Follow Along With the Harbor Health April Fitness Challenge!

April is National Minority Health Month! Harbor Health is proud to support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office of Minority Health to promote physical activity and staying active and healthy not only in April, but all year long.

According to the 2nd edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans released last year, adults need at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week with muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.

Unfortunately, the Office of Minority Health notes that right now, “more than half of minority adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines.”

To make getting physical activity more convenient and accessible to all of our patients and staff at Harbor Health, we’re sharing fitness challenges with a new exercise each month! The challenges are built around simple exercises you can do anywhere, anytime, a little at a time, without equipment to make it easier to exercise.

The exercise of the month in April is Seated Spinal Rotations!

Follow Along!

Here’s how you do a seated spinal rotation:

1. Sit up straight in your chair.
2. Cross your arms so each hand is resting on the opposite shoulder.
3. Rotate your whole upper body, twist from your hips, to one side. Keep your spine aligned. Only twist as far as you are comfortable.
4. Rotate back to the center. Repeat on the other side. Each side counts as one rotation, so today, you will do 5 rotations to each side, 10 in total.

Click or tap the button below to download the full April Fitness Challenge calendar and add rotations each day!

REMEMBER – If you don’t already exercise or you’re unsure of your health status, talk with your provider before starting a new program!

Looking for a new a primary care provider?

Find a Harbor Community Health Center near you now!

Visit hhsi.us/NPresidency to learn more and apply to the program!

We’re pleased to announce that Harbor Health is launching a Family Nurse Practitioner Residency Training Program!

The residency program is specifically intended for postgraduate family nurse practitioners who are committed to developing careers as primary care providers in the challenging setting of community health centers and other safety net settings..

We are proud to be a part of helping new family nurse practitioners develop the skills they need to care for underserved populations and assume future leadership roles in community health care!

The program includes precepted primary care sessions, specialty rotations, mentored independent clinics in an urban setting, didactic sessions, and quality improvement training.

Harbor will offer two residency slots for this intensive training program.  The FNP residency is a full-time, 12-month salaried position with a one-year employment commitment after completion of the program.

The training program will be based at Harbor’s community health centers in Dorchester and will run from September to the end of August the following year.

Harbor Health invites postgraduate family nurse practitioners (FNP) to apply! Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/npresidency/”] Learn more about the program [/button]

Supporters and Partners of Harbor’s FNP Residency Program

Harbor is able to offer two residency slots thanks to funding provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).

We were one of six healthcare organizations selected to participate in the DSRIP Statewide Investments Family Nurse Practitioner Residency Training Program.  This program is administered by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and funded through the EOHHS.

We have partnered with the Community Health Center, Inc. of Middletown, Connecticut, to develop our residency program. The Community Health Center, Inc. launched the nation’s first formal postgraduate nurse practitioner residency training program in 2007 to support the transition from new NP to primary care provider.  

Ready to Learn More About the Program?

To learn more about Harbor Health’s Family Nurse Practitioner Residency program and apply, visit hhsi.us/npresidency.

Free Cooking Classes for Kids Underway During National Nutrition Month

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”#recipe1″] Get the Recipes [/button]

Kids were in the kitchen at Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center in Dorchester for the first of four healthy cooking classes hosted at the health center. Our nutritionist Colleen and our health educators Iris and Ashley guided the young cooks through their first lesson which included peeling and baking sweet potatoes.

Helping kids learn to make nutritious food choices is one of the best ways to support their health!  Harbor’s healthy cooking classes focus on teaching kids about why different ingredients are good for them and how to prepare them in healthy and flavorful ways.

All the recipes include main ingredients that are affordable and easier to find at local grocery stores.

In this week’s session, the class prepared sweet potato and black bean tacos and a yogurt dip.  One member of the class said she’d never tried beans before, but was willing to give them a try – we were proud of her!  Another said she didn’t like one of the ingredients in the yogurt dip (avocado), so the class talked about how to substitute other ingredients.

March is National Nutrition Month, so we’re sharing the recipes below so you can try them out too.

ATTENTION PARENTS: There’s one spot left in this free session for 3rd and 4th graders – next class is Monday, March 25! Register at http://bit.ly/March19KidsCooking.

Did You Know…

Our nutritionist Colleen not only teaches this kids cooking class, but also sees patients at our Daniel Driscoll – Neponset (617-282-3200) and Geiger Gibson (617-288-1140) Community Health Centers.

Call to make an appointment with her to talk about diabetes, weight management, and healthy meal planning on a budget.

