SVMC's Wellness Connection: Aug 15

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August 15, 2025

Welcome to the new Wellness Connection! Back and better than ever, this monthly newsletter features regional wellness news, updates on local healthcare services, and the inspiring stories about your neighbors and their impact in the community.

Medicare Wellness Visit: Zero Cost, Maximum Benefit

 

For people insured through Medicare or a Medicare Replacement Plan, one of the biggest—and often overlooked—benefits is qualifying for a free Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

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Living Better: Air Quality Risks

 

Wildfire smoke holds a mix of hazardous air pollutants drifting over New England this summer.

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Jennifer Archibald RN

Nursing Honors: DAISY Award

 

Two SVMC nurses were honored recently for special care for and connection with patients.

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Watch: Tom Dee joins the Chamber Telecast

 

President & CEO Tom Dee joined the Southwestern Vermont Chamber's Telecast, discussing rural healthcare challenges, opportunities and reflections on his 16 years in the community. Watch here 

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Classes & Events

 

Check our calendar for a full schedule of events, classes and support groups at SVMC and in the community.

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Hot Jobs Alert

 

Choose a career that makes a difference. SVMC recently earned Best Place to Work in the Bennington Banner's Readers' Choice Awards.

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What Our Patients Say

 

We're sharing direct feedback, collected from patient satisfaction surveys. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to improve the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate.

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OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:

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?Southwestern Vermont Medical Center svmc.org

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Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Lucy is nearly 2 years old. She is a heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter since the summer.

We highlighted Lucy in June, but she is still looking for her forever family.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.

"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said. 

Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.

"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.

Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.

"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."

Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.

"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."

But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.

"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.

If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.

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