June 17, 2009: Celebrate Independence with the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation
The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation invites everyone to enjoy the Town of Haverstraw Fireworks on Thursday July 2, 2009, with festivities starting at 7:00 p.m. (Rain date July 3) Participants will have a fantastic view of the fireworks and a panoramic view of the Hudson River from the Hospital’s location on Route 9W in West Haverstraw and should bring their own blankets and chairs.
The Foundation will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream, Independence Day merchandise, as well as raffle tickets to a few exciting prizes. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, which supports patient programs and services at the physical rehabilitation hospital.
“Each year, many local residents drive up the hill and watch the fireworks from HHH’s vantage point high above the river,” explains Marci Kurtz, Director of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation. “So this year, the HHH Foundation wanted to make a really fun, family-friendly event out of the celebration.”
Come see the night sky come alive on the Hudson and support the Foundation’s ability to support the Hudson Valley’s premiere specialty rehabilitation hospital.
June 9, 2009: HOSPITAL TO ACCEPT USED NEEDLES
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will be accepting used needles, lancets and syringes from Rockland County residents on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 10:00 AM until Noon and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the hospital’s south loading dock. This service is part of the Rockland County SHARPS Disposal Program, operated by a coalition of county hospitals and nursing homes, and is free of charge.
Any Rockland resident who uses SHARPS in the home is eligible to participate in this county-wide program. This includes individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions, such as cancer or allergies, requiring medication by injection.
The SHARPS Disposal Program is an environmentally responsible method to dispose of unwanted needles, lancets and syringes, which are a potential danger to sanitation workers and the environment when disposed of improperly. Residents must place the used items into an approved container, which may be obtained from a surgical supply house or pharmacy. When the container is full, it should be closed and brought to one of the collection sites.
SHARPS are collected every month at a designated hospital or nursing home. For additional information on the SHARPS Disposal Program, a schedule of collection sites, or the drop-off at Helen Hayes Hospital, call the Department of Health at 845-364-2086.
May 8, 2009: ADAPTED SAILING PROGRAM SCHEDULED
Group to sail in conjunction with Nyack Boat Club’s annual Tappan Zee Regatta on the Hudson River
The Nyack Boat Club, sponsors of the annual Tappan Zee Regatta, will be hosting the third annual Adapted Sailing program, in conjunction with Helen Hayes Hospital, this May. Experienced sailors with disabilities, along with Boat Club members and therapists from the leading physical rehabilitation Hospital, will be mentoring individuals with physical disabilities on how to sail using adaptive boats and equipment.
The program kicked off with an Introduction to Sailing Workshop on May 7 at the Nyack Boat Club in Nyack. This will be followed by a day of Adapted Sailing on the Hudson River on Friday, May 15 from 11:30 am to 6:30 p.m. at the club in Nyack, Rockland County. The day will kick off with a meet the sailors lunch and panel discussion on adaptive sailing. From there, the group will head down to the Boat Club docks on the Hudson River to get on board the specially adapted sonar boats. Adaptive sailing skills and techniques will be demonstrated to individuals with physical disabilities who are new to the sport. Participants are welcome to stay for an informal reception and roundtable discussion on opportunities in adapted sailing.
On Saturday May 16, the Boat Club will host the Tappan Zee Regatta. Competitors of all abilities will be participating in the event. Spectator boats will be available for individuals of all abilities to get out on the water and view the Regatta.
For additional information, contact 845-786-4950.
April 14, 2009: ADAPTED GOLF WORKSHOPS & OUTINGS SCHEDULED
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw has announced the schedule for the upcoming season of its GolfAbility program. GolfAbility is an adaptive golf instruction program to teach the basics of golf to individuals with disabilities.
GolfAbility workshops and outings have been schedule to run from May through September. The workshops will take place at the GolfAbility center, which is located on the campus of the physical rehabilitation hospital. The center consists of a 1300 square foot synthetic putting green with six cups and three accessible netted tee areas. Participants will learn how to use appropriate adaptive golf equipment, including single-rider carts. A single-rider cart is a specially equipped golf cart that allows a disabled golfer to play seated or standing, directly from the cart, and can be driven right on to the green. The two outings will take place at a local golf course.
Joyce Fried, LPGA golf pro, conducts lessons and outing are conducted by recreational therapists. Sessions will start with a group lesson, with participants then breaking into small groups to practice concepts learned during the lesson, as well as building on skills learned in previous sessions. The cost of each workshop is $15 per golfer. The GolfAbility programs will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and each workshop will be limited to 16 participants. GolfAbility outings will take place at the Rockland Lake Executive Course with a tee time of 3:00 pm. Players will pay their own course fees. Dates are as follows.
