Explore the September Issue: |
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FEATURED STORY |
Working Together to Fight Prostate Cancer |
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September is both National Urology Awareness Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we’re raising awareness about urological health, and when it may be time to seek medical advice from a urologist. BMC’s Urology and Cancer teams both provide expert, compassionate care for patients facing complex conditions—and closely collaborate on delivering care to individuals with prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer.
Screening for prostate health can often be performed by your primary care physician. However, it might be time to schedule a visit with a urologist if you have: |
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Pain or burning when you urinate
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Blood in your urine
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Frequent bathroom trips
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Kidney stone pain
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Ongoing UTIs
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Bladder leaks or incontinence
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Testicular or prostate concerns
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Prostate screening is important for urological health. It can help identify prostate conditions, and most importantly, can help catch prostate cancer early—when it’s most treatable.
BMC is proud to be ranked among the nation’s top 50 urology programs by U.S. News & World Report, with our Cancer Center also recognized as a high-performing program in cancer care. Our expert urologists and oncologists work in tandem to provide treatment options tailored to each patient.
A prostate screening schedule is often individualized and considers your age and your risk factors. If you or a loved one has questions about prostate health, screening, or treatment, we’re here to help. |
| Request a Urology Appointment Today → |
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Finding an Individualized Treatment Plan – And Support Along the Way |
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For Peter Goudy, surgery for prostate cancer was not an option. Peter was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in 2021 after bloodwork showed his PSA levels had risen quickly. Because of a heart condition, surgery wasn’t possible, and Peter instead underwent 44 sessions of radiation therapy at BMC.
“I had treatment every Monday through Friday,” he recalls. “I drove myself to every single one. I didn’t miss a day. That was my personal goal.”
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Though he faced some difficult side effects—including a rare complication that required emergency care—he found strength through the support offered at BMC.
“I didn’t really talk with anyone about it until I started going to the Prostate Cancer Support Group at BMC,” he says. “Sharing my experience and hearing the stories of other men with prostate cancer has been a really great experience.”
A Legacy Of Shared Experience And Strength
BMC is proud to support the power of shared experience through its vibrant support group community. Seventeen years ago, Bob David joined BMC as the cancer and sickle cell support group manager. One of many wraparound services at BMC’s Cancer Center and Sickle Cell Disease Center, the support groups offer a unique opportunity for current patients and short- and long-term survivors to connect with each other through shared experiences. Bob has helped the program grow to over 20 different groups and activities for patients to participate in.
“I've really felt privileged to have had that opportunity to listen to patients talk about their struggles, their courage, their strength, their successes.” |
| Read More About The Support Groups And Bob’s Work → |
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Finding an Individualized Treatment Plan – And Support Along the Way |
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For Peter Goudy, surgery for prostate cancer was not an option. Peter was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in 2021 after bloodwork showed his PSA levels had risen quickly. Because of a heart condition, surgery wasn’t possible, and Peter instead underwent 44 sessions of radiation therapy at BMC.
“I had treatment every Monday through Friday,” he recalls. “I drove myself to every single one. I didn’t miss a day. That was my personal goal.”
Though he faced some difficult side effects—including a rare complication that required emergency care—he found strength through the support offered at BMC.
“I didn’t really talk with anyone about it until I started going to the Prostate Cancer Support Group at BMC,” he says. “Sharing my experience and hearing the stories of other men with prostate cancer has been a really great experience.”
A Legacy Of Shared Experience And Strength
BMC is proud to support the power of shared experience through its vibrant support group community. Seventeen years ago, Bob David joined BMC as the cancer and sickle cell support group manager. One of many wraparound services at BMC’s Cancer Center and Sickle Cell Disease Center, the support groups offer a unique opportunity for current patients and short- and long-term survivors to connect with each other through shared experiences. Bob has helped the program grow to over 20 different groups and activities for patients to participate in.
“I've really felt privileged to have had that opportunity to listen to patients talk about their struggles, their courage, their strength, their successes.” |
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Turning the Page on a New Chapter – Congratulations, Bob David! |
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Please join the BMC community as we wish Bob all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in life. The vibrant community of support groups that he has built will continue forward. Have you or a family member been impacted by the community that Bob has helped to build? Share your story and a note of thanks to Bob. |
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Finding Recovery Through Music |
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Recovery Month is observed every September to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from substance use disorder. This month, we celebrate Elizabeth Addison, who found a pathway to recovery in an unexpected place: musical theater. While living in a women’s treatment program, Elizabeth noticed that her experiences—conflict, resilience, and healing—felt like the story of a play. That realization became the spark for |
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This Is Treatment and Chasing Grace, musicals she later wrote about addiction, trauma, and recovery.
