Podcasts about griffin hospital

There's groundbreaking news in the Naugatuck Valley both literally and figuratively - and we'll bring in the first of two representatives from Griffin Hospital to talk about it as the health center ramps up development of an innovative behavioral health unit to provide more effective, compassionate care for individuals who come to the ER experiencing a mental health crisis. Then, in the final segment of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, we'll introduce you to Team Woofgang & Co., a nonprofit founded by three Fairfield mothers of adults with alternate abilities looking to provide daily purpose for them as they were about to leave their state provided educational programs.  And we'll close by giving you a spectacular preview of the 2025 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which is already expanding its programming across the New Haven region - and will culminate in hundreds of programs, concerts, exhibits, talks, and more in the coming weeks - most of them absolutely free!

Whooping cough cases have tripled in the U.S. this year, raising concerns for parents as the illness spreads rapidly among children. What's causing the spike? Also, fears over consuming raw milk are on the rise follow bird flu outbreaks. Is it safe to keep drinking raw milk? We asked Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital. Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne/Griffin Hospital

It's the medical story America is focused on: Jamie Foxx and his mysterious brain bleed. We spoke to our peace of mind in the medical field, Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Hospital to better understand what could have happened. Image Credit: Reuters

From E. Coli to respiratory viruses to food poisoning and even head lice; ‘tis the season to get sick! We spoke with Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital about how to keep your immune system up during the colder months of the year and stay out of the hospital. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Fred Browne / Griffin Health

State public health officials are confirming the first two deaths from the flu of the 2024-2025 virus season.  The first flu death came in September and involved a person in their 90s.  The second death confirmed to be from influenza was an infant less than a year old who passed away this month. We spoke with Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital about this. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Browne / Griffin Health

A horse has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis in Fairfield County making it the first case of the year involving a domestic animal in the state. Can we get EEE from animals that are infected? We asked infectious disease expert, Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital. Image Credit: Getty Images

The state will be spraying to kill mosquitoes in the Pachaug State Forest to slow the spread of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). It comes after a 41-year-old in New Hampshire died this month after developed Triple E, the first EEE death in the US this year. Dr. Browne with Griffin Hospital gave us more insight about the likelihood of infection in humans here in Connecticut. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Fred Browne / Griffin Health

Today the sister's have on Dr. Jenna Blasi! Modern Menopause Summit happening next week - Sign up for free HERE!Dr. Blasi has studied nutrition and wellness for over 30 years. Her passion and studies in the field led to naturopathic medical school, where she graduated with highest honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. After receiving her doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Blasi was selected from a nationwide pool of physicians to become the sole resident in Integrative Medicine at Yale University's Prevention Research Center and Integrative Medicine Center, Griffin Hospital, and the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. After the successful completion of her first year as an integrative and family medicine resident, she was the first to be accepted as a senior resident in the Integrative Medicine program. She has since completed a menopause fellowship and loves assisting patients in the menopause transition find ease, grace, and optimal health in this next phase of life.She currently resides in Sedona, Arizona and has a virtual practice working with people throughout Arizona, providing comprehensive wellness programs. She also offers programs and courses virtually throughout North America.Instagram for Dr Jenna

Dumb Ass News - A woman freaking out on a plane has gone viral, after pointing and shouting at a man she claims is "not real."  Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars was in studio with Chaz and AJ this morning to talk about the resurrection of SPEEDVISION. Plus, the Tribe called in some of their classic cars for an estimate on value.  Dr. Minotti from Griffin Hospital was on to talk about hips, cars, and Chaz's commercial.  Movie guy Joe Meyers has seen a lot of bad movies, but no one was more fired up than Eve who will never forget her experience with the last Halloween movie. 

