Blum Center Program: About Kidney Disease, Transplantation, and Innovations at Mass General
Dr. Leonardo Riella shares an overview of kidney disease, transplantation as the best treatment option, and exciting innovations.
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Learn about the latest news and events from the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.
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Past Blum Center Programs
View allMGfC Family-Centered Care Series: Raising a Bilingual Child – Finding Strategies That Work Best
Jacqueline Toscano, MA, CCC-SLP, discusses how to support bilingual and multilingual language development in children with the understanding that “one size does not fit all.”
Dermatology Series: Skin Cancer and Sun Safety
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US and requires expert medical treatment. Ramone F. Williams, MD, MPhil, discuss the warning signs as well as review key steps for skin cancer prevention and sun safety.
Blum Center Program: The Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in 2023
To celebrate World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day, Kristin E. Burke, MD, MPH, reviews what is known about how Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis develop and available treatment options.
MGfC Family-Centered Care Series: What's the Word? Tips for Language Development in Toddlers and Preschoolers
Jennifer Maietta, MS, CCC-SLP, and Emma Hill, MS, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologists at Mass General for Children, share how to help toddlers and preschoolers build language skills and expand their vocabulary.
Climate Change and Health Series: Hot Days and Bad Air – Dangerous Dance Partners
Extreme heat and air pollution are each individually responsible for a range of poor health outcomes. Learn more about the potential health effects of heat and air pollution, who is at risk, and some things you can do to lower your risk.
Blum Center Program: Hand Arthritis – Minimizing Pain and Maximizing Function
Arthritis of the hand joints is very common with aging. Naomi Patel, MD, discusses the various types of arthritis of the hands, including goals of treating pain and maximizing function.
MGfC Family-Centered Care Series: The Teen Driver – Updates in the Age of Distraction
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death and injury in adolescents. Michael R. Flaherty, DO, presents evidenced-based strategies to keep teen drivers safe from risks, including technological distractions.
Blum Center Program: The Ins and Outs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic debilitating condition that can have a major impact on an individual’s quality of life. We discuss the symptoms, subtypes, diagnosis, and management of IBS.
Dermatology Series: A Primer on Poison Ivy Dermatitis Prevention and Treatment
80% of people in the United States are allergic to poison ivy. It is one of the leading causes of medical visits in the warmer months. Learn how to detect poison ivy, prevent rashes, and how to treat it.
Climate Change and Health Series: The Importance of Communication About Climate Change
Learn the importance of communicating with individuals, communities, and populations about the public health problem of climate change.
Blum Center Program: Making Sense of Parkinson’s Disease
The number of people with Parkinson’s disease is increasing globally. Dr. Albert Hung reviews the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Blum Center Program: Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention – Keeping Your Bones Strong to Stay Out of the Hospital
Each year, over 300,000 people ages 65 and older are hospitalized for a hip fracture. Bita Zahedi, MD, reviews how you can minimize your risk of fracture and hospitalization by improving your bone health.
Blum Center Program: Predicting and Promoting Recovery of Consciousness After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Brian L. Edlow, MD discusses advances in brain imaging and how they are guiding new therapies aimed at promoting recovery of consciousness.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – The Mass General Food to Energy Program – Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Barbara Belanger, DNP, RN, CNOR, focuses on the Mass General Food to Energy Program and the link between food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Family-Centered Care Series – Tips to Develop Children’s Healthy Eating and Feeding Skills
When it comes to meals and snacks, your little one is learning all about different types of food. Specialists from Mass General for Children (MGfC) share tips on how to help your child develop healthy eating habits and the skills needed to chew, swallow, and feed themselves.
Blum Center Program: Understanding Lymphedema
Lymphedema is chronic swelling (edema) in your body when your lymph system is injured or blocked. Catherine Holley, RN, CLT, talks about its causes, stages, and early diagnosis and treatment.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – The Intersection Between Climate Change and Malnutrition on Health
This talk explores the impact of climate change on food access and nutrition and will discuss individual and policy-focused recommendations to address these intersecting threats to public health.
