1. health and fitness

MAGAZINE
A Full Circle Approach
to Heart Health
New Pain Management Option
for Laboring Moms
Weight Loss Surgery Dramatically
Increases Quality of Life
Upcoming 2015 Health and
Wellness Programs
295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
I
978-937-6000 TTY: 978-937-6889
I
www.circle-health.org
Vol 1 – 2015
Dear Friends,
As many consider resolutions to improve their health and well-being in the New Year, Circle Health and our members are working hard
to ensure we are providing the best possible care and support to help you make positive and sustainable changes in 2015 and beyond.
With National Heart Month celebrated each February, this is a great opportunity to share the full circle of heart health programs
and services our Circle Health colleagues are providing to members of our community. From education, fitness and prevention to
treatment, recovery and support, Lowell Community Health Center, Circle Home, Lowell General Hospital and our community of
physicians provide a diverse range of programs and resources to support your own unique heart health and wellness needs. See page 6
to learn more, and read about some members of our community who have experienced lifesaving care and treatment.
We recognize that the colder months present many challenges when it comes to your family’s health and wellness. Read our interview
on page 10 with family medicine physician Dr. Sara Diaz from Primary Care of the Andovers for some valuable tips on preventing and
treating illnesses commonly experienced during the winter. And be sure to check out pages 12-16 for our many health and wellness
programs being held in the weeks ahead to get your family on the right path this year. Our Wander Outside this Winter program is sure
to provide some encouragement and incentives to get outdoors to enjoy everything this chilly season has to offer.
While you and your family resolve to improve your focus on health and wellness, Circle Health is doing the same. We recently
announced that we had finalized an agreement with Tufts Medical Center to form a new health care system - Wellforce. Wellforce
represents a unique model that will improve coordination of care and enable clinicians to better serve the health needs of communities
while enhancing the affordability of care. Our focus will go beyond caring for people when they are sick, and will encompass
prevention, community health and investment in data and digital technologies, all in the interest of enabling clinicians to do what
they do best − care for patients and their communities. We are excited about the opportunities Wellforce presents, and look forward to
bringing this enhanced collaboration to life here in the Merrimack Valley in the months ahead.
On behalf of the employees and physicians of Circle Health, I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2015. We look forward to
helping you achieve your health goals in the months ahead!
In good health,
Norm Deschene
CEO, Wellforce
President and CEO, Circle Health
CEO, Lowell General Hospital
Pediatric and Adult Specialty Clinics Now
Available at Circle Health Westford
An expanded partnership with the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center has
brought the expertise of some of Boston’s top pediatric specialists to Circle Health Westford. For
convenient access to pediatric specialists in areas including cardiology, gastroenterology, genetics,
nephrology, neurology, pulmonology and rheumatology, please call 978-937-6362.
We are also pleased to announce that we now offer adult specialty clinics for neurology, pain
management and surgery at Circle Health Westford. Physicians from New England Neurological
Associates and Lowell Surgical Associates see patients at Circle Health Westford on Mondays,
bringing high quality specialty care to the Westford community. To reach New England
Neurological Associates, please call 978-687-2321 or visit www.neneuro.com. Lowell Surgical
Associates can be reached at 978-452-5050 or www.lowellsurgicalpc.com.
Conveniently located at Cornerstone Square, 198 Littleton Road, Circle Health Westford also features Circle Health Urgent Care, Lowell General Patient
Service Center for diagnostic testing, primary care physicians and obstetricians and gynecologists. To learn more, visit www.circle-health.org/westford.
02
For more information, visit www.circle-health.org
Sheri:
“I never thought
I could be this
small again!”
Weight Loss Surgery Dramatically Improves Quality of Life for Methuen Mom
“I had always been thin until I had my two
kids,” says Methuen resident Sheri Panas, 39.
“Then I put on extra weight that I just couldn’t
lose. I felt like I was wearing a sumo wrestler
suit and it was really uncomfortable.”
“It would work for a little while, but as soon
as I stopped dieting, the weight not only came
back but I gained even more,” Panas says. “I was
wearing a size 22, I couldn’t walk up a flight of
stairs without being out of breath, and I had
sleep apnea. I was at the end of my rope.
“I was afraid for my future,” she adds. “There’s
diabetes in my family and I was headed in that
direction with the extra weight.”
Her weight also troubled her children.
“They weren’t trying to be mean, but they’d see
their friends’ moms and wonder why I couldn’t
participate in activities and events,” Panas says.
Panas talked to her gynecologist; he referred her
to an endocrinologist who ruled out a thyroid
issue as the cause of her weight gain. She also
saw a nutritionist who had her keep a
food diary.
“The nutritionist said that she didn’t understand
why I was gaining weight because I knew what
to eat,” Panas relates.
In the meantime, Panas noticed that one of her
coworkers was losing weight and looking great.
“She told me that she’d had Lap Band® surgery
at Lowell General Hospital,” she says. “I was
skeptical about whether surgery would work for
me since I was eating all the right things,
Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.circle-health.org
but they said they could help me. And they
were right.”
Panas opted for a surgical procedure called a
sleeve gastrectomy, performed on August 28,
2012. It involved removing a large portion of
her stomach, reducing it to about 15 percent of
its original size. This limits the amount of food
she can eat and makes her feel full after eating
smaller portions.
In the year following her surgery, she’d lost
over 100 pounds and she no longer needed a
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
machine for her sleep apnea.
But it’s what she’s gained that has her so happy.
says. “Now I can do fun things with my family.
I have more energy, and can bounce around
with them... I couldn’t keep up with their
schedules before.”
She walks for exercise, and has returned to the
gym to rebuild muscle strength.
