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: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

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

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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