Explore The November Issue: |
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FEATURED STORY |
Top Geriatrician Recommends Adding This Ingredient To Your Thanksgiving Shopping List |
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There may not be a recipe for living longer, but there is a simple, affordable superfood that can support healthy aging. Dr. Won Lee, geriatrician and director of Home Care Program at BMC, often encourages her patients to add tofu to their meals because it’s gentle on digestion, rich in nutrients, and supports strength and overall wellbeing. As our nutritional needs change with age, choosing foods that fuel energy, independence, and long-term health becomes especially important.
A complete protein that’s mild and easy on the stomach, tofu is packed with essential minerals like calcium and manganese that are essential to maintaining muscle mass. Adequate protein intake helps prevent age-related muscle loss, and tofu offers an accessible way to meet those protein goals without a lot of prep. Tofu is also rich in unsaturated fats and low in cholesterol, making it heart healthy. A 2020 study found that eating at least one serving of tofu a week reduced the risk of heart disease by 18%. It is also soft, easy to eat, and adaptable for a variety of cuisines.
“I find a lot of my patients would tell me that they don’t eat as much meat as they used to eat, for a lot of reasons: their teeth, taste changes, and costs. Being able to open people’s horizons to new foods that can impact their health is a lot of fun.” says Lee.
Willing to give tofu a try? Consider adding it to your Thanksgiving meal alongside your favorite holiday dishes. BMC’s Teaching Kitchen offers some tofu forward recipes to help spark inspiration.
Our geriatric team – recognized among the top 50 hospitals in the nation for Geriatrics by U.S. News & World Report, specializes in the unique medical, social, and functional needs of older adults, including providing support on diet and exercise to help aging individuals experience better quality of life. |
| Discover More About Geriatrics At BMC → |
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Navigate Your Diabetes From One Central Resource Hub |
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Living with any form of diabetes can bring added stress to your everyday life. If you turn to the internet for help, the amount of information about what to eat, drink, or avoid can make it hard to know where to start or which advice to trust.
That’s why the interdisciplinary diabetes team at Boston Medical Center (BMC) created the Diabetes Resource Center—a single, easy-to- |
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navigate hub that provides trusted information from experts designed to help you manage your condition with confidence. |
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Developed by BMC’s diabetes specialists, nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, and other experts, this online resource brings together trusted, up-to-date insight and practical tools to support you every step of the way. |
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Six Key Areas of Care
To help you find what you need quickly, the Diabetes Resource Center is organized into six key areas, each offering clear, evidence-based guides, tips, and videos: |
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Eating healthy – Build balanced, affordable meals that support better blood sugar control and overall health.
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Mindful exercise – Discover ways to stay active through movement you enjoy and make exercise part of your routine.
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Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have managed diabetes for years, the BMC Diabetes Resource Center and Diabetes Education team are here to help you take small, meaningful steps toward better health. |
| Explore The Diabetes Resource Center → |
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Navigate Your Diabetes From One Central Resource Hub |
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Living with any form of diabetes can bring added stress to your everyday life. If you turn to the internet for help, the amount of information about what to eat, drink, or avoid can make it hard to know where to start or which advice to trust.
That’s why the interdisciplinary diabetes team at Boston Medical Center (BMC) created the Diabetes Resource Center—a single, easy-to-navigate hub that provides trusted information from experts designed to help you manage your condition with confidence.
Developed by BMC’s diabetes specialists, nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, and other experts, this online resource brings together trusted, up-to-date insight and practical tools to support you every step of the way
Six Key Areas of Care
To help you find what you need quickly, the Diabetes Resource Center is organized into six key areas, each offering clear, evidence-based guides, tips, and videos:
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Eating healthy – Build balanced, affordable meals that support better blood sugar control and overall health.
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Mindful exercise – Discover ways to stay active through movement you enjoy and make exercise part of your routine.
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Blood sugar monitoring – Learn what your numbers mean so you can make confident, day-to-day decisions
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Medicine for diabetes – Get reliable information about insulin, oral medications, and how treatments work together.
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Managing complications – Find advice to help prevent, identify, and manage common diabetes-related complications early.
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Mental health care – Explore tools to manage stress and care for your emotional well-being as part of your diabetes plan.
Supporting You Every Step of the
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have managed diabetes for years, the BMC Diabetes Resource Center and Diabetes Education team are here to help you take small, meaningful steps toward better health. |
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Lung Cancer Screenings Help Karyn Stay One Step Ahead |
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“My primary care doctor told me I should get a CT screening for lung cancer,” Karyn explains. “It wasn’t something that was on my mind.