And one of the best outcomes, she says, is
simply stepping on the scale and seeing the
low numbers.
“It’s great, walking into a store and heading to
the rack with sizes 4 and 6,” Panas says. “I can
try them on and they fit and look good. I never
thought I could be this small again!”
To learn more, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/weight.
“My quality of life has changed so much,” Panas
The Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery
FREE Weight Loss Surgery Informational Sessions
Learn about laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy,
pre- and post-surgery care, the benefits of surgical weight loss, how to work with your health insurance
company and more.
North Chelmsford office: 20 Research Place
Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00pm: February 3, March 3, or April 7
Fridays from 12:00-1:00pm: February 20, March 20 or April 17
North Andover office: 203 Turnpike Street
Thursdays from 6:00-7:00pm: February 19, March 19 or April 16
Spanish Sessions: Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am: February 14, March 14 or April 11
Circle Health Westford: 198 Littleton Road
Tuesday, April 28 from 8:00-9:00pm
To register for a FREE informational session visit: www.lowellgeneral.org/weight or
call 1-877-LGH-WELL
03
Nitrous Oxide:
New Pain Management
Option Now Available for
Laboring Moms
If you’re expecting a little bundle of joy,
you’ll be glad to know that Lowell General
Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit offers a
wide array of pain management methods
to help you through labor and birth.
An Exceptional Childbirth
Experience at The Birthplace
The Birthplace at Lowell General Hospital offers expectant families everything they’re looking
for in a childbirth experience: highly specialized, Boston-level maternity care with the comfort
and personal attention of a community hospital. Through its affiliation with Floating Hospital for
Children at Tufts Medical Center, The Birthplace has some of the best obstetricians in the area on
staff including Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists (perinatologists) available for diagnostic testing
and consultation for high risk pregnancies, and 24/7 neonatology coverage for those infants that
require a higher level of care and closer monitoring in our Level II B Special Care Nursery.
With comfortable, home-like rooms and highly personalized nursing care, The Birthplace offers a
nurturing experience like no other.
Come take a tour!
We invite you to meet our physicians and care teams, as well as hear from local moms who have
experienced the highly specialized care and nurturing environment at The Birthplace. Take a walking
“virtual tour” that shows you the facilities, amenities, and special instructions for delivering at The
Birthplace. Visit lowellgeneral.org/birthplace to view our new Birthplace videos.
Discover Our Circle of Moms,
an online family health community.
Our Circle of Moms is a valuable resource for parents,
with expert advice from physicians, popular family
health topics and a way to connect with other parents
in the community. Find and participate in relevant
discussion threads, or start a new one. Discover local
events. You can even win $250 spa gift card. Join the
conversation at OurCircleofMoms.com.
From traditional epidural anesthesia
and coaching through different birthing
positions to a relatively new option known
as nitrous oxide, mothers-to-be can
choose the approach – or combination of
approaches – that suits their individual
needs and preferences.
“We were the second hospital in the entire
state to offer nitrous oxide to our patients
starting in early 2014,” says Michelle
Donovan, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager,
Labor and Delivery Unit. “Now, nearly 60
percent of our moms are opting to use it
during labor.”
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas, mixed
50/50 with oxygen, that’s inhaled through
a face mask. While in labor, the patient
places the mask on her face and breathes
deeply before her next contraction begins.
The gas not only blunts the feeling of pain
but also confers a sense of well-being,
even bliss. Some women use the nitrous
oxide right through delivery, while others
still opt for an epidural.
“This has been used in England for years,
and there’s a great deal of evidence-based
research showing that it provides safe
and effective pain relief during labor,”
Donovan says.
“We’ve gotten great feedback from the
women who’ve used it,” she adds. “They
find they’re more in control of the
laboring process, and the gas is so
short-acting that it’s out of their system
quickly and doesn’t affect the baby at all.”
To learn more, read about Lowell General
nurse Shannon LeLacheur’s personal
experience with nitrous oxide at right.
“It empowered me
because I could
control the pain.”
Shannon LeLacheur, RN, BSN of Lowell
with daughter Emily, 8 months.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Wetzel Photography
Nurse Benefits Directly From New Pain
Relief Option
Who better to advocate for the use of nitrous
oxide for pain relief during labor than a labor
and delivery nurse who’s actually used it?
“We started offering nitrous oxide to patients
in February 2014, and I was delivering my
own child – my third – in April,” says Shannon
LeLacheur, RN, BSN, who works in Lowell
General Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit.
“Several of my patients had used it in that time
and I was able to see how they did with it.
“It definitely piqued my interest in using it
myself,” she continues. “My plan was that when
I went into labor and things started to get a
little intense, I knew I was going to try it.”
LeLacheur recalls her experience:
“I inhaled the gas just before a contraction
began, then took the mask away from my face
as the contraction ended,” she says. “You feel
the relief in less than a minute; it takes away the
hard edges of the pain and makes you feel as if
you don’t care as much about it.
Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.circle-health.org
“I felt like it empowered me because I could
control the pain,” she adds.
LeLacheur used the nitrous oxide for about
three hours during labor.
“It helped me cope very well, getting me
through a difficult transition of labor,” she
relates. “I ultimately ended up having an
epidural, but some women go all the way to
delivery with just the nitrous oxide.
LeLacheur characterizes gas as an effective
“middle ground” for pain management during
labor, bridging the gap between a completely
natural, unmedicated birth, or one with
an epidural.
“When I was using the nitrous oxide, I was
really able to focus on my breathing with each
contraction. I felt like it helped create a calm,
soothing environment during my labor.”
From her perspective as a labor and delivery
nurse, LeLacheur says that the nitrous oxide is
easy to set up and administer.