In the last couple of weeks, several people have reported that their young children are battling high fevers for days without any other symptoms. What is this virus? Is it new? Can adults get it too? And is there such a thing as over medicating for this? Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital shares what type of virus this sounds like and tackles the debate on how much is too much medication.  IMAGE CREDIT:  iStock / Getty Images Plus

Chaz and AJ spoke with Dr. Denise Barajas, a breast surgeon with the Hewitt Center of Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Dr. Barajas shared helpful information for women who should be considering a mammogram (ALL women over the age of 40) and some things to do that can help avoid breast cancer, and the things that tend to put people at greater risk of breast cancer.  Photo Credit: Getty Images/studiogstock/iStock/Getty Images Plus 

When Carol Proto, a healthy 77 year old grandmother, goes to the hospital for a routine surgery, she never expected her life to change forever. Find Miss Medical on Instagram as Miss Medical Podcast Join our team of interns on Patreon to show your support by clicking HERE  Sources:  https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/wallingford-woman-who-lost-four-limbs-sues-ct-hospital-for-medical-malpractice https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Woman-sues-Griffin-Hospital-after-losing-hands-17193405.php  

As part of its continued investment in the region, Nuvance Health has appointed Christina McCulloch, MBA, BSN, RN, as President of Sharon Hospital. McCulloch has worked at Sharon Hospital for more than eight years, most recently serving as Chief Nursing Officer since 2018, and will begin her new role in the coming weeks. McCulloch will work closely with current President Dr. Mark Hirko, MD, FACS, who will remain part of the leadership team in an advisory role as he transitions his focus and expertise to serve as the full-time President of Putnam Hospital. “I am deeply thankful for this opportunity to lead Sharon Hospital's incredible team as we continue to provide five-star care to our region,” McCulloch said. “My career as both a registered nurse and as a clinical leader at Sharon Hospital has shown me how truly special our community is. I look forward to working closely with Sharon Hospital's community board, our local clinical and physician leaders, and the Nuvance Health leadership team to ensure our hospital's strength into the future.” This announcement is part of Nuvance Health's strategy to adapt its leadership structure to continue meeting the changing needs of the healthcare landscape in western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. This transition is Nuvance Health's latest investment in Sharon Hospital's future and ensures it will have a dedicated, unique full-time leadership team. “We are re-affirming our commitment to the communities we serve by appointing a unique leadership team at each of our hospitals,” said Dr. John Murphy, MD, President and CEO of Nuvance Health. “Christina's extensive educational background, deep experience as a clinician and time as a trusted leader rising through the ranks at Sharon Hospital have proven her unyielding commitment to high-quality, compassionate patient care. We know Christina is the right candidate to lead the hospital at this pivotal moment in healthcare.” McCulloch will continue partnering with Dr. Hirko to oversee Sharon Hospital's growth-based transformation, focused on ensuring the hospital remains sustainable and vibrant within the community amid a challenging healthcare landscape. She has played a central role in the transformation from its earliest planning stages, providing insight based on her strong relationship with Sharon Hospital's staff and community. “As I transition into my new role in the Nuvance Health system, I thank Sharon Hospital's patients and staff for trusting my leadership throughout the pandemic and as a steward of this invaluable community resource,” Dr. Hirko said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Christina is the best person to continue this commitment to our community; I have witnessed firsthand her dedication to our staff and patients, as well as her skill as a capable leader with a rare talent for remaining calm and forward-looking, even in times of crisis.” McCulloch has been a clinician for nearly 20 years and a leader at Sharon Hospital since 2014, serving as Director of Nursing, Director of Quality and Performance Improvement, and Chief Quality Officer. She previously worked at St. Mary's Hospital and Griffin Hospital, where she began her career at the bedside as a staff nurse. She has a Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Western Connecticut State University, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Vincent's College.