Since her cigarette use put her at higher risk for lung cancer, Karyn was referred to BMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Lung Nodule Evaluation Program. The team explained that she was eligible to receive a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan every year, which can detect lung cancer early—before symptoms start. |
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Karyn trusts her care team and appreciates the peace of mind her screenings bring. “Every time, they say that nothing has changed — just some scarring,” she says. “That’s the best news.” She also values the additional services BMC offers its patients. There’s nothing you can’t get — food, help with rent, counseling for mental health, free services if you don’t have insurance. They really help people. BMC is a wonderful hospital, and I’ll go there for the rest of my life.” Read Karyn’s full story here.
Karyn hopes that by sharing her story, others will follow her example. “Everybody should be getting these CT scans.”
This November, Smokeout Cancer
The Great American Smokeout® takes place on Thursday, November 20, is a national day to support quitting smoking and improving health—part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month’s call for a smoke-free future.
At Boston Medical Center, the Tobacco Treatment Center (TTC) helps patients take meaningful steps toward a tobacco-free life—whether they’re preparing to quit, cutting back, or trying to quit again. Patients leave with the tools and resources they need to continue on their smoke-free journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step, call 617-638-7665 (SMOK). |
| For More Info, Visit The BMC's Tobacco Treatment Center → |
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Lung Cancer Screenings Help Karyn Stay One Step Ahead |
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“My primary care doctor told me I should get a CT screening for lung cancer,” Karyn explains. “It wasn’t something that was on my mind.
Since her cigarette use put her at higher risk for lung cancer, Karyn was referred to BMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Lung Nodule Evaluation Program. The team explained that she was eligible to receive a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan every year, which can detect lung cancer early—before symptoms start.
Karyn trusts her care team and appreciates the peace of mind her screenings bring. “Every time, they say that nothing has changed — just some scarring,” she says. “That’s the best news.” She also values the additional services BMC offers its patients. There’s nothing you can’t get — food, help with rent, counseling for mental health, free services if you don’t have insurance. They really help people. BMC is a wonderful hospital, and I’ll go there for the rest of my life.” Read Karyn’s full story here.
Karyn hopes that by sharing her story, others will follow her example. “Everybody should be getting these CT scans.”
This November, Smokeout Cancer
The Great American Smokeout® takes place on Thursday, November 20, is a national day to support quitting smoking and improving health—part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month’s call for a smoke-free future.
At Boston Medical Center, the Tobacco Treatment Center (TTC) helps patients take meaningful steps toward a tobacco-free life—whether they’re preparing to quit, cutting back, or trying to quit again. Patients leave with the tools and resources they need to continue on their smoke-free journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step, call 617-638-7665 (SMOK). |
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EQTY 2025: Progress Under Pressure
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BMC Health System’s EQTY conference, now in its third year, is more than an event. It is a call to action for everyone who believes in creating healthier and more equitable communities. This year’s theme, Progress Under Pressure, brings together visionary leaders who are sharing their collective wisdom at a critical moment in the health equity movement. Their insights will help light a path forward and offer clear, practical ideas for how we can continue making progress together, even during challenging times.
EQTY 2025 features an exceptional lineup including our keynote speaker Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta and former senior advisor to the president of the United States, Michael Eric Dyson, PhD, Symone Sanders, Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, and other leaders advancing health equity. We are also excited to share an exclusive recorded interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who will offer his perspective on how to make progress when the pressure is high. Learn more about EQTY 2025.
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EQTY 2025: Progress Under Pressure
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BMC Health System’s EQTY conference, now in its third year, is more than an event. It is a call to action for everyone who believes in creating healthier and more equitable communities. This year’s theme, Progress Under Pressure, brings together visionary leaders who are sharing their collective wisdom at a critical moment in the health equity movement. Their insights will help light a path forward and offer clear, practical ideas for how we can continue making progress together, even during challenging times.
EQTY 2025 features an exceptional lineup including our keynote speaker Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta and former senior advisor to the president of the United States, Michael Eric Dyson, PhD, Symone Sanders, Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, and other leaders advancing health equity. We are also excited to share an exclusive recorded interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who will offer his perspective on how to make progress when the pressure is high. Learn more about EQTY 2025.
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Walk To End Homelessness
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Kick-off Superbowl Sunday with Team BMC! Join us at the Winter Walk the morning of February 8 for a 2-mile walk to support our unhoused neighbors in Greater Boston. Together we’ll raise funds for Living Well at Home, Boston Medical Center’s initiative to help patients find and maintain a safe place to call home. This family and dog-friendly event makes a big impact for Bostonians who rely on BMC for care.