“It only takes a minute, and if the patient
doesn’t like it, we can turn it off and move
on to the next thing,” she says. “It’s not a big
production.
“I was an advocate for nitrous oxide before I
used it, and continue to be after,” she adds. “I
don’t impose my own experience on patients,
but I just think nitrous oxide can be a nice,
non-invasive option if a woman is having a
hard time coping with labor. It gives you relief
until you’re ready for the next step.”
Learn more about nitrous oxide and the
diverse pain relief options available to laboring
moms at Lowell General Hospital by visiting
lowellgeneral.org/birthplace.
05
A Full Circle Approach to Heart Health
At Circle Health, we are fully committed to
the fight against heart disease. With a strong
focus on educational programs, screenings,
diagnostics and treatments, coupled with
the latest recovery and disease management
options, we work to help individuals reduce
their risk of life-changing illness, disability or
death due to heart attack or stroke. There is
much you can do to prevent cardiovascular
disease in the choices you make every day,
such as exercising, eating healthy foods, not
smoking, and managing risk factors like high
blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Our Circle Health physicians, providers and
member organizations — Lowell General
Hospital and Circle Home (formerly Visiting
Nurse Association of Greater Lowell), work
with our partners at Lowell Community Health
Center to offer a collaborative approach to
heart health and cardiac care for thousands of
residents throughout the Merrimack Valley.
Lowell Community Health Center
is Often First Line of Defense in
Cardiac Care
As Lowell’s largest provider of outpatient care,
Lowell Community Health Center is often the
06
EDUCATION
DIAGNOSTICS
DISEASE
MANAGEMENT
TREATMENT
RECOVERY
first place that families turn to, especially when
they know something’s just not feeling right.
Recently, a local mom brought her beautiful
4-year-old daughter, Niem*, to the Health
Center’s Pediatrics department. Niem had been
running a low-grade fever, but her mother
sensed it could be something more serious.
Because she had come to trust her daughter’s
pediatrician, Berryzad Ramadan, MD, and
because she knew the Health Center had
Khmer-speaker interpreters on site, Niem’s
mom naturally turned there for advice.
Although the child had previously been
diagnosed with a heart murmur, it was not
viewed as a serious risk at that time. However,
when the Health Center’s nurse took Niem’s
vital signs, she detected a very rapid heart
rate. Not wanting to take any risks with
such a young child, clinicians immediately
sent Niem to Lowell General’s Emergency
Department where it was confirmed that she,
in fact, had developed much more than a fever.
Niem needed open heart surgery, and was
immediately sent to a specialist in Boston. The
quick-thinking medical teams literally saved
Niem’s life.
“Our mission at Lowell Community Health
Center is to make sure that patients like Niem
get the quality care they need regardless of
family income, what language they may speak,
or what challenges they have yet to overcome,”
says Dorcas Grigg-Saito, Chief Executive
Officer. “We are proud to be part of Greater
Lowell’s full circle approach to heart health.”
To learn more about Lowell Community Health
Center, visit lchealth.org.
*Name changed to preserve patient confidentiality
For more information, visit www.circle-health.org
Diagnosing and Treating Heart Problems
Coronary heart disease is a major health issue.
Heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction,
carries with it a significant risk of death.
Unfortunately, too many people wait too long
before getting help.
Play it safe – recognize these signs that a heart
attack could be happening:
•
Discomfort in the center of the chest that
lasts more than a few minutes, or that
comes and goes; it can feel like pressure,
squeezing, fullness or pain
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms,
the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea/vomiting, breaking out in a cold
sweat, lightheadedness or dizziness
• Extreme fatigue
• A sense of impending doom
Notably, women are more likely than men to
experience symptoms other than chest pain
or discomfort.
If you or someone you’re with is having what
may be a heart attack, time is critical. Even if
you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, don’t wait more
than five minutes to call 9-1-1. It’s the fastest,
safest way. Fortunately, Lowell General’s Heart
and Vascular Center provides a comprehensive
variety of cardiac care and services.
Heart attacks occur when a coronary artery that
supplies blood and oxygen to the heart muscle
suddenly closes due to rupture of plaque in the
Dr. Kirk MacNaught performs angioplasty
in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
artery wall and thrombosis (or blood clotting).
This shuts off the flow of blood to part of the
heart muscle. To stop the attack and save heart
muscle, blood flow must be restored quickly.
Opening a blocked artery to the heart involves
a procedure called percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI), or angioplasty. A tiny
balloon is inserted via catheter to where the
blood vessel is clogged; the balloon is inflated to
widen the artery and restore blood flow to the
heart. Often, a stent (a scaffold-like device) is
placed to keep the artery propped open.
Lowell General Hospital provides emergency
angioplasty services 24 hours a day/7 days per
week/365 days a year to specifically treat heart
attacks. Since approved to provide primary
(emergency) angioplasty by the Department
of Public Health in 2004, Heart and Vascular
center cardiologists have treated over 1,000
acute heart attack patients with lifesaving
interventions. They have also provided
hundreds of non-emergent angioplasty
procedures to reduce the risk of heart attack
for patients coping with heart disease. In
order to provide this life-saving procedure,
the hospital has added an additional cardiac
catheterization lab at its main campus.
“With emergency angioplasty, we can open the
closed artery in 90 minutes or less in almost all
cases,” says cardiologist James Waters, MD.
“It is important for patients to recognize
symptoms and act quickly to get evaluated,
which is essential for limiting damage to the
heart muscle.”
Education and Prevention Key in Fight Against Heart Disease
Lowell General Hospital offers a diverse array of education and prevention programs designed to help patients and members of our community prevent and manage
heart disease. From blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index and monthly heart risk screenings, to fitness classes, smoking cessation programs and a
longstanding partnership with the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women® awareness campaign, we are continuing to support our community.