As part of its continued investment in the region, Nuvance Health has appointed Christina McCulloch, MBA, BSN, RN, as President of Sharon Hospital. McCulloch has worked at Sharon Hospital for more than eight years, most recently serving as Chief Nursing Officer since 2018, and will begin her new role in the coming weeks. McCulloch will work closely with current President Dr. Mark Hirko, MD, FACS, who will remain part of the leadership team in an advisory role as he transitions his focus and expertise to serve as the full-time President of Putnam Hospital. “I am deeply thankful for this opportunity to lead Sharon Hospital's incredible team as we continue to provide five-star care to our region,” McCulloch said. “My career as both a registered nurse and as a clinical leader at Sharon Hospital has shown me how truly special our community is. I look forward to working closely with Sharon Hospital's community board, our local clinical and physician leaders, and the Nuvance Health leadership team to ensure our hospital's strength into the future.” This announcement is part of Nuvance Health's strategy to adapt its leadership structure to continue meeting the changing needs of the healthcare landscape in western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. This transition is Nuvance Health's latest investment in Sharon Hospital's future and ensures it will have a dedicated, unique full-time leadership team. “We are re-affirming our commitment to the communities we serve by appointing a unique leadership team at each of our hospitals,” said Dr. John Murphy, MD, President and CEO of Nuvance Health. “Christina's extensive educational background, deep experience as a clinician and time as a trusted leader rising through the ranks at Sharon Hospital have proven her unyielding commitment to high-quality, compassionate patient care. We know Christina is the right candidate to lead the hospital at this pivotal moment in healthcare.” McCulloch will continue partnering with Dr. Hirko to oversee Sharon Hospital's growth-based transformation, focused on ensuring the hospital remains sustainable and vibrant within the community amid a challenging healthcare landscape. She has played a central role in the transformation from its earliest planning stages, providing insight based on her strong relationship with Sharon Hospital's staff and community. McCulloch has been a clinician for nearly 20 years and a leader at Sharon Hospital since 2014, serving as Director of Nursing, Director of Quality and Performance Improvement, and Chief Quality Officer. She previously worked at St. Mary's Hospital and Griffin Hospital, where she began her career at the bedside as a staff nurse. She has a Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Western Connecticut State University, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Vincent's College.

High Reliability welcomes Scott Hemingway to the podcast. Scott has an interesting and unique career journey, he is presently the Director Of Security and Parking at Signature Healthcare, in Brockton, Massachusetts.  Prior to joining Brockton Hospital in 2019, Scott spent 10 years with LifeSpan, a RI-based healthcare system.  Scott has a completely different professional life prior to beginning his healthcare employment. In  2008, he retired as a Lieutenant after 23 years of service to the Rhode Island State Police. Scott also has military experience which includes being a Staff Sergeant with the Rhode Island National Guard, where he was assigned to the 243rd Regional Training Institute as a Certified Instructor. Areas of instruction included Military Police School, Nonlethal Weapons, and Modern Army Combatives.  Scott owns his own consulting firm,  The Hemingway Group, located in Warwick, RI. More information on The Hemingway Group can be found below. In this episode, we discuss:A unique career path, from Military Police duty in the Philipines to delivering a baby with the RI State Police;Healthcare surprise: What Scott did not expect to find, but found, in his transition from law enforcement to healthcare  (18:00);Equipping staff to deal with combative patients and family members in a chaotic age of Covid (23:30);Hospital risk and security (35:00);The importance of Critical Thinking in today's workplace  (38:50);TJC emergency standards at the top of Scott's mind (56:30).High Reliability, The Healthcare FM Podcast is brought to you by Gosselin/Martin Associates. Our show discusses the issues, challenges, and opportunities within the Facilities Management (FM) function. About the Hemingway GroupThe Hemingway Group is a Security Consulting service that specializes in finding solutions to the multidimensional and asymmetrical security issues that continually plague all facets of Government, Businesses, Educational Institutions, and Healthcare Systems. THGLLC conducts Vulnerability/Risk Assessments, Threat Assessments, and Security Evaluations. Please find more information about the Hemingway Group here.New rolesGosselin/Martin Associates is working with Children's Wisconsin to fill their Vice President, CHW Campus & Support Service role, Bassett Healthcare Network to fill their Vice President, Non-Clinical Support Services, as well as Griffin Hospital in Connecticut, Holy Cross Hospital in Florida, and Everett Hospital in Massachusetts to fill their Director of Facilities Management roles. We are also forwarding interested candidates directly to the University of Vermont Medical Center for their open Plant Operator positions. See all jobs here. 

