Milford Regional Medical Center Community Newsmagazine Fall 2018

Begin today for a healthier tomorrow!Sign up for lectures, exercise and healthy living programsPage 12

A Champion’s CrisisRead how the critical decision to come to our emergency department brought a champion back to the winner’s circlePage 4

Laparoscopic ColectomyDiscover how a surgeon supported her grateful patient in surgery and beyondPage 6

Endoscopic UltrasoundLearn more about this leading-edge technology that works from the inside instead of the outsidePage 8

New SpecialistsGet to know our new neurosurgeon and foot and ankle specialistPage 10

New Pain TherapyFind out about a new approach to pain treatmentPage 3

2 Good Feelings

Fr

om

Th

e P

resid

en

T &

Ceo

Always Moving Forward

Things have been really moving at Milford Regional this year! New physicians and specialists continue to join our medical staff and our Medical Center is undergoing renovations in a variety of areas to improve our services and enhance patient care.

The opening of the Meehan Family Pavilion in 2015 elevated the care of patients in our expanded emergency department, ICU and private patient rooms on a medical/surgical floor. Since then, there has been some juggling of services within the remaining space following the construction of the Meehan addition. A new Blood Donation Center and expanding the footprint of diagnostic imaging are just a couple of the positive changes that benefitted from the new building construction.

In early 2019, we will be excited to unveil another project that has been over a year in the making...a fully renovated medical/surgical floor with 15 private patient rooms located on the fourth floor of the Medical Center! There was plenty of forethought in creating an environment that combined the latest technologies for the highest quality care with a healing décor and sensitivity to your needs for enhanced family and loved ones’ accommodations. I believe you’ll agree with me that the transformation from the floor’s 1960s design with cramped, two- and four- bed rooms to an inviting, spacious, single-bed room design will be quite remarkable.

I am also excited—as I’m sure we all are—about the new linear accelerator Brigham and Women’s has added to our Cancer Center, which will expand radiation therapy services and provide greater accessibility to their growing number of patients. It was a tremendous day when we partnered with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to open the Cancer Center in 2008. Since then, their world-renowned services have met the needs of thousands of cancer patients right here on our campus.

As you can see, we are always looking for new and better ways to enhance our services for you. There is much more on the horizon that I will be eager to share with you in the near future! In the meantime, I encourage you to head to milfordregional.org and click on “Contact Us” to provide your thoughts and feedback. We always look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Ed Kelly, President & CEOMilford Regional Medical Center

This issue’s cover: Following a catastrophic wrist injury, Jim Lambert is happy to be back lifting weights and winning championships.

Edward J. Kelly, President & CEO

New Patient Portal!

Milford Regional has launched a new patient portal called MyHealthLink!

We are excited about MyHealthLink because it provides greater access to your pertinent health information than our former patient portal. Plus, for your convenience, we are offering a MyHealthLink mobile app to make accessing your health information even easier!*

On our new portal, you are able to: •Accessandmanageyourhealthinformationsecurely •Reviewlaboratoryanddiagnostictestsresultsdating

back to January 1, 2011 •Trackmedicationsandappointmentinformation •Viewdischargeinstructions •Paybillsandviewaccountdetails •Receivehospitalnewsandmuchmore!Milford Regional is committed to providing you with the

tools necessary to take control of your health information. We believe that the more you know about your health, the better prepared you will be to care for it. As always, we thank you for choosing us to serve your healthcare needs.

If you would like to sign up for MyHealthLink, please go to: myhealthlink.milreg.org.

*MyHealthLink is available for iOS and Android users on the MHealth (medical) mobile app found at the App Store online.

For You…

Fall 2018 3

Dry Needling

Right On TargetWhile Tom had been diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and hip osteoarthritis,

a series of advanced tests were unable to figure out exactly what was causing his severe leg pain. He tried every treatment offered to him, ranging from shots in his back to exercises prescribed by a physical therapist, but nothing alleviated his pain.

His therapist recommended that Tom try a new treatment being offered at Milford Regional Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine called trigger point dry needling. Milford Regional has six physical therapists with extensive training in dry needling treatment at their Milford and Northbridge Rehab sites. Ryan Davia, PT, DPT, was assigned to Tom’s case.

When Tom was initially evaluated by Ryan, he was in severe pain. Ryan discovered many sensitive “trigger points” in the muscles in Tom’s groin, the back of his hip and his hamstring, all of which indicated he was a candidate for dry needling. “Dry needling is a good adjunct therapy to a strengthening and patient education program,” explained Ryan. “When Tom first came to me, he seemed discouraged. He had gone through the whole medical system and hadn’t received any answers. For anyone, that kind of anxiety can increase the experience of feeling pain.”

First introduced in the United States in the early 1990s, dry needling is an evidence-based technique that relies on a therapist’s knowledge of the anatomy and the use of thin, filiform needles to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points in the muscles and connective tissue. It can be used to manage neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairment and disability. While dry needling is often compared to acupuncture, there are distinct differences. Whereas acupuncture seeks to balance energy—or chi—along meridian points, dry needling uses a physical therapist’s knowledge of anatomy to find areas of deficiency using palpation skills to find trigger points. Once the trigger point is identified, the therapist will gently tap the needle into the skin until a “twitch response” is produced.

“A twitch response is a quick contraction of the irritated area of the muscle,” Ryan explains. “When the needle goes into the trigger point, it breaks up the contraction cycle. The twitch response is basically the muscle giving up and relaxing. The needles are in only long enough to get that twitch response. That’s the sign that we have won.”

While each patient is different, dry needling has been used to treat such conditions as osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement, plantar fasciitis, spasticity after stroke, neck pain, tennis elbow, headaches and lower back pain, to name a few.

For Tom’s first treatment, Ryan used dry needling on both his right and left hamstring. “After his first treatment, there was immediate relief of pain,” says Ryan. “It improved the performance of the muscle so Tom was able to do more strengthening exercises and tolerate more activity.”

Shortly after Tom started the dry needling therapy, he was able to go up and down the stairs at his church without pain. He continued to improve with each session, receiving a total of five treatments over a two-month period. Dry needling wasn’t Tom’s only treatment, but rather a complement to his physical therapy, which included riding a stationary bike, walking up and down stairs, and using weights to build strength.

“I am 95 percent better than I was last year at this time,” Tom says with satisfaction. “I wouldn’t be where I am

today if Ryan didn’t try dry needling on me. It has helped me get moving and be active. I am back to mowing my own yard. I also decided to take my golf clubs out and go to the driving range

for the first time in two years!” m

Tom Capuzziello had been in nearly unbearable pain for two years and was desperate for relief. The pain was in his groin area and had become so severe he was unable to pick up his right leg, go up stairs or walk for any distance.

