FEBRUARY 2024
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PEOPLE’S LIVES
I believe the PULSE is an exceptional internal communication tool at PTSMC. The PULSE team along with the many PTSMC staff members who routinely contribute content do an outstanding job of keeping all of us “in the loop” as it relates to our organization’s people, accomplishments, opportunities and challenges. In my opinion, every issue gives us an opportunity to celebrate and learn.
The January 2024 PULSE’s back cover featured “2023 Wrapped” which presented a few “big things” from PTSMC 2023. (I’m told it was inspired by Spotify’s annual end of year campaign.) A collection of clinic updates and anniversaries, OCS successes and DOCS Program Graduates. As well as a round-up of promotions, babies, engagements and weddings! There were also statistics that showed PTSMC’s growth. Particularly a snapshot of PTSMC’s overall performance on three key measurables; the “PULSE” of PTSMC! The year end finalized figures show we provided care for 32,301 New Patients- a growth of 8% from 2022. Those initial evaluations ultimately led to PTSMC staff providing 389,440 clinical visits! This represents a growth of 12% from 2022 visits. The success of a business is often measured in growth, along with revenue and profit. This is also true at PTSMC; however, PTSMC’s growth translates to a more meaningful measure...the number of lives we improve. Think about the impact YOU make on thousands of lives! I found myself feeling proud of our accomplishments and asking what else does this mean? Clearly, our growth suggests we are a healthy and vibrant business. In my mind that translates to our people getting to do what they choose and love to do. I also considered our NPS score. A world class average of 93! To give some global context, this past year a few companies well known for their customer service scored the following: Tesla 97, Warby Parker
80, Starbucks 77, Amazon 73, Southwest Airlines 71, Chick-fil-A 58. These businesses, though much larger than us, have world-wide reputations of delivering on excellence. That leads me to the next question. How do our people, in every job, contribute to the “patient experience at PTSMC” that generates that world class score and underlying loyalty? Was it you who: • Solved a complex insurance problem for a patient? • Made a patient’s visit the best hour of their day? • Prepared an athlete to return to the game they love? • Provided the cleanest and most professional clinic possible? • Strengthened a grandparent enough to pick up their grandchild? • Sent an officer back to the job that protects a community? • Went above and beyond to VIRTUALLY provide seamless check ins? • Educated a patient, a colleague, a new employee? • Smiled each time a patient entered the clinic? • Listened to what brought the patient in and what their goals were? • Demonstrated you cared by asking a patient about their day? • Had an attitude that was contagious and worth catching? I know the answers to those questions are a resounding YES!
IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Lock Street Physical Therapists Gender Affirming Care Congrats to PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency Graduates! Employee Spotlight: Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader Money Beat: Financial Planning Tips for New Parents By Jim Hungerford
DEI: Getting Connected: Exploring Employee Resource and Social Groups By Marilex Santiago LifeBeat: Heart Health Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k is Back for Year Two
As I look ahead to 2024, I am confident that PTSMC will be successful. Our people and the commitment they bring to our mission set us apart. We remain committed to attracting, retaining and growing the best people we can find.
Click here to see the winner of the ERC We will continue to nurture and live a “PT For Life” culture. A culture that Found It Raffle! focuses on improving the quality of people’s lives by providing unmatched experiences, clinical excellence, and lifelong relationships for those we serve and for each other. Thank you, Alan
Danielson Renovations
Danielson recently completed a refresh, including new floors and fresh paint.
Holiday Drives
We exceeded our goal of 3200 and collected 3390 items! These donations across CT included food, clothing, sneakers, toys, money, hygiene products and other needed items.