Today, Elizabeth is a creative recovery coach who uses storytelling and narrative therapy to help others in recovery reframe their experiences with compassion and strength. Through workshops and performances, she shows how sharing stories can reduce stigma and foster connection, and that creativity can be a powerful tool to open doors to healing and building healthier futures. |
| Read Elizabeth’s full story on HealthCity → |
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Finding Recovery Through Music |
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Recovery Month is observed every September to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from substance use disorder. This month, we celebrate Elizabeth Addison, who found a pathway to recovery in an unexpected place: musical theater. While living in a women’s treatment program, Elizabeth noticed that her experiences—conflict, resilience, and healing—felt like the story of a play. That realization became the spark for
This Is Treatment and Chasing Grace, musicals she later wrote about addiction, trauma, and recovery.
Today, Elizabeth is a creative recovery coach who uses storytelling and narrative therapy to help others in recovery reframe their experiences with compassion and strength. Through workshops and performances, she shows how sharing stories can reduce stigma and foster connection, and that creativity can be a powerful tool to open doors to healing and building healthier futures. |
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Meet The Docs: Dr. Andrew Wilks - Advancing Care For Sickle Cell Patients |
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We welcome provider and researcher Dr. Andrew Wilks to the sickle cell team. Dr. Wilks is a BMC hematologist specializing in treating adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. A Massachusetts native, he attended medical school and received his medical training across New England. At BMC’s Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease—the largest of its kind in New England — Dr. Wilks treats patients |
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with gene therapy, a new and exciting treatment that may cure SCD, and oversees clinical trials of other new therapies for SCD. The trials test therapies aimed at reducing or preventing SCD related symptoms, with the goal of improving the quality of life for his patients. A part of a multi-departmental treatment team, his expertise is key in bringing individualized support and care to patients. |
| Learn more about BMC’s Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease → |
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Meet The Docs: Dr. Andrew Wilks - Advancing Care For Sickle Cell Patients |
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We welcome provider and researcher Dr. Andrew Wilks to the sickle cell team. Dr. Wilks is a BMC hematologist specializing in treating adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. A Massachusetts native, he attended medical school and received his medical training across New England. At BMC’s Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease—the largest of its kind in New England — Dr. Wilks treats patients with gene therapy, a new and exciting treatment that may cure SCD, and oversees clinical trials of other new therapies for SCD. The trials test therapies aimed at reducing or preventing SCD related symptoms, with the goal of improving the quality of life for his patients. A part of a multi-departmental treatment team, his expertise is key in bringing individualized support and care to patients. |
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Celebrating Healing Pups: Bringing Comfort and Care to BMC |
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Recently, BMC’s Patient Advocacy team celebrated its volunteers with the Healing Pups and their handlers, surprising them with portraits of the therapy dogs by artist Jessica Perry-Lang.
The Healing Pups program brings certified therapy dogs and their handlers to campus on a volunteer basis, and providers can prescribe visits with the dogs as part of BMC's integrative therapy options. |
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The results speak for themselves: studies show that interacting with dogs boosts human oxytocin levels by 300%.
Since its start in 2012, Healing Pups has grown to 17 dogs, visiting patients across the hospital and at Boston Health Care for the Homeless. Beyond patients, the dogs also help staff decompress during busy shifts, improving morale, and emotional wellbeing. |
| Learn more about BMC’s Healing Pups program on HealthCity |
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Celebrating Healing Pups: Bringing Comfort and Care to BMC |
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Recently, BMC’s Patient Advocacy team celebrated its volunteers with the Healing Pups and their handlers, surprising them with portraits of the therapy dogs by artist Jessica Perry-Lang.
The Healing Pups program brings certified therapy dogs and their handlers to campus on a volunteer basis, and providers can prescribe visits with the dogs as part of BMC's integrative therapy options.
The results speak for themselves: studies show that interacting with dogs boosts human oxytocin levels by 300%.
Since its start in 2012, Healing Pups has grown to 17 dogs, visiting patients across the hospital and at Boston Health Care for the Homeless. Beyond patients, the dogs also help staff decompress during busy shifts, improving morale, and emotional wellbeing. |
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Nourishing Our Community: Fall Highlights
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Through BMC’s Nourishing Our Community Program, we recognize that access to nutritious, affordable food is a critical factor in achieving better health outcomes. This fall, we’re highlighting awareness-focused initiatives that put nutrition and community at the center of care.
September is National Hunger Action Month
Across Massachusetts, more than 1 in 3 households experience food insecurity. BMC’s Teaching Kitchen, alongside our rooftop farms and Preventive Food Pantry, supports patients and families with access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods. Patients with chronic conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease can receive tailored food prescriptions from their care team, helping improve health outcomes while addressing food insecurity.
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15)
On September 23, we celebrated the contributions of Hispanic Americans and highlighted culturally relevant nutrition with a special Quick N’ Tasty Teaching Kitchen class featuring homemade arepas. Led by Alegna Zavatti, BMC’s Director of Interpreter Services, this class offered culinary tips and nutrition guidance for patients, staff, and community members, connecting heritage, culture, and wellness.
