Health
Paws and Claws: Feline leukemia inhibits a cat’s immune system
by Cindy Anderson, DVM Feline leukemia virus, also known as FeLV, is one of the more common infectious diseases affecting cats. Based on the name, most think that FeLV is a blood cancer like leukemia in humans. But it is actually a contagious retrovirus that suppresses a cat’s immune system. Feline leukemia is spread between […]
Chelsea Hospital’s free shuttle, new Urgent Care improve medical care
Gregory Gafni-Pappas, D.O., is the associate medical director of the Emergency Department and project lead for the new Urgent Care located inside the ER at Chelsea Hospital. He recently spoke with The Stockbridge Community News to help explain this innovative new care model and how it is delivering better, smarter care to local communities. He […]
Paws and Claws: How to prevent the trauma of losing a pet
by Cindy Anderson, DVM July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. Losing a pet is just like losing any loved one, and it is an experience that no one should ever have to go though. A pet gets lost every 2 seconds in the United States. This is most concerning as only 1 in every […]
Bridge to Wellness
July: Hydration isn’t just for summer plants by Sophia Speroff, MPH, RD Drinking enough water every day is necessary for overall improved health and better body function. Water can help manage body weight and reduce caloric intake when substituted for drinks that contain calories. Drinking enough water can prevent dehydration, a state in which the […]
Paws and Claws
Traveling in safety and comfort with your pets by Cindy Anderson, DVM For some families, a trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. However, traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your pets. If you’re planning to take a trip with pets, we have some tips […]
Bridge to Wellness
In June, use the MyPlate method to build a healthy diet by Sophia Speroff, MPH, RD The MyPlate method helps ensure you are consuming the appropriate amount of nutrients needed to fuel your body to become a healthier version of yourself. The goal of this method is to consume a variety of foods while eating […]
Paws and Claws
Keeping pets safe from Lyme disease carried by ticks by Cindy Anderson, DVM Ticks are small crawling bugs in the spider family. They are arachnids, not insects. There are hundreds of different kinds of ticks in the world. The most common ticks in the United States are the deer tick, American dog tick, brown dog […]
Free blood pressure screenings in May to raise awareness
Information from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Do you know what to do when you suspect a loved one may be having a stroke? Do you know the risk factors for heart attack and stroke? May is National Stroke Awareness Month and National High Blood Pressure Education Month. To help area residents understand the risk factors […]
Paws and Claws
Take a bite out of heartworm with prevention measures by Cindy Anderson, DVM Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets throughout the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Heartworm disease can cause severe lung disease, heart […]
Bridge to Wellness
In April, savor the moment while eating by Sophia Speroff, MPH, RD You may hear a lot of advice to “be present,” but how often are you abiding by these well-intended words? Mindful eating (paying attention to our food, on purpose, moment by moment) is an approach that focuses on individuals’ awareness of the food and […]