Healthy Living

Exercise, outdoor activities and everything related to keeping healthy

UPDATE: Darien Families Can Register Kids, 12 and Older NOW, But Expect High Demand

By DARIENITE.COM | May 11, 2021

Updated, 6:45 a.m., Wednesday:
Same-day registrations for COVID-19 vaccines and walk-in vaccination visits are unlikely because of the expected new demand for shots, now that children ages 12 to 15 are eligible for them, a health official has told Darien parents. But in her email to Darien school district parents late Tuesday night, Darien schools Nursing Director Alicia Cassucci also offered links to Web pages where parents can register for nearby vaccination sites. “We will continue to send more information about clinics as we hear about vaccine clinics in our area,” Cassucci wrote in the email received by Darienite.com at 9:59 p.m., Tuesday. Full Text of Cassucci’s Message
Good evening Darien Families,
We have just received more information and links for the Community Health Center Pfizer COVID vaccine clinics being held at the Lord & Taylor Vaccine Site in Stamford. The registration links are below. Given the anticipated demand at the opening of this age group it is unlikely there will be same day registrations or walk-in appointments available.

Event May 19 for Kids 10 to 14 With a Sibling Who Has a Disability

CDC tweet Fundamentals of PPE brochure in tweet https://twitter.com/CDCemergency/status/1251888407418191872

First Selectman: New COVID-19 in Darien Shrinks to 0.66% Positive, No New Cases in Past Week

The Art of Living Well: A Free, Online Conference to Improve Anybody's Mental Health and Spirits

First Selectman's COVID-19 Update: Where We Stand in Darien, What Lies Ahead and Advice on What To Do

Healthy Living

COVID-19 Coronavirus lab technician https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=3671

DHS Vaccination Event Registration Now Open for All Teens Aged 16 and Up

By DARIENITE.COM | April 20, 2021

All Darien High School students aged 16 and up can now register for the outdoor vaccination clinic in the parking lot of the former Lord & Taylor store, Darien Health officials announced Tuesday. Registration was offered last week to Darien High seniors for the same clinic dates: May 1 and May 22 (both Saturdays) from 1 to 4 p.m. The appointment time selected for the first vaccination will be the time the student will be scheduled for the second, on May 22. The announcement came from Alicia Cassuci, the school district’s director of nursing services and town Health Director David Knauf. When Darien teachers were given vaccines at Saturday clinics, enough of them suffered so many side effects that three schools had to be cancelled for the following Monday. Full Text of the Announcement
This announcement was emailed to Darienite.com at 10:01 a.m., Tuesday:
Dear Darien High School Families,
We are thrilled to announce, in collaboration with the Community Health Center (CHC), a Pfizer COVID vaccine clinic has been scheduled for Darien High School students.

COVID-19 2021

DHS Seniors Can Register for COVID-19 Vaccinations; One Fully Vaccinated Darienite Caught COVID

By DARIENITE.COM | April 16, 2021

Darien High School seniors can now register to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on May 1, and the second dose on May 22 at the parking lot of the former Lord & Taylor store in Stamford, Darien officials announced. “We anticipate opening the registration link to all students over 16 years of age or older by next week,” the announcement from schools Nursing Director Alicia Casucci and town Health Director David Knauf said. In a separate announcement, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said Darien has had 58 new cases during the two-week period since April 2. “We are tracking information about folks who are fully vaccinated who then contract COVID,” Stevenson said in her regular, weekly COVID-19 update. “Only one such case has occurred in Darien so far.”

Healthy Living

The birds and the bees presentations at Darien Library

Darien Library Presents Online Discussions for Parents on Talking About ‘The Birds and the Bees’

By DARIENITE.COM | April 14, 2021

Unsure of how to start a conversation about reproduction or sexual health with your children? Join Amanda D. Romaniello, a licensed professional counselor, in Darien Library’s “Birds and the Bees” programs to learn how to discuss topics in an informational yet developmentally appropriate way. Romaniello has over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She holds a B.A. in psychology from the State University of New York at Geneseo and an M.A. in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is currently in private practice in Fairfield.

Arzhang Fallahi

Doctors Answer Darien’s COVID-19 Qs Online; Town Health Dept Has Advice If You Took J&J Vaccine

By David Gurliacci | April 13, 2021

Darien Health Department issued advice Tuesday morning to anyone who took the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, after reports of rare blood-clotting from others who have taken it. “People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.” In another COVID-19 related announcement, three Stamford Hospital physicians will answer questions from the public about the coronavirus in an online event Wednesday evening sponsored by Darien Library. Federal officials have suggested a pause in using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Darien Health Department does not use it, the department said in the announcement (full text, below).