CLINICIAN’S CORNER Gender Affirming Care
Danielle Butsch, PT, MBA, DPT, Lock Street Director Kailey Hanks, PT, DPT, Lock Street Physical Therapist Natalie Swanson, PTA, Lock Street Assistant Director Recently, Yale Health Plan has partnered with The National Institute for LGBTQIA+ Health at the Fenway Institute in Boston to provide education regarding gender affirming care and how we as healthcare workers can ensure positive experiences in healthcare settings for the LGBTQIA+ community. Those of us fortunate enough to work at the Lock St clinic benefit from these extra educational opportunities. We wanted to highlight some of what we learned, as it is becoming more and more relevant in the everyday practice of PT throughout Connecticut. Clinicians should provide skilled, culturally competent care for patients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Research shows that education for clinicians is lacking, with the average amount of time spent in the current PT curriculum being 1.43 hours per year (Glick 2020). This limited education can create implicit or unconscious bias in the physical therapy clinic leading to psychological distress and health disparities for the LGBTQIA+ community. Educational institutions and practicing PT’s need to challenge their current education, awareness, and understanding of such bias (Charles 2022). So, first things first, the terminology of LBGTQIA+: L = lesbian is someone who identifies as a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to women G =gay is a person who is romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same gender identity B = bisexual is a person who is romantically or sexually attracted to both men and women or to more than one gender T =transgender is a person whose gender identity does not match the gender they were assigned at birth Q = questioning or queer (a term that has traditionally been used in a derogatory way but is now being reclaimed as an inclusive term) I = intersex is a person born with variations in reproductive or sexual anatomy A = asexual is someone who has conditional or no attraction to others Key Concepts To work with the LGBTQIA+ community, it is important to understand the difference between sexual identity and gender identity. Most people have both a gender identity and a sexual identity. Sexual identity or sexual orientation is how a person experiences their physical, emotional, and romantic attachments to others. Gender identity is a person’s inner sense of who they are: woman/girl, man/boy, both, neither, no gender. Someone who is cisgender or Cis, is a person whose gender identity aligns with society’s expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Someone who is transgender, trans, or gender diverse is someone whose gender identity does not align with society’s expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. The terms Transgender and Non-Binary are umbrella terms that include quite a few gender identities. These include trans woman or trans feminine (a person assigned male at birth and who now identifies as female); trans man or trans masculine (a person assigned female at birth and who now identifies as male). It also includes people who identify as genderfluid, pangender, gender expansive, genderqueer, and others. Bias Updated research has shown that LGBTQIA+ communities are at a higher risk of health disparities and are subject to implicit, explicit, and confirmation biases that can affect their quality of care and experience with healthcare services (Lambert 2023). Implicit or unconscious bias is defined as a negative attitude towards or against a specific group that one is not consciously aware of. These negative attitudes are usually shaped by experiences, learned associations between societal groups and specific qualities, and stereotypes that are referenced in media. Explicit or conscious bias is defined as a positive or negative attitude towards or against a specific group that one is aware of. Confirmation bias is defined as one's tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one’s prior beliefs and values (Lambert 2023).
To begin to address bias, one first needs to understand the type of biases they have and then find strategies to mitigate them. We need opportunities to discuss our own biases and to help others become more aware of their own. These discussions can lead to awareness and promote change in policies to improve universal inclusion. For example, intake forms that include gender affirming language and options for chosen name and pronouns can make one feel more included but also allow proper medical care. Often our medical diagnoses and diagnostic codes do not align with one’s identity, so it is important to have informed conversations regarding a patient's affirmed identity (Lambert 2023). Many in the LGBTQIA+ community have unfortunately already experienced bias and harassment in the medical setting. We should be aware of the potential distrust they might have in medical settings and exercise extra patience and empathy toward them. To avoid feeling unsafe, these patients might withhold medical history or true identity. As clinicians in a fast-paced clinic, it can be challenging to provide this capacity of emotional support to all patients, but there are small changes we can make to promote psychological safety. For example, we can invite an individual's partner or a loved one to help them advocate for themselves, introduce