Griffin Hospital

12/23/2025

Sweet Songs for the Season

Please enjoy this song by the Valley Soul Choir from this year's Griffin Health Annual Holiday Concert - https://youtu.be/zTUeuj96bzU

Want more? Visit the concert's playlist here - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPqrw5Li-QtFakTjjjcN96tNSf6poIOc

The Griffin Health Annual Holiday Concert is a cherished community tradition that brings voices together from all walks of life, backgrounds, personal circum...

12/22/2025

Free Diabetes Prevention

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a session of Living Healthy to Prevent Diabetes, its free diabetes prevention program this January to help empower individuals to lower their risk for the chronic health condition.

This six-week program helps individuals develop a structured lifestyle change program that can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and, with sustained behavior, continues to lower risk for years to follow. At weekly meetings, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants in learning about healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, coping skills, healthy lifestyle goal setting and stress management.

There will be a session on Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Health Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Rd., Oxford.

This free wellness program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improve community wellness through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease. Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

Register at www.griffinhealth.org/living-healthy-to-prevent-diabetes or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information.

12/19/2025

Resolve to Manage Diabetes Better in 2026

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a session of, Living Healthy with Diabetes, its free diabetes self-management program this January to help empower individuals to improve their well-being.

This six-week diabetes self-management program that engages participants in learning and discussing clinical and lifestyle self-management behaviors to improve their health, blood sugars, emotional wellness, and quality of life.
Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants to manage their well-being with insightful education on healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, medication, glucose technology, health-related risk management, and coping with a chronic condition.

The program will be on Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Health Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Rd., Oxford.

Register at griffinhealth.org/living-healthy-with-diabetes or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information.

This free wellness program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improve community wellness through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease. Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

12/18/2025

Join the chefs at the Teaching Kitchen at Griffin Hospital. We are creating a ham and bean soup.

12/18/2025

It's Not Just a "Guy" Thing

Griffin Hospital will host a free hernia screening event on Sat., Jan. 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Men and women can experience hernias, which occur when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it. Typically, hernias can occur after childbirth, excessive lifting or straining, or a persistent or heavy cough. Most hernias appear within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips, or in the groin.

Hernias in women are often deeper and smaller, so they often do cause a visible bulge. If left untreated, hernias can cause serious problems, including blocking the intestine, pinching blood vessels and breaking through the skin.

The screenings will be conducted by Griffin Faculty Physician surgeons who specialize in hernia treatment. The screening takes about 10 minutes and participants will receive information and referrals if there is a suspected hernia.

Walk-ins are welcome. Spaces are limited, so registration is recommended. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments can be made online at www.griffinhealth.org/hernia-screenings or by calling 203-732-3443

12/17/2025

Celebrating Our Exceptional Caregivers

Griffin Health recognized its December 2025 “I Take It Personally” (ITIP) winners with a Happy Holidays-themed party in the Griffin Hospital Dining Room today.

Celebrating the ITIP awards were, from left: Griffin Health President & CEO Patrick Charmel; ITIP Committee Co-chair Matt Milardo; ITIP Winner Tammy Villaluz, Community Outreach & Parish Nursing; ITIP Winner Janet Panuczak, Surgical Services; ITIP Winner Karen Delfino, Physical Therapy; ITIP Winner Roger Adabachi, Security; and ITIP Committee Co-chair Richard Le Pera.

The ITIP program rewards Griffin caregivers who demonstrate a commitment to Griffin’s Planetree Philosophy, serve as role models for other caregivers, and practice our patient safety and patient-centered care tools in striving to provide an exceptional experience to patients, families, and/or fellow caregivers.

12/17/2025

Make 2026 Your Year for Weight-Loss

Griffin Bariatrics offers free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout December to explain how bariatric surgery can help individuals lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term well-being. Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are discussed.

Upcoming seminars will be held on Tues., Jan. 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Tues., Jan. 20 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and Tues., Jan. 27 from 12-1 p.m.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

12/16/2025

Helping Seniors with Loss

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of wellness programs that will help with age-related loss this January.

Griffin Health Chaplain Eric Gramse will host Loneliness & Age-Related Loss, an open discussion of the various types of loss that people can experience as they age, how loss can affect them and ways to move forward in a healthy way.