Thanks to dry needling therapy, Tom is back entertaining his friends.

Learn more about this new

therapy for pain.Details on back page.

Good Feelings4

Following surgery after a severe wrist injury, Tom feels fortunate to be fully back into the world of weightlifting.

An Easy ChoiceWrist Surgery

“The bar was a little out in front of me, and I made the decision to reach forward to it,” recalls Jim, 53, of Milford. “My left wrist got stuck between my body and the bar. My knee hit my elbow at the bottom of the squat and the wrist hyper-extended all the way back. I heard and felt a pop. I was afraid I’d see a bone sticking out. I didn’t see a bone, but then in 30 seconds it swelled to twice the size.”

In agonizing pain, Jim called his wife Donna and told her he was headed to Milford Regional’s emergency department, where he expected the staff to manage his discomfort and transfer him to a Boston hospital. He never anticipated that Milford Regional would have an acclaimed hand surgeon on call that could perform emergency surgery. Jeffrey Dietz, MD, of New England Hand Associates, an orthopedic surgery practice specializing in hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions, was contacted and diagnosed a fractured dislocation of the wrist.

For Jim, a serious amateur athlete who competes at the national level for Olympic weightlifting, this injury was catastrophic. Dr. Dietz explained that he needed emergency surgery, and if he waited even a few hours he would risk damage to the median nerve, which affects the hand and fingers.

Before proceeding with the surgery, Jim called a Boston

surgeon who had operated on his elbow five years earlier and was advised to stay where he was. “I thought Milford would be a stop along the way,” Jim states. “When I got there, they were amazing. The admitting doctors said they’d never seen a wrist that looked like that before, so they gave me something for the pain and contacted Dr. Dietz.”

Within a couple hours of Jim’s arrival, he was undergoing open surgery on his wrist—specifically open reduction and fixation of a perilunate dislocation. “We had to put his bones back into normal alignment and put pins and wires in to hold things together and repair his ligaments,” explains Dr. Dietz. “It was very severe, and in terms of wrist injuries, it was probably one of the toughest injuries to recover from.”

Jim considers it his good fortune that he ended up at Milford Regional. “I was really lucky that I went to Milford Regional’s emergency department,” he emphasizes. “Any mistake could have permanently damaged my hand. I look back and I was so fortunate that Milford Regional had an on-call hand surgeon available at a moment’s notice on a Saturday morning.”

After Jim underwent the day surgery, he was sent home with pain medication and his wrist wrapped in a post-operative dressing and splint. After about 10 days, he was fitted for a

J im Lambert will never forget that life-changing moment three years ago when his competitive weightlifting dreams came to a devastating halt. Like any other Saturday morning, he was working out with the Robinson Weightlifting Team in Franklin. He was doing a barbell lift called “the clean,” lifting about 180 pounds, when everything went wrong.

Hear from Dr. Dietz on hand, arm and shoulder

conditions.Details on back page.

larger cast in Dr. Dietz’s office. During his recovery period, Jim sought additional opinions from

nationally recognized surgeons, including those who work with Boston’s professional sports teams. “My goal was to get 100 percent back so that I could keep competing,” Jim says. “I’d go to a surgeon and at every one of them a resident would be called into the room as they’d never seen this kind of injury. They all said the same thing—that Dr. Dietz diagnosed the problem completely on point and did an amazing job with the repair. They said that they couldn’t have done it better themselves.”

Jim admits that he was a difficult patient and wanted out of the cast as soon as possible. He had it taken off at 11 weeks and began physical therapy to regain his range of motion. He and Dr. Dietz had discussed how he could continue his strength training despite the wrist injury. Jim says he appreciates how Dr. Dietz worked with him on his individual goals and needs. “He really listened to me and considered my personal experience,” Jim notes. “I felt we were partners in this. He cared about what I wanted.”

Dr. Dietz knew when it was necessary to stand firm on his plans for Jim’s recovery and when he could compromise. While he stressed the importance of patience and rest, he recognized that Jim was a competitive athlete used to participating in three to four national weightlifting events per year. “We made some modifications in protocols, allowing him to lift a certain amount of weight on his other hand, or weights on the injured side without using the wrist,” Dr. Dietz explains. “You can still use certain muscle groups without stressing the repair. I think the most important part is to allow for whatever we’re working on to heal. If you don’t allow something to heal appropriately, it can lead to more issues which will keep you out of competition even longer.”

Jim continued physical therapy while going to weightlifting team practices.

Unfortunately, he had a setback when a year after his wrist surgery, he suffered an elbow injury on the same arm while using a wrench in his garage. He went straight to Dr. Dietz for what turned out to be a ruptured biceps tendon that required another surgical repair. “I knew who I wanted to fix it,” Jim says. “I trust him. He absolutely knows what he’s doing.”

Thankfully, the ruptured tendon wasn’t as debilitating as the wrist injury, and it took less effort for Jim to regain his strength and range of motion. Today, Jim is back to competing at the masters level in the 50-54 age category. He qualified for a national competition in 2017 and won his weight class. Jim is quick to attribute part of his recent success to the care he received from Milford Regional’s emergency department and Dr. Dietz on that fateful Saturday back in 2016.

“It’s pretty amazing, the idea that I could not only come back from a wrist injury like that, but lift more weight than I did three years ago,” marvels Jim. “What great care I got from Milford Regional and Dr. Dietz. I’ve had more than my share of trips to the hospital—I had my appendix out, stitches and two major repairs there—and I’ve never had a bad experience. I really feel lucky to have such a wonderful place right down the street. I am fully back. Why would I go to Boston? It’s an easy choice.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietz in Milford, call (508) 482-9490. m

Fall 2018 5

Jeffrey F. Dietz, MD, is an esteemed hand surgeon who specializes in hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions. He is board certified in both orthopaedic surgery and hand surgery. Dr. Dietz graduated with honors from the University ofVirginiaSchoolofMedicineand completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. He received further training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Boston while completing the Harvard Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship. In addition, he has received specialty training in microsurgery.

Dr. Dietz has been awarded regional “Top Doc” by Castle Connolly, voted on by his peers for four straight years, from 2014 to 2017. He has also been awarded Boston Magazine’s 2017 Top Doctors award. He is in practice with Drs. Michael Brunelli and Louis M. Jurist at New England Hand Associates in Milford.

Why did you decide to become a hand surgeon?

