Faces and Voices of HOCC Part Two

The Journey Continues…

Faces and Voices Part Two—The Journey Continues is HOCC’s evolving web page dedicated to keeping women connected to each other and informed about their health, wellness, and their community. Meeting women when and where they are is our goal for keeping our web page up to date and ready for visitors.  There, people can see our most recent health and wellness information, share in women’s wisdom and voices, and appreciate our sisters’ smiles—and even sometimes, tears. Welcome to HOCC’s Faces and Voices Part Two–The Journey Continues!

Faces and Voices: January 2025 – December 2025

January 13, 2025

“Oral Health = Overall Health”

with Henry M. Goldman: B.U. School of Dental Medicine

January Zoom Programming:

Friday,  January 20th @ 1:00-2:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

Monday, January 31st @ 12:00-1:00pm

“Empowering Women to Engage in Their Health Care”

with Tamara Jimah, PhD

Tamara Jimah

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Faces and Voices: January 2024 – December 2024

December 9, 2024

“Women Living with HIV:  Advances in HIV Treatment  and Prevention”

with Katy Stephenson, MD, MPH

Program Discussion:

 

Faces

See you next in 2025!

Voices

• “I have been HIV positive for 30 years and the best part of today was learning even more about HIV!  Thank you HOCC for bringing the best to teach us all day long.”

• “I liked learning new details about HIV!”

• “The statistics were unbelievable, but HIV is going down which is so good – great to hear!”

• What is so cool about “women living with, affected by, and at risk for HIV” is that we are all in the room at HOCC togther and it feels very safe to learn and just be without shame or stigma – thank you HOCC!”

• “So helpful and reinforcing safe sex starts with me taking care of me first. First thing First!!!”

• “I have lived with HIV for now 50Years and I am still learning about HIV!”

• “This program was so helpful, and I am where I should be with my HOCC sisters!”

• “Today was great hearing the real facts from study results from Doctor Katy – thank you!”

• “What hit home for me was hearing about how HIV is still so active around the world for women and their children.””

• “Hearing from the doctor about real choices regarding medication options for today and maybe in the future.”

• “What was so helpful was just being here. Knowledge is power – Thank you. I traveled over two hours via bus, train and walk to get this information.”

• “Please come to HOCC meetings and get information to help your own health and prevent spreading the virus. Thank you for this information it is important for everyone to hear.”

• “So many things I heard today was so important – mostly about medication options – I will be talking with my doctor!”

• “Very interesting to hear that HIV has no cure just treatment – and that the virus is always there even if the blood work shows it’s undetectable!”

• “Thank you very informative today. This program is necessary – I share information about HIV to my community after each program at HOCC.”

• “Please we really need to take care of ourselves – we are important!”

• “I love coming to this meeting and see the rest of HOCC women.”

• “What is so important here at HOCC is that we are encouraged to ask questions, share information, help each other with all that we know and be open to learn more.”

• “Thank you HOCC for your life support wellness community.”

• “The speakers are always very informative!”

• “Thank you HOCC look forward to 2025!”

• “This whole program was so informative and clear, and we could all understand.”

• “This program is always very informative and often my doctor does not have the time to talk with me or explain in details about my health and my choices.”

• “The best things at HOCC is being around women from all walks of life and and learning the new information regarding HIV treatment and prevention.”

• “Presentations are always the best – I learned much more as the world moves forward with new research.”

• “Great guest speaker!!!”

• “I always leave with something every month – thank you.”

• As always, HOCC makes it easy to learn about new things – necessary things from those who are the experts in each field of medicine – look forward to hearing more in 2025.

_

December Zoom Programming:

Friday, December 27th @ 1:00-2:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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November 11, 2024

“Reflection, Gratitude, and Self Care: Understanding My Health and HIV”

with Gloria Searson, MSW

Program Discussion

 

 

FACES

 

 

VOICES:

• “Thank you! HOCC gives me something to look forward to each month and even in-between with texts and phone conversations.”

• “I am grateful just being alive – watering my plants and my soul!”

• “Connecting to each other every month – friendships and love is all about HOCC!”

• “HOCC is a safe place and everyone is so friendly and so supportive!”

• “I am so thankful to hear other people share their life with me and others living with HIV and I know from HOCC about prevention so I know what to do if I get with someone.”

• “Gloria is always fabulous! It was a treat to have her back at HOCC again!”

• “I don’t get around like I used to or see and hang out with people like I did before COVID – HOCC helps me be with my friends and feel connected like coming home to Thanksgiving dinner each month.”

• “HOCC means to me that I am cared for and loved. I am supported 24 hours a day! I am so lucky to be in such a wonderful organization. HOCC means everything to me!”

• “This was an excellent learning experience! The speaker lineup is always awesome!”

• “I am grateful for being here today!”

• “It’s an inspiration to be at HOCC that somehow has successfully created a sisterhood of women living with HIV and not with no shame between us – we embrace this sisterhood together as we learn about services, community, and room for self-love!”