High Reliability welcomes Patrick Rhinehart to the podcast. Patrick is the System Director of Environment of Care & Life Safety at Northside Hospital in Georgia. The Northside System spans 25 counties with five acute-care hospitals, more than 580 outpatient facilities, 4,100 providers, and 25,500 employees. Episode 5 of "So, You Want to Be..."In this episode of High Reliability, we re-introduce So, You Want to Be..., a podcast episode dedicated to exploring the various roles available in healthcare facilities management. Patrick became our first Director of Environment of Care and Life Safety guest. He grew his career at Northside, becoming Sr. Project Engineering Coordinator, then Manager of Compliance, and presently the System Director of Environment of Care & Life Safety.In this episode, we discuss:Firefighting and landing on the healthcare career path;Expanding your knowledge base to do your job (13:00);Learning to enjoy teaching (24:30);Soft skill versus technical skill breakdown in the EOC/LS role (39:45);How do I become a System Director? (47:00).High Reliability, The Healthcare FM Podcast is brought to you by Gosselin/Martin Associates. Our show discusses the issues, challenges, and opportunities within the Facilities Management (FM) function. New rolesGosselin/Martin Associates is working with Children's Wisconsin to fill their Vice President, CHW Campus & Support Service role, and Griffin Hospital to fill their Director of Facilities role; see all jobs here. We anticipate several new jobs to roll out within the next week or so on our site, including another Vice President opportunity. So please check back in for the latest. 

High Reliability welcomes Oluyemi Oshinowo to the podcast. Oluyemi is the Healthcare Facility Manager at the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Oluyemi becomes our first guest from the Continent of Africa.High Reliability, The Healthcare FM Podcast is brought to you by Gosselin/Martin Associates. Our show discusses the issues, challenges, and opportunities within the Facilities Management (FM) function.  The Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital provides Nigeria's first world-class, one-stop centre for the comprehensive treatment of cancer and specialist conditions. Marcelle Ruth was opened to provide easily accessible, world-class cancer treatment. Built on Victoria Island, Lagos, they offer the highest standards of care with the latest treatments and technology in comfortable surroundings.As Oluyemi and I discuss Nigeria and healthcare facilities management, we look at some similarities and some differences, including:The genesis of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, and some background on Lagos and local care;Career paths, making a move to healthcare facilities management (18:00);Creating change and learning (28:00);On facing challenges (50:00).Thanks to Oluyemi for appearing on the podcast!Links to further information on topics Oluyemi discussed on the pod1) To view Oluyemi's hospital, see here https://marcelleruth.com2) Oleyumi mentions two local items in the podcast; learn more here   https://nigerianfinder.com/how-to-know-original-shea-butter-in-nigeria/and https://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/fufu-recipes/pounded-yam/New rolesGosselin/Martin Associates is working with Griffin Hospital to fill their Director of Facilities role; see all jobs here. We anticipate several new jobs to roll out within the next week or so on our site, including at least one Vice President opportunity. Please check back in for the latest. 

