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In This Issue
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February 2018
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News Brief 
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Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot!
If you pay attention to the news, you know that the flu has had a tremendous impact this season. There has been an extremely large increase in flu cases just during the month of January - across the country. At least 53 children have died and over 14,000 patients have been hospitalized.
The flu season can last several months, as late as April or even May which is why it is not too late to get a flu shot! The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot. Those that are at highest risk for complications from the flu include children under the age of 5, those over the age of 65, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease, COPD, asthma and diabetes. It also includes those with weakened immune systems from disease or medication such as patients with HIV, AIDS and cancer.
The baby boomer generation (age 50 - 64) has been particularly hit hard this year and officials are not sure why. Some may have not gotten vaccinated because of the early news that the vaccine was not as effective as in prior years or it may be a particular strain that is circulating.
Although the vaccine is not as effective as in some years, it does protect against some of the most prevalent strains, and it may reduce the severity of the symptoms if you do get sick. By getting the flu shot you are also protecting those around you - your family, young and old, co-workers and friends.
You should be able obtain a flu shot at your primary care doctor's office, most pharmacies, urgent care clinics and health clinics at colleges and universities. Call your doctor or pharmacy ahead of time to make sure they have a supply of the vaccine.
Beyond getting vaccinated, wash...wash...wash your hands frequently, cover your cough or sneeze and stay home from school or work if you are sick to prevent the spread of flu and viruses.To read more about this season's flu, go to the
CDC website.
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Question & Answer
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Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is prescribed by your doctor if you have a confirmed case of the flu and you are at high risk for complications from the flu. People at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as COPD, asthma, diabetes and heart disease, and those with weakened immune systems.
When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications like pneumonia. Tamiflu is not available over the counter, so if you fall into the high risk category for complications and experience flu-like symptoms, call you doctor right away. Tamiflu works best if started one to two days from the time symptoms first occur.
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Healthy Living Tip
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Sun Protection in the Winter
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Participating in outdoor activities should be a part of everyone's healthy lifestyle. Exercising outside makes you feel good physically and mentally but many people are unaware that UV sun rays are just as strong in the winter months as they are in the summer. With the winter sports season upon us, it is important to note UV radiation may be 35 to 45 percent more intense at the top of a mountain than at sea level. In addition, snow reflects up to 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice. This certainly increases the risk for damage to your skin.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you spend extended time outdoors.
- Apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes. Be aware that the sun's reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days (Up to 80 percent of the sun's rays can penetrate clouds).
- Apply sunscreen liberally and often to all exposed areas of your skin.
- Don't forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that reflect UV rays. Eyes can get sun burned too and it can be very painful and damaging!
For more sun safety tips for outdoors, go to skincancer.org.
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Featured Video
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Go Red for Women - Nutrition
View this video, presented by Jessica Tucker, one of Milford Regional's Registered Dietitians, to find out what a heart healthy eating plan includes and how to incorporate it into your daily lifestyle. Learn about food labels, the importance of fiber and how to make the best nutritional choices for your health.
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Patient Story
Acid Reflux and Hernia Repair
Don Booth had been taking acid-suppressing medication to manage his symptoms of acid reflux, for a couple of years when he started to become extremely tired and experienced persistent bloating and relentless indigestion. After seeing his doctor and undergoing some tests, Don was surprised to find out he had a hernia that needed repair. A hernia can mimic as well as exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux which is why it is important for patients to see a gastroenterologist when symptoms persist.
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Good Things You Should Know
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Our Center for Weight Loss Surgery has met all criteria required by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program to be elevated to a Comprehensive Center. Achieving this new designation is based upon national quality standards established to deliver safe, high quality bariatric patient care.
To earn the MBSAQIP designation, The Center for Weight Loss Surgery met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity.
Patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice in Milford Regional. The first step is to attend one of our free information sessions. Learn more about our program.
Milford Regional Physician Group
Effective January 1, 2018, Tri-County Medical Associates name has been changed to Milford Regional Physician Group. Tri-County Medical has always been a part of Milford Regional Medical Center's healthcare system. It is our hope that this unified "Milford Regional" identity will help everyone recognize that we have been and continue to be one integrated healthcare system.
New Orthopedic Physicians
Orthopedics New England, a large, renowned orthopedic group with offices in Natick and Newton has recently joined Milford Regional's medical staff and has opened a new office in Hopkinton, MA. This new office is located at 1 Lumber St., adjacent to Milford Regional Urgent Care and Milford Regional Lab and Radiology. Four of the physicians in the group are treating patients in Hopkinton for general orthopedic conditions, spine, foot and ankle issues as well as sports medicine injuries. To make an appointment with one of these physicians, call 508-458-6050.
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About Our Doctors
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Milford Regional's active medical staff, consisting of over 250 doctors, is highly qualified to treat you and your family through sickness and in health. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, you can be assured of the best possible care.
Need a Primary Care Physician?
If you need a physician, please call our Physician Referral Line at 1-888-DRS-HERE (1-888-377-4373). Our Referral Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For a quick look, see our list of primary care physicians who are accepting new patients. It is important to note that not all physicians accept all insurances. Please call the physician's office directly to find out if they accept your insurance plan.
Get to Know our Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterology is a specialty in medicine that diagnoses and treats disorders of thegastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract digests and moves food through the system, absorbs nutrients and removes waste. The gastrointestinal system includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, anus, pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Some gastroenterologists treat general disorders of the GI tract, while others specialize in a particular part of the GI system. We are pleased to welcome two new gastroenterologists to the medical staff who practice at Milford Gastroenterology Associates. While both doctors are fellowship trained in gastroenterology, Dr. Rotman has additional training in advanced endoscopy and Dr. Safaie has additional training in hepatology - liver, biliary tree, pancreas and gallbladder.
Learn more about our gastroenterologists. Click on their names to read their bios.
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