• “I am learning to be part of a community and be self-efficient at the same time at HOCC!”

• “HOCC has helped me to become educated on the illnesses as well as myself. HOCC has taught how to understand the medications, how they work in my body and my responsibilities to make it all work.”

• “HOCC gives me a purpose each month to get out of the house and come here, see my sisters and get some love and feel loved and know I will do it again next month!”

• “HOCC means to me to have a safe space to connect with other women who are going through the same issues I am.”

• “I’m grateful to be with my friends and family today!”

• “HOCC gets me up and out each month to learn and see my family!”

• “HOCC is true to life – a mission of healing me and our community – I looked forward to each month – we learn something new each month from the speakers and resources or from eachother!”

• “I am grateful that I’m alive because I’ve been living with HIV for 24 years and being here at HOCC.”

• “HOCC is a place of comfort and feeling alive!”

• “I am blessed I can come to HOCC every second Monday of the month!”

• “HOCC – simply the BEST!”

• “Thank you for being such a wonderful program!”

• “HOCC is a community – a community of healing, health, friendship, and advocacy.”

• “HOCC is everything – seeing my lady friends and smiling all day long!”

• “HOCC means to me a life saved!”

• “HOCC has allowed me to focus on myself and share and care for my wellbeing – still going and growing.”

• “Before I came to HOCC, I felt very alone. When I came here I felt connected, loved, excepted as who I was and now HOCC is a very important part of my life! Your FAMILY!”

• “Thank you Gloria, your strength is powerful and deeply felt – hope you come back soon!”

 

November ZOOM Programming:

Monday, November 18th @ 12:30-1:30pm

“Mindful Wellness” with Meghan Feldpausch, NP

Meghan Feldpausch, NP

Friday, November 29th @ 1:00-2:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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First Thing First…

HOCC The VOTE!

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October 21,  2024

Third Monday of October because of Holiday

“Addiction, Journey, and Recovery”

with HOCC’s Special Panel

Speaker Panel:

Program Discussion:

                                   

FACES

VOICES

• “Addiction is REAL and we are all affected by it whether it’s me directly or my family, my partner, my work and we all need help to recover from it!”

• “Thank you HOCC this program was wonderful – maybe the best because we heard from our sisters directly!”

• “Everything was so helpful – and the slides hit home how many struggle with all kinds of addictions.”

• “The handout is great with all the resources for addiction out there – bringing this home to share.”

• “What was most helpful was understanding how we are all affected by addictions one way or another – thank you.”

• “The information was great and the slides, the women’s stories, and take home handout made it all real and helpful!”

• “Everything was great this month – helpful – the panel and the slideshow of stats was great.”

• “Sharing the information and experiences is HOCC – thank you.”

• “I didn’t use drugs but hearing the women’s stories made me more grateful and I understand just how hard it would have been if I had to live through that as well.”

• “It’s always helpful to be at HOCC and just being in the room.”

• “It was wonderful to understand more about just how hard it is living with addictions and how my son struggles and gives me hope things could change for him.”

• “I stopped drinking 25 years ago and was able to stop with Jesus and my children – help is out there for all of us – today or tomorrow and however you get there – it’s a better life without using.”

• “The information and stories were so helpful – I have 2 of my 3 children suffer from drug addiction – both are sober now!”

• “I learned how to ask and accept help.”

• “I have addictions in my family and hearing about risk factors and the severity of addictions was most helpful for me.”

• “I’m a recovering alcohol and drug user and clean for 30 years – today confirmed me to stay positive and stay on the straight and narrow path!”

• “I loved the whole program – learned a lot from the panel – great job!”

• “We are stronger than addiction – never give up!”

• “My addiction was gambling – 25 years – we lost everything and it gives me chills just thinking about it. The panel was so helpful and even at 82 years old, maybe next time I would speak on the panel and help others when they are young.”

• “Addiction can happen to everyone – one way or another.”

• “I have a family history – my mom and two siblings had severe alcoholism and early on I learned what I didn’t want to be! The program was both lovely and heartbreaking and love that these wonderful ladies shared their survival stories!”

• “There is always so much information and experiences to learn from at HOCC – today was fantastic!”

• “Most helpful was hearing the successful life stories.”

• “Women speaking their truth…so brave to share their stories – Good Job!!!”

• “Thank you for this vital information today – amazing help!”

• “The statistics were jaw dropping – couldn’t believe that so many people have some kind of addiction!”

• “Very moving panel of speakers – was excellent!”

• “Amazing the honesty and stories from the women and knowing there’s safety in sharing at HOCC.”

• “This was the greatest HOCC! Women’s voices are so powerful!”

• “So important – a reminder of how far I have come!”

• “Every part was so amazing!”

• “It’s so important to allow yourself – give yourself permission, to experience the journey – good, bad, or indifferent!”

• “I always learn something new at HOCC every month.”

• “Seeing what alcohol did to my brother prevented me from using – hearing today’s stories was enlightening and so helpful.”

