@stavieb: Welcome everyone to our first Twitter Chat, it’s Stav, usually tweeting as @VNSNY_news and today I’ll be acting as moderator. #VNSNYchat
April 19, 2012, 5: 00 pm

@stavieb: We’re talking about falls risk, especially in older adults, how 2 spot signs & prepare in advance to help avoid an injury. #VNSNYchat
April 19, 2012, 5: 00 pm

@stavieb: During chat @VNSNY_news will be Dr. Eileen Bach. She’s a PT w/ clinical doctorate & Director of Rehabilitation QA & Ed at VNSNY #VNSNYchat
April 19, 2012, 5: 01 pm

@stavieb: Why don’t we spend a few minutes introducing…

Eileen Bach PT, DPT is the Director of Rehabilitation QA and Education at VNSNY

As we begin the spring season in NYC, the longer days and warmer weather are a welcome sight. The layers of hats, gloves and coats will be replaced by lighter clothing–but what will replace those winter boots?

If you are 65 years old or older, what you wear on your feet is an important part of helping to prevent or avoid slips, trips and falls. Barefoot is not recommended! Shoes that are helpful in decreasing your falls risk include:

• Shoes…

Being a father is difficult at any age, specifically for young fathers in our Bronx community. Fathers may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, unsure of what it means to be a dad, fearful, and many want out. But research shows, when fathers are involved in their children’s lives, children do better in school, display healthier social behaviors, have improved self-esteem, and lead overall healthier, happier lives. So the Visiting Nurse Service of New York created the Bronx Fatherhood Program to engage young fathers and give them the support they need…

Contribute your thoughts to a blog about our longest-serving nurse.

This guest blog was written by Yael Reich, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Diabetes Educator.

“I can never give up chocolate!” announces Anna P., who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes.

It’s a sentiment that many diabetes educators hear from patients and one that we are happy to say can be accommodated (having diabetes means eating certain foods in moderation, not cutting them out entirely). In fact, there are many myths that surround diabetes and part of our work as diabetes educators at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, is to dispel…

This guest blog was written by Margery Kirsch, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Diabetes Educator.

A 60-year-old Mexican-American can’t imagine a day without his mealtime staples, rice and beans. The parents of an 8-year-old girl believe their daughter’s life is now over. Two West Coast residents can’t stop worrying about their 80-year-old mother, who lives alone in Chinatown. All of these people are dealing with newly diagnosed diabetes.

As diabetes educators, we know that teaching patients and family members about the disease and taking away their fears (yes, you can eat rice and…

Mashi Blech is the Director of VNSNY Community Connections TimeBank.

This guest blog was written by Mashi Blech, Director of VNSNY Community Connections TimeBank

Irma was in a panic. She was having surgery and was worried how she would manage alone after coming home from the hospital. Her son was coming from out of town on Day One but what about Day Two, Three and Four? Who would run to the pharmacy or make her some chicken soup?

Vivian moved to this country knowing no one. She was afraid to even leave her…

Congratulations to Coco Lorenzo Beasley! She is the winner of our Ugly Sweater contest with her hand-made, 3-D reindeer sweater.

Our contest details:

Laughter really can be the best medicine! Enter VNSNY’s First-Ever Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest to spread some seasonal smiles and qualify for a chance to win.

Post your holiday sweater photo on Facebook or email it to contest@vnsny.org through December 26, 2011 (extended to January 1, 201).

Winner Selection: One winner will be chosen by the VNSNY Team to receive a $100 American Express Gift Card. Winners will be announced on Facebook on…