Blum Center Program: About Kidney Disease, Transplantation, and Innovations at Mass General
Dr. Leonardo Riella shares an overview of kidney disease, transplantation as the best treatment option, and exciting innovations.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Family-Centered Care Series – Tips for Caregivers to Maximize a Child’s Heart Health
We all want our children to be healthy for a lifetime. Dr. Lorraine M. Schratz of Mass General for Children shares the essentials to helping children and their families on their way to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Blum Center Program: Staying Healthy – Sex Differences in Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women alike. Dr. Colleen Harrington reviews the differences in heart disease between women and men, risk factors for women's heart health, and more.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Migration of Populations with Implications for Health
Migration is increasing locally and globally due to climate change. This presentation offers an overview of climate migration patterns and address implications for people’s health.
Blum Center Program: Mental Health and the Congenital Heart Disease Patient and Doctor
Congenital heart disease is a lifelong disease known to be accompanied by periods of anxiety and depression. Ami B. Bhatt, MD, FACC, reviews resiliency strategies and behavioral health knowledge.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Family-Centered Care Series – Tips to Build Resiliency in Children
Resiliency is an important skill for overall wellbeing. Aude Henin, PhD, shares tips to help your child and family cope with challenges and stressors as the world readjusts after a global pandemic.
Blum Center Program: The Thyroid Gland – Importance, Illnesses, and Treatment Options
Dr. Nikolaos Stathatos discusses how the thyroid gland works, why it is so important, the common problems, and the best available treatments.
Blum Center Program: Dermatology Series – Mpox and the Skin – What You Need to Know About the 2022 Outbreak
Mpox (or monkeypox) virus has been around, but became a point of global focus in 2022. Learn more about Mpox virus transmission, signs and symptoms, care of the skin during and after infection, and treatment options.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Populations at Higher Risk for Health Consequences of Climate Change
Factors and climate change impacts that contribute to health disparities are discussed in this presentation.
Blum Center Program: Eating for Brain Health – The MIND Diet Approach
Learn how the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet can support brain function as well as reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common illness that affects the airways. Join our panel of experts from Mass General for Children to learn more about RSV, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Exploring the Extent of Health Consequences Surrounding Climate Change
Climate change impacts our health, nutrition, and food sources. This presentation offers an overview of the effects of climate change that are causing complex health challenges in the community.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Guardianship 101 – The Basics
There is much to learn about decision-making options and protections for a child who has a developmental and/or intellectual disability when they are approaching 18. Learn about the different types and paths to guardianship in Massachusetts and how to prepare for it.
Blum Center Program: Caregiving During the Holidays – Reducing Stress and Increasing Joy
The holidays can present new and unexpected challenges for caregivers. We will discuss caregiving strategies for managing changes and experiencing joy during the holiday season.
Blum Center Program: How to Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves and Scammers
The goal of this presentation is to promote awareness, prevention, risk mitigation, response, and recovery when it comes to identity thieves and scammers.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Series – Mind-Body Strategies to Enhance Coping and Resilience After Cancer
Giselle Perez, PhD, provides survivors with practical mind-body tools, grounded in research, to improve coping with cancer and treatment.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Series – Surviving and Thriving After Breast Cancer
Research shows that breast cancer survivors who adopt healthy lifestyles have improved health and quality of life. We review these recommendations and are joined by a patient who covers her new lifestyle habits after diagnosis.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Healthcare Sustainability Initiatives to Promote Waste Reduction
Barbara Belanger, DNP, RN, CNOR, gives an overview of the impacts of waste on our climate-changing environment and health, as well as healthcare initiatives for sustainability.
