Hosted by Laura Castricone – Certified Respiratory Therapist
My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including: sleep medicine, critical care, rehab and homecare. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English, but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT and now live in Litchfield county, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include: antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.
It is the science and practice of maintaining and restoring sleep health. Sleep hygiene is preparing your body and environment to be conducive to a good night’s sleep. So, what exactly does that mean? In the course of our busy lives...
Read MoreThere are several types of sleep apnea but, today we’re going to discuss the most common type, which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It affects approximately 3-7% of the male population and 2-5% of the female population...
Read MoreIf you or a loved one has been ordered to be on oxygen therapy, it’s important to understand how to properly use your oxygen and the things that need to be considered when oxygen is in use in the home. First, oxygen is an essential element in our air that keeps us alive...
Read MoreHosted by Christine Kijek – Wound Care, Continence & Ostomy Nurse
Christine Kijek is a colorectal nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT. She has a wealth of knowledge in this field as well as personal experience. HPFY is thrilled that she has been an active participant in the Ostomy Support Group. Christine lives in Bethel, CT with her husband Ed. Her children are married and live nearby. She has 4 grandchildren and is known as GiGi. Christine enjoys riding motor cycles and spends many hours gardening. She can often be found onboard a Carnival Cruise ship lounging by the pool.
“I’m not just a nurse teaching you this – I've lived it”, this is a phrase that I say time and again to my patients. I have been an ostomate. In 2014 I had a surgery that gave me first-hand experience into the world of having a stoma...
Read MoreFor those of you who are in the planning phase of ostomy surgery, the fear of the unknown is high. What will I feel? How will I cope? Will everyone know? What will my body look like? How will I manage it? Will my spouse still love me...
Read MoreWhat can be more embarrassing than losing control of your bowels while out in public? Now you need to get out without being seen or having someone notice the odor. Fecal incontinence is devastating to someone struggling with this...
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