Introducing Howard Grant, JD, MD, Lahey's new President and CEO
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Howard R. Grant has been chosen as Lahey's next president and chief executive officer. Grant comes to Lahey from Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pennsylvania.
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Dr. Robert Duncan, MD, MPH, Explains Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
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| Help for Urinary Incontinence | 
For years, Becky suffered in silence with urinary incontinence. Now, she has her life back, thanks to Lahey Clinic.
Learn more about this condition that affects more than 25 million people.
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Ready to Quit?
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Happy Autumn!
Fall is all about change and our Web site, www.lahey.org, has undergone significant changes recently. The fully redesigned site offers more robust information for patients, including new patient testimonials, a premier find-a-doctor tool, streamlined navigation and loads of easy-to-find content to address all of your health-related questions.
Now is also the season to start thinking about flu prevention. If you haven't had a flu shot yet, we encourage you to read "Fending Off Flu," as well as watch the related video featuring Lahey's Robert A. Duncan, MD, MPH.
In this issue, we also look at the benefits of support groups, and take a closer look at a problem millions suffer from, but few people want to talk about: urinary incontinence. Hear one woman's life-changing and inspiring story after undergoing the sling procedure at Lahey.
Finally, in recognition of American Diabetes Month in November, we shine a spotlight on diabetes, a condition currently affecting more than 18 million Americans.
As always, thanks for reading and be well! |
| Fending Off Flu | One of the most common ways people catch colds and the flu is by rubbing their noses or eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold or flu virus. According to infectious disease experts, the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick during flu season is to wash your hands often. Frequent hand washing may help to reduce the spread of viruses.
Some studies show that when children are taught to carefully wash their hands, school absenteeism is reduced. And the effect increases when alcohol-based hand rubs are used as a supplement to regular hand washing.
You cannot see germs with the naked eye. If you are in your doctor's office or if you are a patient in the hospital, speak up about hand washing. Health care providers are expected to clean their hands before entering an exam room, but if you don't see it done, don't be afraid to ask!
More about the Flu, including Lahey Clinic Flu Clinic Dates. |
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| The Power of Support | |
Whether you are dealing with a chronic illness, emotional problem, life transition, or want to enhance your health and well-being, the support of others in a similar situation can help.
What Is a Support Group?
 In earlier times, barn raisings, square dances, quilting bees, and other community gatherings were places where people came together to celebrate, nurture, encourage, and console one another. Today, most of us need that same nurturing, encouragement, intimacy and consolation, particularly during difficult times. But face-to-face interactions within the community are becoming increasingly scarce. If we are lucky, we get support from family and friends, but sometimes they cannot quite understand what it is like to be in our situation. A support or self-help group comprised of people in the same situation may help fill the void. Support and self-help groups involve regular meetings where people experiencing similar problems or life transitions come together to offer each other support and encouragement. In the last 25 years, there has been an increase in the number of support and self-help groups.
Although support and self-help groups can vary greatly, all groups share one thing in common-they are places where people can share personal stories, express emotions, and be heard in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and encouragement. Participants share information and resources. By helping others, people in a support group strengthen and empower themselves. In addition to providing support, some groups may also focus on community education or advocacy. The emotional support derived from support group participation can help reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on health. Further, people may greatly benefit from the information sharing that takes place in a support group. They may learn how to manage symptoms, develop better coping skills, and communicate more effectively with their doctors. By attending support groups, partners, friends, and family members may also learn how to be more understanding and supportive of their chronically ill loved ones. In time, all these benefits may help reduce stress and enhance recovery.
What Do You Get From a Support Group?
Support groups available at Lahey Clinic |
| November Is American Diabetes Awareness Month |
 According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3 percent of the population, who suffer from diabetes. The disease is characterized by an elevation in blood sugar due to the body's inability to produce or properly respond to insulin. The majority of people with diabetes have type 2, or the non-insulin-dependent form, of the disease. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is expected to double over the next 20 years.
Learn more about diabetes symptoms, diagnoses and treatment at Lahey Clinic. |
For information about our wide range of services please visit us on the Web at www.lahey.org. From everyone at Lahey Clinic we wish you a happy and healthy fall season! This message provides general health information. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained directly from a physician. |
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