Happenings

Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod has named Dr. Suzana Makowski, M.D., M.M.M., as Medical Director. She thus becomes the only fellowship-trained board-certified palliative care specialist on Cape Cod.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) just recently approved Hospice and Palliative Medicine as a specialty, with only 500 of these specialists currently practicing in the United States. Dr. Makowski will be available to consult with other physicians about comprehensive and holistic approaches to helping patients and families experiencing advanced life-threatening illness.

Dr. Makowski has extensive training at San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care, the University of Rochester Medical School, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, and the University of Michigan, as well as experience as Director of Integrative Medicine and Wellness Center and Medical Director at the Deaconess Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana. Her training solidified her approach to caring for the patient and family, recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.

This commitment inspired her to undertake a two-year medical fellowship study in complementary and alternative medicine, followed by further fellowship training and specialization in palliative care. As defined by the World Health Organization, palliative care is "an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness..."

Dr. Makowski grew up in Brazil, England, the Philippines and Peru, but she also has long-term Cape Cod ties, with a family home in Dennis where she often summered.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Team of Cape Cod has begun a new program of supportive services for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. It is one of only 10 such programs in the state and the only one on Cape Cod and funded under the Pediatric Palliative Care Program Grant established as part of the Health Care Reform legislation in January. It is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and offered under the auspices of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod.

This unique program adds expanded options to care already being provided by other agencies or caregivers and helps support the family's ability to care for the child at home. There is no cost for eligible children.

Further information is available at 508-957-0200.

The Workforce Education Resource Center (WERC) at Cape Cod Community College this fall plans to offer an interdisciplinary workshop series for service providers who are now working with older adults, or who plan to do so. Registrants will acquire the basic knowledge and skill sets needed to work with older adults in a variety of service settings. For information, contact WERC Director Lois Andre at 508-362-2131, extension 4505 or landre@capecod.edu.

The Cape and Islands Emergency Services REACH Program, Independence House, Child and Family Service of Cape Cod, Duffy Health Center and Helping Our Women were among health care oriented organization on the Cape receiving Community Impact Grants from the Cape and Islands United Way.

In a first for Southeastern Massachusetts, the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands is offing a Diabetes Exercise and Education program as complementary therapy for individuals who have completed or are currently enrolled in a diabetes management program. New sessions of the four-week structured programs will begin April 23, three days a week, 12:30-1:45 or 6-7:15 p.m. The cost is $120. A basic health and fitness assessment must be conducted by RHCI staff prior to enrollment and physician's approval is required. Call 508-833-4065 for information.

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth/Upper Cape), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, has been honored with the Mary Davis Barber Heart of Hospice Award by the Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts for her efforts in assuring passage of the Pediatric Palliative Care Program.

The VNA of Cape Cod Hospice is offering a volunteer training program in part to be able to provide respite companionship when caregivers need a break. Call 508-957-7718.

Children's Cove, the Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center, has produced a new pocket-sized guide to assist first responders deal more easily with reported incidences of child abuse. The guide offers tips to interrogating children, to determining if medical attention is necessary and to provide initial guidance to parents or caregivers. Information about obtaining these guides can be obtained at 508-375-0410 or www.childrenscove.org.

Students in the Cape Cod Community College Massage Therapy Program are welcoming clients into their clinic this spring (Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.) and the public is welcomed to sign on for treatments at a modest fee. Call 508-362-2131, extension 4346 for details or appointment.

The Barnstable Senior Center is collaborating with Life Inc., which is funded by the Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation, to implement an outreach and access project to provide caregivers with the information and resources they need to access services in their community. This information will be packed intro canvas "Caregiver Bags." Supporters of the project will be recognized on the tote bag's tag. Contact Rose DiGregorio at the Senior Center for details on how to become involved in this project, 508-862-4753.