I like the fact that hand surgery allows me to do lots of different kinds of procedures including arthroscopic surgery and microsurgery, and treat many different conditions. I see a mixture of athletes, non-athletes, elderly patients and children. There is a wide variety of patients with upper extremity injuries and conditions.

Does a hand surgeon only perform surgery on hands?

I do everything from the shoulder down to the fingertips. We see a lot of broken wrists, tendon injuries in the hands and around the wrist, nerve injuries and damaged nerves to the wrist, tendonitis and arthritis. In non-traumatic and more chronic cases, we try things like bracing, inflammatory medications, physical therapy and sometimes cortisone injections. When those fail, we do surgery.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a physician?

The ability to put myself in the place of the patient and understand their needs and concerns. It makes it a much better partnership when you understand where the patient is coming from and have empathy.

What part of your job do you look forward to the most every day?

Talking to people. Every patient I meet is interesting in different ways, and that is what gets me through the day—getting to know my patients and finding out something interesting about them. m

Jeffrey F. Dietz, MDHand Surgeon

“During his recovery, Jim sought additional opinions from nationally recognized surgeons…they all said the same thing—that Dr. Dietz diagnosed the problem on point and did an amazing job with the repair. They said that they couldn’t have done it better themselves.”

—Jim LambertWrist Surgery Patient

In His Own Words

Today, Susan Ressler, 67, enjoys making pottery, volunteering at the library and performing with a local singing group,

but not long ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and feared she would never have normalcy again. Susan, who lived in Hopkinton at the time, recalls how she was feeling tired and her stomach felt off. Her primary care doctor ordered bloodwork that showed she was severely anemic.

Susan followed up with Ajay K. Batra, MD, of Milford Gastroenterology Associates, who performed a colonoscopy that revealed a 5.5-centimeter tumor. She was then referred to Nora Fullington, MD, of UMass Memorial General Surgery at Milford. At Susan’s appointment in October 2016, Dr. Fullington recommended a laparoscopic colectomy, a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the colon. While the prospect of surgery was intimidating, Susan says that she felt as if she were in good hands.

“She (Dr. Fullington) is very gentle…you just feel safe with her,” Susan notes. “She went over everything that was going to happen and what to expect. She’s so good at being specific and has such a way of reassuring people and making them smile. I didn’t feel anxious. I didn’t feel nervous. I felt safe. Dr. Fullington exudes confidence in herself and makes you feel the same way. She has a gift. She’s one in a million.”

The colon, also called the large intestine, is a long tube-like organ at the end of the digestive tract. According to Dr. Fullington, a colectomy can also be done for polyps that can’t be removed otherwise and could potentially develop into cancer, as well as for scarring, narrowing or inflammation of the colon, which can occur with diverticulitis—inflammation or infection of small pouches called diverticula that develop along the walls of the intestines.

“For many patients, at least part of a colectomy is performed laparoscopically, if it is safe to do so,” explains Dr. Fullington. “Susan underwent a sigmoid colon resection which is removal of the loopy last part of the colon before you get to the rectum.”

Susan is back to loving life and her dog, Sweetie Annie, grateful for the surgical expertise and support she received from Dr. Fullington, as well as the coordinated care between her gastroenterologist, surgeon and medical oncologist.

6 Good Feelings

Laparoscopic Colectomy One in a Million

Nora Fullington, MD,

joined the surgeons at UMass Memorial Medical Group in Milford in 2016. She graduated from New York Medical College in Valhalla,NewYork,witha degree in medicine in 2009. She performed a surgical residency at the University

of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, where she was chief resident. Dr. Fullington completed additional training as a research fellow in pediatric surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital and is board certified in surgery.

What appeals to you about general surgery?

I do a lot of abdominal surgery, hernias, appendix, gallbladder and emergency surgery in the abdomen, as well as putting in ports. It’s very gratifying to see a problem through from start to finish and develop such a strong relationship with the patient where the trust is enormous. You have to develop a relationship where a person makes themselves completely helpless in your hands and trusts you to take care of them. It’s an extremely rewarding field.

What is the one thing you learned in medical training that turned out to be much more valuable than you anticipated?

The one thing that has always driven me is to remember the relationship with your patient. Treat them as if they’re family. Everything falls in line as long as you have your motivation correct.

What have your patients taught you?You learn something new every single

day. People really open up. You learn how we’re all different and the same at the same time. Also, the resilience of the human spirit is pretty tremendous. It’s amazing how strong people can be and how that strength can transfer into real outcomes.

With your clear drive to help others, what do you do to take care of yourself?

I like to be active and enjoy the time with my family and friends outside of work. I visit friends in Boston and family in New York. m

7Fall 2018

During the minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon passes a tiny video camera through one incision and special surgical tools through other incisionsmadeintheabdominalwall.Viewingtheprocedureonavideoscreen in the operating room, she manipulates the surgical tools to free the diseased section of colon from the surrounding tissue and removes it through the small incision in the abdomen. The healthy ends of the colon are then re-connected to produce a continuous loop of bowel, Dr. Fullington explains.

“We then remove lymph nodes—trying to include all the draining lymph nodes—from that bowel so the pathologist can inspect them,” Dr. Fullington related. “On average, patients spend 2-3 days in the hospital depending on which part of the colon is removed. After colon surgery, you’ll want to have a couple weeks off without much planned. It’s important to move around and be active after surgery, but not to get back to work or significant activities for a couple of weeks. We send patients home with pain medication and recommend a healthy diet with a lot of protein.”

Susan had her laparoscopic colectomy in November 2016. According to Dr. Fullington, her tumor was stage IIIB with three out of 13 lymph nodes testing positive for cancer. She called Susan personally to review the results and to tell her that her oncologist, Humberto A. Rossi, MD, of Dana-Faber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional, would oversee

her chemotherapy. “I think it’s important to imagine that this is a family member going

through this,” says Dr. Fullington. “You need to talk to the patient in a way that satisfies all their concerns, explain things very clearly, and address the needs of the emotional side of all this and the fear that goes along with it. I think it’s important to provide the information in actual steps of the process, as it can be overwhelming.”

Susan spent two nights at the hospital and remembers Dr. Fullington stopping in to check on her several times. “I was walking the next day and took a shower,” Susan says. “When Dr. Fullington called me at home to tell me they did find cancer in some lymph nodes, she said it was okay. She said, ‘You’re going to start chemo and I think it’s going to go just fine; so don’t worry about any of that and I’ll touch base with you to see how you’re doing.’ I mean, who does that? She’s so amicable.”

Dr. Fullington put in her port for chemotherapy under sedation in the OR. The port, a small disc about the size of a quarter, is usually placed on the chest and sits just under the skin. A thin tube called a catheter connects it to a large vein. Chemotherapy medicines are given through a special needle that fits into the port.