Healthy Living

AAA: Driving Can Be Risky; With Booze, Riskier; With Pot — Well, You’re Just a Magnet for Risk

By DARIENITE.COM | April 13, 2021

People who use alcohol and marijuana — not necessarily while on the road — are significantly more likely to speed, text, and adopt other reckless behaviors when they do drive, says a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
These same drivers are far more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol and to ride with an intoxicated driver compared to those who only drink, but don’t puff, the AAA study also reports. Compared to alcohol-only users, the research also found people who admitted to using both drugs were more likely to self-report such behaviors as:

Speeding in residential neighborhood (55% vs 35% for alcohol-only)
Aggressive driving (52% for both vs. 28% for alcohol only)
Running red lights (48% for both vs. 32% for alcohol only) and
Texting while driving (40% for both vs.

Running

‘Demystifying the World of Running’ — Webinar With Owner of Darien Running Shop

By DARIENITE.COM | April 12, 2021

Over the past year, we have seen more people running than ever before. People of all skill levels took up running to stay active, get out of the house or replace their gym regimen. This online webinar, “Demistifying the World of Running” takes place from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 14. — an announcement from Performance Optimal Health

After choosing running shoes, finding new trails and building up your stamina, you may now be thinking, “where do I go from here?” Maybe you want to build up your confidence, or you want to find a community to run or walk with. Join Britt Gunsser, DPT, CSCS, and Darien Running Company owner Megan Searfoss as they discuss the recent spike in new runners, how apps like Strava brought people together when they were apart, and how to find your place in the world of running.

Healthy Living

Online Documentary for Teens, Parents on Combining Prescriptions, Alcohol: Online Wednesday

By DARIENITE.COM | April 12, 2021

“If They Had Known,” a 35-minute documentary about an accidental death that shouldn’t have happened, will be presented online, for free,, by New Canaan Cares and Silver Hill Hospital. The documentary, recommended for teens age 13 and up and their parents, will be available online starting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 14. A discussion will follow with Dr. Frank Bartolomeo, Silver Hill Hospital director of adolescent services. Partying in high school and college is nothing new, but how kids party these days has changed. To attend this virtual program, you can register here.

Coronavirus 2021

School District Announces Yet More COVID-19 Cases, Quarantines; Health Dept Issues COVID-19 Update

By DARIENITE.COM | April 10, 2021

Five more individuals in Darien Public Schools have COVID-19, the school district announced Friday night, resulting in a total of 15 quarantines at Darien High School. Also, Darien Health Department released its COVID-19 update showing 28 new positive cases in town from April 2 to 8, but no new hospitalizations or deaths (the complete 10-slide report is at the bottom of this article). The one person at Tokeneke School who tested positive for COVID-19 was last in the building on April 1, and that resulted in no quarantines. Four of the five new COVID-19 cases at the high school, resulting in 10 other quarantines of people deemed to be in close-enough contact with them. Two of the people who tested positive for the coronavirus were last in the school on April 2, and the two others were last there on Tuesday, April 6.

COVID-19 2021

Coronavirus illustration CDC wide for facebook

Thursday Night Announcement: Another 63 in Schools Quarantined, Including Eight With COVID-19

By DARIENITE.COM | April 9, 2021

A total of 63 people in the Darien school district — students, staff or both — were quarantined after eight of them tested positive for COVID-19, district officials announced late Thursday night. The people quarantined include 34 (with five people testing positive) from Darien High School; one from Middlesex Middle School (who tested positive); and 21 from Tokeneke School (which had two people testing positive). The announcement from Schools Superintendent Alan Addley and district Nursing Director Alicia Casucci was received by Darienite.com at 9:15 p.m.

The people testing positive at Darien High School were last in the building April 1, 6, 7 and (in two cases) Thursday, April 8; the one at Middlesex on April 1; the two at Tokeneke on March 31 and Thursday, April 8. Before the Thursday night announcement, the school district said on its website that as of 10 a.m., Thursday, there were 216 school district community members in quarantine, including 26 testing positive for COVID-19. Twelve hours later, at 10 p.m., the “dashboard” page on the website was updated to state that there are now 34 people associated with the district that have tested positive and 248 in quarantine (see image, below).

Alan Addley 2021

School Data Dashboard updated April 8, 2021

Schools Superintendent: After Spring Break, Darien Schools Will Be on Remote Learning for a Week

By DARIENITE.COM | April 8, 2021

Be careful on spring break, but just in case, schools will be on remote learning, Schools Superintendent Alan Addley said in a message Thursday afternoon to parents and staff. A survey of the district’s staff showed that so many would be traveling over the spring break (Monday through Friday, April 12 to 16), that they would have to quarantine themselves when they get back — so the district can’t find enough replacements to hold classes inside school buildings. So remote learning will take place from April 19 to 23 (Monday through Friday), the week after spring break. (Friday, April 23, is a professional learning day for teachers at the high school.)