Cooking for Recovery
Nutrition plays a vital role in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery. BMC’s Cooking for Recovery program helps participants build life skills and confidence through hands-on cooking classes, addressing malnutrition, body-image concerns, and self-care while providing a sense of community. The program serves patients at the Grayken Center for Addiction and other partners to extend support into the broader community. Here is the class schedule:
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START Clinic Patients: Once a month on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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CATALYST Clinic Patients: Bi-monthly on Tuesdays, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
For more events, check out the Teaching Kitchen calendar. |
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Nourishing Our Community: Fall Highlights
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Through BMC’s Nourishing Our Community Program, we recognize that access to nutritious, affordable food is a critical factor in achieving better health outcomes. This fall, we’re highlighting awareness-focused initiatives that put nutrition and community at the center of care.
September is National Hunger Action Month
Across Massachusetts, more than 1 in 3 households experience food insecurity. BMC’s Teaching Kitchen, alongside our rooftop farms and Preventive Food Pantry, supports patients and families with access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods. Patients with chronic conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease can receive tailored food prescriptions from their care team, helping improve health outcomes while addressing food insecurity.
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15)
On September 23, we celebrated the contributions of Hispanic Americans and highlighted culturally relevant nutrition with a special Quick N’ Tasty Teaching Kitchen class featuring homemade arepas. Led by Alegna Zavatti, BMC’s Director of Interpreter Services, this class offered culinary tips and nutrition guidance for patients, staff, and community members, connecting heritage, culture, and wellness.
Cooking for Recovery
Nutrition plays a vital role in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery. BMC’s Cooking for Recovery program helps participants build life skills and confidence through hands-on cooking classes, addressing malnutrition, body-image concerns, and self-care while providing a sense of community. The program serves patients at the Grayken Center for Addiction and other partners to extend support into the broader community. Here is the class schedule:
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START Clinic Patients: Once a month on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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CATALYST Clinic Patients: Bi-monthly on Tuesdays, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
For more events, check out the Teaching Kitchen calendar. |
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Join BMC In The Community This Weekend
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BMC is proud to sponsor two exciting neighborhood events this Saturday, September 27, celebrating health, wellness, and community. Both events are free and open to the public—come join us!
Reggie Lewis: 30th Anniversary Health, Wellness & Healing Forum.
September 27, 2025, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury Crossing MA, 02120
BMC is proud to sponsor this community forum, which brings neighbors together to focus on physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Free and open to the public, the day will feature:
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Day of Play — activities across the track, gym, fitness studio, and weight room to get the community moving.
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Panel Discussions — including “Unlocking Community Health Treasures: Mapping Our Collective Strength” moderated by BMC’s Petrina Martin Cherry, VP, Community Engagement and External Affairs, BMCHS
This is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate wellness in Roxbury. Register Today!
Mass Ave Coalition Community Fest
September 27, 2025, 1–4 p.m. | Chester Park, 544P Massachusetts Ave, Roxbury, MA 02118
This annual block party brings neighbors together to celebrate the corridor’s past, present, and future. The festival includes local food, live music, games, prizes, pedicab rides, and activities for all ages. Learn More. |
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Join BMC In The Community This Weekend
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BMC is proud to sponsor two exciting neighborhood events this Saturday, September 27, celebrating health, wellness, and community. Both events are free and open to the public—come join us!
Reggie Lewis: 30th Anniversary Health, Wellness & Healing Forum.
September 27, 2025, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury Crossing MA, 02120
BMC is proud to sponsor this community forum, which brings neighbors together to focus on physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Free and open to the public, the day will feature:
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Day of Play — activities across the track, gym, fitness studio, and weight room to get the community moving.
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Panel Discussions — including “Unlocking Community Health Treasures: Mapping Our Collective Strength” moderated by BMC’s Petrina Martin Cherry, VP, Community Engagement and External Affairs, BMCHS
This is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate wellness in Roxbury. Register Today!
Mass Ave Coalition Community Fest
September 27, 2025, 1–4 p.m. | Chester Park, 544P Massachusetts Ave, Roxbury, MA 02118
This annual block party brings neighbors together to celebrate the corridor’s past, present, and future. The festival includes local food, live music, games, prizes, pedicab rides, and activities for all ages. Learn More. |
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Double Your Impact for Good Health by Adopting a Bee
Right now, we are raising essential funds for BMC programs, like our Preventive Food Pantry, rooftop farms, and Teaching Kitchen, that help all Boston families. “Adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms by donating any amount to BMC, and your gift will be matched to double your impact. Chief of Pediatrics Elijah Paintsil, MD, adopted his bee to support our youngest patients and the programs that help them grow and thrive. When you give, you’ll get your very own adoption certificate—surprise a friend or loved one by naming a bee in their honor! Donate by September 26 .