Susan underwent chemo from December 2016 through June 2017. Later, Dr. Fullington removed the port in her office using a local anesthetic. Since then, Susan has moved to New Salem, where she enjoys keeping herself busy and living closer to her sister.

“I feel good,” she says. “It’s beyond me why anyone would ever think going into Boston is a better option with all that stress and anxiety. Everyone was so attentive and aware of the fact that you’re there because there’s a problem. They’re good people and they’re passionate about what they’re doing. The collaboration of Milford Regional and Dana Farber is the best thing that could have been done for the town.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Fullington, call (508) 458-4250. m

“Dr. Fullington went over everything that was going to happen and what to expect. She has a way of reassuring people… I didn’t feel anxious. I didn’t feel nervous. I felt safe. Dr. Fullington exudes confidence in herself and makes you feel the same way. She’s one in million.”

—Susan Ressler Laparoscopic Colectomy Patient

Nora Fullington, MDGeneral Surgeon

In Her Own Words

8 Good Feelings

JoAnn breathes easier knowing her proactive approach

to healthcare prevented potential calamity down the

road.

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Better Safe Than Sorry

“It was an easy procedure and if they hadn’t done it, I would’ve ended up with some kind of cancer down the road,” she notes.

JoAnn, 70, a retired teacher, underwent an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) at Milford Regional. This procedure allows a doctor to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs.

JoAnn had been seeing Gastroenterologist Albert A. Crimaldi, MD, for 10 years, since relocating from Oklahoma. She initially needed care for liver issues, which were resolved but required occasional blood tests as a precaution. Due to her family history, JoAnn continued to see Dr. Crimaldi for follow-ups. Last winter, her acid reflux symptoms caused Dr. Crimaldi to order endoscopy testing that revealed a small hernia and polyps near the gall bladder. The polyps were removed, but to obtain a broader view on another suspicious lump, he referred JoAnn to Stephen Rotman, MD, his colleague at Milford Gastroenterology Associates, Inc., for an endoscopic ultrasound. Upon the recommendation of her trusted long-time gastroenterologist, JoAnn didn’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Rotman. She was not disappointed.

“Dr. Rotman is just a really personable, nice man,” JoAnn states. “He explains everything really well. He was very patient, and you can tell he knows what he is talking about. Sometimes when you get a doctor, they have one hand on the doorknob…not this doctor. The physician group and their staff are first-rate. It feels like family as I’ve been going there for so long.”

Dr. Rotman describes the EUS procedure as ultrasound technology from the inside, as opposed to traditional ultrasound which creates images from outside the body. Like with an endoscopy, the doctor passes a thin, flexible tube through the patient’s mouth and into the digestive tract. A small ultrasound device in the tube produces sound waves that create a precise image of internal organs such as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts and lymph nodes, which are then projected onto a large computer screen.

“An endoscopy looks inside the GI tract, while the EUS lets us see outside of it behind the wall of the stomach or small intestine to the organs that are deeper,” explains Dr. Rotman. “The detail is much finer than with other tests like an MRI, CAT scan or a regular ultrasound. People can have lumps and bumps in the GI tract, and the ultrasound gives us a tool to see where those are sitting and to see underneath the lining. It’s also a very sensitive way of looking for gallstones, and if we find any we can take them out at the same time.”

Dr. Rotman used the EUS technology to determine that JoAnn’s three-centimeter lesion wasn’t deep in the wall and performed an endoscopic mucosal resection while she was still under sedation. This additional procedure removes early-stage cancer and precancerous growths from the lining of the digestive tract.

After watching her parents struggle with colon cancer and her grandmother with esophageal cancer, JoAnn Pike of Norfolk feared a similar scary diagnosis might loom in her own future.

As a result, she made sure to remain under the close supervision of a gastroenterologist. Last winter, thanks to her proactive attitude and the careful attention of her doctors, JoAnn had a precancerous lesion removed from her small intestine, which never would have been found had she taken a passive stance toward her health.

9Fall 2018

“We were able to see that it was superficial and safe to remove, so we were able to take it out right then and there rather than take a sample,” he says.

Ultimately, since the lesion was precancerous, no other doctors needed to get involved. Depending on the findings from EUS, patients may be referred to a surgeon and/or oncologist. Dr. Rotman notes that reasons for undergoing an endoscopic ultrasound include family history of pancreatic cancer, a history of inflammation or cysts in the pancreas or if another test shows an abnormality, as in JoAnn’s case. Many patients will first undergo an endoscopy, often for symptoms such as pain or bleeding, and be scheduled for the ultrasound if their doctor wants further evaluation. Other times, Dr. Rotman performs both the endoscopy and the ultrasound during the same session.

“We see people in their 20s with pancreatic cysts we have to figure out, and people in their 90s with new growths and stones,” relates Dr. Rotman. “Some cysts are benign and others are not. With the ultrasound, you can measure it, determine where it is, whether there is anything inside it, and take a sample.”

Patients typically undergo deep sedation as they would for a colonoscopy or endoscopy and go home the same day. According to Dr. Rotman, most of the endoscopic ultrasounds take between 30 and 60 minutes. In addition to being a diagnostic tool, EUS can also be helpful in other ways.

“You can place little markers inside of a tumor to give the radiation oncologists a target to see what they’re treating, or you can drain fluid collection,” Dr. Rotman says. “Some people with pancreatic cancer have abdominal pain, and we can do a nerve block to numb the sensation of pain. The list of therapeutic opportunities has grown significantly.”

After JoAnn’s lesion was determined to be benign, the next step was scheduling her for the PillCam SB, an ingestible capsule device equipped with a miniature video camera to visualize the small intestine.

“There’s about 20-30 feet of the small intestine that you can’t see even with EUS,” explains Dr. Rotman. “We did the PillCam to check and make sure there were no other polyps in the small intestine.”

That test showed no additional problems. JoAnn is thankful to have Milford Gastroenterology Associates’ physicians following her so closely to monitor any other abnormalities that might occur. She also praises the hospital for making her feel safe and comfortable during all her procedures.

“My husband and I have both been to Milford Regional for a number of things, and we’ve been so pleased with the care we’ve gotten and the people we’ve encountered at the hospital,” she says. “They make it easy from the minute you walk in the door. We went to another hospital when my husband fell in Boston, and there’s a difference…everything took forever.”

JoAnn relishes time spent with her grandchildren and hiking with her husband at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. She encourages others to not take such peaceful times for granted.