Learn More And Register |
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Walk To End Homelessness
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Kick-off Superbowl Sunday with Team BMC! Join us at the Winter Walk the morning of February 8 for a 2-mile walk to support our unhoused neighbors in Greater Boston. Together we’ll raise funds for Living Well at Home, Boston Medical Center’s initiative to help patients find and maintain a safe place to call home. This family and dog-friendly event makes a big impact for Bostonians who rely on BMC for care.
Learn More And Register |
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Healing the Past, Defining the Future: A Discussion on Inclusive Research
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Join Blue Bridge and Boston Medical Center for an in-person conversation about making clinical research more inclusive. We’ll reflect on past challenges, explain what research participation looks like today, and explore ways to build trust and health equity in our communities. Your perspective matters—help guide the future of research. Join the Conversation.
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Healing the Past, Defining the Future: A Discussion on Inclusive Research
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Join Blue Bridge and Boston Medical Center for an in-person conversation about making clinical research more inclusive. We’ll reflect on past challenges, explain what research participation looks like today, and explore ways to build trust and health equity in our communities. Your perspective matters—help guide the future of research. Join the Conversation. |
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BMC Earn’s Top Marks For Patient Safety |
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BMC is thrilled to once again earn an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit focused on patient safety. Grades are assigned to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
This recognition reflects our rigorous standards for safety and intentional processes to protect patients from preventable harm so that everyone has a safe environment to thrive. Learn More About Our Commitment To Patient Safety
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BMC Earn’s Top Marks For Patient Safety |
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BMC is thrilled to once again earn an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit focused on patient safety. Grades are assigned to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
This recognition reflects our rigorous standards for safety and intentional processes to protect patients from preventable harm so that everyone has a safe environment to thrive. Learn More About Our Commitment To Patient Safety
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Proudly Recognizing Our Award-Winning Clinical And Operational Leaders |
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BMC is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare. These awards are a reflection of our commitment to clinical excellence and community care. Congratulations to our teams for their continued dedication:
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Proudly Recognizing Our Award-Winning Clinical And Operational leaders |
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BMC is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare. These awards are a reflection of our commitment to clinical excellence and community care. Congratulations to our teams for their continued dedication:
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BMC's Newly Redesigned Main Entrance Reopens November 19th |
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We’re excited to welcome you through our new main entrance. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 19, BMC is reopening our newly redesigned main entrance — offering a modern, more accessible entry point that connects directly to both the Menino (840 Harrison Ave.) and Yawkey (850 Harrison Ave.) buildings. This milestone is part of our ongoing commitment to offer improved patient drop-off and valet areas, a redesigned handicapped parking lot, better access from Mass Ave., and more seating.
Changes to know:
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The new main entrance is the new access point for the Menino and Yawkey Buildings.
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Updated drop-off and pick-up lanes for improved traffic flow.
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Our Yawkey Pharmacy is moving to a convenient new location in the Yawkey Building on Nov. 24.
Please make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment if it’s the first time you’re visiting our new spaces. We appreciate your patience as we improved our facilities and look forward to welcoming you. Explore Updated Maps And Details. |
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BMC's Newly Redesigned Main Entrance Reopens November 19th |
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We’re excited to welcome you through our new main entrance. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 19, BMC is reopening our newly redesigned main entrance — offering a modern, more accessible entry point that connects directly to both the Menino (840 Harrison Ave.) and Yawkey (850 Harrison Ave.) buildings. This milestone is part of our ongoing commitment to offer improved patient drop-off and valet areas, a redesigned handicapped parking lot, better access from Mass Ave., and more seating.
Changes to know:
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The new main entrance is the new access point for the Menino and Yawkey Buildings.
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Updated drop-off and pick-up lanes for improved traffic flow.
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Our Yawkey Pharmacy is moving to a convenient new location in the Yawkey Building on Nov. 24.
Please make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment if it’s the first time you’re visiting our new spaces. We appreciate your patience as we improved our facilities and look forward to welcoming you. Explore Updated Maps And Details. |
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Find Food Resources In Your Community |
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Access to healthy food is essential for good health, yet many families face challenges of accessing nutritious meals. BMC Health System is committed to helping patients and families connect with local resources that make healthy eating more affordable and accessible.
If you or someone you know needs food support, here are several trusted options:
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Statewide Social Services Directory: Visit this searchable, multilingual online directory to find food, housing, and other social services across Massachusetts. See Thrive Community Resources.
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Project Bread: Get help finding food assistance programs in your area. Call the Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Learn more about Project Bread.
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Massachusetts 211: Dial 2-1-1 or call 1-877-211-6277 to connect with local food, housing, and health resources through the United Way. Visit Massachusetts 211 for more info.
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BMC Preventive Food Pantry: With a prescription from a BMC provider, eligible patients can receive healthy foods that support recovery and overall wellness. Families may visit twice per month to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables ,and meats. The pantry is open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more.
