Advancing Care - 2025 | Issue 2

Gallstones: What They Are, How to Treat Them

You just ate a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake. You’re feeling bloated and nauseated. Now there’s an ache in your abdomen underneath your rib cage. What’s going on?

According to the experts at Yale New Haven Health, you may have a gallstone.

Read more about gallstones in News & Knowledge

How To Navigate a Health System – From Emergencies to Wellness

When you’re sick or injured, you just want to feel better as soon as possible. It can be difficult to figure out where to go to get the care you need – especially when you’re faced with several options. Even when you’re feeling well, navigating the ins and outs of a large health system can be overwhelming. 

Here’s our step-by-step approach in News & Knowledge.

Culinary Medicine: The Secret Ingredient to Good Health

There’s an old saying: “You are what you eat.” Another one is, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” What we eat does affect our health. Research shows proper nutrition can help prevent illness and treat disease. But eating for your health isn’t about adhering to the latest fad diet or simply avoiding certain foods. That’s where the science of culinary medicine comes into play. 

Read more about culinary medicine in News & Knowledge

Free Wellness Programs Cover Wide Range of Health Topics 

Let our experts help you learn more about your health and how to manage your care. Check out the latest wellness programs at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital. All programs are free.

Register for any these Spring Wellness lectures online in Classes & Events.

These lectures will be held at Westerly Hospital, 25 Wells St., Westerly, RI:

• May 7: “Thumb pain: Causes, prevention and treatment,” An overview of common causes of thumb pain, effective treatment methods and preventative exercises presented by a certified hand therapist. (Read more about hand therapy.)
• May 14: “Understanding Lyme disease.” An overview of Lyme disease including the environmental changes, common symptoms and approaches in treatment. 
• May 21: “Finding relief for chronic pain.” Learn the treatments available that aim to manage pain, improve function and enhance the quality for those suffering from pain-related conditions. 

These lectures will be held at L+ M Hospital, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT:

• May 15: “Heart failure: From diagnosis to advances in treatment.” Learn the causes and symptoms of congestive heart failure and the importance of early diagnosis. 
• June 3: “Men’s urologic wellness: Insights and innovations.” An overview of men’s urologic health including kidney stone disease, prostate health, robotic surgery, sexual medicine and male infertility. 
• June 10: “The myths and truths of headache disorders.” Learn about common and rare types of headaches and their symptoms, causes and available treatments. 
  All programs start at 5 pm. Registration is required as in-person attendance is limited. Participants must enter through the hospital main entrance. 

For more information about lectures at L+M Hospital, call 1-800-562-2537. For more information about lectures at Westerly Hospital, call 1-800-636-2824.

Think You Have a Hernia? Get Screened June 14

You spent the weekend moving and lifting heavy boxes, and now there’s a painful lump in your abdomen. Could that be a sign of a hernia?  

If you suspect you may have a hernia, schedule a free screening to meet one-to-one with an expert surgeon from Yale New Haven Health. Appointments are available on Saturday, June 14 from 9 am to noon at Pequot Health Center, 52 Hazelnut Hill Road, Groton. Advance registration is recommended by calling 1-800-562-2537 or scheduling an appointment online.

Attendees will be evaluated and any appropriate follow-up care can be scheduled if needed. 

Learn more about symptoms, causes and treatment options for hernias: Hernias Are Tough to Live With, the Fix Is a Lot Easier

Volunteer Your Knitting Skills to Westerly Hospital 

A group of volunteers gathers monthly in the Nardone Conference Center at Westerly Hospital to knit and crochet lap blankets for patients. If you are interested in participating or would like to donate blankets, contact Westerly Hospital Volunteer Coordinator Abigail Horner at 401-348-3969 or [email protected]. 

How To Care For Your Skin and Hair During Cancer Treatment 

If you’re a current Smilow Cancer Hospital patient who is experiencing temporary visual changes to your hair, skin and nails while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, consider attending a free Beyond Beauty Program. The interactive workshop is provided by licensed cosmetologists, certified hair and wig specialists and The Cingari Family Boutique. 

A workshop session will be held on May 7 from 2 - 4 pm at Smilow Cancer Hospital – Waterford, 240 Waterford Parkway South, Waterford.    

You must pre-register to receive your makeup toolkit on the day of the class. Class size is limited. To sign up, call the Cingari Family Boutique at 203-200-2273 (CARE) or email  [email protected].

Feeling Under the Weather? We’ve Got You!

Turn to Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for everyday illness and injury treatment.

We offer treatment for common illnesses and non-life-threatening injuries to patients of all ages in Connecticut and New York. You can count on us for professional, fast, and friendly urgent care. Make an appointment at one of our many locations in Connecticut and New York.

Keep in mind that Yale Haven Health Urgent Care also offers 24/7 Virtual Care. Book your appointment to connect with one of our local practitioners using your smartphone, tablet or computer and receive expert medical evaluation and treatment right from the comfort of your home, no matter what time it is.

We also make it easy to get your child’s complete physical for school, sports, and camp. Learn more about our walk-in physicals.   

Billing Questions?

Yale New Haven Health offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are also available. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 855-547-4584.