“If something comes up, don’t be afraid to go get it examined,” she says. “I’m very grateful for the care that I received and think being proactive is always better.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rotman, call (508) 478-6363. m

“An endoscopy looks inside the GI tract, while the EUS lets us see outside of it behind the wall of the stomach or small intestine to the organs that are deeper. The detail is much finer than with other tests like an MRI or CAT scan…”

– Stephen Rotman, MDGastroenterologist

Stephen Rotman, MD, of Milford Gastroenterology Associates is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He received his medical degree from New York MedicalCollegeinValhalla,NewYork, and completed his internship and residency training at Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Rotman then went on to a gastroenterology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He completed an additional year of training in advanced and therapeutic endoscopy at NYU Medical Center in Manhattan. Dr. Rotman has taught at Harvard Medical School and Weill Cornell Medical College.

In addition to advanced endoscopy, he also has clinical interest in general gastroenterology. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young children, staying active with running and biking, and reading.

Why did you choose to be a gastroenterologist?I was interested in the varied disease processes that

can occur in the GI tract. The stomach is different from the small intestine, which is different from the liver and the colon. I like that I can see patients in the office and then do advanced endoscopic procedures, combining those two aspects of medical care and helping people in a broad way. Most days I’ll spend half the day in the office and the other half in the hospital.

What gives you the most satisfaction from your job?

Anytime you can see someone through from problem to solution is satisfying. Sometimes it’s not the cure when you diagnose someone with a growth, and we refer them to an oncologist or surgeon, but it helps them to move forward in their care. I like being part of that care team.

What part of your job do you look forward to the most every day?

Seeing so many people every day is always interesting, and them letting you into their lives in a very personal way is humbling.

What do you feel is your biggest strength as a physician?

I try to continue to grow and help to expand the available work we can do in the gastroenterology division. I’ll go to conferences, talks, and to endoscopy day courses to expand my skills and see what other folks are doing with the technology. People appreciate it when we can do more locally and make it convenient for them to get their care. m

Stephen Rotman, MDGastroenterologist

In His Own Words

10 Good Feelings

The arrival of Omar Arnaout, MD, to Milford Regional completes the Brigham and Women’s neurosurgery team at our Medical Center and brings expertise in both spine and brain surgery. This highly respected and published neurosurgeon attended Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, graduating with a degree in medicine in 2010. He performed a neurological surgery residency at McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University and a fellowship in skull base surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Arnaout continued his training with a minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery fellowship at The Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Dr. Arnaout joins Neurosurgeons Timothy Smith, MD, and Hasan Zaidi, MD, at Brigham and Women’s Neurosurgery of Milford, located on the second floor of the Hill Health Center on Milford Regional’s campus.

Q: What made you decide to become a neurosurgeon?A: I have been passionate about neurosurgery since I was a teenager. My

grandmother, who I was very close with, had brain surgery for a meningioma when I was young. Later, I had a chance to shadow her surgeon in clinic and the operating room. It quickly became obvious to me that the field was incredibly challenging and rewarding at the same time. I’ve been drawn to it ever since.

Q: What surgical services will you be providing at Milford Regional?A: We are currently providing the entire spectrum of spine surgery at Milford

Regional, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. This encompasses minimally invasive surgery, such as decompressions and microdiscectomies, as well as minimally invasive fusion. When the need arises, we have the ability to perform traditional open surgery, including correction of deformity or scoliosis. In addition to surgery, we are caring for more and more head injury or brain bleed patients at Milford, keeping them in their community and close to their families rather than

transferring them to a distant tertiary hospital.We are also expanding our range of services. We will soon have intra-operative

navigation systems which will further the ability to perform minimally invasive surgery. Finally, I am helping set up the foundation that I hope will enable us to do brain tumor surgeries at Milford, on select cases, in the near future.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a surgeon?A: My relationship with my patients. Early on, one of my mentors told me

that the key to the practice of medicine is to treat your patients like you would your family. I have carried that with me since and now share it regularly with my trainees as a cardinal rule. That simple mantra makes decision making very simple: If you treat your patients like family, you will always do right by them.

Q: How important is the physician/patient relationship to you in caring for your patients?

A: Crucial. To me, the field of neurosurgery is not about the procedures, but rather the long-term relationships I have with my patients. Good outcomes are tied closely to having strong therapeutic relationships. As a result, I often see patients more than once prior to discussing surgery and then regularly in the post-operative period. For the patients I see who do not need surgery, it is still critical to have a close relationship so that I can help guide them to the outcome they are looking for.

Q: You are on the staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. What made you decide to bring your surgical expertise to Milford Regional?

A: I enjoy being able to offer patients high-level neurosurgical care right in their community. A large part of recovery after surgery is having a strong

support network, and keeping patients within that network is very meaningful. I am also proud that for all the procedures being done at Milford, I am able to offer

the same techniques done with the same type of equipment that we are able to offer at the main Brigham and Women’s campus.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arnaout, call (617) 732-6600. m

Physician Spotlight GettingToKnowYouOmar Arnaout, MDNeurosurgeon: A surgeon who specializes in surgery on the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord.

11Fall 2018

Michael Sganga, DPM, is highly regarded for his expertise in foot and ankle surgery, which is affirmed by his impressive list of medical publications and sought-after presentations held throughout the years. He graduated from Temple University of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2013. He completed an internship and residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at Mount Auburn Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and was a Clinical Fellow in Surgery at Harvard Medical School.

In addition, Dr. Sganga has completed numerous advanced trainings and specialized certifications. He is in practice with Drs. Arthur Christiano, Ethan Healy, Daniel Osuch, Sean Rockett, Agam Shah and Symeon Zannikos at Orthopedics New England in Hopkinton.

Q: What made you decide to specialize in podiatry?A: As a podiatrist, my ability to practice in a variety of ways while helping a

wide range of people is what drew me to the field. Podiatry is a unique field that encompasses total lower extremity care. I can perform simple or major surgery, treat and alleviate pain in non-surgical ways, and provide a high level of care to many patients. The hands-on approach allows me to personalize each patient’s care and provide an individual treatment plan for each patient. Helping people feel better and remain active is my passion.

Q: Your advanced training is very impressive. What types of surgeries are you bringing to Milford Regional that our patients can benefit from?

A: I specialize in advanced sports surgical procedures, reconstruction, and trauma of the foot and ankle. I am excited to be able to bring to the Milford community foot and ankle arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive approaches to a wide array of foot and ankle surgeries, and advanced fixation and rehab protocols that will allow people to resume activities and get moving faster. I rarely keep people off their feet for long and focus on techniques that speed recovery. In particular, reconstruction of congenital or chronic deformity; flatfoot reconstruction; ankle arthroscopy and cartilage resurfacing or repair; and ligament reconstruction with joint preserving techniques are some of the procedures I am passionate about.