• “HOCC and the women are so strong!”

OCTOBER ZOOM Programming:

October 25, 2024 – 11:00am – 12:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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Faces and Voices: September 2024

September 9,  2024

“Let’s Talk Menopause – Midlife Women’s Health”

with Sara Looby, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN

  Sara Dolan Looby

“First Thing First: – Celebrating Sara!

 KEEPING THE BEAT FOR  HOCC WOMEN

HEALTH THROUGH WISDOM AND LEADERSHIP

Program Discussion:

 

     

       

     

FACES

 

 

VOICES

• “I always learn something when I attend this inspiring group of women!”

• “I love that we always talk about women’s health – today about hormones, the frustration, and the value of vitamin E”.

• “This program was very helpful – a few things that I heard really made sense to me like how long menopause will last, my mood swings which I never had before or even depression, and changes is my cognition which I have been worried about. It is also good to know about vitamin E! I guess I will have another conversation with my doctor about what I learned about me – he always says to me when I come in with questions – “you’ve been at HOCC again”.

• “I liked our open discussion about symptoms – things that I have had but now know they were related to menopause.”

• “Hot Flashes – not so hot to me! Thanks for the fans.”

• “Knowledge is power – and now I know – not looking forward to it but I feel like I am ”

• “All of the information was real and very good.”

• “Where else would anyone hear these conversations about women’s health like we do at HOCC – for women, by women, about women – that’s us!”

• The program was excellent! So glad to be here – so grateful for Sara and her slides and Q&A!”

• “What was most helpful is now understanding about mood swings after menopause – not so helpful was learning that some people have symptoms for years! OUCH!!!”

• “It’s about time the correct information is available!”

• What was so helpful was all of the information on the body – organs and the acknowledgement of menopause related anxiety, depression, and short term memory.”

• “I need to get real – I dress to look good but I really need to dress lighter first then look good – sweaty does not look good on anyone!”

• “I wish HOCC was around when I went through menopause – no one spoke about it nor really knew anything about it – it was really difficult!!!”

• “Good that we talked about dryness – big problem for me.”

• “Everything was so helpful!!!”

• “Learning about mood swings – I thought it might be something else.”

• “Estrogen information was very helpful – thank you!”

• The whole program was GREAT!”

• “Information regarding the female body and hormones working and not in the body – best tips for great sleep!”

• “From the start to finish – every part of HOCC is valuable!”

September ZOOM Programming:

September 16th

“Smoking Cessation”

Allison Futter

September  27th

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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Faces and Voices: August 2024

August 12,  2024

“Food Is Medicine”

with Jasmine Norris, MPH, RD, LDN  –  Community Servings

Jasmine Norris

Program Discussion:

FACES

VOICES

• “This year we have been talking about food and how to prepare healthy meals and today we learned how we can get the foods to our plates to eat healthy – thank you!”

• “Thank you – really interesting to talk about finding resources locally that I can use SNAP or even free!!!”

• “Vegetables and fruits are so expensive and difficult to find them on sale – heard some good solutions.”

• “The whole program was great and wonderful and great hearing about Community Servings programs”.

• “I receive Community Servings weekly and the soups are fabulous!”

• “The whole program was great – thanks!”

• The best was talking about food resources and how to prepare them too!”

• “We start learning about the topic from the monthly flyer to feeling more empowered by now knowing – thank you HOCC.”

• “I love the idea of food as medicine.”

• “Great to talk about healthy dietary eating habits and patterns – understanding this makes sense.”

• Hearing about food resources around town was the best!”

• “The most helpful thing was learning that I can qualify for food resources and where to get them.”

• Understanding what and when I eat also can affect my health.”

• “Awarness is so powerful!”

• “Everything was so helpful from beginning until the end – thank you HOCC!”

• “We often don’t have enough food and certainly not healthy food to feed the family and today I heard how and where I can get help with feeding my family – thank you!”

• “Love the new way of making different foods – I just need to stay on track”

• “All of my questions were answered and the questions we all asked certainly helped all of us.”

• “Learning about healthy eating and the value of food was heard – thank you!”

• “It’s always good to have good nutrition reinforced and learn about new sources for free or low-cost nutrition AND some things I have never heard about but will try them now!”

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Faces and Voices: July 2024

July 8, 2024

“Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan”

with Jackie Savage Borne, LICSW

Jackie Savage Borne

Program Discussion:

Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan:

A Space Together to Discuss

The Facts, The Myths and

Getting Support

FACES

HOCC’s 27th Anniversary Continues

The Beat Goes On… Leah Receives Her WHEL Team Award Today

 

Happy  Eightieth Birthday Les!!!

 

Julie always creating – day in and day out!

 

VOICES

• “This was an excellent group today and all of the information I learned today I can use to help others”

• “THE most soul moving moment for me was the admission of a reformed abuser. This strong BRAVE lady proved to everyone in that room that CHANGE can happen – in any circumstance.”

• “Thank you this was great! Honestly, I thought DV was only about sexual and physical abuse but learned today there are many kinds of control and abuse like financial,  emotional, and stalking.”

