Sharon and Kyle Poore of Brackish Life, a Chesapeake Bay apparel company,recently donated $500 to Talbot Hospice in memory of their dear friend Mike Morse who lost his battle with colon cancer last year. The funds were raised from the sale of Brackish Life oyster logo t-shirts designed by St. Michaels resident Sherry Smith, owner of Serendipity Salon, while she was undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Smith chose Talbot Hospice to receive $7 from the sale of each t-shirt.

L-R: Talbot Hospice Director of Development Kate Cox and Executive Director Vivian Dodge accept the contribution from Sherry Smith, Anne Morse, Sharon Poore, and Kyle Poore.

Brackish Life apparel pays tribute to the Chesapeake Bay with the slogan “A little salty.A little fresh.” In addition to a variety of men’s and women’s shirts, they also sell hats, decals, oyster knives, crab mallets, and tote bags with the Brackish Life logo and slogan.

“We are honored and grateful to be receiving a portion of the sales of Brackish Life’s oyster t-shirt,” said Talbot Hospice Executive Director Vivian Dodge. “Gifts like these have a huge impact on our ability to deliver compassionate care at the end of life. What a lovely tribute to Mike Morse and to all the individuals we serve.”

The oyster t-shirts are available for purchase at www.brackish.life and will also be sold during Oyster Fest, October 27^th, in front of Carpenter Street Salon.

Glenda McCarter, family nurse practitioner has joined The Orthopedic Center as provider for patients in need of diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis.

McCarter has with more than two decades of experience in primary care settings catering to female patients. Most recently, she served as nurse practitioner for Maryland Healthy Weights and Rose Hill Family Physicians, LLC, both in Cambridge, Maryland, and on a per diem basis as an administrative supervisor for UM Shore Regional Health. From 1997 to 2011, she served as a nurse practitioner for UM Shore Regional Health, John Woods, MD, and Choptank Community Health System, respectively. She also has experience in emergency, maternal and child health, intensive care, cardiac and trauma nursing, as well as in clinical nursing instruction.

“It is exciting to be able to enhance the Orthopedic Center’s Osteoporosis Program by focusing on the bone health of our community,” says McCarter. “My goal is to identify patients with a high risk for osteoporosis as well as to treat, empower and support patients with the condition. The program is designed to reduce fractures and educate our community about the importance of bone health and strategies for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. We work closely with patients and their primary care providers to help ensure optimal outcomes and decrease hospital admissions and mortality rates.”

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fracture, especially in the hip, wrist or spine. While if affects men and women of all races, but white and Asian women (especially those past menopause) are at highest risk. Early or mild osteoporosis usually causes no symptoms, but patients with more advanced disease may experience back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra; loss of height over time and/or a stooped posture; or a bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected.

Patients seeking bone health assessment may make appointment for an osteoporosis by calling The Orthopedic Center, 410-820-8226, option #1.

Patty Plaskon, oncology social worker, UM SRH Cancer Program

UM Shore Regional Cancer Program has launched TIPPS for Living Well, a free consultation for patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families.

According to Patty Plaskon, oncology social worker at the Cancer Center in Easton, TIPPS is an acronym for Treatment, Innovation and Primary Palliative Support. The TIPPS program enables each patient to clarify what quality of life means to him or her, and to develop a personalized plan for practical, economic, legal or personal goals while in treatment.

“Quality of life is an important part of treatment for anyone with advanced cancer,” says Plaskon. “Having a professional listen objectively to your thoughts about the changes in your health, your personal goals or your family’s future can help you navigate these challenges.”

An initial interview helps the patient — together with family or loved ones if desired — to clarify goals. Follow up sessions develop an action plan and identify resources. Educational sessions on special topics and a caregiver support group are also offered.

Through TIPPS, patients receive guidance on a variety of issues, including changes in lifestyle and relationships; employment, disability and finances; non-pharmaceutical approaches to pain or fatigue; decisions about health insurance, life insurance and advance directives; and long range plans and providing for family members. Specialized resources are made available to TIPPS patients, such as an oncology dietitian, nurse navigator, rehabilitation therapists, clergy and financial advisors, and providers of various integrative therapies, including massage, acupuncture, yoga and Reiki.

“We also provide assistance with communication,” says Plaskon. “For example, how to talk to family members and young children about the illness and get the most value from doctor visits, how to advocate for oneself in the workplace and how to delegate or accept help.

For more information about the TIPPS for Living Well services, contact Plaskon, 410-820-6800 or pplaskon@umm.edu.

