Faxton St Lukes Health Care, Price Chopper, Paragon Athletic Club, CDPHP, MVP Healthcare and many more. As a result, Makeover My Heart offered a superior quality community educational program at a very affordable price point. For a registration fee of $20, guests received breakfast, lunch, all lectures, mini clinics, spa services, health assessment screening and complimentary gift bag.
Makeover My Heart continues to be a success since its inaugural event last year. The program has created quite a following and is now on the web at: www.makeovermyheart.org. Here, you’ll find information about a variety of heart healthy topics, including a blog which shares the personal stories of local heart disease survivors, heart healthy recipes, educational information and more. It is an excellent community resource for women.
Plans are currently underway for next year’s Makeover My Heart which promises to be even better! Visit makeover my heart on the web to stay informed about future programs and events. Get on the path to Makeover Your Heart !!!
Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Kicks Off the Start! Walking Challenge
On January 15, 2010, Slocum-Dickson kicked off the American Heart Association’s Start! walking challenge at its New Hartford facility. The Start! campaign is “a groundbreaking new national initiative that calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of health and physical activity to live longer, healthier lives”. Slocum-Dickson is proud to participate in this challenge and help lead the way for its employees to live healthy, active lives.
The kickoff took place over a healthy lunch. Anne Falchi, COO introduced the program, encouraging everyone to start walking at work, on breaks and during lunch. The walking teams will track their progress and engage in some friendly competition. Ann Milograno, of the American Heart Association, took a few minute to share with the group the benefits of walking. She explained that just 30 minutes of walking a day can lengthen your life. She also went over the resources that are available to participants through the heart association website (heart.org/start). Tools on the website can be used to track physical activity, count calories and more.
Suzanne Price, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, Director of Rehabilitation at Slocum-Dickson, designed the walking route at the New Hartford building. She explained that the route is set up in 50 foot increments so that participant can choose their distance. It’s as simple as following the green Start! signs.
The group is excited about beginning this new program and working toward becoming a healthier work place. A strong supporter of the American Heart Association for many years, the group will once again have a team walking in the Heart Run & Walk on March 6, 2010. Also, for the first time, Slocum-Dickson will be the presenting sponsor of the WIBX Heart Radiothon. Providers from the group will be on the air throughout the Radiothon on March 5th and 6th sharing health information and tips for a healthy heart.
