295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854 I 978-937-6000 TTY: 978-937-6889 I www.circle-health.org

M A G A Z I N E Vol 1 – 2015

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

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 DescheneCEO, WellforcePresident and CEO, Circle Health CEO, Lowell General Hospital

Pediatric and Adult Specialty Clinics Now Available at Circle Health WestfordAn 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

03Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.circle-health.org

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,

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.

“My quality of life has changed so much,” Panas

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.

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 7Fridays from 12:00-1:00pm: February 20, March 20 or April 17

North Andover office: 203 Turnpike StreetThursdays from 6:00-7:00pm: February 19, March 19 or April 16Spanish Sessions: Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am: February 14, March 14 or April 11

Circle Health Westford: 198 Littleton RoadTuesday, 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

Sheri:“I never thought

I could be this small again!”

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.

An Exceptional Childbirth Experience at The Birthplace

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.

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.

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05Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.circle-health.org

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.

Nurse Benefits Directly From New Pain Relief Option

“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.

“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

06 For more information, visit www.circle-health.org

DIAGNOSTICS

TREATMENT

RECOVERY

EDUCATION

DISEASEMANAGEMENT

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 CareAs Lowell’s largest provider of outpatient care, Lowell Community Health Center is often the

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

A Full Circle Approach to Heart Health

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

Diagnosing and Treating Heart Problems

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.”

Dr. Kirk MacNaught performs angioplasty in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

Education and Prevention Key in Fight Against Heart Disease

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 GroupFourth Monday of every month, 6:00-7:30pm To register, call Stacey Cayer at 978-937-6315 or email Stacey.Cayer@lowellgeneral.org. Light refreshments will be provided.

ICD Dinner and Support GroupMonday, May 11, 6:00-8:00pm, FREEFree 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 GroupSecond Thursday of every month, 6:00-7:30pmTo register, call Irene Proulx at 978-937-6021 or email Irene.Proulx@lowellgeneral.org. Light refreshments will be provided.

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.

Retired Air Traffic Controller Gets Second Chance Following Massive Heart Attack

Jack Fullen, 61, of Shirley, feels very lucky to have celebrated the holidays and ring in the new year. A former air traffic controller, Jack was enjoying retirement with his wife of 41 years, Penny, as well as his two grown daughters and four grandchildren. Little did he know on October 6, 2014 that feeling a “little fuzzy” would quickly shift to a life-threatening cardiac event.

Fullen had been experiencing some periods of indigestion, and woke up early that Monday to catch up on yard work. “I went out on the deck and felt fuzzy-headed — something just didn’t feel right. I called my wife, who convinced me to go to the hospital to get checked out. I was in no rush, so I waited until after the lunch hour and arrived at Nashoba Valley Medical Center about 1:00 in the afternoon. Next thing I knew, they called my wife and rushed me by ambulance to Lowell General.”

Fullen’s electrocardiogram (EKG) showed an ST elevation MI (myocardial infarction),

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.

Fullen’s case was challenging, as ultimately his heart was failing, and he suffered a variety of life-threatening conditions including irregular heartbeats

requiring electrical shocks and other lifesaving interventions to support his breathing and blood pressure. All these conditions come on very quickly in the instance of a heart attack so it is very important to seek medical help immediately – call 9-1-1. Given the severity of his heart attack, it is likely that he would not be here today if he had stayed home.

Even with quick action minimizing door-to-balloon time (time from the onset of heart attack to catheterization) it was still touch and go. The cardiac team worked to stabilize Jack for over a half hour and his heart stopped a total of 11 times while physicians worked to clear his blockage.

“Mr. Fullen improved his chances of survival just by getting to the hospital – it is a HUGE predictor whether someone will survive a cardiac incident,” says Dr. MacNaught. “A

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.

“I knew I had some risk factors, as my dad died at 42 of a massive heart attack and heart disease runs in the family. I’ve since made some huge changes in my lifestyle; quitting smoking, eating healthier, and I’m out exercising more. They also say work stress can play a big role, so I’m happy to be retired,” says Fullen.

“I can remember as an air traffic controller, you would experience emergencies and do the best you can — you can only hope for the best. After this experience, and knowing I was so close to leaving my wife and family, I really know what “hoping for the best” means. I am

so grateful for the nurses and doctors at Lowell General, and that this team was able to work the magic that they did.”

To learn more about Lowell General Hospital’s Heart and Vascular center and the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, visit lowellgeneral.org/heart

“I’ve since made some huge changes in

my lifestyle; quitting smoking, eating

healthier, and I’m out exercising more.”

John Fullen, 62, visits with his care team in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab: Stacey Cayer, RN, Alicia Habeshian, RN and Nicholas Rigattieri, RTR

For more information, visit www.lowellgeneral.org or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)08

In-home monitoring helps patients achieve goalsFor 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 patientsPatients 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

09

IV Lasix® Program Provides Rapid In-home ResponseA 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.”

Circle Home Empowers Patients to Take Charge of Their Heart Disease

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.

Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.lowellgeneral.org

Welcoming new physicians to Circle HealthSara Diaz, MDFamily Medicine978-788-7782 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.

George Klauber, MDPediatric Urology978-256-9507 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

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.

“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.

“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

Keeping Your Family Healthy This Winterinfections related to colds, the flu, asthma flare-ups and sinus infections (sinusitis). She shares some condition-specific guidance:

Colds“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

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SAVE THE DATEMay 31, 2015

Circle Health’s For Your Health | www.lowellgeneral.org 11

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

For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)12

Get your body movin’Gentle/Moderate YogaWednesdays, March 11-April 29*, 5:00-6:00pm, $75The 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

QigongWednesdays, 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.

Zumba®

Thursdays, February 5-March 19*, 5:30-6:30pm, $45This 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

Lowell General Hospital’s

Health and Wellness ProgramsWinter 2015

Sign up today for our FREE

Community Health and Wellness

and Women’s Wellness e-newsletter

at www.lowellgeneral.org/health

Online educationTo 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

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 SurfTuesdays, 4:30-5:00pmThis 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.

Parenting programs: For parents of children of all ages

Tweens and teens programsBabysitting Basics Plus CPRSaturday, February 14, March 14, or April 11, 9:00am-1:00pm, $60Boys 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 WheelThursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30pm, FREEThis 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 BulliedTuesday, March 31, 6:30-8:00pm, FREEDo 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 TeensSaturday, March 28, 9:00am-1:00pm, $10Learn the warning signs of aggressive behavior and how to react to an attack. Participants will also learn basic self-defense skills.

For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355) 13

Basic Child Passenger SafetyWednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30pm, FREENew 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 CPRSecond Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm, $40This 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 BullyingTuesday, 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 MassageMonday, February 16 or Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-7:30pm, FREEInfant massage is a centuries-old tradition that offers benefits such as bonding, better sleep, improved colic, relaxation and better digestion.

Itsy-Bitsy Movement and SignsFridays, 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.

Ages & Stages: Nutrition Considerations (Birth to age 2)Tuesday, February 3, 6:00-7:30pm, FREEOur 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 (Preschool Age, ages 3-5)Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-7:30pm, FREEOur 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 (School Age, ages 6-10)Tuesday, February 17, 6:00-7:30pm, FREEOur 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 (Adolescent, ages 11+)Tuesday, February 24, 6:00-7:30pm, FREEOur 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!

SIDS Workshop: A Certification Course for Childcare ProvidersMonday, April 13, 7:00-8:30pm, FREEThis SIDS training course will define sudden infant death syndrome, discuss risk factors and identify safe sleeping positions and environments.

New! Nutrition Program Series

For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)14

ABCs of Babies for New ParentsTuesday, March 24, 7:00-9:00pm, FREEGet started as a parent with everything you need to know about infant care, feeding, development and achieving good sleep.

Big Brother and Sister Sibling ClassMonday, March 23, 10:30-11:30am or Saturday, April 25, 12:00-1:00pm, $20Children 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, $40This 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.

Breastfeeding ClassSecond and fourth Monday of each month, FREELearn 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/familyLearn 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 TrainingFebruary 15-March 22 or March 29-May 3, $149.99/6-week sessionDevelop 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.

Getting ready for your babyQuit Smoking for Your Baby WebinarTo 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 KnowSaturday, 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.

Childbirth classesLowell 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

• One Day Prepared Childbirth

• Weekend Prepared Childbirth

• Online Prepared

• Hypno-Birthing®

• Prepared Teens

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

For a full description or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355) 15

Wellness and youAnger Management SeriesWednesdays, March 18-April 22, 6:30-8:30pm, $75Learn 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.

Introduction to Personal Safety and Self-Defense for WomenSaturday, March 21 or May 2, 9:00am-1:00pm, $10Join 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.

Joint Replacement EducationMonday, February 2, March 2 or April 6, 4:00-5:00pm, FREEAre 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.

Living With Asthma: Successful ManagementWednesday, March 4, 6:00-7:30pm, FREELearn 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.

Substance Abuse: What You Need to Know About OpiatesTuesday, February 24, 6:00-7:00pm, FREEWhether 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.

Self-Defense for WomenApril 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.

Introduction to Zentangle®

Wednesday, February 4 or April 1, 6:30-8:30pm, $30Zentangle 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.

More Zentangle®

Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30pm, $25In 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).

Teddy Bear ClinicSaturday, April 18, 12:00-3:00pm, FREELowell 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!

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

- Diabetes

- HELPING HANDS

- Learn to Cope

- New Moms

- Overeaters Anonymous

- Parents of Murdered Children

- Perinatal Loss

- Smoking Cessation

- Weight Management

Support groups

Heart CT Calcium ScoringHelps Detect Heart DiseaseThe 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.

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.

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.

Lowell General Hospital295 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 Department 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.

For more info visit lowellgeneral.org/wanderoutside

Get your body moving for a chance to win a fun pack worth $300 for the whole family!February 9 through March 23

Wander Outside this Winter! Contest

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!