The coming of the new year inspires reflection, a sense of renewal and, of course, the inevitable New Year’s resolution. So many resolutions are health-oriented — we vow to lose weight, exercise more, eat better or get more sleep. And however short-lived they may be, they are well-intended.

In the spirit of the new year, this edition of Health+ highlights some great material on how to maintain and improve your health:

• Learn about the importance of having a primary care physician to act as your healthcare “quarterback” and advocate.
• Read about patients whose lives were transformed by weight loss surgery and an innovative device called the Watchman, which gives new hope to some patients who are suffering ill-effects of the blood thinners they are taking as a result of having atrial fibrillation (A-fib).
• Take a proactive approach to managing your and your family’s wellness with our new screenings and interventions guide, which includes the screenings, immunizations and interventions recommended to keep you well at every stage or your life. Be sure to download it and keep it on hand as a guideline and tool to discuss appropriate preventive care with your primary care provider.

Happy and healthy New Year!
Keith A. Hovan
President & CEO, Southcoast Health

Heath+ Winter 2016