See page 12 for our winter fitness programs and page 15 to learn more about our cardiac calcium scoring screening.
Freedom From Smoking®
Wednesdays, February 18-April 1*, 4:30-5:30pm, $30
(refunded upon completion of the course)
This eight-week American Lung Association® program will give attendees the
tools needed to end dependency on smoking and improve their health and
wellness. *No class March 4
Healing Hearts Support Group
Fourth Monday of every month, 6:00-7:30pm
To register, call Stacey Cayer at 978-937-6315 or email
[email protected]. Light refreshments will be provided.
ICD Dinner and Support Group
Monday, May 11, 6:00-8:00pm, FREE
Free dinner offered for patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
and their significant other, featuring guest speaker Dr. Samuel Sears, psychologist,
who specializes in care for people living with ICDs.
Stroke Support Group
Second Thursday of every month, 6:00-7:30pm
To register, call Irene Proulx at 978-937-6021 or email
[email protected]. Light refreshments will be provided.
Retired Air Traffic Controller Gets Second
Chance Following Massive Heart Attack
which means that a part of the heart was not
receiving any oxygenated blood due to a 100%
blockage of a coronary artery. Mr. Fullen was
having a heart attack. Emergency Department
physicians immediately alerted the cardiac
team at Lowell General Hospital.
Cardiologists James Waters, MD and Kirk
MacNaught, MD were standing by to perform
emergency primary angioplasty by inserting a
catheter up to the heart, injecting contrast (dye)
to determine the location of the blockage, and
then inserting a balloon catheter and coronary
stents to open his blocked artery.
blockage must be cleared within 90 minutes
or less, as time harms heart muscle.”
“We see these cases every day but I must
admit this was one of the most rewarding in
my experiences as a cardiac nurse,” says Stacey
Cayer, RN. “After Mr. Fullen went into cardiac
arrest the first time and was revived, we brought
his wife and daughter in, and they told him he
needed to get home so he could wear his new
Patriots shirt – it was heart-wrenching.”
Mr. Fullen was hospitalized for a total of eight
days and after 10 days back home he was
riding his lawn tractor without chest pain. Like
most heart attack survivors, he participated in
cardiac rehabilitation three times a week on an
outpatient basis for the next several months to
regain his health and heart strength.
Fullen’s case was
challenging, as
ultimately his heart
“I’ve since made some huge changes in
was failing, and he
my lifestyle; quitting smoking, eating
suffered a variety
“I knew I had some risk factors, as my dad
of life-threatening
healthier, and I’m out exercising more.”
died at 42 of a massive heart attack and heart
conditions including
disease runs in the family. I’ve since made some
irregular heartbeats
huge changes in my lifestyle; quitting smoking,
requiring electrical shocks and other lifesaving
eating healthier, and I’m out exercising more.
interventions to support his breathing and
They also say work stress can play a big role, so
blood pressure. All these conditions come on
I’m happy to be retired,” says Fullen.
very quickly in the instance of a heart attack so
it is very important
“I can remember
to seek medical help
as an air traffic
immediately – call
Jack Fullen, 61, of Shirley, feels very lucky
controller, you
9-1-1. Given the
to have celebrated the holidays and ring in
would experience
severity of his heart
the new year. A former air traffic controller,
emergencies and do
attack, it is likely
Jack was enjoying retirement with his wife
the best you can —
that he would not be
of 41 years, Penny, as well as his two grown
you can only hope
here today if he had
daughters and four grandchildren. Little did
for the best. After
stayed home.
he know on October 6, 2014 that feeling a “little
this experience, and
fuzzy” would quickly shift to a life-threatening
knowing I was so
Even with quick
cardiac event.
close to leaving my
action minimizing
wife and family, I
door-to-balloon
Fullen had been experiencing some periods of
John Fullen, 62, visits with his care team in the Cardiac Catheterization
really know what
time (time from the
indigestion, and woke up early that Monday to
Lab: Stacey Cayer, RN, Alicia Habeshian, RN and Nicholas Rigattieri, RTR
“hoping for the
onset of heart attack to
catch up on yard work. “I went out on the deck
best” means. I am
catheterization) it was still touch and go. The
and felt fuzzy-headed — something just didn’t
so
grateful
for
the
nurses
and
doctors at Lowell
cardiac team worked to stabilize Jack for over
feel right. I called my wife, who convinced me
General,
and
that
this
team
was
able to work the
a half hour and his heart stopped a total of
to go to the hospital to get checked out. I was
magic
that
they
did.
”
11 times while physicians worked to clear
in no rush, so I waited until after the lunch
his blockage.
hour and arrived at Nashoba Valley Medical
To learn more about Lowell General Hospital’s
Center about 1:00 in the afternoon. Next thing
Heart and Vascular center and the hospital’s
“Mr. Fullen improved his chances of survival
I knew, they called my wife and rushed me by
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, visit
just by getting to the hospital – it is a HUGE
ambulance to Lowell General.”
lowellgeneral.org/heart
predictor whether someone will survive a
cardiac incident,” says Dr. MacNaught. “A
Fullen’s electrocardiogram (EKG) showed
an ST elevation MI (myocardial infarction),
08
For more information, visit www.lowellgeneral.org or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
Circle Home Empowers Patients to
Take Charge of Their Heart Disease
In-home monitoring helps patients achieve goals
For patients whose cardiac disease has progressed to congestive heart failure
(CHF), Circle Home offers an in-home program of careful monitoring,
self-management education, and development of a personal action plan.