High Reliability welcomes Lamar Davis to the podcast. Lamar is the Director of Facilities Engineering & Support Services at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, IL.  High Reliability, The Healthcare FM Podcast is brought to you by Gosselin/Martin Associates. Our show discusses the issues, challenges, and opportunities within the Facilities Management (FM) function. Lamar has had a lengthy career in healthcare facilities management in the Chicagoland area. In addition to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Lamar has worked in facility leadership roles at  Access Community Health Network, Provena Health, and Advocate Health. Lamar has volunteered nationally and locally with the American Society of Healthcare Engineering. He has mentored individuals throughout his career.   Our far-ranging conversation speaks to the soft skills needed in healthcare facilities management, to which Lamar offers several insights. Additional topics covered include:About the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, and unique challenges directing a facility located in America's third-largest city;Working with staff to find and cultivate interpersonal skills (13:00);The Great Resignation, and creating an Apprenticeship program to help alleviate  (23:00);Lamar's strategic career path, and having fun while navigating it (27:30);The changing nature of the facilities discipline, and Lamar's thoughts on the balance of soft skill versus hard skills needed in leadership positions (44:00);Mentors, taking on a mentoring role, and overcoming the thought that I will be replaced if I share what I know  (47:00).Thank you for listening to the High Reliability podcast. To learn more about the Ability Lab, please see https://www.sralab.orgComing AttractionsPlease stay tuned to our website for our latest job promotions. In the next week, we will be promoting:Director, Facilities for Griffin Hospital in Connecticut  A Vice President opportunityA  Director, PDC opportunity While you wait for these roles to appear, check out our new website, our Partnered Search Program, and the revamped  Gosselin/Martin Career Hub.

The Derby tax board is asking for more time to consider a city budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. Seymour has a town meeting on its budget scheduled for April 22, then it heads to a public vote May 4.  Griffin Hospital has scheduled four four walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Ansonia & Derby residents.  The Great Give is scheduled for May 4 and May 5. Podcast sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.

Good Morning and Welcome to the ProactiveIT Cyber Security Daily number 252.  It is Monday November 23rd 2020.  I am your host Scott Gombar and Ragnar Locker Ransomware activity is increasing This podcast is brought to you by Nwaj Tech, a Client Focused and Security Minded IT Consultant based in Central Connecticut.  You can visit us at nwajtech.com  Robot Vacuums Suck Up Sensitive Audio in ‘LidarPhone’ Hack Good Heavens! 10M Impacted in Pray.com Data Exposure Google Services Weaponized to Bypass Security in Phishing, BEC Campaigns Mercy Iowa City Discloses Highly Sensitive Data Breach Impacting Over 60,000 Iowans Oregon County Hit by Ransomware Attack Derby's Griffin Hospital website taken down in major ransomware incident Hacker posts exploits for over 49,000 vulnerable Fortinet VPNs TrickBot turns 100: Latest malware released with new features Joe Biden's 'Vote Joe' website defaced by Turkish Hackers FBI warns of increasing Ragnar Locker ransomware activity HIPAA Right of Access Failure Results in $65,000 Fine for University of Cincinnati Medical Center

With Connecticut in a second COVID-19 wave and cases increasing every day, Dr. Frederick Browne talks with The Valley Indy about what he's seeing at Griffin Hospital, where he is chief medical officer. Dr. Browne compares the spring months to what he's seeing now, he talks about the "red alert" COVID-19 status in all lower Valley communities, how the virus is spreading locally, and what we can do to guard against it. Sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.

On todays show, Stacy and Davis talk with Endocrinologist and App developer, Dr. Chi Tang. Dr. Tang has created a universal application to support and improve diabetes management and care.Some of the biggest challenges with the doctor/patient relationship is time, trust and objectivity. Dr. Tangs “Help my Diabetes" app solves many of these concerns through his evolving application which can support the diabetic community when needed most, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: all form the comfort of your phone and/or tablet.We talk more about his story, his advocacy and his amazing application, Help my Diabetes.Thank you Dr. Tang for your passion, vision and great application!You can follow Dr. Tang at:Griffin Hospital website:https://www.griffinhealth.org/find-a-doctor/results/details/id/737?name=chi+tang+mdFacebook at:https://www.facebook.com/helpmydiabetesFind the help my Diabetes application at:Apple/iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/help-my-diabetes/id1514328922Android/Google Play store:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.helpmydiabetes&hl=enFind Davis and Stacy at:Website:www.diabeticsavvy.comYoutube@diabeticsavvywithdavisknightFacebook@diabeticsavvyInstagram @diabeticsavvyTwitter@diabeticsavvy @diet_bites#diabetes, #endocrinology, @griffinhospital, #podcast, @diet_bites, #technology, #betterhealth

