Post-COVID Recovery Program

Post-COVID Recovery Program

Post-COVID Recovery Program

The term "long-hauler" is often used to describe patients with lingering symptoms of COVID-19 who continue to struggle with physical, cognitive and mental health issues, long after testing positive for the disease. Physical complications post-COVID may include impairments in cardiovascular and pulmonary function, muscle strength, endurance, as well as increased joint pain and difficulty walking—all of which can lead to loss of function and loss of independence. Other symptoms include cognitive disorders such as brain fog, memory loss and trouble concentrating. To address these complex challenges, Main Line Health offers a personalized program for post-COVID patients, which includes a multi-disciplinary approach to care, specialist referrals and rehabilitation services.

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Or call the intake line at 484.596.5000 and choose Option 1.

What you need to know about serious leg pain

It's easy to dismiss troublesome leg pain as a part of the aging process or even arthritis. But pain that occurs in your leg muscles—not in the joints, like arthritis—shouldn't be ignored.

"This pain could be the sign of peripheral vascular disease (PVD)," says Hank Hirsch, MD, a vascular surgeon at Main Line Health. PVD is a common blood-vessel disease that happens when leg arteries become narrowed or clogged by a buildup of fatty deposits, similar to heart disease. Blockages limit blood flow, which can lead to leg pain, ulcers or gangrene. "Because PVD is associated with increased risk for heart attack and stroke, getting it diagnosed so it can be treated is very important," emphasizes Dr. Hirsch.

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New board members

The Riddle HealthCare Foundation welcomes new board members Carol Birks, Louis Colbert and Akosua Watts. In their roles, they assist with the foundation's fundraising efforts for Riddle Hospital and help fulfill the foundation's mission to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Dr. Carol D. Birks
Dr. Carol D. Birks is the Superintendent for Chester Upland School District. She has worked with all levels of education, from pre-kindergarten through master's degree. She most recently served as superintendent of New Haven Public Schools in Connecticut. Prior to that, she served as assistant superintendent and chief of staff for Hartford Public Schools. Throughout her career, Dr. Birks has served in a variety of educational roles, including a principal, teacher, adjunct professor, and executive leadership coach, among other roles.

In addition to her professional career, Dr. Birks also has a strong commitment to civic engagement. She has served on several non-profit boards of directors, including advisory boards for colleges and universities. Dr. Birks is an active member of Delta Sigma Sorority Inc.; The Links, Incorporated; and The Greater Fairfield County Foundation Incorporated. She is also a regional board member for Hartford Healthcare St. Vincent's Hospital. Dr. Birks earned her bachelor's degree from Hampton University, master's degrees from the University of Bridgeport and Columbia University Teachers College, and doctoral degree from Columbia University Teachers College.

Louis G. Colbert
Louis G. Colbert has worked in the field of aging for over 44 years. Louis is a graduate of Morehouse College and he received his Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Temple University. He has published and has lectured widely on such topics as the importance of cultural diversity, male caregiver issues and aging in the 21st century. Louis has taught at Widener University and is presently an Adjunct faculty member at Lincoln University (PA). For the past twelve years, Louis has facilitated a monthly Alzheimer's caregiver support group at his church in West Philadelphia. Louis was the Chair of the ASA Board of Directors from 2011-12. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his service to seniors. He most recently retired from the Senior Vice President of Operations at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), the fourth largest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in the nation. As the SVP, he was responsible for all operational aspects of the agency including long term care, senior centers, housing services, community outreach, information and referral, transportation, legal services, health insurance counseling, mental health, ombudsman, and older adult protective services.

Akosua Watts
Akosua Watts has been an educator for twenty years and has spent the majority of that time serving Chester children and families. She is Head of School and CEO for Chester Charter Scholars Academy in Chester and was part of the founding group for the school. Akosua completed her Principal Certification program at Eastern University and holds degrees from George Washington University and Columbia University's Teachers College.


Creative giving: Meet Selma Rende

When Selma Rende was a school teacher in Wallingford, a colleague invited her to an Auxiliary meeting for the newly opened Riddle Hospital. Thus began a relationship with Riddle that's lasted more than five decades and feels like family.

Selma Rende
"I have volunteered in so many areas of the hospital—everything but medical. I got quite involved with the Auxiliary. I worked at the Thrift Shop and met many interesting people from the community. I even helped at the snack bar and loved making milkshakes," she said.

Selma's favorite volunteer activity is visiting patients in the hospital. "I ask if there is anything I can do to make their stay a little bit better. I really find that satisfying," she said. She looks forward to volunteering again once restrictions are lifted.

Selma and her late husband Richard donated to Riddle regularly, but it was the care he received at the hospital in his final years that inspired Selma to include The Riddle HealthCare Foundation in her estate planning.

"I'm happy to be able to help Riddle continue the good work that I've seen them do over the years," says Selma.

Save the dates – Upcoming events

Riddle HealthCare Foundation 38th Annual Pro-Am Golf Classic Tournament
Thursday, September 9, 2021
DuPont Country Club

Riddle HealthCare Foundation Man O'War Gala
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Springfield Country Club

Learn more about these events

For more info on these events, contact Dan Green at greenda@mlhs.org.