“We focus on goals that are important to the patient,” says Circle Home
clinical director Cynthia Roche. “These goals often include feeling well
enough to participate in activities that are especially important, avoiding
the stress of emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and learning new
strategies for healthy living to protect cardiac function.”
During home visits, Circle Home clinicians and patients review condition
changes, symptoms, and medication use. Clinicians offer coaching in diet
and nutrition, sodium intake, physical activity, and social support. They
are in close communication with the patient’s primary care physician
and cardiologist.
“Caring for patients in their own homes gives us the opportunity for
one-on-one attention that is responsive to the patient’s condition,
concerns and daily living situation,” Roche noted. “We stay with our
patients throughout the entire continuum of care.”
Telehealth services benefit at-risk patients
Patients who are at high risk of hospitalization are offered Circle Home’s
telehealth services. These patients use equipment at home every day
to measure their blood pressure, weight, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
Through a wireless connection, the information is sent immediately to
Circle Home offices, where telehealth nurse Kim Santos, RN, reviews
the results.
“Any result that is ‘out of range’ for that patient (ranges are set for each
individual patient based on their condition and physician direction)
results in action that day,” explains Santos. “I call the patient to find out
what might be causing the weight gain, for example, and offer advice.
Depending on the situation, I’ll send out a nurse for a home visit, or
contact the physician, or, if necessary, schedule a physician appointment
for the patient. Telehealth is a simple, inexpensive way to monitor
someone daily.”
In addition to timely, sensitive daily monitoring, the telehealth service
also provides important patient education, Santos noted. “Patients soon
Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.lowellgeneral.org
learn that eating high-salt foods has a direct effect on retaining fluid, for
example. They are really impacted by seeing the measured results of their
decisions and actions. Our daily involvement assists them to keep on track
as they develop more independence and increase their ability to live well
and safely.”
Family caregivers also find the program reassuring, knowing that their
loved one is being monitored daily and has the attention of a nurse who is
reviewing, advising, advocating, coaching, and coordinating care.
To learn more about Circle Home’s services for those with heart disease, visit
www.circlehomehealth.org or call 978-459-9343.
IV Lasix® Program Provides
Rapid In-home Response
A new Circle Home program provides a rapid response to
patients with CHF by activating special procedures if the patient’s
symptoms begin to worsen. The goal is to interrupt a negative
trend quickly and prevent a need for emergency services. A
new feature of the program is the administration, if needed,
of diuretics through infusion therapy (otherwise known as
intervenous, or IV therapy) in the home setting.
“We work closely with the patient’s cardiologist, who develops
a plan of medication changes, laboratory tests, and, if needed,
IV diuretics (such as Lasix) at home, depending on the patient’s
condition,” said Executive Director Rachel Chaddock. “If the
patient’s symptoms are getting worse - for example, weight gain or
shortness of breath – indicating that fluid is being retained – we
immediately implement these special procedures.”
The program’s flexibility and rapid response has been successful
in keeping patients at home, avoiding the stress of emergency
services, she reports. “Patients begin to recognize the signs and
symptoms of change as they learn to manage their disease. They
feel relieved and reassured to know that we can react quickly if
necessary to prevent a crisis.”
09
Welcoming new physicians to Circle Health
George Klauber, MD
Pediatric Urology
978-256-9507
Sara Diaz, MD
Family Medicine
978-788-7782
Dr. Sara Diaz is a board-certified family medicine
physician practicing at Primary Care of the
Andovers in North Andover, MA where she is
accepting new patients. Dr. Diaz completed her
residency in family medicine at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in
Lawrence, MA. She received her medical degree from the University of San
Diego School of Medicine in La Jolla, CA. Dr. Diaz is fluent in English
and Spanish.
Dr. George Klauber is a pediatric urologist practicing
at Merrimack Urology Associates, PC in Chelmsford,
MA where he is accepting new patients. Dr. Klauber
completed his fellowship in pediatric urology at
Hospital for Sick Children in London, England and Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool,
England. He finished his residency in surgery and urology at Royal Victoria Hospital
in Montreal, Quebec and received his medical degree from Guy’s Hospital Medical
School in London, England. Dr. Klauber is fluent in English, French and German.
Need a physician?
For information on more than 700 physicians in over 30 specialties, call an advisor 24/7 at 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit www.lowellgeneral.org/findaphysician
Keeping Your Family Healthy This Winter
Cold and flu season is here — but there’s
plenty we can do to help keep ourselves and
our families healthy, advises Sara Diaz, MD.
infections related to colds, the flu, asthma
flare-ups and sinus infections (sinusitis).
She shares some condition-specific guidance:
“Get your flu shot,” she says. “Stay home if
you’re sick to prevent sharing germs with
classmates or colleagues. Wash your hands
frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. And ‘catch your cough,’” she notes,
referring to the technique of coughing or
sneezing into the crook of your elbow instead
of your hand, so you won’t spread germs when
touching a door knob or phone, for example.
Colds
“These practices can go a long way to keep a
household healthy if they’re used consistently
by everyone in the family,” she adds.
The most common conditions Dr. Diaz sees
at this time of year are upper respiratory
“If you or your child are eating and drinking
well with a cold, you don’t need to see the
doctor. A cold will generally run its course
in about a week, but if breathing problems
develop, that’s the time to call your doctor.”
Flu
“It’s absolutely not too late to get a flu shot. Flu
season can last as long as into May, so there’s
still plenty of time to get the shot. And it doesn’t
give you the flu.”
Asthma flare-ups
“There are three common asthma triggers in
winter: a cold, allergies and cold weather. With
allergies, dust and dust mites lead the pack,
along with mold and pet dander. Our homes
are closed up in winter and air gets recycled,
making things worse.”