Follow the Recipes

Thank you to Kohl’s Healthy Family Fun for your generous support and making these free healthy cooking classes for kids in our community possible!

Fast, free, and confidential HIV testing open to the community

Harbor Health offers a monthly HIV Rapid Testing clinic at our Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center and Geiger Gibson Community Health Center.

Please click the button below for information about dates and times of upcoming clinics.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/programs-and-services/prevention-programs/#rhivtesting”] HIV Rapid Testing Clinics[/button]

A Free Service Open to the Community!

This fast, free, and confidential walk-in service is open to anyone in the community.

All are welcome! No insurance is required and you do not need to be a patient of Harbor Health to come to the walk-in hours.

You do not have to check in at the front desk.

What Does the Test Involve?

The test is just a finger stick. There are no blood draws or waiting for lab results.

You receive your results in 20 minutes or less.

Where Can I Find the Rapid Testing Clinic?

Daniel Driscoll-Neponset Health Center is located at 398 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester. The closest T stop is Fields Corner on the Red Line and you can take the 210, 202, or 201 bus to right in front of the health center. There is also parking lot behind the health center and parking is free.

Geiger Gibson Community Health Center is located at 250 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester.  The closest T stop is JKF/UMASS Boston on the Red Line.  The health center is walking distance from the T stop.

Members of our prevention services team will be at the clinic and available to talk about sexual health. You can also pick up free condoms and other safer sex supplies!

Questions?

Call (617) 533-2228 with any questions.

Something’s Cooking at Harbor’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center – Free Cooking Classes

Attention parents of 3rd and 4th graders! Registration is now open for Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll-Neponset Health Center​’s FREE healthy cooking classes for kids!

The 4-week series will take place Mondays, 3:30PM-5:00PM, March 18-April 8, at Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center, 398 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester. 

Kids will have fun while learning how to make healthy foods with recipes provided by Harbor Health’s Nutritionist, Colleen Forrest.

The classes are free and open to all 3rd and 4th graders in the community thanks to the generous support of Kohl’s Healthy Family Fun.  All ingredients and class supplies are included.

Space is limited to 8 and participation in every class is strongly encouraged.

Register today at http://bit.ly/March19KidsCooking

What Will Kids Learn?

Every class will offer hands-on, age-appropriate fun while showing kids how to make healthier eating choices.

Each week, the cooking class will cover a new nutrition topic, prepare a healthy recipe using our mobile kitchen, and practice kitchen safety.

Kids will get to taste their food and take home the recipe, too.

Register Today!

Classes start soon so register today at http://bit.ly/March19KidsCooking

Questions about the classes?

Contact Amanda Mastrangelo at (617) 533-2228 or [email protected].

Exercise of the Month: Calf Raises

Spring is just around the corner so March is the perfect month to put a little spring in your step with calf raises!

Exercise is good for you.  It helps keep your heart healthy, lower your blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. It can help you sleep better and improve your mood, too.

The challenge for many of us is finding the time and a safe place to get physical activity.  Simple exercises you can do anywhere, anytime, a little at a time, without equipment make it easier and more convenient.

Following a calendar and adding more repetitions each day also makes it fun!

Put Some Spring In Your Step!

In 2019, the Harbor Health team is participating in monthly fitness challenges to add more physical activity into our days.

We’re inviting our patients and our community to follow along!

The exercise of the month in March is calf raises.

Calf raises target the muscles on the back of your lower legs.

Here are some basic instructions for calf raises:

1. Stand up and put your feet hip-width apart.  Point your toes forward.
2. Raise your heels off the floor and squeeze your calves.
3. Slowly lower your heels to the starting position and repeat.

Follow Along!

Click or tap the button below to download the Harbor Health March Fitness Challenge.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Harbor-Mar-2019-fitness-challenge.pdf”]Download the March Fitness Challenge Calendar [/button]

REMEMBER – If you don’t already exercise or you’re unsure of your health status, talk with your provider before starting a new program!

Looking for a new a primary care provider?

Find a Harbor Community Health Center near you now!

Exercise of the Month: Arm Circles

February is National Heart Health Month and there’s no better time to focus on what you can do to keep your heart healthy!

Did you know heart disease is the #1 killer of women and men in the U.S.?

Here are some of the startling statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
• An estimated 80 million Americans have one or more types of heart disease.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and whites.
• For Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders and American Indians or Alaska Natives, heart disease is second only to cancer.
• A heart attack strikes someone every 34 seconds.

The good news is heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.  Speaking with your provider at Harbor Health about how you can keep your heart healthy is an important first step!