Q: What advances are there in foot and ankle surgery that you are excited about?

A: I am excited about the advances in arthroscopic surgery and what we, in the field of podiatry, are able to accomplish through arthroscopic surgery. The newer advances in cartilage repair and resurfacing are particularly exciting.

Q: What is your strength as a foot and ankle surgeon?A: I take a very personal approach to all my patients and treat them as

if they were family. I think my biggest strength is the ability to do what is needed for the patient to get the best outcome while putting myself in the patient’s position and remaining compassionate.

Q: How would your patients describe you?A: Humble and personable. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?A: The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a patient be able to

get back to an activity they were unable to do before surgery. Hearing that a patient’s pain is gone and they are happy with the outcome is what motivates me to strive for excellence every day.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sganga, call (508) 458-6050. m

GettingToKnowYouMichael Sganga, DPMPodiatrist: A physician who treats the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

Join Dr. Gehani for a lecture on sinusitis!Tuesday, May 7Details on back page.

Join Dr. Sganga for

a lecture on common foot and ankle pain!

Details on back page.

WishingYouWellWELLNESS

Please note: All programs are led by certified instructors. Also, in order that we may make our Wellness Programs comfortable for all participants, we ask that you refrain from wearing perfume to class.

NOTE: All classes are subject to cancellation if minimum registration requirements are not met 48 hours prior to the first class.

All Wellness Programs are offered at one of the following locations:

• Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center 60 North Bow Street, Milford

• Milford Regional Medical Center 14 Prospect Street, Milford

Visit milfordregional.org for registration details. Check back in December for the winter class schedule.

Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center60 North Bow Street, MilfordFabulously FitA slower-paced, joint-friendly, low-impact aerobics workout set to energizing music that will give cardiac and respiratory benefits, help control your weight, and strengthen your bones and muscles.Mondays, 6 - 7 p.m.$85, Sept. 24 - Dec. 10 (no class Oct. 8 & Nov. 19)

Qi Gong and T’ai Chi Combo ClassQi gong and t’ai chi are systems for fostering health and peace of mind by releasing and taking in fresh energy (called qi) through a sequence of slow moving, dance-like, martial arts postures. This connection provides a basis for a stress management program and a method for releasing daily tension. Please wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, comfortable shoes or sneakers. Mondays, 7 - 8 p.m. $85, Sept. 24 - Dec. 10 (no class Oct. 8 & Nov. 19)

Ease Into Fitness Get back into fitness or start fresh with low impact, lite cardio, muscle sculpt and core. This workout is designed for those starting new, coming off an injury or just getting back to exercise! Get heart healthy, gain strength and core stability and feel confident during this fun and motivating beginners course! Bring light, hand-held weights, (1, 2 or 3 lbs.) and a mat or towel. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes.Tuesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. $85, Sept. 25 - Dec. 4 (no class Nov. 20)

Cardio, Core & Conditioning – The Triple Crown of Fitness!Core, cardio & strength training combine to create the trifecta of health and fitness! This class is for any fitness level and will challenge your stamina, build muscle and bone, and strengthen your core. It’s an all-in-one workout for everyone! Please bring hand-held weights, a mat and water.Thursdays, 6 - 7 p.m. $85, Sept. 27 - Dec. 6 (no class Nov. 22)

Journey to MindfulnessReconnect with yourself through this class that helps you focus on self-awareness. This class will explore the mind-body connection, help you manage stress and add perspective to your daily life. Mindfulness can not only improve concentration, help you manage your emotions and increase mental clarity, but may have other health benefits such as lower blood pressure, increased immune function and improved general health.Thursdays, 7 - 8 p.m. $120, Sept. 27 - Dec. 6 (no class Nov. 22)

Hand Reflexology WorkshopReflexology is a natural, non-invasive integrative therapy that supports the body’s ability to heal itself. In this self-help workshop, you will learn the basic finger techniques of reflexology and target specific reflex points that represent different areas of the body. With these basic skills you can work on yourself and others to help alleviate stress, reduce pain and restore balance to the body and mind. To register, go to milfordregional.org. Cost $40.Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Milford Regional Conference Room CGround Floor, Main Building

12 Wishing You Well

Community EducationCSI: Cardio-Strength Integration Never take another boring fitness class again with this unique mix of cardio and strength exercises! Designed for beginners as well as experienced exercisers, CSI consists of circuit training, weight training and movement with fun, upbeat music to get you motivated! The class progresses each week and includes individualized instruction if needed. Bring hand-held weights (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 lbs.) and a mat.Tuesdays, 7 - 8 p.m.$85, Sept. 25 - Dec. 4 (no class Nov. 20)

Pilates 101 Learn the basics of Pilates to strengthen your core, improve balance and condition your upper and lower body. This class will incorporate flex bands, stability balls and light hand-held weights to get you toned and strong. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat and a towel.Wednesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. $85, Sept. 26 - Dec. 12 (no class on Oct. 31 & Nov. 21)

Kundalini YogaKundalini yoga is a powerful combination of stretching, chanting, breathwork, meditation and relaxation which works the entire mind-body system. The exercises are designed to tune up the physical body, balance emotions and break negative thought patterns. Please bring a towel and a mat, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wednesdays, 7 - 8 p.m. $85, Sept. 26 - Dec. 12 (no class on Oct. 31 & Nov. 21)

We encourage Blackstone Valley residents to consider accessing Whitin Community Center, 60 Main St., Whitinsville, for your health and wellness classes. Mention you saw this in the Good Feelings magazine and receive a one-time 25% discount off the annual membership fee and no joining fee for new members. The offer is good through Oct. 31, 2018. For information or to get a free 14-day trial, contact Karen Boyle, Director of Member Services, at (508) 234-8184, ext. 119.

13Fall 2018

Community EducationEATING LIGHT – EATING RIGHTTo register, go to milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206.

Intuitive EatingLearn to make food choices for the right reasons, listen to your body, and enjoy eating without guilt or regret! This program will help further your journey towards a healthier lifestyle without feeling restricted or punished. Free.Thursday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.Conference Room B

Nutrition During and After Cancer TreatmentProper nutrition is always important, but when you receive a cancer diagnosis, it may be the last thing on your mind. Learn from our nutritionist how to eat during treatment, what types of food may be best for you as you deal with treatment complications, and what supplements you may need to take, as well as how a proper diet can help you heal after treatment. Free.Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.Conference Room C

Recipe for Prevention: InflammationInflammation is a symptom of many chronic diseases including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease and inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s Disease. While these conditions can be managed medically, the foods you eat may help reduce the symptoms. Learn the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet from our dietitians as they discuss which foods have anti-inflammatory properties and which foods may exacerbate inflammation. Free.Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.Conference Room B

LIVING WITH CANCERAll cancer programs meet at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional, 20 Prospect Street.