our own pronouns, confirm the patient’s chosen name and make sure to actively listen to our patients’ needs and goals for their visit. Some patients might need more time or would be more comfortable if a safe space is established, like doing treatments in a private room. With awareness of the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, we can schedule accordingly. We can make a difference from the moment of intake to the final session to build a positive ally relationship (Lambert 2023). What else can we do? Clinics can be more inclusive by posting the non-discrimination policy in a visible space and seeking to hire diverse and allied staff. Clinicians can mirror the language that individuals use about themselves, avoid asking unnecessary questions, maintain a non-judgmental attitude, and avoid showing disapproval. If you make a mistake, you can acknowledge and apologize. Our APTA Code of Ethics requires physical therapists to "act in a respectful manner toward each person, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability" (APTA). We should begin by asking ourselves what biases we have and how those biases may be impacting the quality of care our patients receive. We should engage in open honest dialogue with colleagues and implement changes to policy and the way we conduct our encounters with our patients. References
Ard, KL. (2023) Concepts, Terminology and Minority Stress in LBBTQIA+ Health [Powerpoint presentation]. National LGBTQIA Health Information Center, A Part of The Fenway Institute. Charles, D., Clay, R., Moroney, B., Stewart, A., & Ramsey, C. (2022). The lack of LGBTQIA cultural competency in physical therapy education. Journal of Allied Health, 51(1), 47-51. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/lack-lgbtqia-cultural-competency-physical-therapy/docview/269613 4420/se-2 Glick, J., Leamy, C., Molsberry, A., & Kerfeld, C. (n.d.). (2020) Moving Toward Equitable Health Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Patients: Education and Training in Physical Therapy Education [Review of Moving Toward Equitable Health Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Patients: Education and Training in Physical Therapy Education]. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 34(3). Retrived from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340866229_Moving_Toward_Equitable_Health_Care_for_Lesbian_Ga y_Bisexual_Transgender_and_Queer_Patients_Education_and_Training_in_Physical_Therapy_Education Lambert, C. (2023) Combating Bias Towards LGBTQIA+ Patients and Community Members [Powerpoint Presentation]. Diversity Consulting Inc. https://yale.app.box.com/s/229zgfi6d4a77cx3n92y9r64ucuyy7pc American Physical Therapy Association. Code of ethics for the physical therapist [Internet]. APTA; 2020 [cited 2021 Jan 18]. Available from https://<www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTA org/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Ethics/CodeofEthics.pdf.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses SPONSORED COURSES
INTERNAL DOCS COURSE
Myopain Dry Needling 2 Foundations II March 15-17, 2024 at Quinnipiac University
Lumbar March 2, 2024 at PTSMC Wallingford
Myopain Dry Needling 3 Advanced May 17-19, 2024 at Quinnipiac University Visit the ERC Clinical Excellence folder for all future course information. Email ConEd@ptsmc.com to register for PTSMC courses or with any Clinical Excellence questions.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE
CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB All meeting are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS. Upcoming CD dates: 02/06, 03/05 Upcoming JC dates: 02/20, 03/19 Go to the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder for CD & JC 2024 information.
Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.
Click here to access the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder.
Congratulations to the Graduates of PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program
Welcome to the following students in February: Makenna Capalbo from UHart will be working with Eric Horne in Simsbury beginning Feburary 12th. Emily Steele from UHart will be working with Bernie Lapaan and Kasey Adinolfi in Wethersfield beginning February 12th.
Why our CI's LOVE what they do: “I love being a CI because being able to take part in helping students develop their potential into future providers is a huge joy; and I also learn a lot from each student in return to better myself as a clinician.” “I love seeing how much the students have grown over the few months that they are with us-not just in knowledge but also in self-confidence with application of manual work and ability to educate patients.” “Seeing students develop from first week through last week of their clinicals, seeing their confidence grow, clinical skills grow, and patients reacting really positively to them.”
Interested in becoming a CI? Email Juliann Chacko at Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com.
Pictured from left to right: Danielle Dunn (Wallingford PT, Residency Program Director, and Director of Clinical Excellence) Elena Masiello (Wallingford PT) Bri Boulerice (Waterbury PT) Brittany Kearney (Westbrook PT)
RESIDENCY PICO- CLICK HERE TO READ
PICO Question: In patients ages 5-18 with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, what is the effectiveness of conservative management on long-term outcomes of pain and function?
HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES
New Employees
JOB OPPORTUNITIES ATHLETIC TRAINER Essex Middletown
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Wendy Bowden Westbrook PT Aide
Nicolette Hines Westbrook PT Aide
Chris Colley Practice Liaison
Irene Kaupp Fairfield PT Aide
Isabella Galdamez West Hartford PT Aide
Haley Kerwin Groton PSC
Justin Gambardella Guilford PT Aide
Cindy Panza Shelton PSC
Not Pictured Samantha Messina, Fairfield PT Aide Rory Parri, Guilford PT Aide Jillian Shapiro, Wallingford PT Aide Abigail Swart, Simsbury PT Aide
Patrick Pietraszewski Southington PT Aide
Stephanie Ortiz Virtual PSC
NEW RATES & CONTRiBUTiONS FOR 2024! Mileage Rate Increase • The mileage rate has increased to 67.0 cents effective January 1, 2024.
401(K) Contributions • The employee deferral limit has increased from $22,500 in 2023 to $23,000 in 2024. • If you are 50 years old or will be turning 50 during 2024, you are eligible for additional catch-up contributions for a total deferral of $30,500. • To make a change to your biweekly 401(K) contribution, you must login to your account at https://myplan.johnhancock.com/login and click on Manage & Contributions.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions • Individual contribution limit has increased from $3850 in 2023 to $4150 in 2024. • Family contribution limit has increased from $7750 in 2023 to $8300 in 2024. • If you are 55 years old or turning 55 in 2024, you are eligible for catch-up contributions in the amount of $1,000. This means you can contribute the maximum of individual or family contributions plus the catch-up amount of $1000. • Requests for changes to your HSA contribution can be emailed to payroll@ptsmc.com.
Avon Danbury Glastonbury Groton Guilford Lock St New Haven New London Southington Windsor
PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Glastonbury
PT AIDE
Danbury Danielson Essex Groton Guilford Middletown New Haven Plainville Putnam Shelton Simsbury
IT TECHNICIAN (PART-TIME) Admin
Check PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Karen or email at Karen.Havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.
e
loye p m E
SPOT LIGHT
Marilex Santiago Administrative Coordinator & DEI Leader
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
February birthdays are located in the ERC. Click here to see the list of February birthdays.
By Caty Mulligan, HR Coordinator & Sports Medicine Coordinator History Marilex came to PTSMC with previous experience in childcare, engineering, and therapeutic settings; through these experiences, she knew that she wanted to work for a company where she felt supported in her multifaceted aspirations and connected to her colleagues. Marilex cultivated her love for helping, connecting to, and developing people in her role as a “2’s Teacher.” When she switched gears and began attending CCSU for engineering, she needed to change to part-time work, which is where she found her first PTSMC job. As a Plainville patient, Marilex personally experienced what a difference using movement as medicine made. As a result of her need for a part-time job and the human connection and healing PT provides, Marilex joined Plainville in 2017 as a PT Aide! As school progressed and Marilex took on a robotics internship, she had to leave her PT Aide role. She returned to her roots in childcare in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, PTSMC needed to fill the role of Administrative Coordinator, and with her love for PTSMC as a company, Marilex went for it! At PTSMC It would be easier to list what Marilex does NOT do in her role. She does whatever she sets her mind to and tackles challenges head-on, so her day-to-day can take her in many different directions. As Administrative Coordinator, Marilex oversees the administrative office building, ensuring operations are functioning smoothly. She supports projects within all departments and clinics and has a special talent for problem-solving and making things visually appealing and understandable. She is also PTSMC’s “Go-To” person for all things WebPT user-related. In 2023, Marilex became PTSMC’s DEI Leader, an ever-evolving position. Her focus is on assessing how we approach Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PTSMC, including reviewing protocols and policies and identifying areas of opportunity for DEI within PTSMC. Marilex has guided PTSMC to make big strides in this space through DEI conversations and education at Management Meetings, the creation of PTSMC’s DEI Commitment Statement and hosting DEI Forums. Her hope is to continue to add new perspectives and approaches to conversations and projects through connecting with PTSMC employees and patients and tapping into each employees’ unique attributes.