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Double Your Impact for Good Health by Adopting a Bee
Right now, we are raising essential funds for BMC programs, like our Preventive Food Pantry, rooftop farms, and Teaching Kitchen, that help all Boston families. “Adopt a bee” from our rooftop farms by donating any amount to BMC, and your gift will be matched to double your impact. Chief of Pediatrics Elijah Paintsil, MD, adopted his bee to support our youngest patients and the programs that help them grow and thrive. When you give, you’ll get your very own adoption certificate—surprise a friend or loved one by naming a bee in their honor! Donate by September 26 .
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Flu Season is Here: Get Your Flu Shot |
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Getting a flu vaccine can help prevent the flu and serious illness if you do get the flu. It is recommended that all patients six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. It is particularly important for pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and children because they are at high risk of having more severe flu-related complications. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Schedule an appointment today. |
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Flu Season is Here: Get Your Flu Shot |
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Getting a flu vaccine can help prevent the flu and serious illness if you do get the flu. It is recommended that all patients six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. It is particularly important for pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and children because they are at high risk of having more severe flu-related complications. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Schedule an appointment today. |
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Important Driveway Access Updates During Campus Redesign |
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As part of our ongoing Campus Redesign, we will begin repaving the main driveway outside the Yawkey, Menino, and Moakley buildings. This important work will expand the driveway and upgrade crosswalk accessibility, improving both safety and convenience.
Weather permitting, driveway closures are scheduled for the following weekends, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24. Closures will start on Fridays at 8 p.m. through Sundays at 8 p.m.
Patients and visitors will be directed to enter Moakley through the side entrance on East Concord Street. The sidewalk next to the main driveway and Moakley revolving doors will not be accessible. Staff may continue to access Yawkey through the doors next to Dunkin.
Vehicle drop-off and pick-up will be available on East Concord Street or the 710 Albany Street Garage. Signage will mark blocked metered spaces that have been converted to a drop-off/pick-up zone (on E. Concord between Harrison and the Moakley side entrance). Idling will not be permitted in this area.
The main driveway will remain open for emergency vehicles at all times. Learn more about how we’re building for tomorrow on BMC’s Campus. |
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Important Driveway Access Updates During Campus Redesign |
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As part of our ongoing Campus Redesign, we will begin repaving the main driveway outside the Yawkey, Menino, and Moakley buildings. This important work will expand the driveway and upgrade crosswalk accessibility, improving both safety and convenience.
Weather permitting, driveway closures are scheduled for the following weekends, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24. Closures will start on Fridays at 8 p.m. through Sundays at 8 p.m.
Patients and visitors will be directed to enter Moakley through the side entrance on East Concord Street. The sidewalk next to the main driveway and Moakley revolving doors will not be accessible. Staff may continue to access Yawkey through the doors next to Dunkin.
Vehicle drop-off and pick-up will be available on East Concord Street or the 710 Albany Street Garage. Signage will mark blocked metered spaces that have been converted to a drop-off/pick-up zone (on E. Concord between Harrison and the Moakley side entrance). Idling will not be permitted in this area.
The main driveway will remain open for emergency vehicles at all times. Learn more about how we’re building for tomorrow on BMC’s Campus. |
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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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BMC Expert Shares Guidance on Safe Supplement Use
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Olivia Thomas, MS, RD, LDN, BMC’s Director of Nutrition Innovation and Implementation, spoke with Prevention.com about how to use vitamins and supplements safely. “The most important thing is to know why you are considering the supplement in the first place. Supplements should fill a specific nutrient gap, not replace a balanced diet or act as a shortcut to better health,” Thomas explains.
Read more from the full article: 5 Sneaky Signs You’re Taking Too Many Vitamins, According to Doctors |
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BMC Expert Shares Guidance on Safe Supplement Use
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Olivia Thomas, MS, RD, LDN, BMC’s Director of Nutrition Innovation and Implementation, spoke with Prevention.com about how to use vitamins and supplements safely. “The most important thing is to know why you are considering the supplement in the first place. Supplements should fill a specific nutrient gap, not replace a balanced diet or act as a shortcut to better health,” Thomas explains.
Read more from the full article: 5 Sneaky Signs You’re Taking Too Many Vitamins, According to Doctors |
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“Dr. Orlando was very kind. He explained everything to me in detail and accurately. He answered all my daughters’ questions about my condition. We were very satisfied. Thank you for all your care, Dr. Orlando.” – BMC Urology Patient |
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“Dr. Orlando was very kind. He explained everything to me in detail and accurately. He answered all my daughters’ questions about my condition. We were very satisfied. Thank you for all your care, Dr. Orlando.” – BMC Urology 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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