“You have cancer…”

“You have cancer…”

Lynda Juda is one of many women who has heard the phrase, “you have cancer”. Most often these words aren’t delivered in the comfort of a home or even with close friend nearby. Usually these words are uttered by medical staff within the walls of a an exam room. It can be a terrifying and lonely feeling. Lynda’s experience was different in that she didn’t feel alone with Rachel DeMarco and the other medical staff she encountered on this journey. She felt their sincere compassion and support from the beginning,…

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Compassion Leads to Early Detection

Compassion Leads to Early Detection

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Lynda, a strong, healthy woman dedicated to sharing her breast cancer survival story in order to promote early detection, along with promoting the importance of the mind, body, and spiritual components of healing. You see, Lynda was keenly aware that genetically the odds were against her when it came to the topic of cancer. Lynda’s mother was one of 12 children. Several of her mother’s sister’s, along with their daughters, lost their…

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Saying Goodbyes

Saying Goodbyes

CHC is a great place to work, where many strong friendships are built.  Yet at times, we sadly have to say goodbye.  Today, there are two goodbyes we need to say. The first is to Fran Fagan, who done wonderful work for us as our practice administrator in New Britain, and has always brought joy and laughter. Today, CHC wishes Fran Fagan the best as she heads off to a new opportunity.  We will miss her. We also say goodbye…

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Dental Assistants Recognition Week

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

On Monday, March 5, 2012, Dr. Margaret Drozdowski Maule, the Dental Director of the Community Health Center, Inc., sent the following email to the dental staff of CHC and site directors: “Today marks the start of Dental Assistant Recognition Week.  The American Dental Association and the American Dental Assistant Association started this effort, and we are adding our voice to the recognition and gratitude.  Our dental assistants make our days and they are absolutely invaluable to us and to our…

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Dr. Robert Wallace, Chair of the Institute of Medicine Committee on Living Well With Chronic Illness

Dr. Robert Wallace, Chair of the Institute of Medicine Committee on Living Well With Chronic Illness

This week, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter speak with Dr. Robert Wallace, Chair of the Institute of Medicine Committee that recently released its report and recommendations “Living Well With Chronic Illness: A Call for Public Action”. The report addresses the burden of chronic illness and suggests changes in public health policy and practice and how the country addresses chronic illness.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion

Last week’s  CHCChat, a weekly, Twitter-based discussion about various topics in community-oriented primary health care, was about Health Promotion.   The World Health Organization defines Health Promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health”.    First International Conference on Health Promotion was held in Ottawa back in 1986.  It recognized important prerequisites to health like shelter, food, education, sustainable resources and social justice. It struck me as I read this that Health Promotion isn’t…

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