Marilex is an advocate for “Work environment is more than the job itself.” She strives to “check-in” and collaborate with those around her constantly. She knows that when people feel supported and recognized for what they bring to the table, the stage is set for a great work experience. Marilex enjoys the way that her roles provide plenty of variety and allows her to support others. More About Marilex Marilex is a CT native and is here to stay! Although she could do without the blistering hot summer days, she loves spring and fall. (Spring maybe just a bit more.) Each year she’s been experimenting with her garden and loves how rewarding it is to cook what she has grown! She prefers crops that can carry over into the colder months. Her favorite so far has been butternut squash. Someday she hopes to have more land where she can have a garden for plants, herbs and even chickens! She and her husband, Channing Harwood (Plainville PT), love to cook together and try new recipes. A few favorites are homemade pizza nights and cooking hibachi on their flat top grill outside during the summer. They worked together to build by hand the ultimate outdoor space complete with a fire pit, garden, patio, the flat top grill, and ice bath! Marilex and Channing were married last October in Northern Ireland near the cliffs at Dunluce Castle. They then traveled to Spain to enjoy a relaxing honeymoon. In the last few years, Marilex has become dedicated to exploring exercise and weightlifting. It allows her to clear her mind, and she simply enjoys the gym environment. It has become a part of her life that she is really proud of! Although she hasn’t found quite as much passion in running, she plans to support PTSMC Windsor again this year by conquering their 5K in April. Marilex loves literature. She can often be found reading fiction and non-fiction books with her dog Laila curled up next to her. She appreciates books that tell more than just the story and enjoys finding the inspiration and life lessons within them.
What is Marilex reading?
Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas (has anxiously awaited the release of the third book)
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES Olivia Smith David Colella Taylor DeMarest Megan Morgan Cameron Rathke Georgette Lusanga
PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide Float PSC PT Aide PT Aide
Watertown Watertown Middletown Admin Avon Waterbury
SIPTA GRADUATES Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Acea Shaham, Waterbury Dylan Love, Simsbury Emma Rodjenski, Painville Gabriela Kramer, Essex Lilah McAndrew, Westbrook Nathan Steinberg, Windsor Olivia Lund, New Haven Rory Parri, Guilford Ruby Jahner, Southbury Talya Palmer, New Haven
OPEN ENROLLMENT Open Enrollment is from
February 1st - February 8th in ADP, for benefits effective March 1, 2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sandra Boccialetti or Nicole Dorosh.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FEBRUARY Wellness: Heart health
Engagement & Wellness Calendar FEBRUARY
Well-being Theme: Heart Health Open Enrollment: Feb 1 - Feb 8 Annual Routine Physical Raffle: Ends Feb 16 Virtual DEI Forums: Feb 20 at 12:00pm & 6:30pm, Feb 21 at 1:30pm
MARCH
3 surprising ways to show your heart some love...
Heart health is a hot topic, and for good reason! Your heart pumps blood that provides your body with the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function. Keeping your heart healthy involves more than eating a balanced diet and getting exercise. Here are surprising ways to support your heart health. Care for your smile Brushing and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease. What does this have to do with your heart? Studies have shown that bacteria caused by gum disease can cause inflammation in the bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease. So, when you brush and floss and get regular dental cleanings - you’re caring for more than just your smile. Get enough sleep Quality sleep is important, yet many people need help getting the recommended 6-8 hours a night. Along with your mood and bags under your eyes, poor sleep can affect your blood pressure, circulation, inflammation, and more - which can all impact your heart. Consider seeing your doctor if you’re unable to fall or stay asleep, if you notice loud snoring, and/or wake up with an “off” feeling in your chest - these may involve your heart! Stand up Sitting for too long is bad for your health, even if you exercise regularly. When you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, even at work or on a plane, make an effort to stand up and move around. To move more, take a walk around the block between episodes of your favorite show, or commit to taking a phone call from your kitchen counter where you can stand. Your heart and body will thank you.