Are you one of those people that think lectins — proteins that are found in many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and legumes — are actually bad for you?Sadly, there’s probably one reason you might believe this misinformation, a book titled, The Plant Paradox, by Dr. Steven R. Gundry MD.In it, Gundry makes a wide variety of unsupported claims that many of the plants we consider to be healthy are actually bad for you.In fact, Gundry goes as far as to claim, “I believe lectins are the #1 Biggest Danger in the American Diet.”The #1 biggest danger is making a claim like that, especially when there is a significant lack of science to suggest anything so bold, and very little evidence to even be worried about lectins in the first place. Lectins, as they are consumed in a diet, just aren’t an issue. And, unless you’re eating raw kidney beans (why are you eating raw kidney beans!) the alleged poisonous nature just isn’t realistic. In other words: “Lectins are far more active in binding to our cells when they’re consumed in high concentrations and in isolation, as they are in experiments, than when they are consumed in food, as they generally are by actual humans,” notes Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital and founder of the True Health Initiative.In this episode of That’s Healthy, Right?, we’ll look at the problem with taking anecdotal evidence as fact, how some of the healthiest populations in the world live off of lectin-heavy diets, and the only food you actually need to avoid eating (hint: you wouldn’t anyway).To ask a question, read the transcript, or learn more, visit bornfitness.com/thats-healthy-right.Don’t forget to Subscribe to the show, and Rate or Review wherever you tune in!Resources:Legume Lectins: Proteins with Diverse Applications — International Journal of Molecular SciencesLectins as bioactive plant proteins: a potential in cancer treatment — Critical Review of Food Science Nutrition Red kidney bean poisoning in the UK: an analysis of 50 suspected incidents between 1976 and 1989 — Epidemiology & Infection Effect of Some Processing Methods on Hemagglutinin Activity of Lectin Extracts from Selected Grains (Cereals and Legumes) — International Journal of Advanced Academic ResearchHandbook of Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins — FDAReduction in antinutritional and toxic components in plant foods by fermentation — Food Research International Does Fruit Really Make You Fat? — That's Healthy, Right? Podcast So Now Kale Is Bad for You? — Born Fitness

1. CIAC coach weighs in on what a potential 2020 season will look like during a pandemic. ((00:10)) 2. Local pediatric office shares what it looks like to bring kids back to the doctor. ((06:30)) 3. Griffin Hospital talks about obesity and why pandemic weight has to go. ((13:38)) IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

1. Local pastor answers the question: is God punishing us? ((00:08)) 2. Milford Mayor Ben Blake checks in ((07:49)) 3. Griffin Hospital capacity and ventilator number check-in ((13:53))   IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

This week we're talking to Gary Valentine! 2003 and 2013 World Masters Olympic Weightlifting Champion and Team Connecticut Head Coach Gary Valentine was born May 6, 1957 in Stamford, Ct. After receiving his Masters Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut in 1983, he began a 24 year career in the field of Cardiac Rehabilitation. He held the position of Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Programs at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Ct., until August 2009, when he formed Valentine Strength, LLC., a strength training consulting company offering seminars and private instruction in Olympic Weightlifting. Thanks for listening - give us a share, leave us a like/review wherever you listen to podcasts, and let us know what you want to see in future episodes! Romeo Athletics is New England's premier coach-led gym for functional fitness and athletic performance. We're here to help you lose fat, gain muscle, and transform your body into a healthy, head-turning work of art. Learn more about the gym: https://romeoathletics.fitness/ Find us on Instagram: @RomeoAthletics and @EBourcier

This week host John Voket and the award-winning For the People introduces the Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, and touts their upcoming free annual Baby Fair and how Griffin offers high level physical and emotional care for babies and moms, long before — and after those babies are born. Then we explore the offices and programs of Family & Children's Aid, which serves thousands of youths and families in crises all over western and central Connecticut. We'll invite you to next weekend's Love, Hope, Yoga event, and several other ways to learn about and support the agency. And we'll close inviting you to get a little wet and dirty while helping keep the environment in and around the lower Housatonic River by participating in next weekend's Stratford Greensweep & Housatonic River Cleanup .

