Island Health & Wellness Foundation: Just For The Health Of It Community Discussions

Join me for a very heartfelt conversation with Jeannie Hatch. Jeannie has been the Executive Director of Island Community Center in Stonington for five years. Among other things, in this episode we discuss: What does the Island Community Center do? What kinds of events/programs are held at the community center? How can people contact Island Community Center? How can we all support this incredible...

Opiate Free Island Partnership recently started a Syringe Service Program at St. Brendan's Church in Deer Isle. This program runs every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In this episode, Ashley Pesek, OFIP's Program Director answers the following questions: What is a syringe service program? Is it different than a needle exchange? What did OFIP have to do to bring this service to the island? Ho...

What does Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) do? What kinds of activities are available for seniors during the pandemic? How do I sign up for Meals on Wheels? How can I support EAAA? Join me as I talk to Catherine "Catie" Reed, Community Engagement and Activities Manager at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Catie provides a brief overview of EAAA's services (which are available to people living in Ha...

Anne Schroth is the Healthy Aging Program Coordinator for Healthy Peninsula. Recently, she has been busy navigating the often complicated world of signing up for COVID vaccination appointments on behalf of older Mainers in our area. What helpful hints has she learned? How does patience and perseverance play major roles in the sign up process? What other resources does Healthy Peninsula offer? Last...

I asked you, my listeners, to give me all your questions about vaccinations and boy, did you come through! Dr. James Jarvis, Physician Leader for Incident Command at Northern Light Health and Director of Clinical Education at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center spent a half hour with me this morning answering all your questions, including: 1. Can the hotline number for vaccinations be chan...

In this conversation, Walter and I cover a number of topics, including the following: 1. What does Memorial Ambulance Corps do? (Hint: It goes way beyond responding to 9-1-1 calls) 2. How did Memorial Ambulance get started?  3. What happens when someone dials 9-1-1? 4. What can we all do to make sure we are prepared in the event we need to call 9-1-1? This episode is rich in island history, s...

Dr. Anthony Fusco has been practicing at Northern Light Primary Care Stonington for over a year now. What brought him to Stonington? When did he decide to be a doctor (and what did a homemade first aid kit have to do with it)? What does he recommend as something we can all do to improve our overall health? Dr. Fusco and I even talk about my one and only detention in high school. . .this discussion...

How did Dr. Alpaugh end up practicing dentistry on Deer Isle? Did she always want to become a dentist? Why is oral health important? What has changed about her practice during the pandemic? We talk about all this and more.  Island Dental Offices-367-2631 To inquire about the Reduced Fee Dental Program call Anne West at 367-5851. Websites referenced by Wendy during our conversation: American Dental...

How did Marnie Crowell end up as the island's first LifeFlight patient? Following her injury, what has helped her to lead a life filled with caring, compassion, service and positivity? What is Surimono and how does this art form play a part in Marnie's work? What is Marnie's biggest wish? You don't want to miss this episode-at the end you will emerge with a new appreciation for the healing powers...

What services does Friends in Action provide to the Deer Isle-Stonington community? How do I sign up for transportation services? How do I volunteer with Friends in Action? Why is a ride so much more than just getting from Point A to Point B? I talk about this and much, much more in my conversation with Jo Cooper, Executive Director Friends in Action.  Friends in Action: Phone Number: 207-664-6016...

Do not miss this feel good episode! If you have been following the COVID outbreak at the Island Nursing Home over the last six weeks, this conversation with Matthew Trombley will warm your heart. Hear about the health status of residents and staff (spoiler: it is GOOD news) and the wonderful Christmas the residents of INH were able to have thanks to this community's generous support. Also, hear ab...

In this conversation with Rene Colson-Hudson, we discuss:  1. How she ended up in Deer Isle-Stonington.  2. How her role has expanded since COVID arrived (she explains the process of organizing, cooking, assembling and delivering over 5,500 meals). 3. How Healthy Island Project is meeting the current needs of our community.  4. How we can all support Healthy Island Project fulfill i...

