Happy 4th of July!
JULY 2019
IN THIS ISSUE
Clinician’s Corner by Nick Almonte Headache? What’s the Confusion?
DEEP SHOT TO CENTERFIELD On June 11th, I found myself in Philadelphia as a guest of Nancy Ham, CEO of WebPT. She had arranged a meeting of “regional physical therapy leaders” with the goal of creating an open forum for “executive networking and marketing discussion.” Better yet, the event took place in Box 3 at Citizens Bank Park in advance of the evening’s Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game. The one and only guest speaker at the event was PTSMC’s own MIKE DURAND! In Nancy’s words, Mike was “invited to chat about the biggest marketing trends in 2019” to “outline tactics his team employs to grow their patient and physician referral bases.” The room of twenty-five PT professionals had some heavy hitters for sure. The guest list included Select Medical’s Out-Patient Division President, along with Select’s Senior Director of Communication and Branding (1,600 locations in 37 states). Also in the room was ATI’s Out-Patient Division President (600 clinics) as well as a number of larger regional practice executives. Organizations with 20 to 40 locations from NY, NJ and CT were well represented. As expected, Mike did a great job presenting a “30,000-foot view” of the engagement strategies created and deployed by PTSMC’s marketing team. He also expertly tied our Mission and PT for Life
culture to a series of actions and behaviors embraced by our entire team. The bottom line, as stated by Mike, was “we work hard to ensure that our patients become customers for life.” Mike also did a great job of challenging all of us in the physical therapy profession. He used the national statistic that only 10% of people who could benefit from PT actually receive PT. “We all need to accept that we are failing in the marketing department. If 90% of those we could help don’t know what we are capable of providing, or seek other alternatives, we are not getting our message out.” The conclusion of his talk opened a great discussion about raising the profile of our profession as a whole, not just our individual organizations. Nancy Ham used the example of the “got MILK” campaign to highlight how “competitors” came together to lift the awareness of an entire industry. Maybe we could go with “Got PT?” In all, it was a great night. I’m proud of Mike and all that PTSMC does to lead the field in improving the quality of people’s lives! Alan
HR Buzz Has Something Changed? Three Payroll Month Reminders Money Beat by Jim Hungerford Student Loan Tips for Recent Graduates Congratulations to PTSMC graduates!
August 18, 2019 PTSMC Family Picnic at Holiday Hill
Save the Date
Look for your invitation in the mail!
StriveHub Fab 5
“On my first visit, Ann (Hall) took a ‘big picture’ view of my issues. Instead of just treating the painful area, she had me do all sorts of movements to figure out what was causing the pain in the first place. For the first time in two years, I feel hopeful that with her and other therapists' help, I can get to pain-free and limp-free. :)” - Essex “I feel like I get personalized treatment when I am there as opposed to other PT places I have been that treat 3-4 patients at the same time with one therapist.” - East Hampton “My physical therapist, Bailey (McPherson) explains everything she is going to do and why. She has a tremendous amount of compassion as well as professionalism. You are treated with respect and concern for your privacy.” - Wallingford
PTSMC Celebrates Clinical Excellence
“I’ve been there a few times before for PT and have always felt much better after each session and saw noticeable improvement. They always paid attention to me, were friendly, explained what exercises I needed to do and why. Always willing to work with me as far as scheduling was concerned too. I would highly recommend PTSMC to anyone.” - Southington Joanna Fisher, physical therapist at Waterbury, earned her specialist certification in Orthopaedics.
Lindsey Scianna (left) and Kristina Lipeika, physical therapists at Watertown, earned their specialist certifications in LSVT-BIG for Parkinson’s.
Rebecca Petrosino, physical therapist at Naugatuck and Waterbury, and Mike Gans, physical therapist at Guilford, earned specialist recertifications in Orthopaedics.