LET’S GET ‘PHYSICALS’, ‘PHYSICALS!’ If you took this step for your health this year or are planning to get a physical before February 16, 2024, let us know! - What you earn: $20 gift card & entry into a raffle for $250 gift card. There will be 2 winners! - Send in the date of your appointment to Mallory Mason at Wellness@ptsmc.com. Please do NOT email PHI information! - Timeline: Appointment attended between March 1, 2023 and February 16, 2024
Well-being Theme: Your Energy National Employee Appreciation Day: March 1 March Madness Bracket Challenge Virtual DEI Forums: 3/26 at 12pm & 6:30pm, 3/27 at 1:30pm
DEI
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Getting Connected: Exploring Employee Resource and Social Groups
By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and employee social groups play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging among employees. Both are voluntary, employee-led initiatives that aim to promote diversity and provide a platform for employees with shared interests and backgrounds to connect. Are resource and social groups needed at PTSMC? I would love to know! First, let’s learn more about what these two types of groups are. ERGs create a supportive environment where employees can connect, share experiences, and find common ground in their professional interests. ERGs offer a platform for peers to come together to enhance professional development, create mentorship relationships and expand their network. It is an opportunity for connection that employees may never have come across on their own. This sense of community enhances collaboration and teamwork, contributing to a positive work culture. ERGs at PTSMC could include Veteran PTs, Pride at PTSMC, or Women of PTSMC. The PTSMC Clinical Excellence Team is working to set up clinical special interest groups (SIGs) for specific types of care, for example Pelvic Floor SIG. These are also examples of potential ERGs at PTSMC! Employee social groups, on the other hand, focus on building relationships beyond professional interests. These groups may revolve around shared hobbies, life stages, or wellness activities giving everyone opportunities to connect with each other outside of work-related topics. Think book clubs, rock climbing meetups, or a parent’s group. Both types of groups can often be organized through virtual platforms. Groups also take it further and meet up. For example, PTSMC Runners, could be a group for people to experience the joys of running with each other, whether it’s sharing their experiences and asking for tips or going for a run together. Virtually or in-person, this contributes to creating a better workplace by breaking down barriers, increasing connectivity, and promoting belonging. Integrating ERGs and employee social groups within PTSMC can lead to a more inclusive and supportive work environment to help fellow employees thrive in their professional and personal lives! Now the only questions to be answered... where do YOUR interests lie? Would you like to see the development of ERGs or social groups at PTSMC? Would you like to lead one?
Take two minutes to answer this “Future of ERG/ESG” survey, and you will be entered into a PTSMC “Stanley” cup raffle!
FiNANCiAL PLANNiNG TiPS FOR NEW PARENTS By Jim Hungerford, Associate Vice President of Finance There have been a lot of babies born lately at PTSMC – congrats to all! Becoming a new parent is a life-changing event. Along with the excitement of becoming parents comes a whole new level of responsibility for financial planning. There are so many things to consider when it comes to finances – from saving for college to creating a will – that it can be overwhelming for first-time parents. Here are some tips for financial planning when you become a new parent. PURCHASE LIFE AND DISABILITY INSURANCE Life insurance can help protect your growing family by making sure that financial resources are available to them if you're no longer there, while also providing peace of mind for your partner and loved ones while you're alive. The payout from a policy could potentially cover things you'd like your survivors to have, such as a paid-off mortgage, school tuition, or a future wedding for your child.
