Protect Your Eyes to Enjoy the Solar Phenomenon Safely
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Many people are eagerly awaiting the rare total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, when the moon will completely block the sun. Lasting for about an hour, the daytime skies of northern Vermont and New Hampshire will slowly darken. But to safely and fully enjoy the magic of the eclipse, your eyes must be protected. Learn how to best prepare for this once-in-a-generation event.
If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, the rising daily temperature and early spring blooms should be your signal to start preparing for increased pollen levels. While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, you can take steps now to reduce your body’s reaction to pollen and allergens before they intensify.
Medications are a part of everyday life for many Americans. Roughly 79% of Americans regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) medications and 24% take four or more prescriptions every day. The more medications one takes, the more errors are likely to occur. Read More
Tasty BP-Lowering Recipes
Do you think diet doesn’t have a big impact on your blood pressure (BP)? Think again. A recent study found that reducing daily salt intake by just one teaspoon significantly lowered blood pressure and may be as effective as taking a common medication. Read More
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SVMC Primary Care Offices Recognized for Patient-Centered Care
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Five primary care sites of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, have achieved national recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient care.
The following medical practices, located in Vermont, have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA):
SVMC Northshire Campus
Deerfield Valley Health Center
Pownal Campus
SVMC Internal Medicine
SVMC Pediatrics
The national designation recognizes SVMC's practice sites for providing comprehensive care and follow-up, in addition to a number of preventative and wellness screenings.
"Each of SVMC's practice sites follow a stringent set of guidelines that allows our staff to meet the criteria and ensures our providers, clinical and support staff give every primary care patient the care and follow-up they need, as well as options and appropriate screenings for a multitude of concerns," said Tina Gallant, CMPE, director of SVMC's Primary Care Medical Practices. "It's also a testament to the importance of our Community Health Team members who provide our patients with nurse case management, certified diabetic education and mental health and social services."
According to NCQA, research shows that PCMHs improve quality and the patient experience, and increase staff satisfaction—while reducing health care costs. The PCMH program identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians. A team of doctors, nurses, and other allied health providers oversees each patient's care, ensuring health needs are coordinated across the health care system.
Practices must resubmit for consideration every year. SVMC's Twin Rivers Medical office, located in New York, falls under a different evaluation system, separate from the NCQA guidelines.
"National recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home is an outstanding accomplishment by the staff, doctors, and advanced practice providers at our primary care practices," said Trey Dobson, MD, SVMC Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. "As we continue to focus on primary care provider recruitment and expanding access to our rural communities, this and similar awards demonstrate SVMC's commitment to exceptional health care."
Monument Mountain's Everett Pacheco took control of the race in the final mile and went on to a convincing Division 3 State Championship on Saturday at Fort Devens. click for more
Mila Marcisz ripped a shot from the top of the 18 that slipped just under the swing of teammate Adele Low and past the Mustangs keeper in the fourth minute of the second overtime to give Mount Greylock a 1-0 win. click for more
Mount Greylock dominated for much of the game, compiling a 17-4 advantage in shots on goal, not to mention numerous Mountie chances that went just wide or high of frame. click for more
Nora Schoeny, Gianna Love and Elyssa Scrimo Sunday led the Lenox girls cross country team to a narrow victory in the Division 2 race at the Western Massachusetts Championships at Stanley Park. click for more