Help Your Heart With Exercise!

Speaking of steps, another way to keep your heart healthy is with exercise!  The key to increasing your level of physical activity is keeping it simple so it fits the time you have and doesn’t require equipment.

In 2019, the Harbor Health team across all of our locations is participating in monthly fitness challenges to help build strength, flexibility, and add more activity into our days.

We’re inviting our patients and our community to follow along!

Exercise of the Month: Arm Circles

You can do them sitting or standing, and alternate between forwards and backwards.  Our CEO and Patriots fan Chuck Jones and family medicine provider Dr. Tom Fantes demonstrate in the video!

Follow Along!

Click or tap the button below to download the Harbor Health February Fitness Challenge.

[button type=”info” size=”lg” link=”https://www.hhsi.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Harbor-Feb-2019-fitness-challenge.pdf”]Download the February Fitness Challenge Calendar [/button]

REMEMBER – If you don’t already exercise or you’re unsure of your health status, talk with your provider before starting a new program!

Looking for a new a primary care provider?  Find a Harbor Community Health Center near you now!

Collection Drive Running Now Through February 13

Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis has launched a Winter Wellness Sock Drive in an effort to provide some basic comfort to community members struggling to make ends meet this season.

“Winter is one of the hardest times of year on Cape Cod,“ explains Jacquie Tarbell, the practice manager at Harbor Health’s community health center in Hyannis.

“For many of our patients, the homeless, and members of our community who are struggling in many ways at this time of year, getting help with even the most basic essentials like a new pair of socks can make a big difference to a person’s health and well-being.”

Individuals and local businesses are encouraged to drop off new socks of all sizes.  Donations of unused travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, hand sanitizer, and lip balm are also appreciated.

DONATION DROP OFF LOCATION & HOURS

735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM -8:30 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM -4:30 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Look for the donation box located in the check in area of the health center!

Help Us Reach Our 250 Pair Goal!

Our goal is to collect 250 pairs of socks between now and February 13!

Patients and community members in need to pick up socks and toiletries at the Center on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14 while supplies last.  Any additional items not picked up will be delivered to St. Joseph’s House (formerly the Noah Shelter) and Angel House Shelter, both in Hyannis.

Questions?  Call Jacquie Tarbell, practice manager, at (508) 778-5428.

Thank you for your support!

Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center hosting community baby shower!

Harbor Health’s Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center is hosting a community baby shower!  This event will be hosted by members of the caring and experienced pediatrics, women’s health, and family medicine teams at Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center.

At the community baby shower, you can get to know local healthcare providers and learn about community resources for expectant moms and new parents.

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, January 24
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center
398 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester, MA  02122
RSVP to Jen Ryan, (617) 533-2227

We will have light refreshments, special treats, and lots of information!

Infant Care Questions Answered

Whether you are a first-time parent or have other children, you probably have questions about caring for your baby and yourself during and after pregnancy – that’s OK!  Please bring your questions to the community baby shower!

Our providers will offer information about:

• Baby safe sleep
• Breastfeeding
• Infant feeding
• Staying healthy during and after pregnancy
• Helping your baby stay healthy
• How to access resources like Women, Infants, and Children

At Harbor Health, we believe in providing exceptional care for everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.  We also treat the WHOLE PATIENT by connecting our patients to the resources they need to live a healthy, independent life.

We’re happy to answer questions you might have to make sure you and your baby have access to the care and services you need!

Let Us Know You Are Coming

Please RSVP for the January 24 community baby shower event by calling Jen Ryan at (617) 533-2227.  Jen can also answer questions for you about the baby shower!

You can also download our informational flyer: Download Flyer

We hope to see you there!

The Harbor Health Elder Service Plan, a Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly welcomes Dr. Susan Hardy.

Dr. Hardy, a native of Illinois graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School with Honors. In addition, she was an internal medicine resident at Duke University and has a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine from Yale University, where she also received a Ph.D. in Investigative Medicine.

Medical Practice and Education 

• Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with a Certificate of added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine (ABIM)
• Summit Eldercare Associate Medical Director
• Medical Director for the Jewish Association on Aging Skilled Nursing and Outpatient Rehab Facilities in Pittsburgh, PA
• Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School
• Instructor at Yale University Medical School

Dr. Susan Hary is excited to bring comprehensive geriatric care to the Greater Brockton area. Call 774-470-6700 to arrange a tour or meeting with Dr. Hardy.

Harbor Health Elder Service Plan 

479 Torrey Street | Brockton, MA 02301