This week, John Voket checks in with Connecticut's Child Health & Development Institute to learn why so many of our youngest children are falling through the cracks and at risk for many significant health issues. Then it's off to Griffin Hospital to chat up their 10th Anniversary Run & Walk to benefit the Center for Cancer Care - and reveal how to boost your personal health by lacing up for the Griffin Hospital/WTNH One Billion Steps Challenge. And we'll close at Sport Hill Farm, celebrating Easton's agricultural heritage and inviting all of Connecticut to the FREE, family-friendly 10th Annual Citizens for Easton Farm Tour August 11.

Today’s episode is about finding common ground in nutrition and connecting what we know with what we do.   Dr. David Katz is a well-recognized and regarded thought leader in nutrition, chronic disease prevention, weight management and integrative medicine. He is the founding director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center and a clinical instructor at the Yale School of Medicine. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Childhood Obesity, President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and medical director for the Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. You can read the full show notes at www.soundbitesrd.com.

Before açaí and goji berries became the “it” health foods, there was flax. The whole grain has been cultivated since 3000 B.C., when even the ancient Babylonians had an inkling that flax was nutritious, according to registered dietitian Samantha Heller. Thanks to modern science, we now know that flax possesses healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In particular, Heller explains that flax has alpha-linolenic acid, “a kind of omega-3 fatty acid that’s really healthy.” She adds that research has show that “it reduces internal inflammation, and it may help lower cholesterol. It’s good for your body, it’s heart healthy.” While all forms of flax — oil, seeds and ground flax meal — have the omega-3 fat, only the seeds have lignans, which are powerful antioxidents that researchers are finding may actually help reduce the risk of certain cancers.  “[It’s] certainly good for digestive health, high in fiber, as well,” said Heller. Not all omega-3 fatty acids are created equal, though, and she said that the ones found in fish have gotten a bit more attention from researchers. “It’s like you have motorcycles and there’s all different kinds of motorcycles—you’ve got Kawasakis, and you’ve got BMWs, and you have Harleys,” Heller said. “It’s the same thing with omega-3 fats, there’s many different kinds. And in fish, there’s two kinds, EPA and DHA, and these are the ones we really look at in terms of lowering triglycerides, and we’ve done a lot of research on those.” The different forms of flax also vary slightly in digestibility. Heller, the clinical nutrition coordinator for the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Connecticut, particularly recommends ground flax seeds, or flax meal, because it’s easier for the body to digest. “It [tastes] sort of wheat germ-like,” she said. “I put those in smoothies, in salads, in yogurt.” Flax oil also boasts healthful properties, but can’t be substituted for cooking oil because its a highly unsaturated fat. That means, it can turn rancid and should be kept in the refrigerator. “You can drizzle it on salads, you can even drizzle it on foods that are already cooked, you just won’t cook it in the pan like you would olive oil,” Heller noted. As for being on trend, flax does has the added benefit of being gluten-free. “Perhaps since people tend to be shying some of the wheat products, maybe that’s one of the reasons flax is becoming more popular,” she said. Below, try a recipe Heller recommends for muffins with flaxseed. Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed MuffinsAdapted from Martha Stewart,  Everyday Food, September 2011 Yield: 
Makes 12 Nonstick cooking spray 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 1/2 cup lightly packed light-brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (from 1 large zucchini) 1/3 cup mashed ripe banana (from 1 large banana) 3/4 cup 1% milk or unsweetened soy milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten or flax* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat 12 standard muffin cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flaxseed, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add zucchini and banana and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until combined (do not overmix). 2. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let muffins cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. *Egg Substitution Instructions: For every egg being replaced, mix 1 tablespoon milled flax with
3 tablespoons water in a small bowl and let sit for one or two minutes. The mixture will become gel-like. Add to your recipe as you would an egg.  1 tablespoon milled flax + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg *from Flax Council of Canada