Healthy Matters e-newsletter from Harvard Vanguard

Welcome to the first edition of our new e-newsletter called Healthy Matters. Each issue will feature health information and tips from our clinicians in primary and specialty care, as well as helpful links to information, resources and news on our website, blog and social media sites.

Just about every adult has at some point experienced back pain which has interfered with their work, daily routine or recreational activities. In fact, back pain is the 2nd most common neurological ailment in the United States (headaches are #1). Read physical therapist Kyle Coffey's suggestions for stretches and at-home treatment options you can try and some guidelines on when you should contact your doctor.

Warmer weather will be arriving any day now so be sure to get outside and get active! Whether you enjoy leisurely walks or more challenging hikes, or just want to find a new place to bike with your kids, check out this blog posting for ways to soak in the beauty of springtime in New England – and get in a good cardio workout too!

Physician Video Profiles: Behind the Stethoscope

To make it easier to select a new doctor, over time we will be adding short video profiles of each of our primary care doctors accepting new patients. Check out this page on our website for a list of doctors accepting patients – if they have a video profile, you will see a camera icon

next to their name. Click on the icon and get to know a little more about the person behind the stethoscope.

The average number of prescriptions an adult fills at pharmacies each year is 14 - for those 65 and older it is 34 prescriptions. It can be hard to get a handle on all of the medicines your family members take, but it's important to be in the know to protect their health and safety. To reduce the risk of medication errors and mishaps in your home, clinical pharmacist Nicole Allie shares some medication safety tips.

Did you know that you can get 24/7 telephone-based medical advice from Harvard Vanguard? After regular business hours, just call your doctor's office and you will automatically be connected with our medical staff who can answer your questions, consult with an on-call physician or help you schedule a next-day appointment. If you need to be seen on a holiday or weekend, we offer pre-scheduled urgent care appointments at six locations: Boston (Kenmore), Braintree, Chelmsford, Peabody, Somerville, and Wellesley. Learn more on our website.