“The staff is incredibly welcoming and helpful. The environment is professional, yet easy going. PT can be a hard time for many people as they recover from an injury. But going to PTSMC in Windsor has been a pleasant experience.” - Windsor
CLINICIAN’S CORNER HEADACHE? WHAT’S THE CONFUSION? By Nick Almonte, PT, DPT, OCS from Orange
We have all heard a relative, significant other, friend, coworker or patient report that they have a headache at some point in our lives, with different circumstances and intensities surrounding each. You have also likely suffered from a headache, and we have all heard that famous line, “I have a migraine today.” But are you or the person you are talking to or treating really suffering from a migraine? There are several types of headaches, each of which have different presentations and treatments. It’s important to know what type of headache your patient is feeling, as that can guide your treatment and preface if physical therapy will be an effective avenue for relief. Just how common are headaches? The World Health Organization reports that half to three quarters of adults ages 18-65 had a headache in the last year and among those, 30% reported a migraine. Migraines where found to be the sixth highest cause of work years lost due to disability worldwide and headaches as a whole where found to be the third highest cause.1 There are two main headache types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches include tension type headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches include acute post traumatic headaches, chronic post traumatic headaches, headaches associated with disorders of the ears, eyes, sinuses, teeth or mouth and headaches related to psychiatric disorders.2-4 Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache that may be confused with tension type headaches or migraines.5 With all of these types, it is important to understand the manifestations and differences between them to better aide in both diagnosis and treatment. Primary Headaches: Tension type headaches are the most common type of primary headache (90% of adults). Women are more affected than men, with peak prevalence in 30-40 year olds. Higher education also increases the chances of developing a tension type headache and low blood levels of magnesium can lead to increased blood flow in the anterior middle and posterior cerebral arteries causing pain. Chronic tension type headaches can be linked to medication use and the muscles of mastication, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius should be evaluated as they can be involved in symptom presentation. Treatment can include medication, manual therapy including soft tissue mobilization to the cervical spine musculature, contract relax stretching to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, upper cervical spine mobilizations/distraction and headache SNAGS. Therapeutic exercise should focus on postural awareness and strength training of the cervical spine and shoulder girdles.3,4,6 Tension Type Presentation:1-3 • Dull pain, non-throbbing, tightness, or pressure around forehead or the back of head and neck • Diffuse pain in tight headband pattern • Pain bilateral, non-pulsating • Muscle aches and trouble focusing • Mild photophobia or phonophobia • Attacks lasting 30 min - 7 days, sleep disturbance is common Migraines will affect 28 million people in the U.S. at some point in their lives (roughly twelve percent of the population). Six percent of men and eighteen percent of women will develop migraine headaches in their lifetime, with the first attack usually developing before the age of 40. A migraine can also be present with or without an aura and treatment can include various medications such as antiepileptic medication, Botox, beta blockers, NSAID’s, and herbal supplements.2,3 Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aerobic exercise have all been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of migraines. Certain food might also be avoided including milk, eggs, corn, and wheat, coffee, alcohol, and sugar as they can trigger an episode.1-4 Presentation With Aura:2,3 • Unilateral • Starts with period of depression, irritability, and loss of appetite • Paresthesia in the hands and face, may involve tongue • If headache is preceded by visual symptoms, it’s known as visual aura: visual images change, loss of focus, spots of darkness, and zigzag flashing lights
Presentation Without Aura:2-4 • Dull or Throbbing • Usually build up gradually and may last for 4-72 hours • Headache is aggravated by physical activity, and associated with nausea • Combination of fatigue, difficulty concentration, neck stiffness, blurred vision, yawing, and pallor • Scalp may be tender Cluster headaches are rare and usually the most painful type of the primary headaches. One to four percent of the population will have a cluster headache with men more affected than women and peak prevalence between 27 and 30 years old. There is a correlation between trauma and cluster headaches, and attacks are common following afternoon naps and sleeping during the night. Sudden onset severe unilateral orbital pain will be present along with possible forehead sweating. Treatment is similar to that of migraines. 