EAST ORLAND, Maine — Cary Huggins and her 11-year-old son, Kiernan, of East Orland will ride together on a bicycle built for two to raise money for the American Lung Association. The 180- mile “Trek Across Maine” from Bethel to Belfast will take place June 17-19 in its 27th year.
Cary and her husband Joe moved their family from Wiscasset in February to work with H.O.M.E. cooperative in Orland, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping and enhancing the quality of life for low-income and homeless families.
Aside from contributing in the areas of public relations and maintenance, the two have opened “Pedalin’ H.O.M.E. Bicycle Center.” They hope to empower members of H.O.M.E. and the surrounding communities through affordable access to bicycling and bike repair skill-building.
“Bicycling is a necessary mode of transportation in this economy,” said Joe. “At H.O.M.E. we’re just a few miles from town and people can easily get to work, a job interview or doctor’s appointment by bike. It’s good for the environment, too. It’s really a win-win.”
Cary, a registered nurse, sees the strong positive impact bicycling has on physical and mental health. She plans to organize mountain and road bike rides this summer for all ages. The center desperately needs used bikes, tools, parts, supplies and volunteer mentors.
Cary, Kiernan and 16-year-old son Connor, who also will also ride, are charged with raising $500 each to support Maine initiatives around lung health. The Huggins family has been involved with the Trek since 2005, with Joe, grandparents and siblings volunteering by servicing rider rest stops and driving supply trucks.
“It’s a very good cause,” said Kiernan. “My friend’s mom wants to stop smoking and can’t. The American Lung Association can help her.”
According to Cary, this is a million-dollar fundraiser for ALA, with 90 percent of the money raised staying in Maine.
The two will ride for the H.O.M.E. team and are looking for others interested in joining them on the journey. They need help reaching their fundraising goals and would welcome tax-deductible contributions. Checks may be made out to ALA-NE and sent to P.O. Box 44, East Orland, ME 04431. Or contribute online at http://www.lungne.org. For information, contact Cary and Kiernan at 332-9977.
Health policy adviser
BANGOR — Gov. Paul LePage announced on June 6 the appointment of Katrin Teel of Bangor to serve as senior health policy adviser.
Teel is an experienced administrator, registered nurse and college instructor. Most recently, she was an instructor in the business management and allied health departments at Beal College and an adjunct instructor within the Van Loan School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Endicott College.
“I am pleased that Katrin is joining my staff to continue to serve the people of Maine,” said LePage. “We can create a health care system that is more efficient, so patients and families have peace of mind they are receiving top-notch, affordable care anywhere in the state and Katrin will help us reach that goal.”
As former director of the Wellness Council of Maine, an affiliate of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Teel worked with employers throughout Maine to develop employee wellness programs to improve health and reduce health care costs.
Teel has volunteered on nine missions to Latin America. She has served as an operating room nurse, set up teaching programs on women’s health, participated in a pilot program to provide health care in remote Indian communities in the Ecuadorean jungle, taught as a nurse educator in Bolivian schools and worked with HIV-positive orphans in the Dominican Republic.
Teel earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business, both from Husson University.
Distinguished service
BANGOR, Maine — Dr. Henry Atkins, medical director for Westgate Manor, has received a Distinguished Service Award from Kindred Healthcare.
The DSA recognizes medical directors who are truly inspirational in their involvement at their centers. Written nominations were selected by executive directors, directors of nursing services and district directors.
“Dr. Henry Atkins has served as a physician at Westgate Manor for over 25 years and has been our medical director for 22 years. He has been a tireless advocate for residents living with dementia,” said Karin McDonald, director of nursing services at Westgate. “His expertise and experience in the geriatric-dementia field is well-known in our community. Dr. Atkins is an AMDA-certified medical director, Hospice medical director, a board-certified family practice physician with CAQ in geriatrics and has served as chairman of the Maine Chapter of AMDA.
“Teaching is a passion of Dr. Atkins and he’s been excelling at it for 35 years,” McDonald said. “Many of today’s area practitioners are better prepared to deal with the complex issues associated with dementia because of him. He mentors physician assistant, nurse practitioner and medical students from universities such as Yale, University of New England, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and the University of New England College of Medicine.
“His plainspoken nature has been a comfort to loved ones struggling to understand dementia,” she said. “Dr. Atkins has the impressive ability to de-escalate families in crisis with his extensive knowledge, understanding and compassion.”