“Some solutions: get an air purifier, remove
anything with obvious mold build-up
(especially in basements), make sure air
intakes on heating systems are cleaned out
(including in the car), and don’t let pets in
the bedroom. Plus, weather permitting,
open the windows to let in fresh air.”
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
“Sinusitis frequently happens
after you have a cold; you start
to feel better and — wham! — suddenly you
feel worse. It takes a few days of symptoms to
diagnose sinusitis, so supportive care at home
— inhaling steam, over-the-counter remedies,
resting — makes the most sense versus
antibiotics, which are only appropriate if there’s
an infection.”
Speaking of antibiotics, Dr. Diaz stresses that
they are not appropriate for treating colds and
flu, which are caused by viruses (and antibiotics
only work on infections caused by bacteria).
“It’s time that makes a cold better, not
antibiotics,” she says.
“When antibiotics are warranted, be sure to take
the complete course — don’t stop when you feel
better,” Dr. Diaz emphasizes, comparing it to
taking a cake out of the oven after 30 minutes
because it looks done on the outside — but the
recipe calls for 60 minutes of baking time.
“Take care of your body when you are sick —
and get plenty of rest and fluids. And remember
— nothing is more important in protecting
yourself from contagious viruses than washing
your hands appropriately. With every family
member practicing good hand hygiene, your
chances at a healthy winter drastically improve.”
If you have questions about your family’s winter
health needs, be sure to check with your primary
care physician or pediatrician.
Partnering and Planning for the Future
of Our Community
Lowell General Hospital is committed to improving the health and
wellness of our community through targeted initiatives designed to
provide education, resources and support to area residents. Leveraging
vital information gained through the most recent community health
needs assessment, Lowell General Hospital’s 2015 community benefit plan
includes focused collaboration, development and prevention efforts in key
areas like chronic disease, mental health and substance use, prevention
and community health improvement. From education and resources
to address pediatric asthma, diabetes, and substance use, to increased
outreach to encourage and support healthy living for area young people
and underserved or at-risk members of our community, Lowell General
Hospital will continue to focus our efforts on programs designed to have a
positive and lasting impact on the health of our community.
To learn more about Lowell General Hospital’s 2015 Community Benefit Plan,
please visit lowellgeneral.org/communitybenefitreport
SAVE THE DATE
May 31, 2015
Ignite Hope, Inspire Courage, Join TeamWalk
Walk!
Volunteer!
Sponsor!
Join as an individual or put
a team together – big or small
Volunteering at TeamWalk
is fun and rewarding
Be a corporate sponsor or
sponsor an individual or team
RAIN OR SHINE!
|
www.teamwalk.org
Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.lowellgeneral.org
|
978-937-6434
|
11
Lowell General Hospital’s
Health and
Wellness Programs
Winter 2015
Get your body movin’
Gentle/Moderate Yoga
Wednesdays, March 11-April 29*, 5:00-6:00pm, $75
The class is designed to create breath awareness,
enhance your balance, increase flexibility and bring
about inner peace. Classes include basic breathing
practices, as well as a variety of standing, sitting
and lying postures. *No class March 18
Qigong
Wednesdays, February 4-25 or
Tuesdays, March 3-24, 6:00-7:00pm, $30
Qigong, pronounced Chi Kung, is a practice of
aligning body, breath and mind for health, meditation
and martial arts training. Qigong practice involves
moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing
movement, deep rhythmic breathing and calm
meditative state of mind.
Online education
To register call 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit
www.lowellgeneral.org/onlineed
These programs can be completed at your
own pace from the comfort of home. Courses
consist of concise, learner-friendly modules
that focus on personal development and
provide strategies for aspects of your life.
-Conquer Your Anxiety
- Understanding Key Warning Signs of
Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children
and Adolescents
-Workplace and Personal Skills Certificate
12
Zumba®
Thursdays, February 5-March 19*, 5:30-6:30pm, $45
This class, filled with fun music and easy-to-follow
dance moves, consists of interval training sessions
where fast and slow rhythms and resistance
training are combined to tone and sculpt your body
while burning fat. *No class March 5
Sign up today for our FREE
Community Health and Wellness
and Women’s Wellness e-newsletter
at www.lowellgeneral.org/health
Surf, Boot Camp and Boxing for Kids!
Through a partnership with SLS Fitness, Lowell General offers a youth program package for children
ages 7 and up and includes surfing, boot camp and boxing classes. All classes are located at SLS
Fitness at 345 Chelmsford Street in Lowell. Package costs $149.99 for six-week program. Classes
are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on an ongoing basis. Please visit lowellgeneral.org/
health for details.
Kids Surf
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:00pm
This class is designed to develop your child’s strength, flexibility, power and core control through
the use of SURFSET® boards.
Kids Boot Camp
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00-5:30pm
The child-focused boot camp teaches the importance of health and fitness in a fun atmosphere. All
aspects of fitness will be addressed, including nutrition tips, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular
training, along with general guidelines for a healthier overall lifestyle.
Kids Boxing
Thursdays, 4:30-5:00pm and Saturdays, 11:00-11:30am
This boxing class is supervised by a boxing coach who teaches boxing basics, including how to
properly hit the bag, and foot and handwork techniques.
For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support g
Parenting programs: For parents of children of all ages
Basic Child Passenger Safety
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE
New and expectant parents will learn how to keep
children safe in a moving motor vehicle. Topics
include Massachusetts’ Child Passenger Safety
Laws, the five types of child car seats, basic child
safety in car seats, and how to properly install car
seats in a motor vehicle.