Blum Center Program: Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer Screening – Time to Continue Mammography Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted breast cancer screening, diagnoses, and treatment. Shinn-Huey Shirley Chou, MD, MPH, shares how critical it is to continue screening and mammography care because early detection saves lives.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Preventing Bullying and Protecting Children
Bullying is an issue that can negatively impact children, teens, and young adults. Justine Dellaria, LICSW, discusses the difference between conflict and bullying, the impact of bullying, and what can protect children from bullying or increase their risk.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Setting the Stage for Healthy Eating Habits
Feeding children can be complicated, and even more so in a world that targets children with food marketing and convenience food. Simona Lourekas, RD, CHES, Kelly Millan, RD, and Meaghan Alexander, MS, RD, share strategies for feeding children of all ages.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change
Drs. Patrice Nicholas and Suellen Breakey offer an overview of how extreme heat and weather, poor air quality, hurricanes, flooding, rising sea levels, and post-disaster health challenges affect our mental health.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Series – Fertility and Cancer
Cancer treatment can affect your fertility. Mary Morris, MD, PhD provides an overview of the reproductive system, how cancer therapies can impact future fertility, and ways to potentially preserve your ability to have children.
Blum Center Program: Numbness and Tingling in the Hands – Carpal Tunnel and Other Conditions
Numbness and tingling of the fingers and hands are often related to common nerve compressions. Dr. Neal Chen discusses the common problems, treatment for mild symptoms, and when to see a provider for medical care.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – Vector-Borne Diseases in a Climate-Changing World
Drs. Patrice Nicholas and Suellen Breakey review the impact of climate change as one factor that influences the spread of diseases carried by vectors such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, as well as Lyme disease.
Blum Center Program: Palliative Care – Living Well in the Face of Serious Illness
Dr. Vicki Jackson provides a general overview of palliative care, the services offered at Mass General Cancer Center, and how they can benefit patients and families when cancer has touched their lives.
Blum Center Program: Managing Menopause and Change of Life
Dr. Linda Kelly discusses the attitudes and beliefs about the menopausal transition as well as changes in your body, sexuality, sleep, cognitive function, and more. Learn how to manage menopausal symptoms, including current research on hormone replacement therapy.
Blum Center Program: Climate Change and Health Series – An Overview of Heat-Related Illness in a Climate-Changing World
Drs. Suellen Breakey and Patrice Nicholas review the impact of extreme heat, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent a heat-related illness.
Blum Center Program: Armed Intruder/Active Shooter Response
People who know what to do in the unlikely event that an armed intruder or active shooter incident occurs are more likely to take positive and safe actions. Matthew Thomas, CPP, shares the ins and outs of the Run. Hide. Fight. model.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Understanding Video Games – Tips to Promote Safe Video Game and Digital Media Use Habits
Video games and digital media have become one of the most favorite play activities for our children. Atilla Ceranoglu, MD, shares tips on how to help your child build good digital media habits while playing their favorite video games, social media outlets, or the internet.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Genetic Series – Cancer Genetics 101 – Past to Present
Genetic testing for cancer risk assessment was first offered in 1996 for a limited number of genes. Cancer genetics has changed significantly since then. Stephanie Hicks, MS, CGC, discusses the role of genetic testing in the cancer setting and how it has evolved over time.
Blum Center Program: Cataracts and Eye Health
In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month, Dr. Silas Wang discusses what cataracts are, when surgery is needed, and what options are available to patients. He also shares tips and misconceptions on keeping the eyes healthy.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Genetic Series – Talking to Kids About Hereditary Cancer
Ever wonder when or how to start talking with your kids about a hereditary cancer in the family? Carly Grant, MS, CGC, covers the latest research on discussing hereditary cancer with children of all ages.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Genetic Series – What You Need to Know About Hereditary Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is rare, but did you know that it can run in families? Janette Lawrence, MS, CGC, gives an overview of hereditary ovarian cancer and what you can do if it's detected in your family.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Genetic Series – Choosing the Right Cancer Genetic Test
There are many different types of genetic testing for cancer. Kristen Shannon, MS, CGC, discusses the differences between these types of tests and how to choose the right one.
Blum Center Program: Skin Cancer and Sun Safety
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with one in five individuals diagnosed in their lifetime. Dr. Ramone Williams discusses the warning signs and sun safety.
