UPPP and Away – Treatment for Severe
Sleep Apnea
Diabetes Program
Why Bother Testing Blood Sugar?
CPR & First Aid Programs
Adult Heartsaver AED
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VitalSigns is published bimonthly by the public relations and marketing department at Milford Regional Medical Center, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757. Material contained here is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, consult a physician or other healthcare professional.
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April 2011 Although it is still a bit chilly, spring is in the air. Most of us are very happy to welcome spring time, after dealing with mountains of snow during the past few months. It is time to begin thinking about gardening and getting fresh air while walking, running or bicycling – all great forms of exercise to help stay "heart healthy". This month's e-newsletter focuses on Milford Regional's cardiovascular services and highlights our cardiologists.
And don’t forget to check out the Good Things You Should Know section.
Milford Regional Implants New Pacemaker That Allows MRI Access
Milford Regional Medical Center is the second hospital statewide to implant a new cardiac pacemaker that allows patients to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. This revolutionary pacing system, which was developed by Medtronics, received FDA approval for MRI use in 2011.
A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Prior to this breakthrough technology, patients that had a pacemaker could not undergo an MRI. The radiofrequency and static fields emitted by the powerful magnet could affect the pacing systems operation causing tissue damage, unintended cardiac stimulation and pacemaker malfunction. More than 200,000 patients annually in the United States have to forego an MRI scan because they have a pacemaker. The largest demographic impacted by this diagnostic limitation are those age 65 and older who comprise 86% of those with a pacing system. This group is twice as likely to need an MRI due to increased musculoskeletal and neurological problems. Because MRI is considered the gold standard diagnostic tool for neurologists, oncologists and orthopedic surgeons, it is estimated that 50 – 75% of pacemaker patients will have a medical need for an MRI over the lifetime of their device.
There are many things you can do to stay heart healthy, but the single most important risk factor you can eliminate that would most likely make the biggest impact to your heart health is to stop smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Read more.
Now that Milford Regional offers transradial artery catheterization, what is its benefit over the traditional catheterization method?
Cardiac catheterization (cath) is a procedure that provides the clearest look at the arteries that supply the heart muscle. It is used to evaluate the pumping ability of the heart, the functioning of heart valves, and to measure pressures within the heart. It helps diagnose the location and severity of blockages, narrowing of the arteries, coronary artery disease, defective heart valves, congenital heart defects and disease of the heart muscle. Read more.
Patient Liaison Assists Patients and Families
One of the many ways in which we achieve our goal of providing high quality healthcare to the community is by listening to you. That is why we have a patient liaison that assists patients and their families with questions or concerns related to their experience at Milford Regional Medical Center. Such issues may include but are not limited to quality of care, staff interactions, access to care and general assistance and information. We value and welcome any feedback provided from our patients and their families. Feel free to contact Cathy O'Connell, Milford Regional's patient liaison, at 508-422- 2648 or caoconnell@milreg.org.
Hospitalists Are Doctors Who Specialize in Inpatient Care
The hospitalist program was developed at Milford Regional several years ago to provide the best possible care for our patients during their hospitalization. A hospitalist is an internal medicine physician who is specially trained to provide medical care to patients from admission to discharge from the hospital. Since primary care physicians see patients in their office during the day, they may not be readily available to evaluate patients admitted to the hospital. Our hospitalists are available for patient evaluations in the Medical Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A hospitalist works on the patient floors of the hospital so he or she is readily available to attend to your medical needs and to answer questions. He or she will coordinate your care which may include conducting examinations, making diagnoses, ordering tests or treatments, consulting specialists, prescribing medication and developing a care plan for when you are discharged from the hospital. The hospitalist is always in close communication with your primary care physician to obtain your medical history, update your progress and to discuss discharge plans. The hospitalist will provide a detailed report to your primary care physician about your stay at the hospital. After you return home, your primary care physician will continue your care.
Nurse Dedicated to Helping Patients through the Process at
The Breast Center
Kimberly Maurer, RN, BSN has joined The Breast Center team as nurse navigator, a new and crucial role in the care of breast patients. Kimberly is involved in all aspects of breast patient care and support. She helps patients understand the processes that they are going through and assists them in carrying out what their doctors prescribe. During her brief time in this position, patients are already praising her friendliness and helpfulness. Kimberly will play a significant role in maintaining the national accreditation status that The Breast Center has achieved. She will also oversee The Breast Center library and participate in community outreach and education.
Milford Regional's active medical staff, consisting of over 200 doctors, is highly qualified to treat you and your family through life's ups and downs. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, you can be assured of the best possible care.
If you need a primary care physician, please call our Physician Referral Line at 1-888-DRS-HERE (1-888-377-4373). Our Referral Line, a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has access to physicians who are accepting new patients. You may also call our Referral Line to find a specialist.
See our list of Primary Care Physicians who are accepting new patients. It is important to note that not all physicians accept all insurances. Please call the physician's office directly to find out if they accept your insurance plan.
Cardiologists
With 10 highly skilled cardiologists on our active medical staff, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and an excellent cardiac rehabilitation program, Milford Regional is able to provide the community with comprehensive cardiovascular services. Our cardiologists and the entire cardiovascular staff are dedicated to promoting a heart healthy lifestyle. Meet our cardiologists.
