The document discusses Lowell General Hospital's expansion project called the Legacy Project, which will renovate and expand the hospital's facilities. It describes some of the new features that will be included such as a larger labor and delivery unit and emergency department. The expansion is aimed at improving healthcare services in the local community by attracting more specialists and healthcare professionals.

1. 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854 I 978-937-6000 TTY: 978-937-6889 I www.lowellgeneral.org
M A G A Z I N E Vol 1 – 2012
When Minutes Matter: Lifesaving Heart
and Vascular Services, Close to Home
Strong Community Support for
Lowell General’s Historic Legacy Project
Trauma Care that Goes Above and Beyond
Catch a Killer with Colon Cancer Screening
Winter Health and Wellness Programs
Sherry Andre, RT and
Kirk MacNaught, MD
in the Heart and
Vascular Center at
Lowell General Hospital

2. Dear
Friends,
02
If you have visited the main hospital or Chelmsford
campus of Lowell General Hospital in the past few
months, you’ve certainly noticed some changes.
Construction of our new Legacy project and 14
Research Place is well underway, with anticipated
completion of both projects in 2012. We so are grateful
for the support of this historic expansion from our
neighbors, community leaders, donors and staff who
have been a part of making this expansion happen.
In this issue of For Your Health, you’ll see some of the
illustrations that show what the inside of the new Lowell
General will look like. While the physical buildings will
provide more space designed for modern healthcare,
we’re also transforming the delivery of care through
our services, specialists and the medical expertise we
provide every day.
Today, we deliver critical services to our community –
award-winning heart and vascular care, trauma services,
and neurosurgical advances – by having committed,
well-trained staff and specialists available 24/7. Our
state-of-the-art expansion will help us to continue
to attract the most highly trained, expert healthcare
professionals to the area – bringing Greater Lowell
some of the most innovative medical care in the state.
This commitment to providing the highest quality,
comprehensive healthcare locally, has led to our
conversations with Saints Medical Center regarding
a formal affiliation that would continue to bring
exceptional medical care to our community, while
delivering it more efficiently and cost-effectively.
I am proud to be a part of the positive changes taking
place in healthcare today and invite you to learn more
about where we are headed. You may visit us at
www.buildinganewlowellgeneral.com to watch progress
and learn how you can become involved in ensuring
quality healthcare for the future.
We look forward to building a legacy of good health that
will serve you and your family for generations to come.
In Good Health,
Normand E. Deschene
President and Chief Executive Officer
02
Typical Patient Room
Emergency Department Lobby
Patient Service Center Check-in and Waiting Area
The new Lowell General Hospital

3. 03
As a community-owned hospital, the Legacy
Project will be a valuable gift for generations to
come. Upon opening of the $95 million state-
of-the-art facility by late 2012, you’ll experience
increased privacy and comfort, more efficient
service, and more convenient access to the care
you’ve come to trust.
An expanded Labor and Delivery unit will
welcome more new families; additional capacity
in the Emergency Department will better
accommodate patient volume; more surgical
suites and our approach to family-centered
care will exceed your expectations.
Lowell General was able to initiate such an
investment in the health of our community
through the support of many. Our board
of trustees and local representatives from the
community identified growing healthcare needs in
the region and helped to determine the hospital’s
responsibility of meeting them. Leadership donors
paved the way with more than $13.8 million
toward a $15 million fundraising goal, creating
the momentum to launch the project.
Now is the time to help contribute to the lasting
legacy of good health. The public phase of The
Legacy Fund campaign is a chance for members
of the community to bring the future of healthcare
to life. Named giving levels begin at $2,500 and
donations of any amount are welcome. Your gift
will help ensure the best of medical services in
our community.
For more information about honoring a loved
one with a named gift, supporting a specialty
area in the new building, or to make a donation
of any size, please contact Ellen Kallman,
Director of Philanthropy at 978-937-6430
or ekallman@lowellgeneral.org.
This is your legacy, too. Please support the Lowell General Hospital Legacy Fund.
For more information, please visit www.buildinganewlowellgeneral.com or call
1-855-4NEWLGH (1-855-463-9544)
Strong Community Support for
Lowell General’s Historic Legacy Project
Lowell General Hospital Legacy Fund Opens to Public Participation this Winter
Architect’s renderings and illustrations
“The Legacy Project will enable our local, community hospital to attract the finest
healthcare workers, and offer the highest quality patient care for many years to come.”
Rick Hanson, hospital trustee and CFO of Klin Groupe, who chairs The Legacy Fund steering committee