2,3,5,6 Cluster Type Presentation:2 • Severe unilateral orbital pain • Occurs in cyclical pattern- 15 min -2 hours • More common in men • Sudden onset of tearing • “Alarm clock headache” during morning sleep Secondary Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches are a secondary type of headache in which pain is referred from bony or soft tissue structures in the neck. It can be present with or without trauma, and in pain treatment clinics can have prevalence as high as 20% of the patients with chronic headaches. The mean age of patients with cervicogenic headaches is 42.9 years, and they are four times more likely to occur in women.5 Treatment of these headaches is multimodal and is similar to that of tension type headaches. Manual therapy should include active mobility exercises, cervical spine mobilization/manipulation with a possible focus on the upper cervical spine if acute/sub acute and the lower cervical spine/upper thoracic spine if chronic. These interventions should be combined with shoulder girdle strengthening, stretching to the cervical spine musculature and endurance exercises. 4-6 Cervicogenic Presentation:5 • Unilateral pain without side shift- can be bilateral at times • Pain in the occipital, frontal, temporal or orbital regions • Pain is generally deep and non throbbing- throbbing can happen when migraines are super imposed • Head pain is triggered by neck movements or awkward posturing • Pressure over the sub occipital region can elicit pain- as can valsalva coughing or sneezing • May have limited upper cervical segmental mobility, decreased or positive flexion rotation testing and diminished cervical spine range of motion. In outpatient physical therapy practice it is possible we will see all of these types of headaches, with tension type and cervicogenic being the most commonly treated directly. There are many ways to manage the varying types of headaches but understanding their presentation can lead to a more effective diagnosis and treatment plan. 1. Headache disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders. Accessed June 18, 2019. 2. Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic: Examination, Evaluation and Intervention, Fifth Edition. 5 edition. S.l.: McGraw-Hill Education / Medical; 2019. 3. aa. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, 3e 3rd. 27751st edition. Saunders; 1994. 4. Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(7):A1-A83. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0302 5. Biondi DM. Cervicogenic Headache: A Review of Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005;105(4_suppl):16S-22S. 6. Mesa-Jiménez JA, Lozano-López C, Angulo-Díaz-Parreño S, Rodríguez-Fernández ÁL, De-la-Hoz-Aizpurua JL, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Multimodal manual therapy vs. pharmacological care for management of tension type headache: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Cephalalgia. 2015;35(14):1323-1332. doi:10.1177/0333102415576226
2019 Courses
PT FOR LIFE
Email coned@ptsmc.com to attend
August 21, 4pm - 8pm PTSMC Wallingford Upper Extremity - Internal Course by Danielle Dunn Email coned@ptsmc.com to register
September 28-29 PTSMC Guilford Therapist Physical Therapeutic Neuroscience Avon Education:(part-time) Teaching People Newington About Pain Southington Clinicians $475
October 12-14 Sacred Heart University Myopain TDN 3 Clinicians $1,095 * Cost is subject to number of participants, meals and any additional instructor expenses.
If you have suggestions for continuing education courses in 2020, please email Mike.Gans@ptsmc.com
ABPTS 2020 Initial Certification Applications Deadline Approaching!
On Thursday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 24th, two groups of PTSMC clinicians attended PT for Life Living the Dream sessions at the Admin office with Alan, Sands, Mike and Peter. The intent of Living the Dream is to dive deeper into what it means to be customer-centric, and further explore our PT for Life culture. Through role-playing activities and open conversation, these sessions helped clinicians develop and understand the actions and behaviors needed to create unmatched experiences.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is now accepting online applications for 2020 specialist exams. ABPTS offers board certification in 9 specialty areas of physical therapy: July 1st Deadline: • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary • Clinical Electrophyisiology • Oncology • Women’s Health
July 31st Deadline: • Geriatrics • Neurology • Orthopaedics • Pediatrics • Sports
From left to right 1st Row: Andrew Perazella, Ken King, Peter Decoteau, Brian Greer 2nd Row: Erik Schmitt, Meagan Hoffman 3rd Row: Colleen Menard, Alan Balavender, Sandy Wickman Mason
For those who have been certified for the past 10 years, the recertification deadline is October 31, 2019. If you are interested in pursuing specialization, talk with your Partner or Director about PTSMC financial support.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE Samantha Arube (Washington University) finishes up her time in Orange with Stephanie Weyrauch this month. On June 28th, she presented an inservice on “Risk Factors for Successful Rehabilitation in Patients with ACL Reconstruction.” Brooke Pawlack (Springfield College) starts in Newington on July 29th with Joe Allen for her final rotation. Amy Jo Sheketoff (Springfield College ) starts in Westbrook on July 29th with Bryan Baker.
From left to right 1st Row: Peter Decoteau, Katy Sullivan, Lauren Peladeau, Jacquie Birdsall, Bailey McPherson 2nd Row: Sandy Wickman Mason, Mike Durand, Stephanie Weyrauch, Stephen Strong, Zack Currie, Melissa Lembo, Alan Balavender
“Excellence is not an act, but a habit”
HUMAN RESOURCES to the following employees who have achieved advancement in the PT Aide Skill Base Levels
Has Something Changed This Year?
