Cancer Institute Day Among December Activities

At Bridgeport Hospital

BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Hospital has scheduled Cancer Institute Day Wednesday, December 13, 9 am to 1 pm, in the main lobby of the hospital, 267 Grant Street. For information, call Director of Oncology Services Peggie Parniawski at 203-384-3431.

This free event, which includes giveaways, refreshments, and a prize drawing, will showcase the wide spectrum of services available from the Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital, the largest cancer program in Fairfield County and fifth largest in all of Connecticut.

“Nearly 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year but more than ever before, new advances are providing hope for early detection and successful treatment,” said oncologist Robert Folman, MD, co-medical director of the Cancer Institute.

Hospital experts will be on hand to discuss:

éAdvanced diagnostic services for cancer, including laboratory testing and sophisticated imaging technology such as mammography and PET/CT scans

éThe latest treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and minimally invasive surgical approaches

éPhysical and occupational therapy

éRespiratory therapy, including smoking cessation

éDiet and nutrition

éCancer research, including current clinical studies underway at Bridgeport Hospital

éHospice programs

éRepresentatives will also participate from the American Cancer Society and patient support organization CancerCare Inc.

Successful cancer care involves a team approach by a variety of medical and surgical experts as well as an array of patient and family support services, colorectal surgeon Scott Thornton, MD, the Cancer Institute’s other co-medical director.

“It’s important to know what resources are available in your community,” Dr Thornton said.

Other December activities at Bridgeport Hospital include:

Free Bp Screenings — Bridgeport Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations and times:

éBridgeport North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue, 1 to 3 pm, December 4

éMiddlebrook Farms, 2750 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, 1 to 2:30 pm, December 14

éShelton United Methodist Homes, 580 Long Hill Avenue, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, December 19

éTrumbull Library, 33 Quality Street, 9:30 to 11:30 am, December 14

For information, call toll free 888-357-2396.

Look Good...Feel Better — Look Good...Feel Better, the American Cancer Society program that helps women with cancer improve their appearance and self-image through hands-on beauty techniques, will be offered 5 to 6:30 pm December 12 in the first-floor Operations Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital. Parking and admission are free, and light refreshments will be served.

To register, call toll free 888-357-2396.

Ostomy Support — The United Ostomy Chapter of Greater Bridgeport will meet 2 pm December 17 at the offices of Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull. Meetings, which include an educational session and business meeting, are open to all area residents who have had any type of ostomy operation, including a colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy. For information, call toll free 888-357-2396.

Administration Of Medicine Class — Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Care Institute will offer the following self-care class in the duPont Board Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street. To register, call 203-384-4497.

éAdministration of Medicine — December 5, 6 to 9 pm. Cost: $25 ($15 injectable only).

For information about workplace or community-based group classes, call 203-384-4748.

Physician Information And Referrals — Bridgeport Hospital provides free information on, and referrals to, more than 400 affiliated physicians 24 hours a day. Call toll free 888-357-2396 for information on physician specialties, office hours and locations as well as insurance plans accepted. Bridgeport Hospital physicians represent more than 70 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including internal medicine/family practice, ob/gyn, orthopedics, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

Billing Questions — Bridgeport Hospital provides free, confidential assistance to patients and families with questions about their hospital bills. Financial counselors are available during regular business hours to privately discuss billing issues and payment assistance options, including eligibility for free or discounted care. Bridgeport Hospital also pays a state employee to be on-site to help patients apply for Medicaid and other state assistance programs.

For an appointment to see a financial counselor, call 203-384-3449.