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In This Issue
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August 2017
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News Brief 
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Promising New Drug Approved for Multiple Sclerosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to treat two types of multiple sclerosis (MS): relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and primary-progressive MS (PPMS). This is the first time that a medication for MS has been approved for two types of the disease, and the first time that any medication has been approved to treat PPMS. This is very exciting news!
MS is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. It is among the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults and occurs more frequently in women than men. For most people with MS, episodes of worsening function (relapses) are initially followed by recovery periods (remissions). Over time, recovery may be incomplete, leading to progressive decline in function and increased disability. Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40.
PPMS is characterized by a steady accumulation of symptoms, often without early relapses or remissions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 15 percent of patients with MS have PPMS.
Ocrevus™ (ocrelizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to selectively target CD20-positive B cells. These are a specific type of immune cell that is an important contributor to the MS-disease process. The fact that Ocrevus targets B cells differentiates it from most of the previously approved disease-modifying therapies for MS, which target a different type of immune cell called "T cells." Finding new targets that effectively reduce disease activity is vital to understanding MS and its treatments. If you or someone you know has MS, you may want to speak to your physician about this new treatment.
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Question & Answer
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Is there an easy way to keep track of my medications?
It is important to always have a current list of your medications in the event of an emergency, or a visit to a new physician. Here is a tool we have created for you. "My Medication Record" is a form you can complete on-line, print and save to your personal computer. After you print it, keep it easily accessible to you and your family at all times in the event of an emergency. Don't forget to update it with a change in medication or dosage.
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Healthy Living Tip
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Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
When the summer temperatures creep up into the 90s, it is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones to avoid heat-related illnesses. High humidity can make matters worse since
sweat won't evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
Here are some important tips to follow:
Stay Cool Indoors
Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall, a movie theatre or a public library-even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals
They add heat to your body!
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it's coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated
Always wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 15, apply it 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply often. If you already have a sunburn, stay out of the sun completely and drink plenty of fluids.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
- Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
- Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid - dehydration! Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
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Featured Video
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Living With Joint Pain, Kerri Batra, MD
Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. It could last for just a few weeks or become a long-term problem. Even short-term pain and swelling can affect your quality of life. Whatever the cause of joint pain, you can usually manage it. In this lecture, rheumatologist Kerri Batra, MD, discusses some of the causes of joint pain, as well as treatments, medications and other things that may offer pain relief to those who live with joint pain.
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Patient Story
Lymphedema Therapy
For 20 years, Patricia Shea struggled with a swollen right arm that was almost as big as her leg. Embarrassed, she rarely went anywhere other than to work. Two decades ago, Pat was diagnosed with lymphedema after a breast lumpectomy and removal of some lymph nodes. The condition results from a blockage in the lymphatic system, which prevents lymph fluid from draining well and leads to swelling. Lymphedema can occur in other locations in the body such as the neck, leg and trunk. At that time, the therapy treatment Pat was given at another facility was unsuccessful.
Recently, Pat was referred to Milford Regional's Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine since it has a well- known, strong lymphedema program. The rehab site in Milford has three certified lymphedema specialists, while the Northbridge site has one. After successful therapy, Pat marveled at the transformation. ..."Now I can wear rings. I can exercise. It was so amazing to me I cried at one point when I went out and got new clothes."
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Good Things You Should Know
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Critical Shortage of Blood Donations This Summer
Milford Regional partnered with the American Red Cross to open a Blood Donation Center at the hospital. This new Center is situated off the new Imaging Center's waiting room where the old emergency department used to be located. We wanted to make it as convenient as possible to donate blood. There is a severe shortage of blood donations this summer which could lead to delays in medical care.
In August, blood drives at Milford Regional are scheduled for August 3, 11, 20 and 25. To make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Walk-ins are welcome too!
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Forum is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology use and adoption among hospitals nationwide. Their survey of 698 participants, representing an estimated 2,158 hospitals - more than 39 percent of all hospitals in the United States - examines how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based health care in areas of infrastructure; business and administrative management; quality and safety; and clinical integration.
As a Most Wired hospital, Milford Regional is recognized for its robust wireless network for providers and clinical staff, use of assistive technologies to ensure positive patient identification, electronic prescribing, electronic transmission of summary of care records for transition in care, redundancies that support patient care in the event of a disaster and strong security safeguards to protect patient health information.
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During January and February, Community Newspaper Company (which includes Milford Daily News, MetroWest Daily News, Country Gazette, Hopkinton Crier and Holliston Tab to name a few) asked readers to vote for their "#1 Choice" in a variety of categories as part of their annual Readers Choice Awards competition. This year, Milford Regional won the "#1 Hospital" award locally, but more importantly, we won the "#1 Hospital" award regionally which includes 23 surrounding towns.
The Reader's Choice Award is so meaningful because it comes from our patients. Thank you for making us the region's #1 choice in healthcare.
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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.
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. |
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A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disease affecting the joints, muscles and bones. In addition to arthritis, they treat certain autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and musculoskeletal pain. Read more about our rheumatologists. Click on their name to read their bio.
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