4. A patient was rushed to Lowell General with a
severe head injury that was causing bleeding into
the brain. Time was ticking. The rapid response
of the trauma team and physicians made the
difference between life and death that day.
“The patient needed immediate surgical
intervention – a craniotomy – to relieve the
pressure that was rapidly building up in the
brain. In such an unstable condition, the patient
could not be transferred to another facility but
without treatment the odds of survival were
not good,” explains Vanessa Barrett, RN, CEN,
trauma program manager. “Most Level III trauma
centers – which we are – don’t have the resources
to perform this type of surgery.”
Thankfully, Lowell General has gone above
and beyond state- and nationally-mandated
requirements of a Level III trauma center and
had advanced resources in place to save this
critically injured patient’s life.
“Our experienced neurosurgical staff arrived
quickly, were able to perform the craniotomy and
the patient was able to return home,” Barrett says.
“We’re fortunate to have sophisticated resources
here in addition to a committed team of trauma
surgeons. Specialists in the fields of neurosurgery,
vascular surgery and interventional radiology aren’t
required of a Level III trauma center, however
having these physicians available has saved lives
and limbs, as well as enabled patients to be
treated faster, locally,” she adds.
Another recent case in point:
“A patient walked into the emergency department
after being crushed by a very heavy object,” Barrett
relates. “The triage nurse couldn’t detect a pulse in
the patient’s wrist, indicating there was no blood
flow to the arm.”
“Imaging detected a bone break and more critically,
a torn artery,” she continues. “If not treated
immediately, the injury could have caused loss of life,
if not the limb, from lack of circulation to the arm.”
Vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists
successfully repaired the severed artery at Lowell
General Hospital.
“We see between 450 and 550 trauma patients
each year, so we’re being called upon to manage
these types of life-and-death situations every
day,” Barrett adds. “That’s a depth of experience
and expertise in which the Merrimack Valley
community can feel confident.”
As a Level III trauma center, Lowell General Hospital
can provide life-saving treatment and stabilization
when seconds count. Reducing time to treatment
and providing immediate intervention makes the
difference between life and death. With a team of
first responders including paramedics and ambulance
teams, Lowell General is able to assemble the
medical teams and physicians for incoming trauma
cases and further reduce the time to treatment.
Trauma Care that Goes Above and Beyond
Stay Safe This Winter!
Snow sports and winter activities are a great way to keep active during the
cold weather months, but it’s important to be prepared and stay safe!
Hypothermia and frostbite are two of the most common conditions
experienced when participating in cold weather activities. Symptoms can
range from cold fingers to unconsciousness. Proper attire will keep you
warm and help prevent the onset of these two conditions. In addition,
wearing a helmet on the slopes is the number one way to prevent head
injuries such as concussions, which can have numerous serious short-
and long-term effects.
Watch a demonstration of how a helmet protects the brain in the
instance of a fall, and check out some tips and tricks for keeping
warm with our sports injury prevention videos by visiting
www.lowellgeneral.org/videos/sports-injury-prevention
04 Chris Arguoyan and Jeff MacDonald of Trinity EMS

5. Catch a Killer with Colon Cancer Screening!
Colorectal cancer – cancer of the colon or rectum,
often referred to as just colon cancer – is the second
leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men
and women in the U.S., claiming nearly 50,000
lives each year. Yet, if everyone aged 50 or older
were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths
from this cancer could be avoided.
“Screening tests can find precancerous polyps
(abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum so they
can be removed before they turn into cancer,”
explains Dr. Win Travassos, gastroenterologist
and medical director of endoscopy at Lowell
General Hospital. “Screening tests can also find
colorectal cancer in its earliest stages, when
treatment works best.”
The most effective screening test for colorectal
cancer is colonoscopy, a common and very safe
procedure that examines the lining of your lower
intestinal tract called the colon (or large intestine).
During the procedure, a flexible viewing tube – a
colonoscope – is threaded up through the rectum
to inspect the entire colon and rectum. If an
abnormality is found, the doctor can take a biopsy
or remove it entirely. Patients are sedated during
the procedure, ensuring their comfort.
National guidelines recommend that everyone
have a screening colonoscopy every 10 years
starting at age 50 (or earlier and more often if
you have certain risk factors, including a family
history of colorectal polyps or cancer, or if you
have inflammatory bowel disease).
With his mother’s history of colon cancer, James
of Chelmsford knows how important screening
is to help keep him cancer-free. “Having regular
colonoscopies is a much better approach to
stopping cancer than having it detected after it
spreads and causes symptoms,” says James, who
has had polyps removed on many occasions since
he began screening at age 50, but has never
developed cancer. Polyps are early signs of
abnormality and when removed, are prevented
from becoming cancerous growths.
At Lowell General Hospital’s state-of-the-art
Endoscopy Center, located at the main campus
of the hospital, experienced gastroenterology
specialists and nurses perform diagnostic and
therapeutic procedures, including colonoscopies.
The Endoscopy Center at Lowell General
Hospital has been recognized by the American
Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
for meeting strict national standards of quality
and patient safety.
Being a hospital-based center, if something is
detected and needs to be removed or treated, it
can be done during the same procedure, and for
patients with other medical conditions, such as
heart problems or diabetes, having the procedure
performed at a hospital adds an extra level of safety.
“Having my colonoscopy done at Lowell General
Hospital gives me peace of mind. If something more
serious is needed, the hospital can immediately care
for me. As I’m getting older, that’s more important,”
says the now 70-year-old who continues to work
full-time. “It’s also reassuring to have two nurses in
the room so that I am taken care of even if a nurse
needs to assist the physician during the procedure.”
“Colon cancer is far more common than people
realize – one out of every 30 people will have it
during their lifetime – those are numbers worth
thinking about,” says Dr. Travassos.
If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be
at increased risk for colorectal cancer, talk to
your doctor about getting screened. For more
information visit www.lowellgeneral.org/colon
Lowell General Recognized for its Commitment to
Promoting the Highest Standards of Safety and Quality
with Endoscopy Procedures
The American Society for Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal
medical society, has recognized the Endoscopy
Center at Lowell General Hospital as part of its program
specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy.
On average, Lowell General performs about 100 endoscopy procedures each week, offering a
non-invasive way to support patients with gastrointestinal issues in diagnosis and treatment.
Procedures done at the hospital’s Endoscopy Center help physicians detect and screen for
colon cancer, diagnose stomach and gastrointestinal problems, find and remove polyps and
tumors, and treat ulcers and other diseases and disorders. Look for the symbol on display
at Lowell General assuring patients and referring physicians that the Endoscopy Unit is
dedicated to delivering high-quality endoscopic care and that personnel have received
specialized training around these principles.
In addition to
screening, eating
plenty of fiber and
a well-balanced
diet, drinking lots
of water, and
getting regular
exercise all help
to prevent colon
cancer and are
good for your
overall health.
05

