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In The News

Events and Announcements

$14 adult immunizations for a limited time

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is offering $14 adult immunizations for a limited time for MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), HPV, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Pneumococcal (Pnemonia), Meningococcal (Meningitis), Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertusis) and Hepatitis A and B (Hepatitis vaccines are for individuals with risk factors). To schedule and appointment please call 970-824-8233 in Craig and 970-879-1632 in Steamboat.

NEW Creative Expressions: Exploring Life in the Midst of Change group starting

Hospice of Northwest Colorado, a division of Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, and the Steamboat Springs Arts Council will offer Creative Expressions: Exploring Life in the Midst of Change. It is an opportunity for people in Steamboat and the surrounding communities to move forward through times of change, find new perspectives, and transition into new beginnings. Participants will find a safe environment with an artist, a bereavement companion and a facilitator to explore change and express loss through imaginative play. Please join us on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, starting September 15, 2010 at the Arts Depot – 1001 13th St. This is a free drop in program. Tax deductible donations are appreciated. For more information call Dr. Jo Anne Grace at 871-7617 or Denise Fasolino at 870-8888.

FREE Cholesterol Screenings in September!

In recognition of National Cholesterol Awareness Month, Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will offer free cholesterol screenings in September by appointment every Tuesday (starting 9/7) in Steamboat Springs at 940 Central Park Drive, Suit 101 and every Friday (starting 9/10) in Craig at 745 Russell Street. Please call Karla to make your appointment at 970-875-1880.

Protect Yourself from Rabies

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals, resulting in a fatal disease. The virus is shed in the saliva of infected animals. People and animals get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal or direct contact with saliva from the animal.

Take the following precautions to prevent possible exposure to rabies:

·            Do not feed wild animals.

·            If you encounter a skunk or raccoon during daytime hours, leave it alone.

·            Teach children to stay away from wild or dead animals.

·            Do not allow pets to roam freely.

·            Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination current, and maintain vaccination records

If you have questions about rabies or about whom to call in your area for response to a wild or suspect animal, please call COHELP at 1-877-462-2911 for more information.

VNA's Moffat County office at 745 Russell Street will become 100% tobacco-free and smoke-free

On July 1, 2010 Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association’s Moffat County office at 745 Russell Street will become 100% tobacco-free and smoke-free. Smoking and tobacco use will be prohibited anywhere at the facility and on property surrounding the building. Signs have been posted to designate the campus. “As a provider of community health and wellness services, VNA is committed to promoting and protecting health,” Chief Executive Officer Susan Birch said. “Adopting tobacco free policies helps us to provide a healthy outdoor environment for staff and patients.” As more and more public facilities adopt tobacco-free policies, many people are making the decision to quit using tobacco. VNA provides tobacco prevention and education for the community.  “Quit Kits” are available for anyone wanting to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. For more information please contact Victoria Barron, RN, AE-C at 970-875-1883.

Drop in STD Clinics

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will hold drop in STD clinics the first Tuesday of every month from 9:00 am to Noon at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 in Steamboat Springs. Free to low cost confidential Sexually Transmitted Disease screenings (including FREE HIV testing) will be offered based on income.  Immunizations will also be available for HPV and Hepatitis (for adults with risk factors) at $14 per shot . No office visit charge and no appointments necessary. For more information please call 879-1632.

Adult Day Center is now open at the Rollingstone Respite House

The Adult Day Center is now open at the Rollingstone Respite House in Steamboat.  Adult Day Programs are a welcome support for older adults and their families. Trained caregivers, Registered Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants organize and manage a great day for participants.  The program is available weekdays for either a full or half day.  Adults will enjoy a variety of stimulating activities, nutritious meals and the best in personal services and wellness care.  For more information about Adult Day Programs, contact Diane Girty at 970-875-1891.

FREE HIV Testing

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will offer free, confidential HIV rapid testing & results to anyone age 13 & over by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 in Steamboat Springs. For more information call 970-879-1632.

TEENS Protect yourself from Meningitis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading medical groups recommend meningococcal vaccine for:  Preteens and teens 11 through 18 years of age, College freshmen living in dormitories, and Children 2 through 10 years of age who are at increased risk or if elected by their health-care providers and parents. For more information or to schedule an appointment for vaccination call Northwest Colorado Visiting Association at 970-879-1632 or 970-824-8233.

Drop in Adolescent Immunization Clinics in Steamboat Springs

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will offer drop in immunization clinics for adolescents on Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 in Steamboat Springs. VNA charges a sliding scale of $0-$14/shot for children under age 19 years old. For more information call 879-1632.