UPDATE YOUR WILL A Will outlines how you would like your assets divided in the event of your death. It also names a guardian for your minor children. Without a Will and estate planning documents, the court will decide who cares for your children, and your assets will be distributed according to state law. So, while it may be tempting to put off this task, it's crucial to have a plan in case the worst happens.
Disability insurance, on the other hand, can be a major help if one or both parents become unable to work due to a severe illness or injury. Disability insurance will replace a portion of your income if the need arises. The CT Paid Family Leave Act provides short term coverage in certain circumstances, but you should look to have disability coverage beyond that timeframe.
Having your Will notarized is also good to ensure it is legally binding. Most lawyers are notaries.
You may also have coverage via PTSMC’s Short-Term Disability, but you should try and have enough insurance so that it will be enough to cover essential expenses like your mortgage, debt, childcare, and household expenses for a reasonable length of time. You may want to consider supplementing your existing coverage with an individual disability policy. While you shop around, keep in mind that some policies may pay benefits only if you can't perform any work at all, rather than being unable to do the specific type of work you currently do. INCREASE EMERGENCY FUND No one likes to think about emergencies. The truth is, they do happen and often when you least expect it. Having a financial cushion can help you cover unexpected costs. The first step is ensuring you have an emergency fund in place. Next, aim to save up at least three months of living expenses so that you're covered if you lose your job or face a significant unexpected expense. If you don't have an emergency fund, start by setting aside $50 from each paycheck into a savings account. Then, once you have $1,000 saved, you can start using that money to cover unexpected costs as they come up. If you ever find yourself needing more than $1,000, you can always dip into your primary savings account to cover the rest. By setting aside money each month, you can put yourself in a better position to handle whatever life throws your way. SAVE FOR RETIREMENT There's no denying that babies are costly. Between diapers, formula, and medical bills, it's easy to see how expenses can quickly add up. However, remember that your little one will grow up and have bigger expenses, including college tuition. That means if you don't start saving for retirement now, you could end up struggling to make ends meet later in life. Be sure to participate in PTSMC’s 401(k) plan, as this is a great way to accumulate funds for retirement.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX BREAKS Tax breaks can help offset the cost of raising a child. As a new parent, you may be eligible for the Dependent Care Credit or Child Tax Credit, which can save you up to $2,000 per child. You may also be able to deduct childcare expenses from your taxes. To take advantage of these deductions, keep detailed records of your childcare expenses throughout the year. If you are paying for childcare, talk to Human Resources about PTSMC’s Dependent Care Account. You can save money on a pre-tax basis from your paycheck to pay for childcare costs. UPDATE TAX WITHHOLDINGS Your tax withholdings will likely change once you have a baby. This is because the government considers children dependents, which means you may be eligible for additional tax deductions. Ensure that your paycheck withholds the correct amount of taxes by completing a new W-4 form and a CTW-4. You can also use the IRS Withholding Calculator (www.irs.gov) to help determine the right amount of tax to withhold from your paychecks. SAVE FOR COLLEGE FROM THE START College costs are skyrocketing, and it's good to start saving as early as possible. There are several ways to do this, including setting up a 529 plan. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account that you can use to cover qualified higher education expenses, such as tuition, fees, and room and board. You can contribute to a 529 plan monthly or annually, and the money will grow tax-free. Plus, if you use the money for eligible expenses, you won't have to pay any federal taxes on the withdrawals. If you invest in Connecticut’s 529 plan, called the CHET, you also get a state tax deduction on your contributions, up to $10,000 per year of deductions, a potential $500 tax savings.
PTSMC Happenings!
EVENTS Waterbury PTs Bri Boulerice and Emily Pelz celebrated becoming Clinical Instructors with their new swag.
FEBRUARY February 11 Glastonbury King of Pain 10 Mile Run Welcome Leadership & Management Development Program 2024 Attendees! Pictured: Sitting: Jackie Skirkanich (Westbrook), Jen Ashman (Simsbury), Emily Searle (Branford & Lock Street) Standing: Sandy Wickman Mason, Gabby Didiano (Middletown), Alan Balavender, Mike Durand, Harrison Picard (Fairfield), Kevin Howard (Orange) Conner Gavin (Groton) On Screen: Vladimir Smolgovskiy (West Hartford)
PTSMC clinicians attended Myopain Seminars' Dry Needling 1: Foundations I course at Quinnipiac University.