6. 06
Expecting? Expect Great Things at the Birthplace
Are you expecting a baby
or planning a pregnancy?
With the completion of
the Legacy project in
2012, Lowell General
Hospital will offer an
all-new Birthplace with
an expanded labor and
delivery unit, larger, private
patient rooms and even
more patient- and family-
friendly conveniences.
The labor and delivery unit
will be on the top floor
of the new building and
feature large windows and
captivating views. Larger,
private patient rooms will
provide even more comfort
for laboring mothers as well
as space to stretch out and
families to bond. In-room
showers and other amenities
will create a soothing,
gracious environment.
The Birthplace at Lowell General already has
earned a reputation as the region’s most trusted
maternity service with the area’s only Level IIB
Special Care Nursery and 18 obstetric physicians
to welcome your baby.
“I recently gave birth to my fourth child and I
cannot begin to express how happy I was with
our experience,” wrote Litchfield, New
Hampshire resident Danielle Cronin – who
happens to be a pediatric nurse. “The nursing
staff went above and beyond to make our stay
a pleasant and restful one, and ensured that I
had the time needed to rest, recover and bond
with our family. Our older children were
welcomed into the unit with open arms, and
we were able to really spend time as a family
in those important first days.
“Despite the fact that we live almost an hour
away, I would not have a baby anywhere other
than Lowell General Hospital,” she continued.
“The physicians are second-to-none, and I feel
truly fortunate to have had them be a part of
all four of my pregnancies and deliveries.”
In addition to our experienced team of
obstetricians, our affiliation with Floating
Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical
Center provides maternal-fetal medicine
specialists (perinatologists) who are available
for diagnostic testing and consultation for high-
risk pregnancies. We also have neonatology
specialists on staff 24/7 to care for premature
newborns or infants needing more advanced
care, and a team of anesthesiologists available
around the clock.
For new moms, we also provide certified
lactation consultants and breastfeeding
support, and a full range of childbirth
education and parenting programs for
moms, dads and siblings.
For more information, or to arrange a tour of
the Birthplace, please call 1-877-LGH-WELL or
visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health
Spacious design for the new
Labor and Delivery patient suites
Danielle and Stephen Cronin with son Jack moments after his
arrival at The Birthplace at Lowell General Hospital
Tour our
Birthplace
Get your questions answered by a
childbirth educator while viewing our labor
and delivery area and mother infant area,
as well as the nursery and special care
nursery. Call 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit
www.lowellgeneral.org/health to register.
FREE!

7. 07
Community-Owned,
Community-Shared,
Community Benefits
Lowell General Hospital’s community benefit program is an essential and integral part of our
mission, vision, and strategy, reflected by the emphasis placed on community benefit throughout
our organization. Annually, Lowell General contributes more than $13 million toward improving
the health of Greater Lowell.
Each year, Lowell General Hospital works with the community to identify ways that it could
impact positive changes for the health of those in the region. In 2012, in addition to providing
healthcare and clinical services, we’re undertaking initiatives, programs, education and outreach
in four key areas:
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, in
approximately 7 out of 10 people each year. Among those, heart disease, cancer, and stroke
are the primary killers, affecting more than 50 percent of all deaths each year.
Healthy Eating and Active Living
Today, approximately 1 in 3 adults (34.0%) and 1 in 6 children and adolescents (16.2%) are
obese – most often the result of a combination of poor food choices and a lack of physical activity.
More than 80% of adults and adolescents are not getting the recommended amount of physical
activity, and fewer than 1 in 3 adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables each day.
Injury Prevention
Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans age 1 to 44, and a leading cause of disability
for all ages, regardless of sex, race and ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Unintentional injuries
and those caused by acts of violence are among the top 15 killers of Americans of all ages.
Community Health Improvement
Making a true impact on the health of a community requires having a deep understanding of
the effects of its cultural, social and economic diversity. Lowell General works collaboratively
with community services and local groups to help improve the overall health of our region
through joint efforts and partnerships.
Throughout the year, we dedicate staff and resources to address these areas through monthly
program offerings, screenings, and fitness and nutrition classes. Additionally, you will see us out
in the community at a wide range of events promoting health and wellness.
Take an active role in your health and the health of your community by participating in one,
or several, of our community health programs in 2012!
For more information, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/about-lgh/community-benefit-report
Many Voices Make
Up the Merrimack
Valley Mom Blog
No family is the same, but sharing
parenting tips, advice and recommendations
are still great ways to learn new ideas. We’re
thrilled to have nine moms from the region
sharing their posts on the new Merrimack
Valley Mom Blog:
• Sue: a home-schooling mom of six who is
also a grandmother
• Kristen: mother-infant unit nurse and mom
to twins
• Jessica: a self-proclaimed “worrywart”
and radio DJ
• Dawn: mother of three college-age girls and
a 9-year-old son who faces a chronic illness
• Heddi: mom to two lively boys, ages 4 years
and 4 months, with a passion for exercise
and healthy eating
• Sandy: psychologist with real-life
parenting experience
• Tiffany: recently back to work after the
birth of her second child, she keeps her
sense of humor
• Sabina: readily shares recommendations
on things to do and places to see
• Amy: reminds us to enjoy the truly
meaningful things in life
• Meredith: a thirty-something first-time mom
juggling motherhood with full-time work
Together these women (and sometimes their
partners) share a variety of topics and points
of view.
Visit www.mvmoms.com anytime to
see what local moms have to say about
parenting and life in the Merrimack Valley.