Look Good… Feel BetterAre you currently having treatments for cancer? Have you recently completed treatment? Look Good…Feel Better offers cancer patients the opportunity to learn about treatment and post-treatment care for hair, skin and inner beauty. The program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Free.Second Wednesday of each month, 2 - 4 p.m.For more information and to register, call Christine Mort at (508) 488-3702.

Coping Creatively With CancerNo artistic talent needed! This expressive arts group for people living with cancer is not about making great art, but expressing feelings that can sometimes be hard to talk about. There is no critiquing, no judgement – just come to have fun, do something different, meet other people on a similar journey and let your creative self flow. Free.Third Monday of each month through December, 2 - 3:30 p.m.For more information, call Ceceley Chambers at (508) 488-3743 or e-mail her at ceceley_chambers@dfci.harvard.edu.

Cancer Support GroupsFor a complete list of current support groups, go to our support group listing on page 15.

PREVENTIONFreedom from SmokingThe American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program is an 8-week small group session for tobacco users who are ready to quit led by a certified facilitator. The program features a step-by-step plan for quitting smoking and each session is designed to help smokers gain control over their behavior. Because no single quit smoking plan is right for all smokers, the program presents a variety of evidence-based techniques for individuals to combine into their own plan to quit smoking. Registration is required. To register, visit milfordregional.org. For more information, call (508) 422-2206. $100Wednesdays, Sept. 26 - Nov. 7, 7 p.m.Women’s Pavilion Conference Room, 4th floor, Milford Regional’s Hill Health Center

For information about cancer and tips for prevention, contact the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Register online at milfordregional.org

Mindfulness Based Stress ReductionThis intensive 8-week program teaches skills and perspectives to help manage stress, avoid overwhelming emotions and keep stress from exacerbating health issues. The class is led by Marjorie Zyirek-Bacon, MD, who is a qualified teacher of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program which originated at UMass Medical School. The first course is scheduled for the week of Sept. 17. For more information, or to register, contact Renee or Pam at Hopedale Cardiovascular Associates: (508) 473-1015.

14 Wishing You Well

CERTIFICATION All programs meet in Milford Regional’s Physicians Conference Center A, Ground Floor, Main Building unless otherwise noted.

INCLEMENT WEATHER Listen to radio station WMRC 1490 AM/My FM 101.3 or call the Medical Center at (508) 473-1190 to check the status of your course or program.

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPRThis course is intended for participants who provide healthcare, or anyone who is required to take a healthcare provider-level course for employment. A course completion card is awarded to participants who successfully complete the course, including the written examination and skills demonstration. The course cost includes a manual and one-way valve mask. The manual will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course, and the mask will be provided at the class. Cost: $100.Thursday, Oct. 4, OR Wednesday, Jan. 2, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR for Those Previously TrainedThis class is for the person who holds a current BLS Provider card. You will need to bring the current manual (with the numbers 15-1010 printed on the back cover in the bottom right corner) and a one-way valve mask to class. If you need to purchase a mask when you register, it will be given to you at the class. The manual, if purchased, will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. A course completion card is awarded. Cost $60; Manual: $15; Mask: $10.Thursday, Oct. 11 OR Monday, Jan. 7, 6 - 9 p.m.

BLAST! Babysitting CourseThis one-day session (developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics) prepares boys and girls 11 to 14 years old to interview for a babysitting job and learn the babysitter basics, as well as basic first aid and CPR. Register early as this class fills very quickly! Cost $60.Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 - 2:30 p.m. ORSaturday, Jan. 12, 10 - 2:30 p.m.

CPR for Family and FriendsThis class is designed primarily for those who want to learn CPR and foreign-body airway obstruction relief skills for the rescue of family and friends. This is not a certification course; it is not designed for participants who need a CPR card or credential. The course includes instruction for adult and infant and child CPR. Cost $50.Monday, Nov. 12, 6 - 9 p.m.

Heartsaver CPR AEDThis course teaches adult, infant and child CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve choking on adults, infants and children. It is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory or other requirements. The manual is included in the course fee and will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. A one-way valve mask is also included in the course fee and will be provided to you at the class. Class Cost: $95Tuesday, Oct. 23 ORMonday, Jan. 14, 6 - 10 p.m.

Heartsaver First AidThis course covers first aid basics as well as medical, injury and environmental emergencies, including the first aid skills recommended by OSHA. The course includes a first aid manual which will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a first aid course completion card. Cost: $70.Thursday, Oct. 18 OR Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6 - 9 p.m.

The above are American Heart Association courses taught by AHA instructors.

Register online at milfordregional.org

SPOTLIGHTTo register, go to milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206.

Practical Tips for Raising Good EatersMost parents think that feeding their children will be easy and that kids will learn to eat a variety of foods without trouble as they grow, but what happens when a child refuses to eat foods that are offered to them and starts to become a “picky” eater? Feeding specialist Michelle Skeldon, MS, CCC-SLP, will discuss feeding skill development and research-based recommendations if you have problems feeding your child. Free.Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. Conference Room C

SENIOR FOCUSMilford Regional sponsors lunchtime presentations in partnership with the Milford senior center featuring physicians and other hospital staff speaking on health issues important to seniors. All luncheons are held at the Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center, 60 North Bow Street, Milford, from 12:30 - 2 p.m. The cost is $5, due upon registration, but is fully refundable at the program. For a schedule of speakers and to register, call (508) 473-8334.

15Fall 2018

Good Feelings is published twice yearly by Milford Regional, 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757. Nonprofit postage paid. Issue date: Fall 2018. Material contained here is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, consult a physician or other healthcare professional.

Terri McDonald VP of PR, Marketing & Communications; Editor

Donna Boynton PR/Community Benefits Coordinator

Donna Boynton Stacy JubaTerri McDonald Writers

Glenn Perry Photographer

is published as a community serviceNon Discrimination and Accessibility Practices Notice Milford Regional Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities.ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-508-422-2148.ATENÇÃO: Se fala português, encontram-se disponíveis serviços linguísticos, grátis. Ligue para 1-508-422-2148.