Blum Center Program: The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common forms of viral hepatitis. Lindsay Ventura shares an overview of these viruses and prevention options.
Blum Center Program: Bursitis and Tendinitis – Common Non-Arthritic Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain
Dr. Ian Cooley discusses typical symptoms, affected muscles and joints, associated diseases, and available treatment options for bursitis and tendinitis.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Series – Supporting Children When a Parent Faces Cancer
Dr. Paula Rauch discusses parenting challenges from diagnosis through treatment and offers guidance to support the emotional health and well-being of children when a parent has cancer.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Fostering and Preventing Depression, Stress, and Suicide in Youth
Eugene (Gene) Beresin, MD, MA, of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at MGfC, shares how parents, families, and caregivers can understand the signs of depression, stress, and suicide in young people.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Center Series – Meeting People Where They Are – Increasing Access to Cancer and Mental Health Care
The team from the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement Program at Mass General Cancer Center share how they strive to improve cancer treatment for patients with mental illness.
Blum Center Program: Staying Healthy in a Pandemic – What Can We Safely Do?
Drs. Claude Alabre and Efrén Flores explore the many safe ways to stay healthy and encourage communities who have been affected by the pandemic to work with their healthcare providers to address preventive and chronic care needs.
Blum Center Program: Healthy Skin and Cosmetics – The Secret to Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin
Dr. Ramone Williams defines the concept of healthy skin, reviews skincare practices and explores cosmetic dermatology for aging and a youthful appearance.
Blum Center Program: COVID-19 Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned
Drs. Carine Davila and Gladys Pachas discuss moving from unprecedented COVID-19 challenges to community empowerment and teamwork.
Blum Center Program: AVADE Workplace Violence Prevention
AVADE® is an acronym for Awareness-Vigilance-Avoidance-Defense-Escape. Matthew Thomas, CPP, provides an overview on AVADE® to help you become safety-aware with a vigilant mindset and teach you defense techniques for yourself and others.
Blum Center Program: Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling caused by fluid that collects in tissue under the skin. Clinical research coordinators discuss the Lymphedema Screening Program at Mass General and their current LymphVAX project related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Blum Center Program: Moving Toward Spiritual Wellness in a Time of Loss
In this session from March 22, 2022, members of the Mass General Spiritual Care Department reflect on how cultivating spiritual wellness can help us to move through the great losses and changes in our lives.
Blum Center Program: Brain Health for Disease Prevention
Currently, 3 out of 5 people in the United States will develop brain disease in their lifetime and in many cases, this is preventable. Dr. Amy Newhouse discusses ways to promote brain health and why it is important to do so.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Living from the Heart - Tips to Lead a More Active Life for a Healthier Heart
Lorraine Schratz, MD, an attending physician in Pediatric Cardiology at MGfC and Elizabeth Barth, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian, share the essentials to helping children and their families on their way to healthier hearts by leading physically active lives.
Blum Center Program: Sex Differences in Heart Disease and Unique Risk Factors in Women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women alike. In this presentation, Dr. Emily Lau reviews the epidemiology of heart disease in women, differences in heart disease between women and men, and special considerations for promoting female heart health.
Blum Center Program: Current Approaches for Colorectal Cancer Screening
In this presentation from February 3, 2022, Dr. Daniel Chung discusses specific risks for colon cancer that can help guide your choice of screening test.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Planning for a Successful Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
Evangeline Galvez, MD presents resources to help plan a successful individualized transition to adult care. She discusses the differences between pediatric and adult care, suggested timelines, and what to consider when children transition to adult care.
Blum Center Program: MGfC Parenting Series – Tips to Build Resiliency in Children
When faced with challenging situations, learning how to adapt and overcome is an important skill. Aude Henin, PhD shares tips to help your child or teen cope with challenges or stressors and how you can help build a support system for your family to encourage a sense of resilience in children.