• “HOCC is really there for us for we are always able to talk about hard things and get support. “

• “HOCC helps me to identify the important issues and provides such a safe space for our discussions.”

• “Thank you for helping us really know about all of the signs of abusive behavior.”

• “Just knowing that this subject is ok to be talking about and listening to the various resources.”

• “I love how we have a place to talk openly about our lives and our health!”

• “I love my HOCC family – all the information and conversations we have are so valuable!”

• “Loved the framing of welcoming, non-judgmental DV discussion – very powerful sharing!”

• HOCC and all the information we get is so wonderful!”

• “It was really helpful to hear and now understand all of the different kinds of abuse!”

• “The whole program was great and hearing about the different kinds of abuse and understanding the signs of abuse was so helpful!”

• “The best part was hearing all of our stories – unfiltered and honest and safe!”

• “HOCC is more than a support group but do we feel supported! Today was a hard conversation to hear and be heard – but it was safe for us to do it.”

• “Today was my day and my day to speak up and take steps to report what is going on – thanks you”

• “Several years ago when I came to HOCC the topic was domestic violence – I left my abusive marriage with my children and got help. Thank you for everything.”

• “What was most helpful: Hurt people hurt people until they heal from their trauma.”

• “Today realizing that you can be an abuser also, but you can get help to change.”

• It’s ok to be ok – to be alone for your safety and to work on yourself until you are ready – I wish we had more time today to continue this conversation.”

• “What was most helpful was HOCC’s positivity, support, and enthusiasm of the crew! Great facilitator – elicited stories and responded beautifully! Thank YOU!”

• “Listening to everyone’s experiences and all they have overcome was very inspiring.”

• “Every part of the program from beginning signing-in to cleaning up was great!”

• “This was a great program with the interactions with each other’s inspiring stories.”

• “It’s always good to hear how others take care of themselves!”

• “All of us have had some sort of abuse over our lifetime and it was so good to hear I am not alone – thank you.”

“Mindful Movement”

Don’t Forget to Continue Your Mindful Movement Practice During Summer Zoom Break

For More Information:  file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Mindful%20Movement%20Summer%20Guide%20(2).pdf

 

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Faces and Voices: June 2024

June 10, 2024

“HOCC’s 27th Anniversary”

FACES

HOCC 2024  LIVING OUR MISSION OF 27 YEARS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO HOCC 2024

HOCC 2024  CELEBRATING A JOURNEY OF HOPE AND HEALING TOGETHER

HOCC’s 2024 TECH AWARD – Teaching, Empowering, and Connecting HOCC with Our Future 

Hemi Park

LA VERNE HALFKENNY /  LIVING LIFE INSPIRATIONAL    (see July Program)

SYLVIA BREWER AWARD:  HOCC POWER IN MOTION WITH SMILES, SONG AND DANCE                 (see July Program) 

 

HOCC’S HEALTH & WELNESS LEADERSHIP AWARD

Sara Dolan Looby

T.E.A.L. Award:  Tireless, Engagement, of All Ladies

Julie Muise

Board of Directors Award for Commitment and Dedication to HOCC 2024

Marjorie Charney

BRENDA BELLIZEARE – HOCC LEADERSHIP AWARD

Lyva Ambers

WHEL TEAM (Women’s Health & Educational Leadership Team 

 

Thank You For Always Bringing Your Wisdom, Health Education, and Leadership 

to HOCC All Day Long

VOICES

What HOCC Means to Me…

• HOCC is a place for all women living with or without HIV – we are all the same and unique – no stigma here – no shame here just us living and learning together.”

• “It means the world to me – it’s my support!”

• “HOCC is a great organization that helps women to grow as a woman living with HIV and thrive for the rest of their lives.”

• “It means to me that HOCC cares about you as a woman and that your health care to be nurtured through educated and to learn how to advocate for your own well-being.”

• “HOCC means strength and continuity and where you are valued and appreciated.”

• “HOCC is family, loving, caring, supportive. I am so happy to be part of the HOCC family.”

• “An organization that brings women together who are living with HIV to connect, learn, and thrive.”

• “HOCC cares about you as a woman and your health care and provides the education and is nurturing to make it all come together.”

• “It’s an understanding of how you can help yourself and get the care you need.”

• “I love HOCC it helps me get out of the house because I always learn something new about my self or my health.”

• “HOCC makes you want to take better care of yourself.”

• “It means community, learning, and growing.”

• “HOCC to me is a sisterhood of all different shapes, sizes, cultures, interests and know how.”

• “Self-care and community.”

• “Powerful, love, amazing!”

• “It means the HOCC members are brave people and we learn from each other.”

• “HOCC means a safe place to share, grow, love, laugh and cry,”

• “Life and understanding – I’m not alone”

• The support is awesome – nowhere else like it!”

• “HOCC is my lifesaver, and my sisters are here!”

• “HOCC is part of my self-care all day long.”