Family and Friends CPR
Second Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm, $40
This program is designed for parents, family
members and those who want to learn lifesaving
skills. This class is presented in partnership with
Trinity EMS.
Helping Your Child Deal with Bullying
Tuesday, March 3, 6:30-8:00pm, FREE
This workshop will differentiate between normal
conflict and bullying, and it will identify problems
caused by aggression. You will discover how bullying
happens and by whom, and will discuss how to
know if your child is a bully or victim. You will also
learn what you can do to help your child during this
difficult time.
Infant Massage
Monday, February 16 or Wednesday, March 11,
6:30-7:30pm, FREE
Infant massage is a centuries-old tradition that offers
benefits such as bonding, better sleep, improved
colic, relaxation and better digestion.
New! Nutrition Program Series
Ages & Stages: Nutrition Considerations
(Birth to age 2)
Tuesday, February 3, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Our Birth to Age 2 workshop will focus on
strategies for introducing first foods and
discussing topics such as which foods can
present a choking hazard.
Ages & Stages: Nutrition Considerations
(School Age, ages 6-10)
Tuesday, February 17, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Our School Age workshop will focus on appropriate
portion sizes using the MyPlate method and
discussing topics such as encouraging healthy
snacking.
Ages & Stages: Nutrition Considerations
(Preschool Age, ages 3-5)
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Our Preschool Age workshop will focus on
strategies for dealing with picky eaters and
discussing topics such as modeling healthy
eating habits by parent or caregiver.
Ages & Stages: Nutrition Considerations
(Adolescent, ages 11+)
Tuesday, February 24, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Our Adolescent workshop will focus on strategies
for empowering teens to make healthy choices
outside of home and discussing topics such as the
benefits of reading labels for nutrition information.
Coming Spring 2015! A comprehensive weight management program for children ages 6-11. This
program will help children and their families develop healthy fitness and nutrition habits that will last a
lifetime. Stay tuned for details and dates in our spring issue of For Your Health!
Itsy-Bitsy Movement and Signs
Fridays, March 13-April 10, 10:00-11:00am, FREE
Explore new and different ways for parents and
babies to utilize music and movement to benefit
development and attachment. Infant sign language
will be introduced with songs each week.
SIDS Workshop: A Certification Course for
Childcare Providers
Monday, April 13, 7:00-8:30pm, FREE
This SIDS training course will define sudden infant
death syndrome, discuss risk factors and identify
safe sleeping positions and environments.
Tweens and teens programs
Babysitting Basics Plus CPR
Saturday, February 14, March 14, or April 11,
9:00am-1:00pm, $60
Boys and girls ages 10 and older will learn
babysitting skills, CPR and receive a CPR Anytime
Kit to practice at home.
Dare to Prepare: What Teens Need to Know
Before They Take the Wheel
Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE
This pre-driver’s permit presentation presented
by AAA© is for parents and teens. This program
provides critical information for teens before they
take the wheel.
Dealing with Being Bullied
Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-8:00pm, FREE
Do you or someone you know feel pressured by
someone or by others? At this workshop, you will
learn who else is affected by bullying beside the
target and the bully. You will see how this is not
just a problem for now, but may affect everybody
involved for years to come. This dynamic workshop
will help you see what is happening from new
perspectives and will provide some tools to help you
identify, cope with, and/or stop this behavior before
its consequences are too severe.
Personal Safety and Self Defense for Teens
Saturday, March 28, 9:00am-1:00pm, $10
Learn the warning signs of aggressive behavior and
how to react to an attack. Participants will also learn
basic self-defense skills.
groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
13
Childbirth classes
Lowell General Hospital offers a variety of classes to help you prepare for the birth of your child. Space is
limited and registration is required.
Call 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit lowellgeneral.org/health for full descriptions, dates, times and cost. Birthplace
tours included.
• Prepared Childbirth
• Online Prepared
• One Day Prepared Childbirth
• Hypno-Birthing®
• Weekend Prepared Childbirth
• Prepared Teens
Getting ready for your baby
ABCs of Babies for New Parents
Tuesday, March 24, 7:00-9:00pm, FREE
Get started as a parent with everything you need to
know about infant care, feeding, development and
achieving good sleep.
Big Brother and Sister Sibling Class
Monday, March 23, 10:30-11:30am or
Saturday, April 25, 12:00-1:00pm, $20
Children ages 3-8 will explore their feelings
concerning the arrival of a new baby. They will read
a story, participate in an art project and tour the
Birthplace.
Boot Camp for New Dads®
Saturday, March 28, 9:00am-12:00pm, $40
This nationally-recognized workshop is taught by
fathers and is for men only. Rookie dads (men
expecting their first baby) will be oriented to the joys
and challenges of fatherhood.
Quit Smoking for Your Baby Webinar
To register or for more information,
visit www.lowellgeneralorg/health, FREE
Designed for expecting families, this program
provides facts about the dangers of smoking while
pregnant, second hand smoke, the importance of
having everyone in the family quit and strategies
for quitting.
Tiny Fingers, Tiny Toes: Everything New
Parents Need to Know
Saturday, February 7, March 7 or April 4,
9:00am-4:30pm, FREE
This workshop teaches expectant parents about
the care of their new baby, including newborn
appearance, infant care basics, at-home safety
and pediatrician visits.
Our Take Your Medications for a
Checkup program is designed to
help ensure our community receives
the best possible care. We have
created an easy-to-use and editable
form to help you track your medical
information.
For more information or to download
a form, which is available in English,
Spanish and Portuguese, please visit
www.lowellgeneral.org/medscheckup
Breastfeeding Class
Second and fourth Monday of each month, FREE
Learn the art of breastfeeding. Discover the benefits
for mom and baby, valuable tips and other information.
