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!

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

May 8, 2024

“HOCC’s 10th Annual Health Fair”

with HOCC’S Special Partners and Collaborators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 13, 2024

 “Women, HIV, and Peripheral Neuropathy”

with Shibani Mukerji, MD, PhD MGH Neurology

FACES:

 

VOICES

 

Handouts from Program:

 

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