• “HOCC means a community of health education, women’s interests, and sharing what we have learned with others.”

• “HOCC is me and you and all women wanting more for themselves and others – HOCC is love!”

 When I Hear the Word “HOCC” I Think of…

• “Nurturing”

• “Caring, loving, and educational.”

• “Strength and Continuity”

• “I think of all the years living with HIV I finally have a reason to in every aspect of life – thank you HOCC!”

• “Love, peace, happiness.”

• “Lots of laughter and love!”

• “Education and empowered women.”

• “Community, learning, and friendship,”

• “Living, learning, loving.”

• “Healing”

• “Women empowerment”

• “Support, love and lots of resources on women’s health.”

• “Safe place for all women.”

• “It’s going to be Ok for me and you and we will get there with HOCC on our side.”

• “I think of the second Monday of each month and I need to be there – it’s my lifeline.”

• “Safety and love”

• “Welcome to HOCC! – the opening of a special day for me.”

• “Hope and happiness.”

• “Fun and education – who thought I would think education could be fun!”

• “The best day of the month – I plan my month around it.”

• “I think of my monthly meeting and Mindful Movement.”

• “Being blessed in finding HOCC”

• “Family and hope.”

• “I think of the first time I came to HOCC and being greeted at the door with a smile and hug – thank you that was in 2010 here at the church!”

• “Gratitude for being there for me when everyone else rejected me.”

 In Your Own Words How Would You Explain HOCC to Another Woman?

• “The best program!”

• “HOCC is a gathering of like-minded, strong women supporting other women”

• “It’s a place of enjoyment and a place just for you.”

• “A woman’s community by and for women – to support and inform women with and at risk for HIV.”

• “HOCC is something you don’t want to miss – add it to your calendar!”

• “A place to heal and be inspired.”

• “HOCC is a safe place for women” (first time at HOCC)

• “It’s not something words can explain – it’s what and how you feel.”

• “HOCC is amazing – every woman has their own experience – mine is home!”

• “It’s the best meeting you could attend.”

• “HOCC is a safe warm welcoming place to get together with like-minded women living with HIV or not and receive information to live a healthy life.”

• “It’s the real deal – support with love, hugs, education and empowerment.”

• “HOCC is for you and me – see you next month!”

 

 June  ZOOM Programming

June 7th

“HIV and Aging”

=======================

June  28th, 2024

“Mindful Movement”

For More Information:

file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Mindful%20Movement%20Summer%20Guide%20(2).pdf

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Faces and Voices: May 2024

May 8, 2024

May ZOOM Programming

“HOCC’s 10th Annual Health Fair”

with HOCC’S Special Partners and Collaborators

FACES

Over 60 women join HOCC’s first Virtual Health Fair on May 8th!

VOICES

HOCC Women:

“It was a wonderful time! I don’t usually like virtual formats but this kept my interest”

“The presenters were awesome and resources were plentiful!”

“Job well done – thank you – a lot of good information.”

“It was very convenient, even though when I tried to get the info for the woman who talked about food insecurity my phone got stuck – I will keep trying”

“I like the in-person HOCC health fairs where you can walk around and to meet and greet and pickup goodies”

“I liked having so many choices in the different studies”

“I loved it  – it was straight forward, no side talk, and done on time”

“I liked the old HOCC Health Fairs – in-person because we have even more providers and lot’s of giveaways”

“In-person is always more intimate and reassuring yet the presenters were great!”

“It went really smoothly and packed with lots of great information”

“Really good and so special that HOCC keeps us informed like no others!

“HOCC is for all of us and having studies offered to all of is so important.”

“I don’t usually care for zoom but it was a good time – I am going to rethink doing zooms”

“I certainly don’t hear about studies from anywhere but HOCC – you would think I would hear from my health care provider – I live with HIV”

“In-person is always the BEST!”

“This was very nicely organized and I got to ask questions and get answers – I am calling in next week to start a study”

“I liked attending the health fair from the comfort of my home – I  took notes to tell some family members”

“It was great to see all the ladies I wish we had more providers and and more time”

“I loved hearing about all of the studies  – I wish there were some studies related to kidney and liver disease – these seem to be a risk for women living with HIV”

“I love being at home and at HOCC at the same time”

“Virtual is a great option to in-person!”

“It was too short- I am signing up for the smoking study and the soothe study – thank you HOCC”

“It’s so important to have women’s voices and experiences represented in studies!”

“This was so convenient and informative!”

“HOCC you did it again – always finding new and interesting ways to bring health and wellness to our community!”

—————————————————————————————————————————

Presenter(s):

“Amazing organization, such involved members, sweet community and SO COOL to get to hear all the presentations of all the different support services and research studies. Loved the time table – really helpful.”

“It is great to present so many services in a focused manner to a wide audience who might find it easier to tune in from home”.

“way more convenient, allowed for tons of folks to join. Loved the optional – come to our lunch”

“A great way to show the HOCC women all that is out there in terms of studies and support services”

“Orgs/clients from everywhere and any where can access the health fair”

“There are so many amazing people doing amazing work in our community. I was so grateful to be included and get some great questions from the HOCC women.”