Moved
New Phone Number
New Personal Email
Birth of a Child
Marital Status
Owed Taxes in 2019
Megan Burke Meaghan Cartier Nathan Gockel Allyson Hemstock Brittany Kearney Marianna Nasiakos Maggie Oumov Harrison Picard
Westbrook Windsor Plainville New Haven East Hampton Middletown Branford Southington
Cody Filingeri Shelby Howe Jasmine Lumasag Kyle McCormick
Avon Avon Orange Guilford
Dan Delgado Sara Miller Danielle Spinella Olivia Tarca
Windsor Southington Guilford Windsor
If yes, you may need to change the following: • Address • Cell Phone Number • Email Address • Dependent Information • Beneficiary Information • Emergency Contact Information • Federal and State W4’s Contact HR if you need to make changes.
Reminders for July a Three Payroll Month
• The July 31st payroll will not have medical, dental or Colonial deductions. • Incentives: if a three-payroll month is the month incentives are to be paid, the incentive will be paid within 45 days after the end of the quarter achieved. Incentives will be paid with the August 14th payroll.
JULY BIRTHDAYS Kaitlyn Pearson Steve Platt Amanda Bozzuto Kara Larson Devon Macko Laura Nicklis Sandra Boccialetti Katy Sullivan Sammi Seger Eric Welles Jacquie Birdsall Amy Fichman Cody Filingeri Katie Rymsza Conner Gavin Shannon Judd Stephanie Weyrauch Tara Melaccio Robin Norko Brittany Boscarino Scott Olmstead Allyson Melillo Chrys Graboski Anthony Ciaburri
1 1 2 4 5 5 6 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 15 15 18 24 25 27 27 28 28 30
Windsor Guilford Guilford Essex Plainville Avon Admin Orange Southington Plainville Guilford Newington Avon New London Avon Branford Orange Guilford New Haven East Hampton New London New Haven Avon Orange
ANNIVERSARIES
Colleen Menard Emily Fillion Harrison Picard Jake Courtman Kyle McCormick Michael McGowan Samantha Palicz Sarah Engel
New Milford Admin Southbury Guilford Guilford Windsor New Milford Groton
Physical Therapist Marketing Coordinator PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide Physical Therapist PT Aide PT Aide
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES Welcome to PTSMC. We’re so happy to have you!
Front Row (from left to right) Back Row (from left to right) Monica Duque, PT Aide West Hartford Ava Calabrese, PT Aide Watertown Erin Norko, PSC Branford Brendan Law, PT Aide Waterbury Naomi Rascati, PT Aide Wallingford Leif Aronsen, PT Aide Windsor Pauline White, PSC East Hampton Dave Domkowski, PT Aide Orange
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From left to right: Christina Mogelnicki, PT Newington Sean Walsh, PT Waterbury Erica Drake, PT Guilford
Front Row (from left to right) Back Row (from left to right) Kiley Vermette, PT Aide Middletown Walter Coombs, PT Aide Branford Emilee Wargo, PT Aide Guilford Matt Simpson, PT Aide Guilford Christina Gosselin, PT Aide Guilford Dan Gonzalez, PT Aide New Milford Suhani Patel, PT Aide Branford Harry Georges, PT Aide Essex
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From left to right: Kyle Wolf, PT Newington Nic Sauerbrunn, PT Windsor Rebecca Tantorski, PSC Orange Amanda Baldwin, PSC Westbrook
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LMDP First Session On June 4th, the 9th LMDP class had their first session. From left to right: Caty Halpin, Craig Katko, Danielle Butsch, Bryan Baker, Alan Balavender, Laura Nicklis, Mike Durand, Lindsey Scianna, Sandy Wickman Mason
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT PTSMC Patient Services Coordinator Branford Guilford New Haven Southbury
Physical Therapist Naugatuck New Milford Orange Plainville Southington West Hartford
Physical Therapy Aide IT Systems Coordinator Admin East Hampton New Haven New London Waterbury Westbrook Watertown Windsor Check PTSMC.com for our most up to date postings and feel free to share! We’re always interested in connecting with referrals of colleagues and friends. Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.
Caty Halpin, AT at Westbrook and Sports Medicine Coordinator, got engaged to Patrick Mulligan.
