February: American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is proudly participating in American Heart Month.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

  •    Watch your weight.
  •    Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  •    Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  •    If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  •    Get active and eat healthy.

For more information, click here.
Fresh vs Frozen Vegetables: What’s The Difference?
Frozen vegetables are considered nutritionally superior to canned vegetables. Vitamin C losses are higher in canned carrots and beets compared to frozen. Canned broccoli may lose up to 80% of its vitamin C content, compared to 50% in frozen broccoli.

Frozen green peas and asparagus typically suffer lower nutrient losses as they are more resistant to processing than other vegetables. Frozen vegetables offer consumers convenience and savings as they are less likely to perish and be thrown away if not consumed. How much yellowing broccoli have you tossed out? Keeping a variety of frozen vegetables on hand offers more diversity in an individual’s diet, making it easier to get 10 servings a day.

Top 10 most palatable frozen vegetables:
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Corn kernels
  • Spinach
  • Winter squash
  • Lima beans
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Green beans

For more information, click here. Content Credit: FoodandHealth.com
Meet Dena LaRosa, BSN, RN
Program Director at LVCA
VNLV and LVCA welcomes Dena LaRosa as LVCA's new Program Director.

Dena has been a nurse for 29 years, with the last 8 years specializing in homecare. She lives in Terryville, CT and has 3 grown children (Annilise, Jacob, and Dominique) and no grandchildren (yet). Dena does quite a bit of babysitting for her "grand-dogs," which keeps her busy and brings her much joy. When she's not working, Dena enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and family time.

Dena says she's looking forward to becoming more familiar with the community and resources in this area.

Welcome, Dena, to the VNLV and LVCA family! We're thrilled to have you on board!!
Telltale Signs Your Parents May Need Help at Home
As your parents get older, how can you be sure they're taking care of themselves and staying healthy?

When you visit your parents, consider these questions:
Pay attention to your parents' appearance. Failure to keep up with daily routines — such as bathing and tooth-brushing — could indicate dementia, depression or physical impairments.
Also pay attention to your parents' home. Are the lights working? Is the heat on? Is the yard overgrown?

Any changes in the way your parents do things around the house could provide clues to their health. For example, scorched pots could mean your parents are forgetting about food cooking on the stove. Neglected housework could be a sign of depression, dementia or other concerns.

Lower Valley Care Advocates can help! Call or visit their website for more information: (860) 767-2695 or www.LowerValleyCareAdvocates.org.

Content credit: Mayoclinic.org
A Little Humor Goes a Long Way
Let's Stay Connected!
To learn more about Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, click here .
To learn more about Lower Valley Care Advocates, click here.
  Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186