Mental Health Awareness Week, Thank You for a Successful Auction, Flu Clinics, Update from LVCA

Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct 1 - 7

Mental Illness Awareness Week During Mental Illness Awareness Week on October 1-7, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country are raising awareness of mental illness. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Each year, the movement grows stronger. NAMI believes that mental health issues are important to address year-round, but highlighting them during #MIAW provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness. If you or someone you know may need a mental health assessment, anonymous online tools are available. For National Depression Screening Day on October 5th, you can get a free mental health screening at HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. For more information, click here.

Links to other Mental Health Resources: Living with a Mental Health Condition Family Members and Caregivers NAMI Programs Finding a Mental Health Professional Getting Help Paying for Medications Managing Stress

Thank You For a Successful Auction and Celebration and Auction!

Over 100 people attended Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley’s “We’re Almost 100 Party!” on Wednesday, September 20 th at the Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton. In addition to celebrating nearly a century of non-profit service to the community, the event raised funds for the agency, which will directly benefit VNLV’s mission to provide healthcare programs and services to the whole community, including the under-insured. “We were touched by the outpouring of support from the community. It felt good to see everyone come together to recognize the work we’re doing – and to help us celebrate such a special occasion!” stated Susan Maxwell, Executive Director of Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley (pictured here). In attendance were many of VNLV’s sponsors, Board Members, prominent members of the community and staff, all coming together to join in the celebration. Highlights of the evening included emcees David and Ibby from ICRV radio, musical performances by The Hilltop Quartet & Chorus and Dr T and the Painkillers, the raffle and the live and silent auction.

Thank You to Our Raffle Donor! We regret not giving proper credit where credit was due! MacKinstry Financial & Investments LLC in Clinton donated a 40" Panasonic TV as our raffle item last week. It was a huge hit with the crowd! We thank MacKinstry Financial & Investments LLC for their support and generous donation. Pictured here, Tracy MacKinstry and Jillian Shepard from MacKinstry Financial & Investments LLC. For more information on their services, click here.

Picture Caption: Ibby and David from ICRV Radio kicking off the Live Auction with a painting by Leif Nilsson.

Picture Caption: Dr. T and the Painkillers Performing at VNLV's "We're Almost 100 Party!"

Picture Caption: The Hilltop Quartet & Chorus Performing at VNLV's "We're Almost 100 Party!" Picture Caption: The Silent Auction - there were dozens of exciting items to bid on!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support! Quality Care Drug Whelen Engineering Company Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home Webster Bank Medline Noble Construction & Management Incorporated Clark Group Essex Savings Bank Essex Financial Services Tower Laboratories Attorney Theodore W. Heiser Lifetime Care at Home

Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals who supported our event! To see a complete list of sponsors and donors, click here.

It's That Time of Year - Get Your Flu Shot!

‌

Can’t make it to a clinic, stop by the office anytime! Monday thru Friday, 8am – 4pm Cost: $40, Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, ConnectiCare & Aetna accepted  Please bring your card Ages 16 and up only Flu Shot Clinics 10/5, 10am - 12pm at Essex Savings Bank 10/5, 4 – 6pm at Essex Town Hall 10/11, 12:30 - 2:30pm at the East Haddam Senior Center 10/15, 11am - 12pm at the First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook 10/17, 1:30 - 3pm at the Niantic Community Church 10/18, 10am – 12pm at Essex Court in Centerbrook 10/19, 10am – 12pm at Kirtland Commons in Deep River 10/19, 4 – 6pm at United Church of Chester 10/24, 4 – 6pm at Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley 10/25, 4 – 6pm at First Congregational Church in Essex

Why Get the Flu Shot?

The 2017-18 flu season is just around the corner. Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is ready to help you get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones against flu. Getting the vaccine yearly helps reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work or school. A 2014 study showed that vaccination reduced flu related intensive care hospitalization of children by 74%. Experts report that the vaccine may reduce visits to the doctor by as much as 60%. It is especially important for people over 65 and children younger than 2 years old to get vaccinated. In addition, people with chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or a weakened immune system should get their flu vaccination. Protect yourself and those you love, get your flu vaccine today! For more information, click here.

LVCA Update: Seniors and Social Issues

How Can Social Issues Affect the Life and Health of Seniors? Social issues can have a significant impact on life and both physical and mental health of seniors. Some of the major contributors to social and psychological problems for seniors are as follows: •   Loneliness from losing a spouse and friends •   Inability to independently manage regular activities of living •   Difficulty coping and accepting physical changes of aging •   Frustration with ongoing medical problems and increasing number of medications •   Social isolation as adult children are engaged in their own lives •   Feeling inadequate from inability to continue to work •   Boredom from retirement and lack of routine activities •   Financial stresses from the loss of regular income These factors can have a negative impact on overall health of an older individual. Addressing these psycho-social problems is an integral component of seniors' complex medical care.* Lower Valley Care Advocates companion services can provide a reprieve for seniors who are suffering from isolation or having trouble completing everyday tasks. Call for a consultation (860) 767-2695. *Article reprinted from MedicineNet.com

Let's Stay Connected! Learn more about VNLV on our  website  or visit us on Facebook to stay informed!                                             Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186