Simsbury donated their food drive items to Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church. Pictured: (left) Emily Hansen, Partner, & Betsy Holt, PSA.
!
UPCOMING PTSMC
Admin had a belated holiday celebration.
RACE TO THE WEEKEND WHEELS 5K APRIL 27TH AT 9AM
The Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k is back for Year 2! PTSMC Windsor and Weekend Wheels teamed up to create this race to raise money for Weekend Wheels, a program of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Windsor/RacetotheWeekendWheels
MARCH March 16
Bristol Shamrock Shuffle March 23 Naugatuck/Southbury Waterbury/Watertown Shamrock Shuffle March 24 Avon/Newington/Plainville Simsbury/West Hartford Johnny’s Jog March 24-27 Practice Liaisons CT Annual PA Conference March 25 Meghan Blanusa & Mike McGowan Springfield College Career Fair March 26 Human Resources NYU Virtual DPT Career Fair
Are you participating in an event?
Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com
Did you miss the January monthly video?
President Alan Balavender was joined by Director of Human Resources, Sandra Boccialetti, to share insights on choosing UHC for 2024 employee benefits.
PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS StriveHub Fab 5
Tom Kirsch, Avon Director, and his wife welcomed twin girls Madison Rebecca and Brynlee Rose.
Brian Greer, Glastonbury Partner, and his wife Erin welcomed baby boy Jack William.
Congratulations to the new class in PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency! Their first day was January 30th. Pictured from left to right. Back Row: Justin Marceau, Wallingford PT Xavier Gibson, Naugatuck PT Vladimir Smolgovskiy, West Hartford PT & Residency Program Coordinator Mike Popolizio, Glastonbury PT Front Row: Leah Cummings, Orange PT Emily Pelz, Waterbury PT Danielle Dunn, Wallingford PT & Residency Program Director
I had been referred to another PT place prior to this one and the woman who called me literally laughed at me on the phone and scoffed because I had asked some questions about my insurance with them. This place was the complete opposite! Melani (Hayes) explained everything to me and walked me through the process and was SO kind and sweet. The PTs are also very kind and accommodating! 10/10 recommend to everyone!” - Danielson “Ted (Raczka) my therapist has been helping me with my issues. First time in years I know it will be fixed. I love the ease of getting appointments, and the supportive, friendly and helpful staff.” - Branford “Having a really excellent experience with Mike (Stofko) and all of the staff at PTSMC Shelton, thank you! I'm already starting to feel better and feeling very supported by the caring team. In addition to the excellent treatment and exercises, scheduling has been friendly, organized, and easy. Thanks for helping me to feel better, I'm grateful!” - Shelton “The progress I made far exceeded my expectations. I arrived in therapy about a month after suffering a minor break in my metatarsal. Drew (Gallagher) listened to my concerns, performed a careful evaluation, and put together both do-at-home and onsite workout plans that got me back on track, facilitated my healing, and walking again without pain. I could not be more pleased!” - Southbury “My physical therapist, Liz (Miller), is very personable and a consummate, knowledgeable, professional. My injury is healing and I am very pleased with my progress. Jenna-at the front desk- is also very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend PTSMC.” - New London
Social Media
CATCH UP BLOG POST
ReelS
Brittany Kearney, Westbrook PT, filmed a reel about pelvic floor PT.
Take a tour of PTSMC Wethersfield.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Reels and blog posts PTSMC’s top-performing content. They are great ways to spread the word about PTSMC and showcase our expertise. Interested in helping the marketing team with a blog post or reel? Reach out to Emily at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com. We are looking to create content on: • Pickleball • What to expect from joint replacement recovery • Concussions
Follow PTSMC on social!