The Distinguished Service Award plaque reads, “For meritorious service in providing outstanding Medical Direction and Leadership. In honor and celebration of your dedicated service to patients-residents and their families, for representing the center positively in the community and facilitating a caring culture among the staff.” Atkins provides services at Westgate Manor through an agreement with Penobscot Community Health Care.
Westgate Manor will hold a celebration for Atkins noon-2 p.m. Monday, June 20, at 750 Union St. All are welcome. For information, contact Kirby Whitney at 942-7336
Westgate Manor in Bangor is a 104-bed nursing and assisted living community caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Its support services for people with dementia living in the community include an Adult Day Program and Respite Program. Westgate Manor is a member of the Kindred family of Healthcare Centers.
Pediatrician at PCHC
OLD TOWN, Maine — Penobscot Community Health Care had announced that pediatrician Dr. Kaliope Parousis has joined the medical staff at Helen Hunt Health Center, 242 Brunswick St.
Parousis’ practice centers on all aspects of high-quality pediatric care, including patient physicals, acute visits and health care maintenance.
Parousis, an undergraduate of Clark University in Worcester, Mass., earned a doctor of osteopathy degree from the University of New England in Biddeford. She completed her pediatric residency at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, N.Y., before joining Penobscot Community Health Care.
“PCHC is proud to have Dr. Kaliope Parousis join its staff at Helen Hunt Health Center in Old Town,” said Dr. Robert Allen, executive medical director. “Dr. Parousis is a dynamic, knowledgeable and empathetic physician who will provide excellent pediatric services to the children and young people in the Old Town area.”
Parousis is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. For information or appointments, call 827-6128.
PCHC, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997, is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Greater Bangor. Its purpose is to ensure access to comprehensive, integrated outpatient health care services to those on MaineCare, Medicare, with and without insurance, regardless of ability to pay.
Honoring senior citizens
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine first lady Ann LePage recently joined the Maine Health Care Association to honor the accomplishments of 36 people living in the state’s long-term care facilities, including Ralph Tetu of Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor; Marguerite Sherburne of Dexter Health Care; William Reed of Hibbard Nursing and Rehab Center, Dover-Foxcroft; Nancie Barendse of Courtland Rehab and Living Center, Ellsworth; Harold Borns of Dirigo Pines Inn, Orono.
LePage offered opening remarks at the ninth annual ceremony and photography exhibit, “Remember ME,” which featured the black-and-white photographs and biographies of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities statewide. She also helped present Certificates of Lifetime Achievement during the ceremony in the Hall of Flags at the State House.
The primary purpose of the Remember ME project is to salute the people who have spent the best years of their lives supporting their families, building their communities and serving their state and country. The project also urges the public to remember the selfless contributions of our elderly and disabled citizens who now depend on others for their care and safety.
According to MHCA Vice President and Communications Director Nadine Grosso, “Just because these residents are less visible in the community doesn’t mean that we should forget their important contributions to our state and country. After giving to others all of their lives, they now depend on us for their daily medical and social care and we take that responsibility very seriously. This photographic tribute and recognition ceremony is our way of remembering them and saying thank you.”
Since its inception, the Remember ME program has recognized 330 long-term care residents statewide. The Maine Health Care Association is a nonprofit trade association, representing more than 250 providers of long-term care services to the state’s elderly and disabled citizens.
Summer skin care
CAMP HILL, Pa. — To help customers safely enjoy the summer, Rite Aid is launching a healthy skin care campaign in partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation that includes free informational guides in all 4,700 stores and online, money-saving promotions on skin care products, and advice from Rite Aid pharmacists nationwide.
The campaign offers lifestyle tips to help prevent skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 2 million diagnoses annually. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of potentially deadly melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
During the campaign through July 26, 12-page, full-color skin care guides are available free at any Rite Aid location or online at http://www.riteaid.com. The guide covers a range of topics including information on:
• How to practice daily sun safety with a five-point checklist.
• The sun’s UVA and UVB rays and how to find a sunscreen blocking both.
• How to choose the most appropriate sunscreen using The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, including new “Daily Use” and “Active” seal categories
• Lesser-known skin tips such as how to guard against eyelid skin cancer, which accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all skin cancers and how to keep skin hydrated by drying it properly after a warm — not hot — shower.
• Discussing personalized skin care tips with a Rite Aid pharmacist, such as medications that increase sun sensitivity.
Rite Aid’s focus on skin care is part of its yearlong commitment to health and wellness. Each year Rite Aid offers free information on health and wellness topics including oral health, diabetes, weight management, heart health and allergies.