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson also issued a COVID-19 update on Thursday in which she said there have been 66 new cases in the last two weeks and Darien’s test positivity rate is about a percentage point above the state’s. Addley pointed out that even though the governor has removed mandates for quarantining after out-of-state travel, health officials at the local, state and federal level recommend it, and the school district wants it.

Education

Latest COVID-19 Cases in Schools Announced Wednesday Night: 4 New Cases, 14 Quarantined

By DARIENITE.COM | April 8, 2021

Four students or staff in Darien Public Schools tested positive for COVID-19, the district was informed on Wednesday, and contact tracing resulted in 10 others being told to quarantine themselves for 10 days, district officials said. Three of the four people who tested positive are from Darien High School, the other from Middlesex Middle School, and all 10 of the others quarantined are from the high school, according to the announcement sent Wednesday night by Superintendent Alan Addley and district Nursing Director Alicia Casucci. Anyone in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 was told to quarantine for 10 days from the time of contact and to get themselves tested for the coronavirus and have their family members tested as well, the announcement said. Recent similar announcements:

Thirteen More COVID-19 Cases in Schools Announced Monday and Tuesday, Total of 71 New Quarantines (Tuesday, April 6)

COVID-19 Found in Four More Individuals in Darien School System, They and 39 Others Quarantined (March 28)

Eight Separate COVID-19 Cases Result in 94 Quarantines at Darien High School, Hindley School (March 25)
Full Text of the Announcement
The email Darienite.com received was sent at 9:30 p.m.:
Dear Parents and Community Members:
Today, April 7, 2021, the Darien Public Schools District COVID Response Team was notified about four (4) individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. The affected individuals have been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for ten (10) days from the date of their positive test. All family members have also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested.

COVID-19 2021

With Music and Dance, Americares Launches COVID-19 Public Health Campaign

By DARIENITE.COM | April 7, 2021

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, is tapping into the power of music to reinforce the continued importance of COVID-19 safety precautions with a campaign featuring original music and choreography. — an announcement from Americares

As vaccines roll out across the nation and states relax restrictions, the music and dance-based public health education campaign puts safety precautions at the center of pop culture. The “Wear a Mask” campaign encourages the continued adherence to COVID safety protocols, pairing an infectious melody with an entertaining dance—and scientific evidence. The campaign targets the 18 to 34-year-old demographic, encouraging the age group to adhere to core COVID-19 health hygiene and precautionary measures, including mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. The campaign, which debuts today on World Health Day, includes an original song and choreographed dance.

Coronavirus 2021

Thirteen More COVID-19 Cases in Schools Announced Monday and Tuesday, Total of 71 New Quarantines

By DARIENITE.COM | April 6, 2021

In the past two days, 13 people in Darien Public Schools, either students or adult staff, have tested positive for COVID-19, and a total of 71 people have had to be quarantined for at least 10 days, school district officials have announced. The vast majority of positive tests, nine, came from students or staff at Darien High School. One came from Middlesex Middle School, three from Hindley School and one from Royle School. On Monday, seven people in the district tested positive, resulting in new quarantines for a total of 46 people. Five of the positive tests were of Darien High students; one from Middlesex; two from Hindley and one from Royle.

Healthy Living

Another Chance to Attend an Online ‘Medicare 101’ Explainer Talk

By DARIENITE.COM | April 5, 2021

Are you turning 65 or just confused about Medicare? Miss the “Medicare 101” webinar from Darien Library last week? Well, you’re in luck. Greenwich Library is offering an online talk on just the same subject early Tuesday evening. Medicare can be a confusing topic. This seminar presented by Lou Pelletier of American Senior Benefits will educate you on the options and programs available.

Education

Darien High School, Middlesex Middle School Closed Monday Due to Teacher Absences; UPDATE: ROYLE, TOO

By David Gurliacci | April 4, 2021

UPDATE: Add Royle to the schools closed today, according to a 6:04 a.m. message from the superintendent of schools (full text below). A day after almost 700 Darien school teachers and staff received their second vaccine shot, and with a higher-than-usual number of district staff and students under quarantines, a “high number of secondary school staff absences” has left the district unable to open Darien High School and Middlesex Middle School on Monday, Superintendent Alan Addley announced Sunday evening. Elementary schools will remain open as usual, the superintendent said in a message to families and staff emailed to Darienite.com at 9:35 p.m.

There will be no remote learning or sporting events on Monday, and the school day will be made up at the end of the school year, the same way a snow day would, Addley said. “Given the number of secondary school staff illnesses and the District’s inability to cover classes and intervention services, the high school and middle school will be closed tomorrow,” Addley wrote. The number of positive tests for COVID-19 among school staff and students, and the quarantines of anyone near those who tested positive rose significantly in late March.

Events Calendar

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