” y’all rocked it!”

“There are a lot of orgs. for women I did not know about.”

“There are a lot of studies and support services out there for HOCC women!”

“The environment was very supportive and diverse, I got the impression that it was a great resource for the HOCC women as well as the groups that attend”

“Learning more about women living with HIV”

“Everyone gets their time to present, rather than multiple groups around a room. It was nice to be able to provide slides, as well as QR codes. Also, it can be done from the comfort of the home or office! It is also easier to keep time/schedule on zoom.”

“Orgs/clients from everywhere and any where can access the health fair”

“I think that this would have been more successful in person so that people could have more conversations individually instead of all having to listen to every presentation one by one and all of the following questions, but I appreciate the virtual opportunity to get such high turn out”

“You are able to have more in depth conversation with clients. Paper flyers would be visible and clients would be able to take away items. Togetherness creates community. More people could’ve attended the health fair, those who are not zoom savvy.”

“I think that overall a virtual fair is more convenient for people.”

“I have only been to the virtual fair, but I do like that the women can join from anywhere.”

 

May 13, 2024

 “Women, HIV, and Peripheral Neuropathy”

with Shibani Mukerji, MD, PhD MGH Neurology

Shibani Mukerji

Program Discussion:

FACES

HOCC’s 2024 Pride in Motion: Academic Excellence and Dedication

Emily Anne Rudmann  begins a new chapter in her life journey from HOCC volunteer to HOCC Board Member and now off to Medical School – we are so proud of you and will miss you!!

VOICES

” I will share what I learned today with my elders in the family”

“Friendships and long-time relationships are the most important parts of HOCC to me!”

“I am always reminded to keep up with my health at HOCC and talk to my doctor”

“Learning the symptoms of neuropathy was really good – I thought it was more in my head and not in my body – I have to talk with my doctor all about this because I think I have a big problem!”

“Going forward I am watching out for spicy foods”

“Knowing the symptoms is so important – thank you!”

“I love HOCC’s inspiration cards”

“Very interesting program – I am doing somethings right and it is always validating”

“The giveaway today is so great – thank you HOCC!”

“Eating the right foods help everything- this seems to be a big one to watch out for!”

“The supportive and prevention  information like  rolling a can under your foot and getting a better pair of sneakers to help with my foot pain is doable and can’t wait to try!”

“Always, always learn from HOCC providers and always share with my community especially those with Type II diabetes – can be simple talk with your doctors”

“Take self-care more seriously- great to start with compression socks!”

“Really like the video about the bottle exercise for feet healing”

“Such an  important program!  I did not know anything about neuropathy or how it effects your body AND I get some of those symptoms – thank goodness I now know how I can prevent  the pain it causes!”

“B12 for me and running socks!”

“Check your FEET!”

“I never even think of my feet except when buying shoes – but I do have pain lately and now I know why and what to do to help”

“I just love how HOCC helps through the good and bad times of my life!”

“My new plan – take my B vitamins, use the compression socks and ROLL my FEET!”

“Remember – sugar kills! take your vitamins –  and  we have to care of all of our 206 bones everyday!”

“Important showing up and being accountable!”

“I eat a lot of spicy foods and yet it affects my stomach and now it could put me a risk for PN and now I need to check what I eat”

“The most important thing at HOCC are the friendships and long-time relationships that HOCC introduced me to when I first came 15 years ago!”

“Nerves and diet – who knew!”

 

Handouts from Program:

* Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

* Peripheral Neuropathy:  https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy

* What is the peripheral nervous system? https://www.foundationforpn.org/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy/

* HIV peripheral neuropathy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931799/

* Peripheral neuropathy and HIV https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/peripheral-neuropathy-and-hiv

* Neurological Complications of HIV  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hiv-and-aids/neurological-complications-of-hiv

* What to know about HIV neuropathy: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hiv-neuropathy

May ZOOM Programming:

May 8th

“HOCC’s 10th Annual Health Fair” with HOCC’S Special Partners and Collaborators

 

May 24th

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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Faces and Voices: January 2024 – April 2024

January 8, 2024

“How to Manage Your Health and HIV”

with Gloria Searson, MSW

FACES: 

VOICES

“I really enjoyed every minute of todays program and the information shared was so important for us to talk about and sort out.”

“Gloria was amazing today – Thank you!”

“I loved this program – the best because we were all in and talking about us and discovering better ways to care for ourselves first”

“The best program – we matter and we need to put ourselves first to live a healthier life!”

“The presenter was able to explain how to care for oneself with every day experiences it really was so meaningful.”

“Great motivation! Gloria was so real – Loved the program!!!”

“So nice to have Gloria back with us! She is such a wonderful speaker – very real and no holding back! Look forward to her return”

“Good lessons learned today – be positive and connected! HOCC certainly makes that lesson easier for me and the other women”

“Special program today – learning to love self”

“The best – information on how to take care of yourself living with HIV”

“Learning that my self-care is taking care of my whole body AND mental health – thank you!”