The public is invited to join the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for a relaxing, waterfront yoga class on Friday, Oct. 19, from 5:45–6:30pm. The class will be taught by certified instructor and CBMM staff member Howard Parks.

At 6:30pm, participants are invited to join staff at Great Shoals Cellars in St. Michaels, where class members will receive 10% off any item. Great Shoals will also offer a free tasting with the purchase of four bottles of wine.

No prior experience is necessary. Participants can pay as they wish, with all donations supporting CBMM’s educational and shipyard programming. Participation is limited, with registration required by Wednesday, Oct. 17, to lseeman@cbmm.org. To learn more, visit cbmm.org/yoga.

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is proud to announce the certification of its cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester and UM Shore Medical Center at Easton by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). UM Shore Regional Health was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

“The cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation team at Shore Regional Health is very proud to be certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation,” says Sally Worm, regional program manager, Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Wellness. “This certification speaks volumes about the exceptional care our team provides and putting the patients’ needs first.”

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

The UM Shore Regional Health cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

To learn more about UM Shore Regional Health’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, visit umshoreregional.org/CardiopulmonaryRehab.

About UM Shore Regional Health: As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,600 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers work with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

A new class featuring yoga as a healing therapy will be offered weekly at Talbot Hospice beginning October 16, 2018. “Healing Through Yoga” will be led by Leslie Orndoff, RYT, and will meet every Tuesday morning from 9-10 a.m. at 586 Cynwood Drive in Easton. The class includes gentle opening and stretching for individuals of all levels. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Yoga mats will be provided, and walk-ins are welcome. There is no charge for this or any grief support group offered by Talbot Hospice.

“This new complementary therapy is a wonderful adjunct to our vast grief and support services, offering more options for our families to find the support tailored to their needs,” said Executive Director Vivian Dodge.

Instructor Leslie Orndoff is a mother of three, a writer, and a former fitness instructor. She found yoga five years ago and soon realized how much it enhanced her already strict fitness regime. She also felt its profound effect on not only her physical but mental well-being. Because of its deep effect on her she sought to obtain her 200-hour certification so she could help people improve and enhance their lives through the practice of yoga. She learned the Iyengar style of yoga, and through its emphasis on proper alignment, incorporates the other limbs of yoga into her practice and teaching.

Talbot Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Becky DeMattia describes the class as therapeutic, guiding participants through mindfulness and poses that direct healing in positive ways.Participants will learn empowering techniques to cope with their grief and honor their loss. “Everyone has a different journey with grief, and we are pleased to be able to offer yet another tool for processing and healing,” said DeMattia.

For more information about “Healing Through Yoga” contact Talbot Hospice at 410-822-6681. For a full list of grief and caregiver support groups visit TalbotHospice.org.

Talbot Hospice Executive Director Vivian Dodge recently announced the appointment of Mary Jane Meintzer, RN, CHPN, as Quality Improvement Coordinator and Compliance Officer as of September 1, 2018. Meintzer replaces Anne Shannahan who is retiring after a 35 year career in nursing and who has been with Talbot Hospice since 2014.

“I am delighted to have Mary Jane assume this position,” said Executive Director Vivian Dodge.“She brings many skills and talents to her new role. We so appreciate Anne’s contribution to Talbot Hospice these past four years and wish her much happiness in her retirement.”

In her dual roles as Quality Improvement Coordinator and Compliance Officer, Meintzer will identify and implement ongoing process improvement strategies and best practices to maximize efficiency and improve quality outcomes.  She will also ensure compliance with industry regulations and accreditation standards for hospice care.

“I have truly loved working as a case manager for our hospice patients, and I will miss the day to day interaction with them, but I am looking forward to my new role to help better serve our patients, families, and staff,” said Meintzer.

Meintzer has worked as a nurse case manager for Talbot Hospice since 2014, and prior to that she was a volunteer in Talbot Hospice House.She is a graduate of Macqueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing and worked for several years at Shore Regional Hospital before leaving to join her husband in the family business. Meintzer lives in Easton with her husband Dana and has two sons and a granddaughter.

Compass Regional Hospice is offering a new grief support group for anyone suffering a loss of any kind. The group will meet for eight weeks, every Thursday, beginning Oct. 18.

The group will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Heron Point of Chestertown, 501 E/ Campus Ave., and will be facilitated by experienced and licensed grief counselors Linda Turner and Ann OConnor.