Workshops:
May 4 Basic fundamentals, grip, alignment, setup, posture
May 11 Review of fundaments - short game chipping
May 18 Full swing (mid to long Irons, Woods)
June 1 Putting
June 29 Woods
July 13 Bunker Play
July 27 Driving Range - Rotella Golf Course
Aug 17 Golf review & hot dog roast
Outings:
June 15 and September 14
GolfAbility is open to individuals who may have played prior to acquiring a disability and individuals who are new to the sport. The program seeks to prevent golfers from giving up the game due to injuries, orthopedic, impairments, cardiopulmonary disease, stroke, arthritis and other age related conditions. It also seeks to encourage people of all abilities to take up the sport, including individuals with spinal cord injury or amputation.
Pre-registration for workshops is required. The $15 registration fee should be made payable to the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation. Participants may register for as many workshops as they wish, but priority will be given to new participants. Checks received after a class has been filled will be returned. Registered participants will be called one week prior to each workshop to confirm acceptance status. For additional information or a registration form, contact Matthew Castelluciccio at 845-786-4950, or castellucciom@helenhayeshosp.org.
March 25, 2009: HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH STUDY
Research examines development of new therapeutic approaches to treat paralysis and other movement disorders
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw and The Wadsworth Center in Albany are recruiting volunteers who have had spinal cord injury to participate in a study of spinal reflex training. The results of this study will help us, in the future, to develop a new therapeutic treatment for better functional recovery after spinal cord injury or other damage to the nervous system. Both institutions are part of the New York State Department of Health.
After spinal cord injury, stroke or other traumatic events to the nervous system, reflex functions often change. Because reflexes play an important part in movement and behavior, when reflexes are not working well, movements may be disturbed. Researchers have found that people can learn to increase or decrease a reflex response by means of training. Learning to change a reflex response may become an effective approach as a rehabilitation treatment.
Research participants will stand or sit in a chair while wearing a standard clinical EEG cap for monitoring brain activity. Surface electrodes will be placed on the skin over leg muscles for monitoring muscle activity and over a nerve to produce reflex responses. Nerve stimulation may cause a brief mild sensation. The procedure is completely harmless and non-invasive.
Participation in this study requires approximately three sessions per week for two to three months, followed by four to eight sessions over another two to three months. Each session will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants will be paid $15 per session.
Every effort will be made to accommodate the individual schedules of participants, i.e., before work, after work, lunchtime, etc. Participants should be reliable and prompt since the success of the study depends on consistent participation and it may be difficult to make up missed sessions.
Helen Hayes Hospital is one of the nation’s leading physical rehabilitation hospitals, specializing in rehabilitation following spinal cord injury, stroke and other neurological conditions. The hospital is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System. The Wadsworth Center is the research-intensive public health laboratory of the New York State Department of Health dedicated to science in the pursuit of health.
For additional information on how to join this research study, please contact Aiko Thompson at thompsona@helenhayeshosp.org or Laura Tenteromano at 845-786-4854.
February 23, 2009: ADAPTED SAILING PROGRAM SCHEDULED
group to sail in conjunction with Nyack Boat Club’s annual Tappan Zee Regatta on the Hudson River
The Nyack Boat Club, sponsors of the annual Tappan Zee Regatta, will be hosting the fourth annual Adapted Sailing program, in conjunction with the Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Sports & Recreation Program, this May. Members of adapted sailing teams, along with Boat Club members and therapists from the leading physical rehabilitation Hospital, will be mentoring individuals with physical disabilities on how to sail using adaptive boats and equipment.
The program kicks off with an Introduction to Sailing Workshop on Thursday, May 7, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Nyack Boat Club in Nyack. This will be followed by a day of Adapted Sailing on the Hudson River on Friday, May 15 from 11:30 am to 6:30 p.m. at the club in Nyack, Rockland County. The day will kick off with a meet the sailors lunch and panel discussion on adaptive sailing. From there, the group will head down to the Boat Club docks on the Hudson River to get on board the specially adapted sonar boats. Adaptive sailing skills and techniques will be demonstrated to individuals with physical disabilities who are new to the sport. Participants are welcome to stay for an informal reception and roundtable discussion on opportunities in adapted sailing.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 17 - 18, the Boat Club will host the Tappan Zee Regatta. Competitors of all abilities, including the Paralympic teams, will be participating in the event. Spectator boats will be available for individuals of all abilities to get out on the water and view the Regatta.