“Great points for a lot of life skills”

 

Handouts from Program:

POZ 2023 HIV Drug Chart  https://www.poz.com/drug_charts/hiv-drug-chart

Self-Care Assessment Worksheet https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/general-health-wellbeing-emotional-wellbeing/health-empowerment-tools

Living with HIV  https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/infographics/living-hiv-steps-better-health

What are Some Challenges I might Face Taking My HIV Medicine Every Day?  https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/tips-on-taking-your-hiv-medication-every-day

Healthy Living with HIV    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/health*y-living.html  

January ZOOM Programming:

January  10th

“Mental Wellness & Self-Care” with Jacklyn Foley, PhD

 January  26th

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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February 12, 2024

HOCC’s Annual “Matters of the Heart – Heart Strong / HOCC Strong”

with Sara Looby, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN

FACES:

VOICES

“I always learn something new at HOCC – today was about heart disease and I learned some new things – and the timing is perfect, one of my friends just had a heart attack and I will share with her what I learned today – thank you”

“Everything was great today and I love sharing the information I learned to help others”

“I learned something new today about the heart – first I need to keep my doctor’s appointments and cut down on the bacon it has too much salt”

“Thank you Sara – I have to look at my blood pressure a little more my family all have high blood pressure – it all runs on my others side”

“Learning about the risk factors of heart disease from Sara and the risk assessment on the evaluation has made me more aware that I need to talk to my doctor about this not just my HIV”

“The whole program was good – I always think I know everything but today I learned some things about my blood pressure that I didn’t know – thank you Sara”

“Very good program today – Sara is a good speaker and explains things well but the Jell-O  show and tell was fun”

“I learned that heart disease is a silent killer – well no more for me I learned a lot today and know I need to talk with my doctor about my whole body not just the part”

” I got some good reminders today about exercise, lowering my sugar, get a heart stress test because I had COVID, work on getting better sleep, and talk with my doctor about what I learned today at HOCC”

“HOCC is always good for me to learn and practice the things I learned – HOCC always gives me a purpose to come each month”

“When I heard that a million women have some form of heart disease it caught my attention – I am calling my doctor and having a cholesterol test asap”

“I always learn a lot at HOCC and it’s great to have handouts to help me read some good information”

 

Handouts from Program:

 *Women and Heart Disease  https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm  

 *Here are 10 other facts you need to know about women and cardiovascular disease:  https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts *

*CORONARY HEART DISEASE Women and Heart Disease    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women

February ZOOM Programming:

February 29th

“Sweet Lessons to Prevent or Manage Diabetes” with Suman Srinivasa MD,MS and Allie Walpert, NP

February 23rd

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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March 11, 2024

18th Annual “National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awarness Day”

with Jackie Chu, MD  –  MGH Infectious Diseases

FACES:

                                                                                                         

VOICES

“When I first came to HOCC years ago things were very different for women living with HIV today’s program helped us remember then and embrace now. Thank you HOCC.”

“The doctor was amazing – I wish all doctors cared and empowered their patients like her.”

“I like the theme of then and now from all of the women their sharing were good reminders we are not alone.”

“At HOCC we are all together and we share with each other – it’s so powerful!”

“It was so good to be encouraged to speak openly to our doctors – I need to do this more and ask about all my medications.”

“Laughter is good medicine – I love you HOCC!”

“I liked the part of the program about setting goals regarding my health”

“How brave these women are that can tell their story openly – I am not living with HIV but I “know what they might be going through since I was born different too.”

“I loved the 3 video’s today the Reflection video was wonderful and helped us remember then and the two video stories were so important to see and hear the progress we have endured – Leah’s story brought tears thinking of her childhood but look at her now!”

“HOCC women’s stories were very inspirational – to be that vulnerable to share with the world- “

“Thank you Dr Chu the handouts were great and will use for my preparation for my next appointment”

“Thank you HOCC you are the source of my strength you always look out for me”

“It’s helpful being here to reflect on this history of being a member”

“I wish Jackie was my doctor!”

“I loved the questions on the Self-Care survey to help me focus on making connections “

“I like the printouts and resources we get at HOCC”

“It was helpful to hear the stories of overcoming”

“I wish I could rename HOCC to HCCL – Healing, Connecting, Caring, Love”

“The whole program was great!!!”