Blum Center Program: Rheumatoid Arthritis – The Most Common Type of Autoimmune Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease seen in up to 1% of the United States population. Dr. Duncan Moore discusses the symptoms of this disease, how it affects patients and their families, the importance of early treatment, and advances in medication.
Blum Center Program: Heart Disease and HIV – Getting to the HEART of the Matter
People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer thanks to antiretroviral therapy. However, research has found that they are at an increased risk for heart disease. Suman Srinivasa, MD, MS, Allie Walpert, MSN, FNP-BC, and Grace Shen, BS provide an overview in this presentation.
Blum Center Program: The Down and Dirty on “Clean” Skincare Products and Are They Truly Better for the Skin?
Dr. Jeff Yu explores the market phenomenon of “clean” skincare products and what this actually means.
Blum Center Program: 5 Tips for a Healthy Start to the New Year
Hoping to make some changes in the new year? Dietetic intern, Deanna Nappi, MS, shares tips to make your nutrition and lifestyle resolutions stick. You will learn about several evidence-based practices for improving your health so that you can leave confident in your ability to eat healthy in 2022!
Blum Center Program: Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Mental Health, and Resiliency Over the Holidays
Anxiety and depression can significantly affect quality of life for adults with congenital heart disease. In this presentation from December 21, 2021, psychologist Dr. Tina Luberto discusses resiliency, mental health and how to live your best life.
Blum Center Program: HAVEN Series – How to Help Someone Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic Violence Advocates with the HAVEN Program at Mass General discuss strategies for supporting and empowering individuals experiencing intimate partner violence, and the importance of self-care.
Blum Center Program: HAVEN Series – Intimate Partner Violence and Advocacy in the Medical Setting
Domestic Violence Advocates with the HAVEN Program at Mass General discuss the basics of intimate partner violence, explain the HAVEN Program, and provide a brief overview of how advocating for survivors of partner abuse is different in the medical setting than in other types of programs.
Blum Center Program: The Teen Driver – Updates in the Age of Distraction
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death and injury in adolescents. Michael R. Flaherty, DO, physician with Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at MGfC presents strategies to keep teen drivers safe and how parents can help.
Blum Center Program: Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes
In this presentation from November 16, 2021, Tiffany Soper, FNP, CDE, and Briana Kilduff, RN, BSN, of the Mass General Diabetes Center review what type 2 diabetes is and discuss strategies to manage your glucose levels to prevent complications.
Blum Center Program: Setting the Stage for Healthy Eating Habits
Feeding children can be complicated. In this presentation, Simona Lourekas, MS, RD, LDN, CHES, Kelly Millan, MS, RD, LDN, and Meaghan Alexander, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC, of the Center for Feeding and Nutrition at MGfC, share strategies for feeding children of all ages.
Blum Center Program: Breast Cancer Screening – Current Guidelines and Controversies
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast that help detect breast cancer. In this presentation, Randy Miles, MD, MPH, examines the risks and benefits of routine breast cancer screening starting at age 40 at the individual level. He also discusses the role of advanced imaging techniques.
Blum Center Program: Helping Teens Build Healthy Relationships and Recognize Early Signs of Unhealthy Ones
How can we support teens in developing healthy peer and dating relationships? In this presentation, Archana Basu, PhD, of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on the building blocks of children’s peer relationships, signs of unhealthy dating and how teens can foster healthy connections.
Blum Center Program: Mental Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities
Alex Keuroghlian, MD, MPH provides an overview of care for transgender and gender diverse communities. He discusses inequities within a gender minority stress framework and proposes culturally responsive clinical practices for building inclusive, affirming and trauma-informed care environments.
Blum Center Program: This is Our Lane – Gun Violence Prevention
Who is at risk for gun violence? What are the categories of gun-related deaths in the U.S.? What are some specific state laws governing gun ownership and safety? In this presentation, Kimberly Smith Sheppard, RN, Meaghan Rudolph, PCNS, and Matthew Thomas, CPP, provide answers to these questions.