8. When Minutes Matter:
Lifesaving Heart and
Vascular Services, Close to Home
Fit, trim and active, 63-year-old Carmen
Christiano is one of the last people you’d expect
to have a heart attack. But that’s exactly what
happened to him last July.
“I was out for a 13.5-mile bike ride and started
feeling some chest discomfort,” he recalls. “When
I got home, the discomfort became significant;
I’d never felt such chest pain before. I asked my
neighbors for a ride to the hospital, but they
said I should call 911. Boy, I’m glad I did.”
Within minutes, the paramedics arrived
at Carmen’s home, carried him to the
ambulance and hooked him up to an EKG
(electrocardiogram) machine.
“They said, ‘You’re having a heart attack,’”
Carmen relates. “They immediately began
giving me all kinds of medications, and we
headed to the hospital.”
After a quick evaluation by the medical team in
the Emergency Department at Lowell General
Hospital, Carmen was rushed to the cardiac
catheterization lab where he underwent an
emergency angioplasty to open the blocked
coronary artery that was causing his heart attack.
Two stents – tiny metal “scaffolds” – were inserted
to help keep the artery open and blood flowing
to his heart.
“I was in the cath lab within 30 minutes of being
at home,” Carmen says. “About an hour later, I
woke up in the ICU [intensive care unit] and
felt 100 percent better. I wanted to go home,
but the doctor said I had to stay for at least a
couple of days.”
“Carmen’s experience was not unusual, however,
many people don’t act as quickly when they
begin experiencing symptoms,” recounts Dr. Kirk
MacNaught, the heart and vascular specialist who
performed the emergency angioplasty. “Acting
upon the warning signs and speed of treatment is
what led to him making a full recovery without
permanent damage to his heart. In fact, his heart
function resumed to 100 percent.”
For someone experiencing a heart attack, getting
help quickly is vital. The nationwide goal of
hospitals is to have a patient begin treatment in
less than 90 minutes. At Lowell General Hospital,
with an experienced team of cardiologists and
nurses available 24/7, the average time is less than
60 minutes – an excellent measure of quality and
a factor for survival.
Carmen was discharged after two days in the
hospital and participated in twice-weekly cardiac
rehabilitation (medically supervised exercise to
rebuild the heart’s strength and endurance)
classes at Lowell General for about three weeks
after his discharge.
08 For more information, visit www.lowellgeneral.org or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
From left to right: Sherry Andre, RT and Kirk MacNaught, MD in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Photo: Kaskons Photography
February is
National Heart
Month!

9. The Heart and
Vascular Center at
Lowell General Hospital
The Heart and Vascular Center at Lowell General
offers comprehensive options for diagnosing
and treating cardiovascular disease, tailored
to each patient’s unique needs. These options
include electrophysiology and implantable
cardiac defibrillators (pacemakers), Enhanced
External Counterpulsation (EECP), a non-surgical
bypass treatment for angina (chest pain), and
an Anticoagulation Clinic that provides carefully
coordinated management of heart patients taking
oral medications like Coumadin®
(warfarin) – in
addition to the angioplasty and stenting capabilities
that saved Carmen’s life.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Know Your Risk
A full cardiovascular risk assessment includes
screening for blood pressure, body mass index,
body fat analysis, cholesterol, blood sugar and
peripheral artery disease. These 30-minute
appointments are scheduled for Monday mornings
and are performed by a Registered Nurse. The
cost is $25. Visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or
call 1-877-LGH-WELL or to book your appointment.
Heart attacks often strike someone with no prior
symptoms. By understanding your personal risk
factors and working with your physician to help
manage them, you can dramatically reduce the
risk and prevent a heart attack.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Confidence
in Quality
When it comes to treating
heart disease, you want
confidence in the abilities
and quality of the hospital
you go to.
Lowell General Hospital
is one of 167 hospitals
nationwide to receive the American College of
Cardiology Foundation’s NCDR ACTION Registry–
GWTG Gold Plus Performance Achievement
Award for 2011. The award recognizes Lowell
General’s commitment and success in treating
heart attack patients to standard levels of care as
outlined by the American College of Cardiology/
American Heart Association clinical guidelines
and recommendations.
“That went very well because I had biked so much [before the heart attack],” Carmen says.
“They had me hooked up to monitors while I exercised and it was great to see what my
capability was before I started biking again on my own.”
And that’s exactly what Carmen did, resuming his cycling routine within two weeks of his
angioplasty – clocking nearly 800 miles through mid-November. To reduce his risk of another
cardiac event, he also started taking cholesterol-lowering medications and slightly changed his
diet, although he says he wasn’t eating that unhealthily before, nor did he smoke.
“My father had heart disease, however, so that was probably my primary risk factor along with
too-high cholesterol,” he notes.
Managing risks of heart disease like cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and lack of exercise are
important to lowering the chance of heart attack. “Unfortunately, age is a risk factor that we
can’t prevent, so while some people have no other known risk factors, anyone is at risk for
a heart attack. That’s why doing whatever we can to improve what we can – like lowering
cholesterol, eating healthy and getting exercise – is really important,” Dr. MacNaught explains.
“I’m just so glad they were able to perform this type of procedure right at Lowell General,”
Carmen adds. “If I hadn’t gotten the help I needed within one hour the way I did, the results
could have been dire.”
For more information, please visit www.lowellgeneral.org/heart
Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or
discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
09
Chest discomfort
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the
center of the chest that lasts more than a few
minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It
can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing,
fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one
or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath
May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs
These may include breaking out in a cold
sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
He did it!
“My doctors said all of my biking helped
me to recover quickly,” says Carmen
Christiano, seen here eclipsing 2,000
miles biked in 2011, a personal best.