PTSMC Happenings
- OUT IN THE COMMUNITY THIS MONTH Monday, July 1st at 7 pm Erik Schmitt presenting “Upper Extremity Injury Prevention for Tri-Athletes” at the Valley Shore Tri Club
Branford attended the Branford Road Race.
Caty Halpin (left), Westbrook AT and Sports Medicine Coordinator, and Michelle Kijewski, Wallingford Director, attended the In a Heartbeat Foundation 5k. Plainville celebrated Plainville Biker Day. Pictured left to right: student Devon Dusseault, patient Rick N., PT Aide Nathan Gockel, and PT Channing Hardwood.
Happy Summer! New Haven (left), Westbrook (bottom left), and New Milford (below) celebrated the first day of summer.
Wednesday, July 10th at 6 pm Watertown, Waterbury, New Milford, Naugatuck, and Southbury at Griskus Sprint Tri Friday, July 12th at 7 pm East Hampton at Old Home Days Trail Run Wednesday, July 17th at 4:30 pm Middletown at Citizens Bank Road Race Saturday, July 20th at 8 am Watertown, Waterbury, New Milford, Naugatuck, and Southbury at Hopkins Vineyard Tri
Newington Partner & Director Joe Allen, and new PT Christina Mogelnicki attended the Newington Library 5k.
Sunday, July 21th at 7 am Plainville at Petit Family Road Race Sunday, July 28th at 8 am Guilford at SeaLeg Shuffle
Groton celebrated Partner & Director Steven de Castro’s 40th birthday.
SoCIAl Media Sensation
Meghan DiPisa, PSC at New Milford, shares the cutest pictures! She also records Stories on her personal Instagram and tags us, so that we can share them. Pictured is New Milford celebrating Flag Day!
Naugatuck, New Milford, Southbury, Waterbury, and Watertown attended the Griskus Olympic Triathlon.
Patient Success Story
Mark C. - Branford Patient Mark likes to keep active, so when he suffered a rotator cuff tear, he thought he’d be out of action for months. In 3 weeks, he was already back in the gym and is looking forward to progressing even more. Watch the whole video at ptsmc.com/videos
Wellness Program Wants You!
Life Beat What the
HEALTH is up with KOMBUCHA? Kombucha Cocktails to Add Some Fizz to Your Summer Drinks This mysterious drink has been taking over the wellness world and health stores over the last few years. But what exactly is this stuff? KOMBUCHA is fermented tea. It contains four simple ingredients: water, sugar, tea, and SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). The SCOBY is what ferments the sweetened tea into Kombucha, and is also the source of Kombucha’s fizz and nutrients. The benefits, therefore, are the probiotics and friendly bacteria that occur naturally as a result of the fermentation process. These active cultures help maintain a healthy flora in the digestive system. In other words, they aid in digestion, can boost immunity, and reduce gut inflammation. Kombucha can be tough to drink, as it has a vinegar-like taste. While the best way to benefit from Kombucha is to drink it as is, if you can’t take the taste and are also looking to enjoy some summer cocktails/mocktails, here are a few recipes to bring Kombucha and it’s myriad benefits into your summer fun! KEEP IT SIMPLE : SPRITZER: Half a glass of Kombucha + Half a glass of Rose Try: Health-Ade Kombucha Bubbly Rose or Pomegranate
Do you have an interest in health and fitness? If so, consider joining the PTSMC Wellness Committee. We value your input on all things wellness. Together, we will brainstorm and plan events, activities, articles and initiatives that make up the Wellness Program. If this is something you’d like to get involved in, please email wellness@ptsmc.com. We’d LOVE to have you join the team.