SUPPORT GROUPSCancer Support GroupsBreast CancerThis group is for women who would like to meet other women to explore ways to cope with their diagnosis and its effect on their lives. It also offers women an opportunity to support each other. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (508) 488-3783. Free. First Wednesday of each month, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

Caring for the Caregiver This group is for those who are helping a loved one or friend get through cancer treatment. The program provides practical information to support the caregiver and offers an opportunity to meet and gain support from others coping with similar issues. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (508) 488-3783. Free.First Wednesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

Coping with CancerThese sessions offer an opportunity for individuals with cancer to offer support to one another and explore ways of coping with the stresses created by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. For information, call (508) 488-3783. Free. Second Tuesday of each month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

GIM Discussion GroupPatients with esophageal cancer are invited to join in a discussion of common challenges during treatment and survivorship. Family members are welcome. Call (508) 488-3743. Free. Third Tuesday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m.Physician Conference Center B, Ground Floor, Main Building, Milford Regional Medical Center

Grief Support GroupThis is a support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer. Come for comfort, compassion and mutual understanding from others. Open to those at any stage of their grief journey. Registration is required. For information and to register, call Ceceley Chambers, chaplain, at (508) 488-3743. Free. Third Wednesday of each month, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

General Support GroupsBreastfeeding is Beautiful (BIB) This group provides lactation support and encouragement, professional breastfeeding resources, mother-to-mother peer support and a relaxed, informal environment for breastfeeding women and their babies. A certified lactation specialist is available to answer questions and address concerns. Pregnant women are welcome to attend. For more information, call (508) 422-2960. Free.First and third Thursday of each month, 10 to 11 a.m.Milford Regional Maternity Education RoomSecond Floor, Main Building

Mother Talk For new mothers with infants 0-8 months. Registration is not required. For more information, call the childbirth education department at (508) 473-1190, extension 5076. Free.Second Thursday of each month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.Milford Regional Maternity Education RoomSecond Floor, Main Building

Emotional Wellbeing After BabyA group for new mothers dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-doubt and other uncertainties. New moms can meet in this nurturing environment to share their experiences and build a network of support. Contact Timoria McQueen, Boston MetroWest Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, at (508) 419-3103 or ewabmilford@gmail.com Free.Second and Fourth Sunday of each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m.Milford Regional Conference Room CGround Floor, Main Building

Stroke Survivors Support GroupFor stroke survivors and their family members and friends. For more information, call (508) 422-2552. Free.Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Milford Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine42 Cape Road, Milford

Traumatic Brain Injury Support GroupFor survivors of brain injury and their family members and friends. For more information, call (508) 422-2559. Free.Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Women’s Pavilion Conference RoomFourth Floor, Hill Health Center

Multiple Sclerosis For more information, call Jo-Lynn Sullivan at (508) 928-2100. Free.Second Wednesday of each month, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Milford Regional CafeteriaGround Floor, Main Building

Parkinson’s Disease For more information, call Teresa at (508) 254-3913. Free.Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Women’s Pavilion Conference RoomFourth Floor, Hill Health Center

Road to RecoveryA weekly support group for family and friends of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. The support group follows a 12-step program to help understand the issues around addiction. For more information call Katie Truitt (774) 248-4526 or e-mail ktruitt3@gmail.com. Free.Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Conference Room C, Ground Floor, Main Building

Register online at milfordregional.org

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATIONMilford Regional offers a variety of childbirth education programs for the entire family, including childbirth preparation programs for first-time parents, teens and for those who have delivered before. We also offer breastfeeding, sibling, and Baby & Me classes, as well as new mom support groups.For more information, visit our website milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206.

The following programs are free but registration is required as seating is limited. Please go to milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206 to register. The program meets in Milford Regional’s Physicians Conference Room B, Ground Floor, Main Building.

Blood Sugar Testing: What’s In It For Me?Are you testing your blood sugar and not sure what to do with the results? Blood sugar testing can provide you the information you need regarding your diabetes medication, when to test, what affects your blood sugar and much more. Discover what’s new with blood sugar testing.Monday, Oct. 15, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

What’s for Dinner?Are you looking for a simple way to get dinner on the table? Meal planning is the gift that keeps on giving. Learn from one of our registered dietitians how to prep your kitchen for a week of healthy eating. Learn simple tips and tricks for healthy eating whether you live alone or with others. In the end, you’ll turn a stressful time of day—dinner time—into one that is enjoyable and relaxing! Wednesday, Nov. 28, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

DIABETES

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDORLANDO FLPERMIT 1556

14 Prospect St.Milford, MA 01757

Wishing You Well

CONNECT WITH US…Web Sitemilfordregional.org

PinterestCheck out our boards at pinterest.com/milfordregional

Facebook and TwitterBecome a Milford Regional Facebook fan and follow us on Twitter at @milfordregional

YouTubeWatch patient testimonials, physician lectures and Milford Regional videos

LECTURE SERIESJoin us for our fall lectures with our hand surgeon, foot and ankle specialist, and physical therapists.

Footloose and Pain Free: Treatments for Common Foot and Ankle PainYour feet and ankles are complex, weight-bearing body parts that are susceptible to pain and injury. Foot and ankle pain can strike at any age – regardless of whether you run marathons or walk around your neighborhood. Michael L. Sganga, DPM, is a skilled podiatrist with extensive training in foot and ankle surgery. From bunions and broken bones to torn Achilles tendons and ingrown toenails, Dr. Sganga treats a variety of conditions. Come learn about the latest in podiatric medicine, as well as surgical and non-surgical treatments that will help keep you active and on your feet! Free.Monday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.Presenters: Michael L. Sganga, DPM

Orthopedics of New England

Managing Pain with Dry NeedlingDo you suffer from unrelenting pain? Have you tried many treatments without success? Come learn about how dry needling could offer the relief you’ve been looking for – whether you have back, neck or shoulder pain; headaches; tendonitis; osteoarthritis; plantar fasciitis; or chronic pain. Our specially trained physical therapists will discuss this treatment and how it is helping many people manage their pain. Free.Monday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.Presenter: Amanda Keefe, PT, DPT, Cert DN

Ryan Davia, PT, DPT

From Carpal Tunnel to Tennis Elbow – Getting a Handle on Your Hand, Wrist and Elbow PainMany people suffer from painful hand, wrist and elbow injuries and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, arthritis and tendonitis. Jeffrey F. Dietz, MD, is a highly regarded hand surgeon who specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of fractures, dislocations, and joint, nerve and tendon conditions. Join us for an evening to discuss the options available to alleviate pain and discomfort in your upper extremities. Free.Monday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.Presenter: Jeffrey F. Dietz, MD

New England Hand Associates

16

Milford Regional Physicians Conference Center, Ground Floor, Main Building

Registration is requested, as seating is limited. Go to our website milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206.