Participation in support groups offered through Compass Regional Hospice offers companionship and understanding from others who are experiencing the similar challenges that living with grief brings.

“What we see, as counselors, is as the group progresses through the weeks, the members bond more and more,” Turner said. “They become each other’s best support and, hopefully, good friends.  We encourage the social connection in the group and hope they continue to meet monthly for lunch or dinner for continued support.”

From left are licensed grief counselors Ann OConnor and Linda Turner.

Participants are asked to commit to attending all or most of the eight sessions to benefit from the group. Each group session will revolve around specific topics, such as normalizing grief, sharing memories and adjusting to and finding meaning in loss.

“By offering this group for eight weeks, it enables participants to really get know each other,” OConnor said. “The sessions are a mixture of support and education. Past participants report they have found the group to be most helpful, especially knowing that they are not alone in their grief.”

There is a $25 enrollment fee, however, no one is ever turned away based on inability to pay.

“Suffering a loss is a lifelong grief journey,” Turner said. “Having people to support you, and who understand, makes all the difference. Our goal is to not only teach the attendees about grief and coping skills, but also to create supportive bonds that will carry them through the years to come.”

For more information and to register for the upcoming grief support group, contact Linda Turner at 443-262-4120 or lturner@compassregionalhospice.org; or Ann OConnor at 443-262-4124 or aoconnor@compassregionalhospice.org.

To learn more about other grief support programs and services available through Compass Regional Hospice, visit www.compassregionalhospice.org/hopeandhealing.

Compass Regional Hospice – Care on your terms

Compass Regional Hospice is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages through the challenge of living with a life-limiting illness and learning to live following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care and grief support in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties. “Care on your terms” is the promise that guides staff and volunteers as they care for patients in private residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the residential hospice centers in Centreville and Chestertown. Grief support services are offered to children, adults and families of patients who died under hospice care, as well as members of the community who are grieving the loss of a loved one, through The Hope and Healing Center. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, visit compassregionalhospice.org.

“My hospice training has redirected my life and opened doors that have transformed me.” A Talbot Hospice Volunteer

Talbot Hospice will hold its bi-annual Volunteer Training beginning October 8. If you are interested in giving back to our community in a meaningful way, consider becoming a Talbot Hospice Volunteer. Perhaps you love to cook or garden. Maybe you play a musical instrument. Talbot Hospice has specific needs for dinner cooks, musicians, greeters, breakfast cooks (especially weekends), caregivers (especially weekends), and gardeners. Talbot Hospice also needs individuals to visit patients in their homes and in facilities, make check-in phone calls, shop for groceries, and transport patients to appointments and on errands.

Topics covered during training include hospice purpose and philosophy, admission criteria, volunteer roles, HIPAA and confidentiality, attitudes and fears, death and dying, spirituality, listening skills and boundaries, family dynamics, cultural diversity, grief, hands on training, and standard precautions.

If you’ve been looking for your passion and calling and would like to learn more about volunteering at Talbot Hospice, contact Director of Volunteer Services Lori Miller at lmiller@talbothospice.org or 410-822-6681.

Dr. Kathy Seifert is excited to announce that Brian D. Jones, M.Ed., Naturopath will be joining the staff of Eastern Shore Psychological Services beginning October 15, 2018. Specializing in Health Education and Programs to Improve Health & Nutrition; Supplement Evaluations / Recommendations, Lyme Disease, Immune Support and Chronic Conditions (diabetes, weight mgt, cholesterol management, healthy eating). Brian combines careers in health, fitness, natural health, natural soil science, and education together to form a powerful effort in creating a healthy, non-toxic terrain in which our body, mind, spirit and environment can thrive. He has been in Natural health practice since 2005, he has worked with 1st State Health & Wellness in Rehoboth Beach, DE as well as the Holistic Health Center, Santa Barbara, CA and DeSandre Wellness Center in Carpinteria, CA. Possessing knowledge from successful approaches to his own serious Lyme and Cancer health challenges, Brian brings a significant level of knowledge as to the interactions and causal factors of how we get sick and, more importantly, how we get better. His concentration is with Integrative Approaches to Lyme Disease, Common Chronic health conditions and Neurofeedback.

This service will provide products complementary to traditional medicine. The goal is to help bring awareness and resources that will encourage habits of wellness. It is designed to help individual support healthy lifestyle choices and strengthen their health. Brian will work with individuals to adopt positive changes and commit to a life of wellness. This is a unique component to support a person’s whole health.

For more information please contact 410-334-6961.