Upcoming Fireworks in CT
Wednesday, July 3rd
MOSCOW MUEL: 6 oz. Ginger Kombucha + 1 oz Vodka + ½ Lime Try: Kevita, GT’s, or Brew Dr. Kombucha
Danbury Summer Stage Fireworks Show & Block Party at Danbury Fair Mall at 6 pm Madison CT Fireworks at West Wharf Beach at 9:30 pm
MARGARITA: 6 oz Kombucha + 1 oz silver tequila + ½ Lime + a salted rim! Try: Health-Ade Kombucha Jalapeno Kiwi Cucumber
Thursday, July 4th
BEVERAGE STAR : CLASSIC MOJITO: 6 oz. Kombucha + 1 oz. white rum + ½ teaspoon choice of sugar + 2 mint leaves + ½ lime Try: Kevita Lime Mint Coconut or Synergy Mojito Muddle mint leaves, sugar and lime juice. Then add the rum and kombucha. Enjoy over ice. STRAWBERRY MOJITO: 6 oz. Kombucha + 1 oz. vodka/white rum + 2 strawberries + 2 mint leaves + 1 Tbs lime juice + splash sparkling water Try: GT’s original or ginger flavor Muddle or blend strawberries, mint leaves and lime juice until pureed. Then add vodka/rum, kombucha and sparkling water. Stir and allow the drink to “set” for 15-30 min especially if multiplying the recipe. Add ice and enjoy! MOCKTAILS : Substitute any alcohol mentioned with sparkling water, club soda, or seltzer (they’re all basically the same)!
Middlebury 3D Fireworks & Special Blast at the Beach at Quassy Amusement Park at 10:15 pm New Haven 4th of July Fireworks at Wilbur Cross High School at 9 pm Friday, July 5th
Orange Independence Day Concert & Fireworks at Orange Fair Grounds at 6:30 pm Saturday, July 6th
New Milford Fireworks Celebration at the Town Green at 6 pm Wallingford Fireworks at Sheehan High School at dusk Sunday, July 7th
Waterbury Food Truck & Fireworks Fest at Brass Mill Center at dusk Saturday, July 13th
Guilford Fireworks at Guilford Fairgrounds at dusk New London Sailfest-Fireworks Extravanganza at Waterfront Park and State Pier at 9 pm Saturday, July 20th
Newington Extravaganza at Mill Pond Park at dusk
CONGRATULATIONS TO RECENT GRADUATES!
Linda Easterling, New London PSC, graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelors in Social Work. Alyssa Pilkington, West Hartford and Middletown PT Aide, graduated from Fairfield University.
Nicole Skirkanich, Orange PSC, graduated from Post University with a Bachelors in Business Management.
Shelby Howe, Avon PT Aide, graduated from the University of Hartford and will be attending DPT school there.
Krista Iwanicki, Admin Project Coordinator, graduated from Quinnipiac University and will be pursuing Master’s in Occupational Therapy at American International College.
Cierra Hungerford, Admin Project Assistant, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors in Special Education.
Stevie Fell, Waterbury PSC, graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelors in Psychology.
Shannon Harrell, Orange PT Aide, graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelors of Exercise Science.
Zack Niziolek, Avon PT Aide, graduated Elena Masiello, East Hampton PT from the University of Connecticut. Aide, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and will be attending DPT school there.
Nicole Kowalski, Avon PT Aide, graduated from the University of Connecticut. Ali Durand, Admin Project Assistant, Robin Norko, New Haven PT Aide, Sarah Engel, Groton PT Aide, graduated Sydney Iannantuono, PT Aide New graduated from the University of graduated from Coginchaug Regional High from Saint Bernard High School and will London, graduated from Waterford High School and will be attending Business Delware with a Bachelors in Medical attending Salve Regina University where School and will be attending Simmons University. School at the University of New Hampshire. Diagnostics. she will major in psychology.
Congratulations and good luck to new DPT students!
Mikayla Raffone, New Haven PT Aide, graduated from East Haven High School and will be attending the University of Bridgeport School of Nursing.
Kristin Whitney, East Hampton PT Aide, graduated from the East Hampton High School and will be attending the University of Vermont where she will major in biochemistry.
Maggie Oumov (left) and Shannon Judd, Branford PT Aides graduated from Branford High School. Maggie will be attending Texas A&M.