FREE BREAST AND CERVICAL EXAMS

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association provides free breast and cervical exams and diagnostic services to women ages 40 to 64 who meet financial qualifications though the women’s wellness connection. Please call970-871-7646 for more information.

HPV Vaccinations

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus and is important because it can cause cervical cancer in women. VNA provides the vaccine for $14 per shot. Please call the VNA for more information in Steamboat at 879-1632, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 or in Craig at 824-8233, 745 Russell Street.

Aging Well Calendar Journal is now available

The Aging Well Calendar Journal is now available for a $15 donation to the VNA’s non profit Aging Well Program at VNA offices in Steamboat Springs at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 and Craig at 745 Russell Street and at The Haven at 300 South Shelton Lane in Hayden. The Calendar Journal features local personalities and images contributed by local photographers. Please bring a check made out to VNA or exact cash. For more information call Aging Well at 871-7676.

Drop-in Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics the FIRST MONDAY of every month!

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will hold drop in STD clinics the first Monday of every month from 9:00 am to Noon at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 in Steamboat Springs. Free to low cost confidential Sexually Transmitted Disease screenings will be offered (based on income).  Immunizations will also be available for HPV and Hepatitis (for adults with risk factors) for $14. No office visit charge and no appointments necessary. For more information please call 879-1632.NEW FREE HIV TESTING TOO!

Tobacco Free Quit kits available!

FREE nicotine patches or gum available ONLY by calling the CO Quitline @ 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669).  Pick up your free Quit Kits (no patches or gum included) @ the Steamboat VNA(940 Central Park Dr, Suite 101, phone (875- 1882) or Craig VNA (745 Russell St, phone 871-7691).

FREE  breathing screenings

Northwest Colorado VNA is offering FREE  breathing screenings for patients who have breathing problems or  asthma in Routt, Moffat and Jackson counties.  Spirometry testing, pulmonary functions studies, prescription medications,  asthma management and education are available.  For more information or to schedule a screening contact Victoria Barron, RN, AE-C, Community Health Educator at (970) 875-1883. 

Wellness Day on Wednesdays in Hayden and Craig and Mondays in Oak Creek

Wellness Day is held every Wednesday in Hayden at the new Haven Community Center! Join friends for a full day of fun starting with exercise at 11:00 AM.  The Arthritis Foundation Exercise class will be ongoing each week and offers gentle fitness routines aimed at improving muscle strength and flexibility while relieving or preventing arthritic pain. Next enjoy a nutritious lunch for only $2.50 while listening to an informative guest speaker with a new topic each week.  Lunch Punch Cards are available for $25, with the 11th lunch free. Finish the day from 2:00 – 4:00 pm with a VNA registered nurse for a free wellness check that includes blood pressure and answers to all your general health questions.  Foot care will also be available from 2:00 – 4:00 pm (by appointment only). To schedule your appointment for Foot Care, call 970-875-1884. 

Wellness Wednesday is held every Wednesday at the American Legion building (Shadow Mountain Clubhouse). The entire day is FREE of charge and offers activities from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. (Aging Well and CSU Extension classes are free. CNCC classes are free to Moffat County residents age 62 and older. Some material costs may apply.) There is a small fee for open swim. For more information contact the Aging Well hotline at 871-7676.

Aging Well, a program of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, hosts Wellness Day at the South Routt Community Center in Oak Creek every Monday.  Enjoy exercise starting at 10:45, followed by lunch sponsored by the Routt County Council on Aging.  A different guest speaker will present interesting topics each week, and Senior Wellness Checks and Foot Care take place on selected days throughout the month.  Call Aging Well for more information: 871-7676. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

VNA OFFERS PRENATAL PROGRAM

Are you pregnant and looking for answers to your questions about having a healthy pregnancy and raising a healthy baby? Call Hope Cook, RN at 871-7622 to find out if you qualify for the prenatal plus program. Learn about nutrition, general health, pregnancy, labor and delivery, caring for your baby, and community resources.

Baby and Me Tobacco Free offers FREE DIAPERS

Baby and Me Tobacco Free offers FREE diapers for one year for any pregnant woman who is looking to quit smoking or who has recently quit. For more information, call Hope Cook at the Visiting Nurse Association at 871-7622.

The program recently recognized Hope Cook, RN for her astonishing cessation rates, with close to 100 percent of her clients quitting tobacco and staying quit postpartum. The program is designed to motivate women to quit smoking during and after pregnancy. As of the end of January she had seven women graduate from the program. She is the only person in Routt County seeing Baby & Me clients, although she has plans to train more facilitators. As Prenatal Coordinator, Hope connects with every pregnant woman who comes to the VNA. She helps women get insurance, find a provider, connect with state funded programs such as WIC or NFP, and get connected with Baby & Me if they are a smoker.