The presentations are scheduled for Mon., Jan.5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Thurs., Jan. 8 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Thurs., Jan. 22 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Derby Neck Library, and Wed., Jan. 28 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

12/15/2025

Expert Health Advice from Our Chief Medical Officer

Griffin Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Diseases Physician Dr. Frederick Browne is a regular guest on WICC's Melissa in the Morning.

Dr. Browne recently talked about a case of measles involving an unvaccinated child in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It's the state's first in more than four years. Dr. Browne discusses measles, as well as RSV, flu and COVID-19 cases that are on the rise.

Listen to the interview here - https://audioboom.com/posts/8817700-melissa-in-the-morning-measles-in-ct

12/12/2025

Caring for Our Caregivers

Griffin Health hosted its annual Griffin Family Holiday Meals this week to thank its exceptional caregivers for their dedication to their patients and the Griffin community.

As part of its Planetree Person-Centered Care, Griffin understands the importance of human interaction and appreciation in creating a healing environment for patients, families, and caregivers.

12/12/2025

Person-Centered Care at Its Best

Christine Halkiopoulos, a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, was recently honored with the inaugural National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) Guiding Light Award. Awarded on National Oncology Navigator’s Day, the NCBC Guiding Light Award is a tribute to those who illuminate the path for patients, breaking down barriers to care and ensuring no one navigates their journey alone.

A caregiver at Griffin for three years, Halkiopoulos was nominated by both a colleague and her supervisor to spotlight the exceptional empathy and support she gives to all of her patients.

“Christine is known for her warmth, empathy, and ability to turn even the most anxious biopsy day into one filled with ease, connection, and laughter,” said Griffin Health Diagnostic Imaging Site Manager Ashley Schneider. “Her rare clinical expertise, paired with her gift for making people feel seen and safe, makes her a standout in every sense."

Oncology navigators are essential in the cancer care continuum. Whether bridging gaps in care, connecting patients to critical resources, or providing emotional and psychosocial support, their role is vital to improving outcomes and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Navigators play an important role in improving access to timely, quality care, reducing healthcare disparities, promoting patient-centered outcomes, and in elevating the standard of cancer support services.

12/11/2025

Join as we create healthy Ginger Bread at Griffin's Healthy Eating Teaching Kitchen

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon ground
flaxseed meal
3 tablespoons
warm water
21⁄4 cups spelt flour
(or white/wheat mix)
2 teaspoons ground
ginger (3 for a
stronger ginger
flavor)
2 teaspoons
cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon
cardamom
1⁄2 teaspoon
baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄2 cup melted
coconut oil
3⁄4 cup Monk fruit in
the raw
1⁄4 cup butter
1⁄4 cup unsulphured
molasses

INSTRUCTIONS
Remove the butter from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room
temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
In a large bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger,
cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add in the salt and mix everything together
until uniform. Set aside.
In another large bowl, add in the softened butter, molasses and monk fruit.
Using a hand mixer or standing mixer, cream everything together until nice
and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and mix until it has combined. Alternatively, you
can do this by hand by whipping vigorously with a whisk. Carefully add the dry
mixture to the wet and mix until uniform using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Gather the mixture together in your hands and “knead” it together to form a
large ball. Place it back into the bowl and cover it with a lid (if it has one) or
with plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
After an hour, remove the dough from the fridge. Next, you will need to roll
out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick using a rolling pin, cup, etc. We broke
our dough into 3 pieces to roll out. To make things easier and also to not
distort the shape of the cookies, we rolled and cut our cookie dough directly
on a lightly floured silicone baking mat (or parchment paper) that we will be
baking them on. This way we could pick up the mat/parchment and place it
directly on the baking sheet. Be sure to leave 1/2-inch between each cookie so
they do not bake into each other. If you do not want to do this, just roll the
dough out on a lightly floured work surface, cut it out with your cookie cutters,
and use a spatula to transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
Chill the cut cookie dough on the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 10
minutes. We also like to place our leftover dough in the fridge when we are
not using it to keep it chilled.
Preheat the oven to 350F. Once the cookies have chilled, place them into the
oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and
allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, and then transfer them
to a wire rack to cool completely