10. 10
Beril Bayrak, MD
Pediatrics - 978-256-4363
Dr. Beril Bayrak is a board-certified physician in
Pediatrics who has joined Chelmsford Pediatrics LLC in
Chelmsford where she is accepting new patients. She
completed her residency in Pediatrics at Long Island
College Hospital/Beth Israel Medical Center in Long
Island, NY. She completed a fellowship in Pediatric
Hematology and Oncology at Schneider’s Children’s
Hospital in Long Island, NY. Dr. Bayrak received her
medical degree from Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty in
Turkey. She is fluent in English, Turkish and German.
Welcoming New Physicians to the
Lowell General Hospital Medical Staff
Jorge E. Gonzalez, MD
Internal Medicine – 978-256-5522
Dr. Jorge Gonzalez is a board-certified physician in
Internal Medicine who has joined Chelmsford Primary
Care, LLC in Chelmsford where he is accepting new
patients. He completed his residency in Internal
Medicine at Saint Barnabas Hospital/Weil Cornell
Medical College in New York, NY. Dr. Gonzalez
received his medical degree from Greater College
of Our Lady of Rosario Medical School in Colombia.
He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Peter Kuhlmann, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology – 978-937-9700
Dr. Peter Kuhlmann is a board-certified physician in
Obstetrics and Gynecology who has joined Lowell
Community Health Center in Lowell where he is
accepting new patients. He completed his residency
in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Danbury Hospital/
Yale University School of Medicine in Danbury, CT. Dr.
Kuhlmann received his medical degree from St. George’s
University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.
He is fluent in English and Setswana (Botswana).
Sangita S. Pillai, MD
Family Medicine – 978-937-9700
Dr. Sangita Pillai is a board-certified physician in
Family Medicine who has joined Lowell Community
Health Center in Lowell where she is accepting
new patients. She completed her residency in
Family Medicine and Obstetrics at Contra Costa
Regional Medical Center in Martinez, CA. Dr. Pillai
received her medical degree from University of
Massachusetts School of Medicine in Worcester,
MA. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Zinabu Maxwell, MD
Family Medicine – 978-441-1700
Dr. Zinabu Maxwell is a Family Medicine physician
who has joined Lowell Community Health Center’s
Metta Health Center in Lowell where she is accepting
new patients. She completed her residency in Family
Medicine at Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies/
Michigan State University in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr.
Maxwell received her medical degree from University
of St. Eustatius School of Medicine in the Netherland
Antilles. She is fluent in English and English Creole.
Pranav Prakash, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology – 978-937-9700
Dr. Pranav Prakash is a board-certified physician
in Obstetrics and Gynecology who has joined
Lowell Community Health Center in Lowell where
he is accepting new patients. He completed his
residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston
Medical Center/Boston University School of
Medicine in Boston, MA. Dr. Prakash received his
medical degree from All-India Institute of Medical
Sciences in New Delhi, India. He is fluent in English,
Hindu and Urdu.
Need a physician? For information on over 480 physicians in more than 30 specialties,
call an advisor 24/7 at 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit www.lowellgeneral.org

11. Your Heart Health
CPR, AED, First Aid Combo Class
First Saturday of the month, 9:00am-5:00pm, $85
This one-day combined course is designed for
non-healthcare providers to become certified in Basic
CPR, AED and First Aid. Cost includes workbook and
face mask. In partnership with Trinity EMS.
Cardiovascular Screenings
Second Monday of the month, 7:30-11:30am
(30-minute screening), $25
Screening includes blood pressure, body mass index,
body fat analysis, cholesterol, blood sugar, peripheral
artery disease and more.
Dance for Your Heart: Salsa Dancing
March 23, 6:30-8:00pm, $15
Learn new dance moves while enjoying three things
that are good for your heart: exercise, red wine, and
dark chocolate! 21+ event.
Get Heart Smart Health Fair
February 11, 8:00am-12:00pm, FREE
Join us for a day full of heart health information and
free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, body
fat analysis, hip-to-waist ratio measurement and
body mass index. $10 fee for cholesterol screening
(registration required).
Heart and Soles Mall Walking Program
at Pheasant Lane Mall
Enjoy a measured, one-mile walk in a climate-
controlled mall. Register at Guest Services to obtain a
badge before walking. Doors open at 8:00am Monday-
Saturday and at 10:00am on Sundays. Free blood
pressure screening on the third Wednesday of the
month. Co-sponsored by Lowell General’s Cardiac
Rehabilitation Department and the SIMON Pheasant
Lane Mall.
Heart CT Calcium Score Scan
Call 978-937-6023 to schedule your appointment, $100
Cardiac calcium scoring is one of the simplest, yet
most advanced methods to detect heart disease at
its earliest stages. The Heart CT Calcium Score Scan
does not require a physician referral and is not covered
by insurance.
ICD Dinner & Lecture Series:
Coping with My Partner’s ICD and Cardiac
Disease with Samuel Sears, MD
May 29, 6:00-8:00pm, FREE
Psychological distress can occur in ICD patients and
their partners. Common challenges associated with
the psychological adjustment of ICD partners and
strategies to consider in managing these difficulties
will be discussed.
Supplements and Heart Health:
Helpful or Harmful?
February 20, 6:00-7:00pm, FREE
This program will provide you with information about
over the counter supplements and will discuss
questions such as: Are they really as beneficial as
they are advertised? Should they be used to help
cholesterol levels?
Health and
Wellness Programs Winter/Spring 2012
For more information or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
National Wear Red Day
Friday, February 3
Join Lowell General Hospital in support
of the American Heart Association and
wear red to help spread the word
about heart disease!