The Workshop, day of sailing and spectator opportunity are all free of charge. Dinner following the Regatta, which will take place at 6:00 pm on May 17, is $15. Pre-registration for the workshop and day of sailing is required by May 1, 2009. For additional information, or to register contact 845-786-4950.
February 20, 2009: HOSPITAL TO HOST ADAPTED SPORTS & RECREATION EXPO
Helen Hayes Hospital will host its second annual “Adapted Sports & Recreation Expo” on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw. The event is free of charge and is open to all individuals with physical disabilities, as well as their family, friends and caregivers.
The Expo will feature an extensive exhibit fair with representatives from various organizations that offer a range of adapted sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including: downhill skiing; adapted golf; kayaking; rowing; sailing; handcycling; horseback riding; basketball, tennis; gardening; quad rugby and others. Participants will be able to speak with the representatives to learn about the activities available in the greater New York Metropolitan region, how they can play or participate, and the specialized equipment which is available. Adapted sports equipment will also be on display.
Matthew Castelluccio, Adapted Sports Coordinator at Helen Hayes Hospital states, “Participating in sports and recreational activities, whether competitively or just for enjoyment, helps to maintain optimum health. The Expo is an ideal opportunity for individuals of all abilities to learn about the range of adapted equipment and programs that are available in our region.”
The event is free of charge. For additional information or directions, please call the Helen Hayes Hospital Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225, or visit the hospital’s web site at www.helenhayeshospital.org.
February 12, 2009: HOSPITAL TO HOST YOGA CLASSES
designed for individuals of varying abilities
Helen Hayes Hospital will host a Basic Adapted Yoga program designed specifically for people of varying abilities. Classes will meet on six Wednesdays, from March 11 through April 15, 2009 at 12:00 Noon to 12:50 p.m. in the Auditorium at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.
Yoga improves circulation, range of motion, flexibility and endurance. It also helps to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
The instructor, Bruce Van Horn, is experienced in adapting yoga to all levels of abilities. The classes offer an excellent opportunity for people with disabilities, including individuals with stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other physically limiting conditions, to try yoga.
Pre-registration for the Basic Adapted Yoga classes is required. The fee is $48 for six classes. For information or to register, call Matthew Castelluccio, Adapted Sports Coordinator at Helen Hayes Hospital at 845-786-4950.
February 6, 2009: HOSPITAL TO HOST OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP) headquartered at Helen Hayes Hospital will be offering comprehensive Bone Health Education Seminars this winter and spring. The seminars will be repeated on four dates:
- Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 10:15 am – 1:00 pm
- Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 10:15 am – 1:00 pm
- Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
All programs will take place at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.
The seminars are open to hospital patients, as well as individuals in the community who are interested in learning more about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Participants will learn what their bone density test results mean, how to promote healthy bones and how to reduce the risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture. The most current information about nutrition, exercise and medications available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis will also be discussed.
The Bone Health Seminars are free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, or to register, call 845- 786-4772.
January 5, 2009: HOSPITAL TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will host a Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM in the hospital’s auditorium.
There is a critical need for donors in the Hudson Valley regions. All eligible donors are urgently encouraged to come out and donate blood. Fasting is not necessary.
Employees, volunteers, visitors, and community members are invited to donate blood. No appointment is necessary. Donors should be healthy, between the ages of 17 and 75, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. People over the age of 75 may also participate by presenting a physician’s letter of approval. Donors must have a form of identification, such as an employee ID or driver’s license.
For further information, please call 845-786-4814.
January 2, 2009: ADAPTED SKIING PROGRAMS SCHEDULED
This winter, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, New York will be hosting a series of Adaptive Skiing Workshops and an Adaptive Awareness Day. The events, which are open to individuals with disabilities, are being held in conjunction with Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports and Recreation Program and are free of charge.
Adaptive Skiing Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: January 18; February 8 & 22; March 1 & 29; April 12
Two sessions will be offered on each day: from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Instructors specializing in adaptive skiing will offer beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Lessons are free of charge but pre-registration is required. First time students will receive an overview of the equipment and fittings prior to getting out on the snow. Adaptive equipment will be available for skiers with disabilities.
The Adaptive Awareness Day will take place at Belleayre on March 1. Staff of Helen Hayes Hospital will distribute information on adaptive sports and additional activities will take place at the mountain.
Helen Hayes Hospital, the region’s leader in specialty physical rehabilitation services, is committed to enabling individuals of all abilities to pursue competitive and recreational sports and activities. These activities speed the recovery process, improve and maintain health and conditioning and foster socialization and camaraderie. The Adapted Sports & Recreation Program makes activities such as kayaking, yoga, sailing, softball, basketball and gardening available to individuals of all abilities. |