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Find Food Resources In Your Community |
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Access to healthy food is essential for good health, yet many families face challenges of accessing nutritious meals. BMC Health System is committed to helping patients and families connect with local resources that make healthy eating more affordable and accessible.
If you or someone you know needs food support, here are several trusted options:
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Statewide Social Services Directory: Visit this searchable, multilingual online directory to find food, housing, and other social services across Massachusetts. See Thrive Community Resources.
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Project Bread: Get help finding food assistance programs in your area. Call the Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Learn more about Project Bread.
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Massachusetts 211: Dial 2-1-1 or call 1-877-211-6277 to connect with local food, housing, and health resources through the United Way. Visit Massachusetts 211 for more info.
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BMC Preventive Food Pantry: With a prescription from a BMC provider, eligible patients can receive healthy foods that support recovery and overall wellness. Families may visit twice per month to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables ,and meats. The pantry is open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more.
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A Fresh Look For BMC Your Health Records: Welcome To MyChart |
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As of November 1, 2025, patients at BMC Brighton and BMC South joined BMC in using MyChart, our shared patient portal for the entire BMC Health System. You’ll notice a new logo that reflects this systemwide connection, but your access, login, and all portal features will remain the same. Patients can continue to securely view test results, track appointments, and manage prescriptions all in one convenient place. If you haven’t already signed up, please register for MyChart to easily track appointments, view medications, and manage your health information in one convenient place. Sign Up for MyChart Today |
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A Fresh Look For BMC Your Health Records: Welcome To MyChart |
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As of November 1, 2025, patients at BMC Brighton and BMC South joined BMC in using MyChart, our shared patient portal for the entire BMC Health System. You’ll notice a new logo that reflects this systemwide connection, but your access, login, and all portal features will remain the same. Patients can continue to securely view test results, track appointments, and manage prescriptions all in one convenient place. If you haven’t already signed up, please register for MyChart to easily track appointments, view medications, and manage your health information in one convenient place. Sign Up for MyChart Today |
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BMC In The News |
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We’re excited to spotlight recent media coverage that features BMC experts sharing insights on timely health topics. From national outlets to local platforms, these stories reflect our commitment to improving care, advancing equity, and supporting our patients and communities every step of the way. |
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Staying Healthy This Fall: Tips From BMC’s Dr. Sabrina Assoumou
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As cooler weather arrives and more people spend time indoors, seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19 are on the rise. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, spoke with Boston 25 News about how to prepare for sick season and protect yourself and your family. She shared practical tips on prevention, vaccination, and when to seek care.
Watch The Full Segment to Learn How to Stay Healthy This Fall. |
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Staying Healthy This Fall: Tips From BMC’s Dr. Sabrina Assoumou
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As cooler weather arrives and more people spend time indoors, seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19 are on the rise. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, spoke with Boston 25 News about how to prepare for sick season and protect yourself and your family. She shared practical tips on prevention, vaccination, and when to seek care.
Watch The Full Segment to Learn How to Stay Healthy This Fall. |
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Why Strength Training Matters As You Age
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BMC's Chief of Geriatrics Hollis D. Day, MD, MS, MHPE, spoke with Health.com on ways strength training helps people age better.
She emphasizes that it’s never too late to start strength training and improving your health. “Even starting as little as once a week can be helpful, and gradually build up." Read the Full Article Here.
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Why Strength Training Matters As You Age
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BMC's Chief of Geriatrics Hollis D. Day, MD, MS, MHPE, spoke with Health.com on ways strength training helps people age better.
She emphasizes that it’s never too late to start strength training and improving your health. “Even starting as little as once a week can be helpful, and gradually build up." Read the Full Article Here.
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Your BMC is our monthly newsletter that is sent to our community to highlight all that is happening at BMC. We offer this e-newsletter in-language for English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. Last month, you may have received an in-language version in error. There is no need to take any further action. We appreciate your readership of our newsletter and look forward to continuing to stay in touch. |
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In Your Words |
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“I had a very thorough visit with geriatrics for my first visit. I was impressed that Dr. Perez-Mendez read my notes on my medical history and was a very quick study. She was very thoughtful and polite and treated me with the utmost respect. I was very impressed with the time she spent with me, and her depth of understanding my concerns. I will see her again soon." – BMC Geriatrics Patient |
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“I had a very thorough visit with geriatrics for my first visit. I was impressed that Dr. Perez-Mendez read my notes on my medical history and was a very quick study. She was very thoughtful and polite and treated me with the utmost respect. I was very impressed with the time she spent with me, and her depth of understanding my concerns. I will see her again soon." – BMC Geriatrics Patient |
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“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide exceptional care to all. |
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