12. Get Your Body Movin’
Visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 877-LGH-WELL for dates, times and locations
Support Groups
Lowell General offers a variety of support groups
for patients. For more information, please visit
www.lowellgeneral.org/supportgroups
- Al-Anon
- Arthritis
- Autism Spectrum
- AWAKE (Sleep Disorders)
- New Moms
- Perinatal Loss
- Smoking Cessation Support Group
Visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health for details on
weight management and cancer support groups.
——————————————————
Online Education Courses
To register visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health
or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (877-544-9355).
Take advantage of online courses offered by Lowell
General Hospital. Programs can be completed at
your own pace from the comfort of your home. Each
course consists of concise, learner-friendly modules
that focus on personal development and provide
you with tools and strategies touching on various
aspects of your life.
——————————————————
Patient and Family
Education Program
at the Cancer Center
Tuesdays at 4:00pm at the Cancer Center at Lowell
General Hospital. Call Meg at 978-937-6142 for
more information
This FREE education program offers four sessions
on important topics such as: Support Services,
Finances and Cancer, Nutrition and Cancer, and
Managing Side Effects of Treatment. Patients and
families may take one or all four classes.
——————————————————
Weight Management
Surgical Information Sessions
Tuesdays, February 7, March 6 or April 3,
6:00-7:00pm; Fridays, January 20, February 17,
March 16 or April 20, 12:00-1:00pm; FREE
Join our experienced weight management team
and learn about the different surgeries available
to treat obesity.
Weight Watchers®
Fridays, 3:45-4:45pm
Provides valuable information on weekly weight
loss topics, confidential weigh-in sessions, and
an opportunity to get expert advice, share helpful
strategies, or just listen and find motivation.
Back Care Yoga
Mondays, February 6-March 12, 5:00-6:30pm, $90
Relieve chronic back pain, prevent future back injury,
and learn how to stretch and strengthen the muscles
that support the spine.
Gentle/Moderate Yoga
Tuesdays, January 24-March 6, 5:00-6:00pm, $75
This class is for people who are new to yoga or like
to work with a high level of instruction offered in a
compassionate manner.
Hip Hop Hustle™
Tuesdays, January 10-February 14, 6:30-7:30pm, $45
Learn how to move like the dancers in music videos
while incorporating the health benefits of dance into
your life!
Kickboxing
Thursdays, January 26-March 1, 6:30-7:30pm, $45
Strengthen and tone all muscle groups, utilizing
punches and kicks. This high energy cardio workout
will tone and define your body while burning calories
and increasing your metabolism.
Martial Arts
Mondays, May 7-June 11, 4:30-5:30pm, $30
This class is a great way to achieve self-confidence
and increase fitness levels, while learning basic
martial arts and self-defense skills.
Pilates
Mondays, January 9-February 13 (six weeks, $45)
or March 19-April 23 (five weeks, $37), 5:30-6:30pm
Improve your mental and physical well-being,
increase your flexibility and strengthen muscles.
Tai Chi
Thursdays, February 2-March 22, 5:00-6:00pm, $60
Tai Chi is known for many benefits including tension
reduction, improved circulation and balance, increased
strength and flexibility, and states of mental and
physical relaxation.
Turbo Kick®
Tuesdays, March 6-April 10, 6:30-7:30pm, $45
This class is a combination of intense kickboxing
and dance to high energy music. It’s the ultimate
cardiovascular challenge that’s a unique blend of
intense intervals of strength/endurance training
and a relaxing cool-down.
Zumba®
Fridays, February 3-March 2 or April 6-May 4,
6:15-7:15pm, $37
This class consists of interval training sessions where
fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are
combined to sculpt your body and burn fat.
Lowell General
is going green!
Visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health and
click on the Community Health and Wellness
e-Newsletter box on the left of
the page to register

13. Anger Management Series
March 28-May 2, 6:30-8:00pm, $75
Participants will engage in a series of workshops
where they will learn to utilize a variety of mind-
over-body techniques to bring understanding and
better control to anger issues.
COPD Seminar and Screening
March 29, 6:00-7:30pm, FREE
Join us for a presentation on COPD (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease), what causes it,
how it can be treated, and the steps you can take to
reduce your risk and improve your respiratory health.
A COPD screening follows the presentation.
Diabetes Self-Management Program
Tuesdays, April 3-May 8, 5:00-7:30pm, FREE
(call Sue at 978-946-1355 to register)
Is living with diabetes preventing you from really
living? This six-week workshop is for adults of any
age who are living with the challenges and
complications of diabetes.
Freedom From Smoking™
January 24-March 13, 6:00-7:00pm, $30
(refunded upon completion of course)
This eight-week American Lung Association program
gives attendees the tools needed to end dependency
on smoking and improves health and wellness.
Gluten Free Diet
April 19, 6:00-7:30, FREE
Do you or a family member need to go gluten free?
A Lowell General dietitian will review how to
incorporate gluten free living into any meal plan.
Gluten free food samples will be available.
Introduction to Zentangle®
February 29, 6:30-8:30pm, $30 (includes supplies
and a mini-kit)
Zentangle is an easy to learn, relaxing method of
creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns
while reducing stress, increasing focus and creativity,
and increasing a sense of personal well-being.
Joint Replacement Education
February 6, March 5 or April 2, 4:00-5:00pm, FREE
Are you having your hip or knee replaced? Learn
what to do before your surgery, what will happen
on the day of your surgery and during recovery, and
tools for case management and discharge planning.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
March 20-May 8 (intro session March 13),
6:30-9:00pm, $375/$600 for couple
This program helps develop a range of skills and
competencies that can be integrated into everyday
life as a way of coping with stress, pain, and illness.
Plate Method
March 15, 6:00-7:30, FREE
Join one of our dietitians as we explore The Plate
Method (the Food Pyramid’s new layout) and its
similarity to the Mediterranean Diet. Review dietary
guidelines and discover a new technique to eating
a balanced and healthy diet.
Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing
January 22, February 26 and March 18,
4:30-5:45pm, $25/class or $60 for all three
(call Laura at 978-251-1001 to register)
These classes are an optimum way to unwind,
de-stress and prepare for your week with a sense
of clarity and fresh energy.
Self-Defense for Women
February 6, 8 and 10 or April 23, 25, and 27, 5:30 9:30pm,
FREE (call Alison at 978-937-6360 to register)
This course utilizes the RAD (Rape Aggression
Defense) approach to provide self-defense education
for women for 12 hours over the course of three days
focusing on awareness, risk reduction, and options for
physical self-defense.
Self-Hypnosis: The Five-minute Stress Buster
March 1, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE
Learn a safe and effective five-minute hypnosis
technique that helps alleviate stress, enhances deep
relaxation and provides self-improvement and healing.
Teddy Bear Clinic
April 14, 11:00am-2:00pm, Pheasant Lane Mall, FREE
Your favorite teddy bear or doll will visit various
departments for a “check up” and learn ways to keep
you, your teddy bear and your whole family healthy.
Therapeutic Zentangle®
Mondays, March 26-April 9, 6:30-8:00pm, $60
This series will review Zentangle basics, explore new
patterns, and help improve the lives of individuals who
may suffer from anxiety, stress, and more.
Wellness and You
National Healthcare
Decisions Day
Monday, April 16
Making Good Decisions at the End of Life
April 16, 6:30-8:00pm, FREE
This evening presentation will focus on the
questions that many people have regarding
end-of-life planning. With the changes in
health care what do I need to know to prepare
for a serious illness? How can I ensure that
my wishes are followed? What is an advance
directive, do I need one, where do I get one,
how do I fill one out, who should have a copy?
For more information or to register for these and other programs, classes and support
groups, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)