Handouts from Program:

*National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/nwghaad.html 

*How does Social Connectedness Affect Health  https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm#:~:text=Social%20connection%20with%20others%20can,being%2C%20and%20quality%20of%20life

*Make the connection: 10 effective ways to connect with people    https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-connect-with-people

* A Guide for Older Adults: Talking with Your Doctor  https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/talking-with-your-doctor.pdf

* Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation: How to Stay Connected  https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/understand-loneliness-and-social-isolation.pdf

• Videos:

  • Talking With Your Doctor or Health Care Provider | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slsVs6ns664&t=2s
  • Prepare for your care: PREPARE (prepareforyourcare.org)

• Worksheets

  • https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medical-care-and-appointments/talking-your-doctor-worksheets

March ZOOM Programming:

March 6th

“Women’s Health and  Cancer” with Sara Looby, PhD, CNP

March 22

“Mindful Movement” with  Ellie Enichen

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April 14, 2024

“Mediterranean Diet: Making Healthy Choices”

with Jul Schofield, MA, RD

 

Mediterranean Pyramid

The main steps to follow the diet include:

• Each day, eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant-based fats.

• Each week, have fish, poultry, beans, legumes and eggs.

• Enjoy moderate portions of dairy products.

• Limit how much red meat you eat.

• Limit how many foods with added sugar you eat.

• Cook with herbs and spices and infused flavors with garlic, basil, mint, rosemary,                           sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper

Social support – community, less screen time

                                     

                      Bringing Mediterranean Diet to your plate: Step by Step

Gradual changes, try one change each week … 

Step 1 – Switch from whatever fats you use now to extra virgin olive oil.  

Step 2 – Eat nuts and olives.    –    Try a handful of nuts each day.

Step 3 – Add whole-grain bread or other whole grains to the meal.

Step 4 – Begin or end each meal with a salad.

Step 5 – Add more and different vegetables to the menu.

Step 6 –Eat at least three servings a week of legumes. 

Step 7 – Eat less meat and more fish.

Step 8 – Eat nuts and olives.

Step 9 – Cut out sugary beverages.

Step 10– Eat less high-fat, high-sugar desserts.

Step 11 – Eat and cook in community.

Step 12 – Seek out the best quality food available if able. Try your local farmers market.

 

Mediterranean Taste Testing in the Community

of HOCC Women

FACES:

VOICES

“The program was so wonderful  and the tasting of the Mediterranean food was fun – never tasted olives like that?”

“I have always been told not to eat nuts – but I love them! Now I know it’s good  for me – just in moderation – Thank  you Jul!”

“Loved the dried tomatoes – and how to make them – so much fun trying new things!”

“The foods Jul brought were great  – I want to know more about plant based foods.”

“I liked the 8 steps to getting started started with the Mediterranean diet – going to eat healthier starting today!”

“Loved the sundried tomatoes!!!”

“Love the togetherness at HOCC and learning together about our health as a team!!”

“You learn something new every meeting at HOCC. THANK YOU!

“The whole program was great! Healthy eating”

“I learned the importance of adding legumes, portion control, and adding more color to my meals!”

“Excellent presentation with great examples via display and snacks.”

“I learned to be more mindful to buy more foods that are healing and not harmful.”

“Today was great – I learned about more ways to prepare foods and make healthier choices.”

“It was really good to hear about the value of fats,  like use more olive oils and try drinking more water maybe with a squeeze of lemon for taste.”

“The snacks were great and healthy instead of chips and sweets – that’s my plan for this year – it is  simple!”

“I love nuts but once I start  – well I know I eat too many – but getting small snack bags and taking a handful and putting them into the bag and walking away with just the right amount will work for me. Thank you Jul”!

“I learned so much today like healthier snacks, olive oil, and try and drink more water. I wish more women could learn this.”

“I know today because of HOCC to stay on track with healthy eating!”

“This program was extremely helpful! I will use nuts instead of  chocolates and M&Ms.”

“The program was really helpful – I took pictures of the slide show to talk with my nutritionist – THANK YOU!”

“I loved this program and I am going to let my family and friends know what I know!”

“Just being here was the best – thank you so much – very inspiring!”

“Thank you HOCC for always being HOCC – another amazing program – see you next month on the second Monday!”

Handouts from Program:

*  A practical guide to the Mediterranean diet – Harvard Health

*Guide to the Mediterranean diet – Harvard Health

*Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review – PubMed (nih.gov)

*30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (allrecipes.com)

* What’s On Your Plate?  Learn how to eat healthfully as you get older. Get an overview of healthy eating plans, nutrients, and food safety. Find information about healthy recipes and how to overcome roadblocks to healthy eating. Learn how to make smart food choices every day.  https://order.nia.nih.gov/publication/whats-on-your-plate

* Healthy Eating After 50  https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/Healthy-Eating-2019-update-508.pdf

* Grocery Shopping  https://myplate-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/2022-04/TipSheet_25_GroceryShopping.pdf

*Healthy Living Guide 2023-2024:  A Digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living  https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2024/01/02/healthy-living-guide-2023-2024/

*Mayo Clinic Mediterranean Meal Plan      https://diet.mayoclinic.org/media/cbhaycbx/sample-mediterranean.pdf

*HOCC’s Living Strong – Healthy Recipe Collection   https://hoccprograms.org/living-strong-healthy-recipe-collection/

 

April ZOOM Programming:

 April 12

“Continuing the Conversation: Taking Action by Eating Well” with Jul Schofield, MA,

April 26

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

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