Goodbye Summer! VNLV's September Newsletter

Eat your Veggies, Seniors Beware, Flu Shot Season, Meet Chris, and Have a New Hip?

Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month

Most people know that eating fruits and vegetables is important for good health, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. This September, Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is proud to participate in Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you:

Lower your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer
Maintain or reach a healthy weight
Keep your body strong and active

Here are some ideas to help you and your family fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:

Keep a bowl of fruit handy where the whole family can see it.
Cut up fruits and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready for quick, healthy snacks.
Challenge your family to try a new veggie or fruit every week.

Remember, eating more fruits and veggies can be fun – and it’s worth it!

For more information, click here.

Start Your Day Off Right with this Easy Habit!

This one small change in your morning routine will likely yield significant health benefits. Simply start each day with a cup of warm water and the freshly squeezed juice of half of a lemon.

To learn more about the health benefits of lemon water, click here.

Seniors Beware!

According to this Washington Post article, with Medicare's approval, a health insurance company can enroll a member of it's marketplace or other commercial plan into its (more restrictive)Medicare Advantage coverage automatically without you knowing it. The insurer need only to notify you by letter giving you a chance to opt out. If you miss that letter, you may be out of luck.

To read the full article, click here.

Believe It or Not, "Flu Season" is Almost Here! Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the U.S. population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community. Here at VNLV, we're busy scheduling flu clinics to serve local communicties, starting in October.

To find one of our flu clinics near you, click here.

Meet Christine Schumacher, Clinical Supervisor

How a Friend and Community Can Change Your Path

My career at Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley (VNLV) all started back in 1990. I met a friend, who worked as a nurse at VNLV, with her daughter at local private swimming lessons. She asked a simple question, "What are you doing now?" I just had my first son and replied, "I am on maternity leave."
The next week, I was hired at VNLV as a per diem nurse, thinking I would just cover their busy summer months. Twenty six years later, here we are! I grew up in this community and am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the people with their homecare needs. Both homecare and I have gone through many changes, with services to customers as the goal.

Christine Schumacher, Clinical Supervisor

Have a New Hip?
Let our sister company, Lower Valley Care Advocates pave the way to recovery by providing help with all the little details of life like grocery shopping, housekeeping, transportation and pet care. They can help with personal care like bathing and dressing, too. Call them to optimize your recovery (860) 767-2695.

Let's Stay Connected!

Have you seen our new website? "Like" us on Facebook to stay informed with news from VNLV! Questions? Call Us! Phone: 860-767-0186