Blum Center Program: Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan
In this presentation, Brian Skotko, MD, MPP, and Clorinda Cottrell, MSW, LICSW, provide an overview of the Mass General Down Syndrome Program, dispel common myths and misperceptions about Down syndrome and offer information and understanding about medical and mental wellness across the lifespan.
Blum Center Program: Removing Barriers While Remaining Resilient in One’s Recovery During Uncertain Times
In this program from September 30, 2021, our recovery coaches review the tools they used for themselves and their participants to help them maintain their recovery. They also share lessons learned through the COVID-19 pandemic in recovery resilience and how they can be applied to uncertain times.
Blum Center Program: Pain and Its Treatments – Finding the Right Balance
In this presentation from September 17, 2021, Paul Arnstein, RN, PhD, FAAN, discusses how one of the best ways to manage pain is through an individualized plan based on the source of pain. Pain management is also modified and treated in a balanced way to help without harming the person.
Blum Center Program: Tips to Manage Childhood Obesity
In this presentation from September 10, 2021, learn the challenges that many families face when dealing with childhood obesity from Vibha Singhal, MD, MBBS. She shares insights and tips on how to manage childhood obesity.
Blum Center Program: Structuring Exercise Programs for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Exercise for adults with congenital heart disease poses many unique challenges. In this presentation from August 12, 2021, Sherrin Gallagher, ACNP, AACC, reviews the importance of exercise and current guidelines for adults with congenital heart disease.
Blum Center Program: The Myths and Facts of Gluten Related Disorders
In this presentation from August 10, 2021, Maureen Leonard, MD, MMSc, and Stephanie Harshman, PhD, RD, LD, from the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children discuss the two most common gluten related disorders—celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Blum Center Program: Nutrition Debunked
Have you ever read nutrition recommendations and wondered how to apply them? In this presentation from July 21, 2021, dietetic intern Alex Cauley discusses common nutrition misconceptions and the most effective way to improve your health through nutrition.
Blum Center Program: Adult Congenital Heart Disease – Tetralogy of Fallot
In this presentation from July 20, 2021, Dr. Doreen DeFaria Yeh reviews the specific medical issues that develop among children and adults born with a complex congenital heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot.
Blum Center Program: Reach for the Stars - Your Guide to Medication Safety
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that works by boosting the body’s immune system. Some patients achieve full remission, meaning all signs of their cancer have disappeared.
Blum Center Program: Immunotherapy and Understanding Its Side Effects
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that works by boosting the body’s immune system. Some patients achieve full remission, meaning all signs of their cancer have disappeared.
Blum Center Program: Sexual Health After a Cancer Diagnosis
Though a cancer diagnosis can affect all aspects of a patient’s life, sexual health is not often an area of focus. In this presentation from June 24, 2021, nurse practitioner Lorraine Drapek reviews the scope of sexual health issues after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Blum Center Program: Finding Reputable Health Information Online
The internet is full of never-ending information, websites, and resources—but when it comes to your health, which ones should you trust?
Blum Center Program: Gout – The Most Common Inflammatory Arthritis
Gout is an especially painful cause of arthritis that can involve most of the joints in the body. Caused by buildup of urate crystals in and around joints, gout is frequently associated with other common medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Blum Center Program: How to Get the Most Out of Virtual Visits for Your Child
We care about the family and friends that help provide care for our patients at Mass General Cancer Center and recognize the emotional and physical toll this can take.
Blum Center Program: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Someone with Cancer
We care about the family and friends that help provide care for our patients at Mass General Cancer Center and recognize the emotional and physical toll this can take.
Blum Center Program: Struggling and Strength – Tips to Build Resiliency in Children
When faced with challenging or stressful situations, learning how to adapt and overcome is an important skill for overall wellbeing. This is called building resiliency skills.
Blum Center Program: How to Complete a Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Form
What would happen if you had a sudden illness, injury, or accident that prevented you from making decisions about your medical care? You have the right to make your wishes about health care decisions known and respected, even if you can’t make them yourself.
