A Word from Our CEO

Krystin Albert, BSN RN

Summer is quickly passing and before you know it the leaves will start turning and the air will become cooler. Back to school supplies and Halloween decorations are already in stores. Soon you will enter a store or turn on your car radio and hear Holiday music. It seems the world moves faster and faster with each passing day. Life and schedules leave little time to slow down and appreciate the little things.

Take a moment and ask yourself when the last time you called someone you hadn’t spoken to in a while, versus sending a quick text? When was the last time your family dinner was filled with conversation and laughter versus checking social media? When was the last time you just sat quietly and enjoyed the peace of the day or read a book? If you’re like me, you may have difficulty recalling. You may say “Tomorrow I’m going to slow down and start enjoying each day”. Tomorrow comes and goes, and nothing changes.

Change isn’t easy, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable, but with change comes growth. Each day is a gift that we need to embrace and live life to the fullest. Focus on the little things, like a walk outside on your lunch break or calling that friend you know is going through a rough patch in their life. Smile when you walk by another person, hold a door for a stranger, and say thank you to the grocer checking you out. These are all simple ways to spread kindness. Slowing down and putting yourself first can help calm anxiety and clear one’s mind. There are no guarantees in life, so we take each day and live it to the fullest.

Together, let’s move forward in August and enjoy the warm sun on our faces. When the seasons begin to change and the leaves flourish in color, let’s remember to be kind to one another and be part of the change the world needs right now. Let’s spread laughter and positivity amongst our friends, family, and communities. Let’s put our political beliefs aside and remember that we are all one nation under God. Let’s be part of the solution. No one should be homeless or have inadequate access to mental health care. The elderly should not have to choose between buying their medications or buying groceries. Resources for addiction should be more readily available with support measures in place. Change comes in many forms.

Franklin VNA and Hospice is always here to help you or your loved one with any of your healthcare needs. Franklin VNA and Hospice: You do have a choice. Choose Franklin VNA and Hospice.

Germ of the Month

Listeria (Listeriosis)

Listeriosis or Listeria is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

It is the 3^rd causing lead of death from a foodborne illness in the United States according to the CDC. Signs and symptoms of this infection include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, loss of balance, seizures, and confusion. In pregnant people severe infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or serious infection of the newborn.

Foods that place a person at risk for this bacterial infection include unpasteurized cheeses, unheated deli meat, unheated hot dogs, premade deli salads, refrigerated smoked fish, raw sprouts, pre-cut melon, unpasteurized (raw) milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Listeria can be difficult to remove from food processing facilities, as these germs can spread easily from equipment or surfaces. 

What's Happening in August?

Be on the lookout in the next couple of months for our community Flu Clinic schedules!

Do you have a medical condition that anyone or first responders should know about? Do you have a medical alert bracelet?

Medical bracelets are so important to those especially who live alone or have very high risk conditions that may leave them unable to communicate in an emergency. A medical bracelet is used to help prevent medical errors.

So how did medical bracelets come about? Well the story is of a 14-year-old girl Linda Collins of Turlock, California cut her finger and went to the hospital. During a routine test at the hospital, she went into anaphylactic shock, which was almost fatal. This event inspired her to design a silver bracelet with the medical symbol on one side and special medical instructions on the other. Linda and her father, who was a doctor, sent the design to a jeweler in San Francisco who designed the first-ever MedicAlert bracelet.

In 1956, the MedicAlert Foundation was formed and went on to create an impressive database of medical records of people, which now provides information that can be life-saving. It can alert medical professionals to any special care needs you may have, even when you’re unable to speak for yourself.

The MedicAlert Foundation announced a MedicAlert Awareness Month to promote the life-saving qualities of the MedicAlert bracelet. In 1978, there was a national movement to promote MedicAlert Awareness. President Jimmy Carter went on to honor the MedicAlert Foundation by declaring the first National MedicAlert Week.

This is a concept that has changed the game of the medical-care system, and has provided a sense of relief to those who have benefitted from the use of MedicAlert. This system has saved many lives, and will continue to do so in years to come. Emergency medical staff appreciate these bracelets in emergencies to be able to prevent medical errors when treating patients.

Source: https://nationaltoday.com/medicalert-awareness-month/#:~:text=U.S.

Summer is in full swing which means farmers markets are up and running! So if you're looking for fresh vegetables, meats, eggs, breads and so much more, check out these local farmers markets.

Tilton's Farmers Market every Tuesday held at 45 Sanborn Rd next to the Tilton Police Station from 3:30pm-6:30pm all summer long until October 8th. They often have a food truck there every week.

Franklin's Farmers Market every Thursday in Marceau Park on Central Street in downtown Franklin from 3pm-6pm all summer long until September 12th.

Gilmanton's Farmers Market every Sunday on the lawn of the Gilmanton Year-Round Library on Rt 140 across from Gilmanton Elementary School from 11am-2pm until October. They often have live music and a food truck every week.

Concord Farmers Market every Saturday on Capitol Street adjacent to the State House Lawn in Concord from 8:30am-12pm until October 26th.

The Market at the Weirs every Saturday at the Weirs Community Park in Laconia from 10am-1pm until October 5th. They often have live music and a food truck.

CURRENT & UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS

***TICKETS ON SALE September 1st***

What's going on in the Memorial Brick and Founding Donor Patio

With a donation of $50 you receive a custom brick in the memory of a lost loved one. The brick will be honored in the Teuscher-Wilson Hospice Garden, which is pictured at the top left. Bricks are on sale all year round and dedicated in a ceremony once a year.

 Other opportunities are open for larger donations as Diamond, Opal, and Amethyst sponsors. Please click on the link below for more information.

SUMMER SUN AND SAFETY

Summer is still here and so is the heat and humidity! Do you know the difference between a heat stroke and regular stroke? There is a big difference explained in the chart below as well as the risk factors and what to do for each when you see signs of either stroke. It is important to know about the facts about both types of strokes, especially during the summer months!

BP Clinics and Calendar of Events

Our Spring Drop-In Grief Support Group

no registration needed