The Happiest Baby on the Block®
Monday, February 2, 6:30-8:30pm, $15/family
Learn an extraordinary approach to calming your
baby, tips on how to help babies sleep longer and
ways to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes.
Fee includes program DVD and Soothing Sounds CD.
Prenatal Wellness Package – Yoga and
Strength Training
February 15-March 22 or March 29-May 3,
$149.99/6-week session
Develop and strengthen your body for the changes
it will experience during pregnancy through yoga
and strength training. Classes are held three days
per week at SLS Fitness located at 345 Chelmsford
Street in Lowell.
14
For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support g
Wellness and you
Anger Management Series
Wednesdays, March 18-April 22, 6:30-8:30pm, $75
Learn how to utilize the principles of deep relaxation,
slow breathing, constructive affirmations and
guided imagery to better control anger issues in this
six-week workshop. Participants will experience the
benefits of meditation, quieting and self-hypnosis.
Substance Abuse: What You Need to Know
About Opiates
Tuesday, February 24, 6:00-7:00pm, FREE
Whether you are a parent looking out for your child or
a healthcare provider caring for patients, learn how
opioids affect the body, who is using and how, as
well as available resources in the community.
Introduction to Personal Safety and
Self-Defense for Women
Saturday, March 21 or May 2, 9:00am-1:00pm, $10
Join us for a one-day, women’s only workshop
to learn about safety awareness, risk reduction,
personal safety techniques and basic self-defense
skills to react to an attack. Open to women over the
age of 18.
Self-Defense for Women
April 6, 8 and 10, 5:30-9:30pm, FREE
(Call Alison at 978-937-6360 for questions or to
register for this program)
This course utilizes RAD (Rape Aggression Defense)
approach to provide self-defense education for
women, focusing on awareness, risk reduction and
options for physical self-defense.
Joint Replacement Education
Monday, February 2, March 2 or April 6,
4:00-5:00pm, FREE
Are you having your hip or knee replaced? Learn
what to do before surgery, what will happen on
the day of your surgery and during recovery,
as well as tools for case management and
discharge planning.
Introduction to Zentangle®
Wednesday, February 4 or April 1, 6:30-8:30pm, $30
Zentangle is an easy to learn, relaxing method of
creating images from repetitive patterns while
reducing stress, increasing focus and creativity and
increasing personal well-being.
Living With Asthma: Successful Management
Wednesday, March 4, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Learn about symptoms and treatment options
available to ensure effective control of your asthma.
This program is open to the whole family and well as
childcare providers.
More Zentangle®
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30pm, $25
In this class, you will build on what you learned
in Introduction to Zentangle. You will learn new
tangles and play with embellishments and shading.
Paper will be supplied; bring your Zentangle mini kit
(included in the intro class).
Heart CT Calcium Scoring
Helps Detect Heart Disease
Teddy Bear Clinic
Saturday, April 18, 12:00-3:00pm, FREE
Lowell General Hospital and the Pheasant Lane
Mall are teaming up to offer a FREE Teddy Bear
Clinic! Kids, bring your favorite stuffed animal
or doll for a check-up! Learn how to keep you
and your teddy bear healthy, participate in fun
activities and learn valuable health information
for the whole family!
Support groups
Lowell General Hospital offers a variety
of support groups for patients.
For more information visit
www.lowellgeneral.org/supportgroups
-Al-Anon
-AWAKE (Sleep Disorders)
-Cancer
The first sign of coronary artery disease is calcification – calcium
deposits in plaque on the inside walls of your arteries. Using
a special imaging technique called high-speed CT, plaque and
calcification are measured, yielding what’s called a cardiac calcium
score. The higher the score, the greater the risk of having a cardiac
event like a heart attack.
-Diabetes
But calcium scoring can also help prevent a heart attack. When
considered along with other risk factors, it provides valuable
guidance about how aggressively you should apply preventive
measures such as taking cholesterol or blood pressure medication,
weight loss or quitting smoking, for example.
-Overeaters Anonymous
Since coronary artery disease often doesn’t have symptoms until a cardiac episode occurs, a
cardiac calcium score can help identify who could benefit from preventive evaluation and
treatment. A physician’s order is not required for this appointment. The cost of the exam is $100 and
you can schedule an appointment by calling 978-937-6023.
-Smoking Cessation
-HELPING HANDS
-Learn to Cope
-New Moms
-Parents of Murdered Children
-Perinatal Loss
-Weight Management
groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
15
Lowell General Hospital
295 Varnum Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854-2193
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lowell, MA
Permit #362
www.circle-health.org
TEL 978-937-6000
TTY 978-937-6889
For Your Health is published by the Marketing
and Public Relations D
­ epartment at Lowell General Hospital. The information is intended to
educate people about subjects pertinent to their
health, not as a substitute for ­consultation with
a personal physician.
© 2015. Printed in U.S.A.
Wander Outside this Winter! Contest
Get your body moving for a chance to win a fun pack worth $300 for the whole family!
February 9 through March 23
We know it can be difficult to get outside during the colder months, so we created a challenge to make moving a little more fun! Simply visit
lowellgeneral.org/wanderoutside to download our tracking sheet and start logging your activities! Activities can include sledding, skiing,
snowboarding, going for a walk, building snowmen or ice skating. Indoor activities count too, such as indoor trampoline parks or activity centers.
At the end of the contest, we will select one lucky winner from all the submitted tracking sheets to win a family fun pack filled with Fitbit® activity
trackers, outdoor sports equipment, games and more! Good luck and remember to have fun as you Wander Outside This Winter!
For more info visit lowellgeneral.org/wanderoutside