In today's episode Matthew Trombley updates the community on the recent COVID outbreak at Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle. We talk about the following: 1. What is the current condition of residents and staff who have tested positive for COVID? 2. When will the first doses of vaccine arrive at INH and will residents and staff who have already tested positive still be vaccinated? 3. How is staffing...

**If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, there are local resources available. You can reach out to Ashley Pesek at Opiate Free Island Partnership by dialing 207-367-5850 to be connected with these resources in a safe, confidential manner.** Doug Dunbar is one of the few people (maybe the only person) who can say that he has had dinner at both the White House and at Penobscot Count...

In this episode, Matthew provides an update on the COVID situation at Island Nursing Home and answers community questions including: How many residents have passed away? How are other residents and staff members being helped to cope with these losses? Is the National Guard still on-site? What personal protective equipment does staff wear in the building? How long can staff stay in a patient's room...

Since the pandemic began, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has seen many changes. What decisions were made by administration for the safety of the island? How did Haystack switch gears and begin producing free personal protective equipment? How many people have been helped through this innovative use of technology and art? Join me for a heartfelt conversation with Paul Sacaridiz, Executive Direc...

Please listen to this bonus episode of the "Just For The Health Of It" podcast to hear an update on the COVID outbreak at Island Nursing Home as of 12/8.  How are patients and staff doing?  What challenges does the nursing home face? How can the community continue to help?  Matthew references a benefit at the nursing home to help those who want to pursue a health related field inclu...

Most of us know by now that there has been an outbreak of COVID at our beloved Island Nursing Home. How are the residents and staff holding up? How are the administrators meeting staffing needs? What part can all of us play in helping INH through this difficult time? Please take a few minutes out of your day and listen to my conversation with Matthew Trombley, Sr. Executive Director of Island Nurs...

How did Ashley go from wanting to be an OB doctor and delivering babies to a substance use and mental health counselor? What does Opiate Free Island Partnership do and why should we all keep Ashley's phone number handy? As a mother of nine children (yes you read that right), what advice does Ashley have for parents to help protect their children from substance misuse? Ashley and I discuss these qu...

November is National Hospice Awareness Month. What does Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County do? What programs are offered to help caregivers and those who are coping with the loss of a loved one? These questions and more are answered in this heartfelt discussion with Jody Wolford-Tucker, Executive Director of this 40 year old organization.  Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County website: https...

This is a special bonus episode and a must listen. Dr. Zelnick posted on his personal Facebook page this past weekend that COVID has reached the Deer Isle-Stonington community. What does that mean for us? What can each of us do to prevent further spread of this virus? What are the symptoms of COVID and what can we do if we experience one or more of them? Where should we go for reliable information...

What does the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center do? What can I expect if I call their number for help? How can I get involved in assisting my neighbors who may be facing a cancer diagnosis? All this and more is covered in my conversation with Michael Reisman, Executive Director of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center. Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center Phone Number: 207-664-0339 Beth C...

What is the opposite of addiction? What is a community recovery coach? How can I become a recovery ally? These questions and more are answered in my conversation with Debra Matteson, Hancock County Community Recovery Coach Coordinator for Healthy Acadia and Gail Senecal, a volunteer Recovery Coach on Deer Isle-Stonington. Show Notes: To access a recovery coach, find out more about becoming a coach...

How did Dr. Timothy Cobb go from being an electrician and a truck driver to a primary care provider in Deer Isle Stonington, Maine? Why did a move to Maine win out over a move to Alaska when his family was deciding where to live? What is Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy? What can we all do today to improve our overall health? These answers and more are contained in our conversation.  Phone nu...

What does Next Step Domestic Violence Project do? What is abusive behavior?  What happens when someone calls the helpline number? How has the pandemic impacted cases and reports of domestic violence in our area? How can we help? Dorathy and I spend a few minutes talking about this important subject and how it impacts the Deer Isle-Stonington community. Here are some notes that are referenced...