Sign up for Child Health Plan Plus

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides full healthcare coverage for uninsured Colorado children and youth (up to age 18). This program lets you take control of your family’s healthcare. It’s low cost and you don’t have to worry about monthly fees. You can have it! Call Carol Sharp at the VNA for information about enrollment, 871-7657.

Healthier Living workshop

Put Life back In Your Life!  Call now to sign up for a Healthier Living workshop designed for adults age 50 and older who want to take charge of their ongoing health problems and get relief from their pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.  A free six-week program is available.  To receive more information, call Aging Well at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association at 871-7676.

Protect yourself from Rabies

Rabies is spread through an animal’s saliva, usually from a bite or scratch. Protect yourself from rabies by: keeping your pets’ rabies vaccinations current, teaching children to stay away from wild or dead animals, contacting your veterinarian if your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal and educating yourself about bat proofing techniques if you have bats roosting in

Medical Reserve Corp Seeks Members

The Northwest Colorado Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking new members. Founded in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks, MRC is a community based way to organize and utilize volunteers, medical professionals and others who want to donate their time and expertise to promote emergency preparedness.  Basic training is required and included free for volunteers in the areas of First Aid and Incident Command with minimal time commitment. Interested?  Sign up with Jim Johnsen, Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator for Northwest Colorado VNA at 871-7632 or 734-8844.

WHAT VACCINES DO YOU NEED?

Did you know that certain vaccines are recommended for adults and adolescents?* Take this quiz to find out which vaccines YOU may need. * This quiz provides information for people age 11 years and older. CLICK HERE!

HEPATITIS VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE

Hepatitis Vaccinations are available from the Colorado Dept. of Public Health at a reduced cost to adult clients with certain risk factors, such as multiple sex partners, recent sexually transmitted disease, a birthplace in an endemic area, or other qualifying factors. Completing the vaccination series will provide lifelong protection against the most common types of hepatitis. The cost of the vaccinations is $14.VNA office is located at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 and 745 Russell Street in Craig. Call the VNA at 824-8233 or 879-1632 to receive vaccination protection against hepatitis.

Meningitis Vaccination Recommendations

It is now recommended that all adolescents age 11-18 receive the Menactra vaccine, to protect against Meningitis, at the earliest possible health care visit. Previously, this vaccine was only recommended specific age groups within this range. The incidence of meningococcal disease increases during adolescence. College freshman living in dormitories are at increased risk for meningococcal disease and should be vaccinated with Menactra before college entry if they have not been vaccinated previously. For more information call the VNA at 879-1632 in Steamboat and 824-8233 in Craig.

Zostavax, The Shingles Vaccine, is now available

Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, is now available at Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for adults age 60 and over. The vaccine helps to prevent shingles and can also reduce the pain associated with shingles. VNA will offer the vaccination for $190 per shot. The shot is not covered by Medicare at this time. In some cases, VNA can provide the vaccine free of charge to uninsured, low income adults through Merck's Patient Assistance Program. For more information call the VNA is Steamboat Springs, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101 at 879-1632 or in Craig, 745 Russell Street at 824-8233.

VNA Seeks Volunteers

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, a non profit agency, is seeking volunteers to assist with general office duties. Hours are flexible. Please contact Laura for more information at 879-1632. VNA is located at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.

Growth and Development Charts NOW AVAILABLE

Everyday, useful information Free to families--Growth and Development cards from the Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment.  The cards give information in English and Spanish on topics including development, nutrition, health, safety, parenting, and state-wide information phone numbers.  The cards cover developmental stages from birth through 18 yrs of age.  Families are welcome to view and/or download the information at http://www.nwcovna.info/growth_and_development.html or call Beth at VNA (# 871-7619) to request a hardcopy be mailed to you.  These Growth and Development cards are also available at the Newborn Network, phone # 879-0977.  Remember to stay on track with well-child check ups.  Your child’s physician may also have these Growth and Development cards available for you.

Looking for Information on Hantavirus? CLICK HERE

Looking for Information on West Nile Virus? CLICK HERE

Support Group for Caregiver’s of People with Neurological Disorders

Anyone interested in joining a support group for caregiver’s of people with Neurological Disorders is asked to call Carol Gordon of Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association at 870-3232.

Free Pap Tests and Mammograms

Two simple tests could save your life. Colorado women’s cancer control initiative offers free pap tests and mammograms at the VNA for women who are income qualified, between 40 to 64 years of age, have not had an exam in 5 years or longer, and have no insurance or are underinsured. Now you have no excuses. Call the VNA now for your free pap test and mammogram. Space is limited. Call the Craig VNA at 824-8233or call the steamboat VNA at 879-1632.