Health Headlines
A new surgical option for arthritis patients
A specialized finger implant surgery was performed at Backus Hospital for the first time in February. Read More >>
Backus offers support for heart failure patients
Meeting others with congestive heart failure and learning about treatments can help patients feel less isolated and be more proactive in their own care. Read More >>
Cancer deaths continue to decline
For the second year in a row, the American Cancer Society reported a drop in cancer deaths in the United States. Read More >>
Dirty purse can cause health problems
Your purse may be holding more than you realize — it may be harboring nasty bacteria. Read More >>
Keep safety in mind when holiday toy shopping
Parents often think it won’t happen to their children, but injuries from toys are a real concern, said Ravi Prakash, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Backus Hospital. Read More >>
Trouble sleeping can impact your health
Mari Adachi, MD, who recently joined the Backus Hospital staff, is board certified in internal medicine/pulmonary disease and specializes in sleep disorders. Read More >>
Tips to keep the weight off during the holidays
It’s a bit of a myth that you pack on the pounds at the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and eat everything in sight. Read More >>
Clinical trial at Backus testing new spinal surgery
A new surgery intended to relieve the pain associated with spinal stenosis was performed for the first time at Backus Hospital on Monday, Oct. 30. It is part of a national clinical trial involving a joint replacement device in the spine. Read More >>
Motorcycle crashes on the rise locally
Backus Hospital has seen almost twice as many trauma victims from motorcycle crashes so far this year compared to all of last year. Read More >>
Hospitals are ‘safe havens’ for unwanted newborns
With a recent case of a newborn baby allegedly abandoned in a car in Groton, it is important that people know there is an alternative. Read More >>
Diet, exercise key to lowering cholesterol
High cholesterol is the best known of the many threats to a healthy heart. At normal levels, cholesterol in the bloodstream is an essential material used by the body to build cell walls and produce certain hormones. Read More >>
Motorcycle Safety – It’s a No-Brainer
Pittsburg Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t think he would be involved in a crash when he took his motorcycle out for a ride on June 12. Read More >>
New psoriasis research and treatments offer hope for patients
Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease that has been diagnosed in 4.5 million adults in the United States. Read More >>
Even sparklers can be dangerous
Fireworks are delightful — from a safe distance. But up close, and used improperly, they can be dangerous, even deadly. Read More >>
Have fun, stay safe this summer
The unofficial start of summer begins on Memorial Day. There are so many fun things to do outdoors during summers in New England, but there are safety precautions to take as well. Read More >>
Tuberculosis can be easily identified and treated
While local health officials investigate a local case of tuberculosis (TB), Backus Hospital wants you to know that the disease is easily identifiable, does not spread easily and responds well to treatment.
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June is National Men’s Health Month
The best time to see a doctor is when you’re not sick. At first glance that doesn’t seem to make sense, but experts agree you should see a doctor regularly to prevent serious health problems. Read More >>
Dr. Peter Shea named next Backus Medical Director
Peter Shea, MD, a 23-year-member of the Backus Medical Staff and Norwich Medical Associates, has been chosen as the next Medical Director of the Hospital. He will replace W. Gordon Van Nes, MD, who is retiring in April. Read More >>
Young ‘boarders’ beware
As skateboarding popularity continues to rise, so does the importance of safety. Read More >>
Family Day
Starting at 12:30, join us for the dedication of the new “A Star is Born at Backus” plaque in the Backus Hospital Conference Rooms, Entry Level. Then choose from the following family-focused events,
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Cold weather safety tips
Cold weather and snow has arrived, so The William W. Backus Hospital Trauma Department offers this timely advice to avoid hypothermia. Read More >>
Backus staff offers advice for buying children toys this holiday season
With the craziness of the shopping season beginning on the day after Thanksgiving, now known as “Black Friday,” Backus Hospital staff members offer parents some tips to keep their wits about them when selecting gifts for children. Read More >>
Stop the spread of germs this flu season
With flu vaccines slow to arrive, The William W. Backus Hospital is offering tips on how to stop the spread of germs during the flu season. Read More >>
Prevention best West Nile response
With reports of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in eastern Connecticut, local medical experts say taking common-sense precautions is the best way to protect yourself. Read More >>
Backus Hospital has been named among the top 100 hospitals in the nation
For the second time in the past year, The William W. Backus Hospital has been named among the top hospitals in the nation for delivering high quality healthcare. Read More >>
When it’s hot, play it cool
Summer is fun, but summer heat can be dangerous. Here are some common-sense tips from The William W. Backus Hospital to enjoy the season and stay healthy. Read More >>
Backus rheumatologist offers painkiller advice
Now that the Food and Drug Administration has taken Bextra off the market and has ordered warning labels to be placed on common pain relievers such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen, there may be some confusion about safe medication use. Read More >>