Worcester Black Excellence Awards honor leadership, opening doorways
Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, executive director of the Collaborative in Health Equity at UMass Chan Medical School and...
Cardiology Team Provides Expert Support After 'Widow-Maker' Heart Attack
Peter M. never expected to have a heart attack. In February 2022, he woke in the middle of the night “feeling funny” and then collapsed from what is often called a “widow-maker” heart attack. His wife, Corlis, immediately began CPR. Emergency responders revived him before bringing him to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he underwent a stent procedure. During his recovery, tests showed that he also needed a pacemaker and defibrillator.
Corlis remembers how the care team supported them through an overwhelming time. “Peter was in the hospital for weeks. The cardiology team was so caring to us...
Learning About Lipedema
Lipedema is an abnormal buildup of fat in certain body parts. Almost all cases occur in women. It affects about 1 in 10 women worldwide. It’s especially common in those between puberty and age 30. As lipedema gets worse, it can cause pain, fatigue,
Learning About a Difficult Airway
A difficult airway means your doctor may have trouble placing a breathing tube. It can be caused by your neck, mouth, or jaw shape, or health issues like sleep apnea or obesity. Your care team checks for this and uses special tools to keep you safe.
Learning About Intergenerational Trauma
When the effects of a traumatic event pass from one generation to another, it's called intergenerational trauma. The effects can pass from a parent or grandparent down to their children or grandchildren. The younger people didn't live through the...
Learning About Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are small packets that contain nicotine powder. They are placed between the gum and lip. The powder dissolves in the mouth. The nicotine then passes through the lining of the mouth and into the bloodstream. Nicotine is the main...
Learning About Tinnitus in Children
Tinnitus is the term for a noise in one or both ears not caused by an outside sound. The noise might be a ringing, clicking, hiss, or roar. Children may describe it as "car beeping," "rice crispies," or "angry bees buzzing." The noise can vary in...
Learning About TENS During Labor
TENS stands for transcutaneous (say "trans-kyoo-TAY-nee-us") electrical nerve stimulation. Transcutaneous means "through the skin." TENS uses gentle electrical pulses that pass through the skin. These pulses may help change the way your body feels...
Learning About a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pump in Managing Your Child’s Pain
A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is a safe way for a child in pain to give themself pain medicine (analgesia) by pressing a button. The medicine goes through an intravenous (I.V.) tube inserted into a vein. Your child may get the pain...
Learning About Self-Care During Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
If you're starting radiation treatment for prostate cancer, you can expect to come in for treatment most weekdays over several weeks. How you care for yourself during this time can make a real difference in how you feel. Your doctor will give you...