Blum Center Program: Talking to Your Child About Differences and Discrimination
What would happen if you had a sudden illness, injury, or accident that prevented you from making decisions about your medical care? You have the right to make your wishes about health care decisions known and respected, even if you can’t make them yourself.
Blum Center Program: What We Learned from COVID-19 About Making Healthcare Systems More Equitable
What is the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and how have MGH responses aimed at improving health equity?
Blum Center Program: Partnering with Our Communities to Build Trust and Provide Education on the COVID-19 Vaccine
In this conversation from April 26, 2021, Mass General community messengers share how they have built a trusted relationship with our underrepresented minority communities. They discuss barriers on getting the COVID-19 vaccine among our communities.
Blum Center Program: Updates on Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term disorder where multiple parts of the body can become inflamed. It affects about 3% of the US population. In this presentation from April 21, 2021, Dr. Flavia Fedeles gives an overview of the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of the different types of psoriasis.
Blum Center Program: Raising a Bilingual Child
Are you currently raising or planning to raise your child to speak two or more languages? What are the best strategies to do so? Could being bilingual lead to a speech delay? And what should you do if your child only wants to speak in English?
Blum Center Program: Cancer Equity Efforts at the Mass General Cancer Center
In this presentation from April 9, 2021, in recognition of National Minority Health Month, Beverly Moy, MD, MPH, Brenda Lormil, NP, and Evelyn Abayaah, discuss the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cancer care among underserved populations of cancer patients.
Blum Center Program: The Road to Racial Equity in Kidney Transplant
In this presentation from April 7, 2021, Winfred Williams, MD, and Jamil Sulemana, RN, BSN, discuss kidney disease in the black community, the differences between dialysis and kidney transplant, and when one should consider kidney transplantation.
Blum Center Program: An Introduction to Inherited Heart Disease
While heart disease is often thought of as mainly being influenced by lifestyle factors, genetics can play a greater role in some people.
Blum Center Program: Supporting Families with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Treatment
Many families find themselves in a state of crisis when a family member is unwell. However, a loved one living with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or both can be even more tricky when the family is unsure how to help.
Blum Center Program: Tough Conversations – Tips to Navigate Challenging Times with Children
When your child asks questions about something upsetting, scary or difficult that happens in the world, what do you say – or do you say anything at all?
Blum Center Program: Living Well with Chronic Lung Disease
Many people with lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease experience shortness of breath and fatigue.
Blum Center Program: Updates on Atopic Dermatitis – From Sunflower Oil to Dupilumab
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic itchy skin condition that affects 10-20% of the US population. In this presentation from March 16, 2021, Jeff Yu, MD, discusses the symptoms and causes of eczema.
Blum Center Program: Maximizing Human Potential Through Brain Health
We routinely discuss our heart health and the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with our doctors. However, what do we know about preserving the health of our brain?
Blum Center Program: Management Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In this presentation from March 8, 2021, Elizabeth Glennon, NP, reviews criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diagnostic testing used to rule out other diagnoses similar to IBS.
Blum Center Program: Direct-to-Consumer and Consumer-initiated Genetic Testing
Genetic counselors from the Mass General Preventive Genomics Clinic share the advantages and limitations of direct-to-consumer and consumer-initiated genetic tests.
Blum Center Program: Transition to Adult Care for Those Living With Congenital Heart Disease
Christopher Learn, MD, of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center and Department of Medicine, reviews the opportunities and challenges of adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care providers.
Blum Center Program: Sex Differences in Heart Disease and Unique Risk Factors in Women
Michael Honigberg, MD, reviews the epidemiology of heart disease in women, differences in heart disease between women and men, unique sex-specific risk factors for heart disease in women and special considerations for promoting female heart health.
Blum Center Program: Are Your Bones Strong?
Megan Lockwood, MD, a Rheumatology Unit fellow at Mass General, provides an overview of osteoporosis and reviews screening and treatment options.