14. Baby and Me Yoga
January 19-February 9, February 16-March 8
or March 15-April 5, 9:00-9:45am, $40
This four-week gentle yoga class is designed to
strengthen, tone and relax a mother’s body and
mind after pregnancy. This class is for moms and
their babies. Babies should be young enough that
they are not crawling or walking.
Basics of Child Development
March 28, 7:00-8:30pm, FREE
Review several developmental theories and how they
relate to your child. Learn how brain and muscle growth
affect your child’s ability to reach normal milestones.
Early Words
March 8, 6:30-8:00pm, FREE
Parents play a vital role in building their child’s
language development from a very young age. Learn
how and why you should talk to your baby or toddler
and additional strategies for increasing their vocabulary.
Friends and Family CPR
Second Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm, $40
Learn important CPR techniques for all ages. This
program is designed for parents, family members,
and those who want to learn lifesaving skills.
Marching in with Healthy Foods on the Go
March 6, 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE
Join us for National Nutrition Month and learn how
to include healthy food choices that are quick to
prepare and healthy for all!
Infant Massage
January 16 and 23 or April 9 and 16, 10:00-11:00am;
February 27 and March 5, 7:00-8:00pm; $30
Infant massage is a centuries-old tradition which
offers benefits to both you and your baby. Benefits
include bonding, better sleep, improved colic,
relaxation and better digestion.
SIDS Workshop: A Certification Course
for Childcare Providers
March 19, 7:00-9:00pm, FREE
This SIDS training course will define sudden infant
death syndrome, discuss risk factors, and identify
safe sleeping positions and environments.
Parenting Programs
Childbirth Classes
Prepared 2 hours per week Yes Provides information on the physical and emotional changes occurring during pregnancy, signs of
Childbirth for 6 weeks labor, the progression of labor and birth, pain management options and techniques, the role of a
labor partner, when to call your healthcare provider, basic infant care and support systems.
One Day Prepared One 8-hour class Yes In a faster-paced teaching environment, you will learn all the topics covered in our 6-week Prepared
Childbirth Childbirth class.
Weekend Prepared 4½-hour class per Yes Learn all the topics covered in our 6-week Prepared Childbirth Class over the course of a weekend.
Childbirth day, for 2 days
Online Prepared You set the pace; Yes This e-course covers pregnancy basics, preparing for birth, labor basics, stages of labor, managing
Childbirth learn from home! and coping with labor, interventions and postpartum.
C-section One 2½-hour class For any Specific for parents who are scheduled for a cesarean birth. The class covers preparation for surgery,
Prepared expectant procedure details and recovery in the hospital and at home.
Childbirth mother
Hypno- 2½ hours per For any Hypno-Birthing®
is an empowering course for couples seeking more natural childbirth. Based on the
Birthing® week for 5 weeks expectant fear/tension/pain cycle and the belief that a calm state is the key to unlocking natural pain relief.
mother
Refresher One 2½-hour class No Designed for parents who have previously had a baby. Reviews labor and delivery, breathing and
relaxation techniques and more.
Prepared One 3-hour class Yes This class is open to any pregnant teen under the age of 19. Covers signs of labor, the progression of
Teens labor and birth, pain management options and techniques, the role of a labor partner, when to call
your healthcare provider, postpartum care, breastfeeding, basic infant care and safety.
Class Time commitment First baby? Description
In Control - Crash Prevention Training
Visit www.DriveInControl.com/LowellGeneral
or call 1-888-301-SAFE (7233) for more
information or to schedule this event
• In Control is the nation’s first hands-on,
state certified crash prevention training
program for drivers of all ages.
• The course is a half-day, closed course
program that focuses on teaching the
skills needed to handle the dangers on
our roadways.
• Classes are offered at approved facilities
across Massachusetts and most graduates
qualify for generous insurance discounts.
Lowell General Hospital offers a variety of classes to help you prepare for the birth of your child.
Use the chart below to select the class that is right for you. Space is limited and registration is required.
Call 1-877-LGH-WELL or visit lowellgeneral.org/health for dates, times and cost. Birthplace tours included.