Janelle Berry, Wallingford PT Aide, attending Quinnipiac Meghan Cartier, Windsor PT Aide, attending University of New England Jess Decoteau, Groton PT Aide, attending UConn Shelby Howe, Avon PT Aide, attending UHart Brook Marconi, Middletown PT Aide, attending Sacred Heart Elena Masiello, Newington PT Aide, attending UConn Samantha Pacliz, New Milford PT Aide, attending George Washington University Nicole Perin, Southbury PT Aide, attending Sacred Heart Miriah Ventre, Guilford PT Aide, attending University of St. Augustine Silvia Zambrzycka, Naugatuck PT Aide, attending UConn
STUDENT LOAN TIPS FOR RECENT GRADUATES By Jim Hungerford, CPA As a follow up to the April PULSE article detailing Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing options, this article focuses on quick tips for those with student loans. Whether you just graduated, or have already started repaying your student loans, here are some tips that may help you keep your student loan debt under control. That means avoiding fees and extra interest costs, keeping your payments affordable, and protecting your credit rating. If you're having trouble keeping up with your payments, there are ways to get that under control too. 1. Know Your Loans: If you have more than one loan, it's important to keep track of the lender, balance, and repayment status for each of your student loans. These details determine your options for loan repayment and forgiveness. If you're not sure, ask your lender or visit StudentLoans.gov. You can log in and see the loan amounts, lender details, and repayment status for all of your federal loans. If some of your loans aren't listed, they're probably private (non-federal) loans. 2. Know Your Grace Period: Different loans have different grace periods. A grace period is how long you can wait after leaving school before you have to make your first payment. It's six months for federal Stafford loans (sometimes called Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans). The grace periods for private student loans vary, so contact your lender to find out. Don't miss your first payment! 3. Stay in Touch with Your Lender: If your lender needs to contact you and your information isn't current, it can end up costing you money. Lenders are required by law to keep you up to date on your loans, so make sure you open the mail they send. If you are having trouble paying your loan, and getting unwanted calls from your lender or a collection agency – contact your lender to work out payment arrangements. Lenders, in most cases, would prefer to work with you to resolve problems, rather than outsource the debt to a collection agency. Ignoring bills can lead to default, which has severe, long-term consequences. 4. Pick the Right Repayment Option: When your federal loans come due, your loan payments will automatically be based on a standard 10-year repayment plan if you haven’t chosen another plan. If the standard payment is going to be hard for you to cover, there are other options, and you can change plans down the line if you want or need to. Extending your repayment period beyond 10 years can lower your monthly payments, but you'll end up paying more interest sometimes a lot more - over the life of the loan. Some important options for student loan borrowers are income-driven repayment plans (IDR) such as Income-Based Repayment and Revised Pay As You Earn which cap your monthly payments at a reasonable percentage of your income each year, and forgive any debt remaining after no more than 25 years (depending on the plan) of affordable payments. Private loans are not eligible for IDR or the other federal loan payment plans, deferments, forbearances, or forgiveness programs.
5. Manage your loans: If you're having trouble making payments, remember that you have options for managing your federal student loans. There are legitimate ways to temporarily postpone your federal loan payments, such as deferments and forbearance. Deferment and forbearance may be the right choice for you if you are experiencing a temporary hardship. But beware: interest accrues on all types of loans during forbearances, and on some types of loans during deferment, increasing your total debt, so ask your lender about making interest-only payments if you can afford it. Also check out income-driven repayment plans (IDR) – discussed at length in the April Pulse article. 6. Pay something: Ignoring your student loans has consequences that can last a lifetime. Not paying can lead to delinquency and default. For federal loans, default kicks in after at least nine months of non-payment. When you default, your total loan balance becomes due, your credit score is impacted, the total amount you owe increases dramatically, and the government can garnish your wages and seize your tax refunds if you default on a federal loan. For private loans, default can happen much more quickly and can put anyone who co-signed for your loan at risk as well. Talk to your lender right away if you're in danger of default. 7. Prepay If You Can: Probably not an option for a lot of people, but if you can afford to pay more than your required monthly payment every time or now and then - you can lower the amount of interest you have to pay over the life of the loan. 8. Pay Off the Most Expensive Loans First: If you're considering paying off one or more of your loans ahead of schedule, start with the one that has the highest interest rate. If you have private loans in addition to federal loans, start with your private loans, since they almost always have higher interest rates and lack the flexible repayment options and other protections of federal loans. 9. To Consolidate or Not to Consolidate: A consolidation loan combines multiple loans into one for a single monthly payment and one fixed interest rate. If this is appealing, here are tips to consider. You can apply to consolidate your federal student loans on StudentLoans.gov. For private consolidation loans, shop around for a low or fixed interest rate, and read all the fine print. Be very wary of consolidating federal loans into a private student loan, as you'll lose all the repayment options and borrower benefits – like loan deferments and loan forgiveness programs - that come with federal loans.