Blum Center Program: Coping During a Pandemic—Tools for Promoting Mental Health in Children
Eugene Beresin, MD, MA, executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, provides practical guidance on how parents, teachers, caregivers, coaches and professionals can help children through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blum Center Program: Cancer Genetic Testing—Strategies to Manage Stress and Increase Resilience
April Hirschberg, MD, discusses how stress awareness, healthy lifestyle behaviors and mind-body interventions can promote your well-being.
Blum Center Program: Parenting a Child with a Chronic Illness
Parenting is always a balancing act and raising a child with a chronic illness poses extra challenges. Watch this video to discover ways to prevent, recognize and manage emotional distress that can improve the health of the entire family.
Blum Center Program: Managing Challenging Behavior During Challenging Times
The chronic stress and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in challenging behavior for many kids. This presentation provides a proven approach to reducing conflict and repairing relationships that is more important than ever during this pandemic.
Blum Center Program: Treatment Options for GERD
In this recent presentation, Kristina Skarbinski, MSN, FNP-BC, describes both common and uncommon symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She then outlines management strategies including lifestyle modifications, types of medicine and surgical options.
Maintaining Emotional Wellness Through Telemental Health and Community Support During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the delivery of mental health care. In addition, there is increasing evidence of a sudden need for mental and behavioral health care. As a result, there has been a quick expansion of telemental health.
MGfC Parenting Series – What Are They Vaping? What You Should Know and What You Can Do
In recent years, vaping has become the new form of smoking. In this presentation from November 5, 2020, you will learn the basics of the dangers of vaping, the intersection between vaping and marijuana, and the most current updates on COVID-19 and vaping.
The Family Dinner Project: Creating Meaningful Connections Through Conversation
Twenty years of research has shown that family dinners are good for the body, the brain and the mental health of kids and their parents. Anne Fishel, PhD, of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at MGfC, shares how to make the most of family dinners.
Setting the Stage for Healthy Eating Habits
Feeding children can be complicated, and even more so in a world that targets children with food marketing and convenience food. While the way a child eats is not solely in the hands of parents, there are strategies that can help your child build a healthy relationship with food.
Beyond BRCA: Hereditary Breast Cancer Genes
Testing for the classic hereditary breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, has been available and widely offered since their discovery in the 1990s. However, new technologies in genetic testing have recently uncovered information about other genes linked to hereditary breast cancer.
Your Family Health Portrait: How and Why to Learn About Your Family History of Cancer and Other Health Conditions
According to a CDC survey, 97% of people think it is important to know family health history, but only 30% have ever collected health information from family members. Join Meredith Seidel, MS, LCGC to learn tips on collecting your family health history, and how doing so can help you stay healthy.
Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan Addressing Medical and Psychosocial Needs in the Healthcare Setting
This presentation will provide an overview of the Mass General Down Syndrome Program, dispel common myths and misperceptions about Down syndrome, and offer information and understanding about the interplay between medical and mental wellness across the lifespan.
Midwifery Care for Women in Recovery
Midwives care for pregnant women at all stages of recovery. The Midwifery Model of Care offers women and families support, education and guidance throughout their pregnancy and after childbirth. This presentation shares the experience of midwifery care provided in the Mass General HOPE Clinic.
Alcohol and Older Adults: A Complicated and Concerning Relationship
Since the 21st century in the United States, evidence has shown an increasing trend in problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorders, most notably in older adults. This presentation reviews the epidemiology, socioeconomics and neurocognitive impact of alcohol use disorders in older adults.
Recovery Coach Perspectives on Bias and Stigma
Recovery coaches present on intentional and unintentional stigma, knowing and recognizing personal biases, and learning how to use these truths to make the patient care experience more beneficial for all.
Back to School: How to Keep My Child Safe(r) During COVID-19
In this presentation by the Mass General Blum Center, Vandana Madhavan, MD, will review the latest updates on COVID-19 infections in children and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Patient Gateway
The Patient Gateway provides secure online access to your health information whenever you need it. Check upcoming appointments, communicate with your doctor’s office, review medications and pay medical bills—all seamlessly online 24/7.