15. Getting Ready for Your Baby
ABC’s of Babies for New Parents
February 7 or April 3, 7:00-9:00pm, FREE
Get started as a parent with everything you need to
know about infant care, feeding, development and
achieving good sleep.
Basics for Baby
April 19, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE
Are you a new or expectant parent? Learn about
parenting styles, behavior issues, pros and cons of
breast versus bottle feeding, tips for getting your
newborn to sleep, and immunizations.
Big Brother & Sister Sibling Class
February 14 or April 10, 3:45-4:45pm, $20
Children ages 3-8 can explore their feelings concerning
the arrival of a new baby in this program. They will read
a story, do an art project, and tour the Birthplace.
Boot Camp for New Dads®
January 28 or March 31, 9:00am-12:00pm, $40
This nationally-recognized workshop is taught by
fathers and is for men only. Rookie dads (men
expecting their first baby) are oriented to the joys
and challenges of fatherhood with the help of a
coach and veteran dads with their newborns.
Breastfeeding Class
Offered monthly on select Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm, $40
Learn the art of breastfeeding. Discover the benefits
for mom and baby, as well as valuable tips and
other information.
Car Seat Safety Check-up
April 28 (rain date May 5), Target Parking Lot
(181 Plain Street in Lowell), 10:00am-1:00pm, FREE
Having a child seat installed incorrectly could put your
child at risk. Get your car seat inspected by a certified
child passenger safety technician. Learn the five most
common types of car seat misuse and which seat
type is right for your child.
The Happiest Baby on the Block®
January 9 or April 9, 6:30-8:30pm, $15/family
Learn an extraordinary approach to calming your baby,
tips on how to help babies sleep longer, and ways
to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes. Fee
includes program DVD and Soothing Sounds CD.
Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy You
February 6 or April 30, 7:00-9:00pm, FREE
Women in their first or second trimester will learn about
nutrition tips, prenatal testing, your baby’s development,
visits with your healthcare provider and much more.
Prenatal Yoga
Wednesdays, 5:15-6:10 or 6:15-7:10, $10/class
Learn stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques
and modified yoga postures to help honor the body
during pregnancy and the birthing process.
Quitting for Your Baby
February 1, 6:30-8:00pm, FREE
Designed with expecting families in mind, providing
facts about the dangers of smoking while pregnant
and second hand smoke, the importance of having
everyone in the family quit and strategies for quitting.
Tiny Fingers, Tiny Toes
Monthly on select Saturdays, 9:00am-4:30pm, FREE
This series teaches expectant parents about the care of
their new baby, including newborn appearance, infant
care basics, at-home safety, and pediatrician visits.
Sign up today for our FREE
weekly parenting e-newsletter
for new and expectant parents
at www.lowellgeneral.org/baby
For more information or to register for these and other programs, classes and support groups, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/health or call 1-877-LGH-WELL (1-877-544-9355)
Programs for Tweens and Teens
Babysitting Basics plus CPR
Second Saturday of the month, 9:00am-1:00pm, $60
Boys and girls ages 10 and older will learn
babysitting skills, CPR, and receive a CPR Anytime
Kit for them to practice at home.
Dare to Prepare
January 19 or April 12, 6:30-8:30pm, $10/family
This pre-driver’s permit presentation, given by AAA,
is for parents and teens. It provides critical
information teens need before they take the wheel.
Every Human Body Needs a Bit of Fat
February 23, 6:30-8:30, FREE
Learn tips on healthy eating, discover how label-
reading reveals just how much sugar, salt and fat
a typical teenager consumes in everyday foods,
what types of foods are best, why colors matter
and why every human body needs a bit of fat –
the right kind!
Personal Safety and
Self Defense for Teens
April 14, 9:00-1:00, $10
Learn the warning signs of aggressive behavior
and how to react to an attack. Participants will
also learn basic self-defense skills.
Let’s Be Honest
January 19 or April 19, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE
Help your kids make the right choices and
be prepared with this interactive workshop.
We will provide parents with strategies for
responding to their children’s hard-to-answer
questions as well as techniques for talking
about sexual health issues in a skilled,
knowledgeable and comfortable manner.
Sex Talk for Teens
January 19 and 26 or April 19 and 26,
6:30-8:30pm, FREE
Teens and tweens ages 11-17 have questions
about their bodies, puberty, relationships and
more. Our certified sexuality educators will
provide facts during this two-part workshop
in a comfortable and safe environment.

16. TeamWalk for CancerCare
Gets a New Home—
www.teamwalk.org
Being part of TeamWalk is easier than ever with a new website for
registration and donations, plus interactive features to help spread
the word and have fun helping those facing cancer!
Last year TeamWalk raised $854,000 for local cancer patients with
contributions from corporate donors, festive fundraising events held
throughout the community and the participation and support of many
walkers, young and old. This year, we aim to reach one million dollars
to make a real difference.
The new website makes it easy to build a team, email friends, post
to Facebook, create custom web pages for your team, even to buy
tickets and official TeamWalk gear. Register for TeamWalk 2012
before April 15th and you’ll receive a special gift and be entered for
a chance to win more exciting prizes.
Visit www.teamwalk.org today to learn more, and join us on
May 20, 2012 for the 13th Annual TeamWalk for CancerCare!
295 Varnum Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854-2193
www.lowellgeneral.org
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lowell, MA
Permit #362
www.lowellgeneral.org
TEL 978-937-6000
TTY 978-937-6889
For Your Health is published by the Marketing and
Public Relations Department at Lowell General
Hospital.The information is intended to educate
people about subjects pertinent to their health,
not as a substitute for consultation with
a personal physician.
© 2012. Printed in U.S.A.
The Seventh Annual LGH Ball for Community Health Initiatives
Saturday, March 3 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Proceeds from this year’s Ball will support Community Health Initiatives that will focus on chronic disease, healthy eating and active living, injury
prevention and community health improvement. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, visit www.lowellgeneral.org/ball
Save the
Date!