Posts by Author

Author: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Changing Your Exercise Routine

Change is good—even when it comes to exercising. Did you know that altering the intensity of your workout or trying a new activity may benefit your cardiovascular and mental health?  Mixing up your workout routine helps: Increase your aerobic fitness Keep your brain mentally sharp Prevent depression Add Intensity High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become

Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference

Your heart suddenly begins racing. You feel pain in your chest and you are short of breath. Are you having a heart attack? Or could it be a panic attack? “Any of these symptoms can be extremely frightening,” says Patricia Tung, MD, of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  

Ensuring a Heart-Healthy Pregnancy

Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., it has not been widely recognized that many types of heart disease can and do affect women of childbearing age.  But that is rapidly changing. “There is a growing awareness that during pregnancy, cardiac conditions can pose a danger to both mother and

Weight Loss Procedures: Comparing Surgical and Non-surgical Options

Losing weight may not be easy, but there are many options available to help with the journey. People often start the weight loss process by trying a commercial diet, like those you see on TV.  But when losing weight on your own doesn’t work, weight loss surgery, or now, non-surgical medical procedures, can help. Weight

A New Non-surgical Option Helps You Lose Weight and Keep it Off

Laurie Busa was looking for a new and more successful way to lose weight. As a cardiovascular technologist at Winchester Hospital, she conducts stress tests to measure heart function–and hoped to serve as a better example of good health for her patients. “It was always easy for me to shed 25 pounds,” Laurie says. “I

Derron’s Weight Loss Journey: How Surgery Changed his Life

Derron Golden sometimes still can’t believe the changes he has made to turn his health around. It wasn’t long ago that he became short of breath when he walked up stairs. And now, he can proudly say he has completed the Boston Marathon and is looking ahead to his next physical challenge. Derron once weighed 360 pounds. As

Sensible Eating in the New Year: Tips from a Dietitian

The New Year is fast approaching and many people vow to eat healthier and exercise once January 1st rolls around. But resolutions often fade a few months later. So how do we set ourselves up for lifelong sensible eating habits? “Sensible eating is an effort to eat healthier by making small, manageable changes over time rather

Tips for Running Outside this Winter

It’s cold out there! Before you head outside for your usual run around the block, it’s important to check the forecast—temperature, wind and moisture are all key factors in planning a safe winter workout. “Wind chill extremes can make exercising outdoors unsafe,” says Julie Ruane, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Sports Medicine at Beth

Vaping and Your Health: What You Should Know

Although e-cigarettes have been on the market for years, recent reports of vaping-linked illnesses have brought serious attention to these products. More than 2,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a condition called EVALI, or e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

Five Things Women Under 40 Should Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is rare for women under 40. So, a breast cancer diagnosis can be shocking news for a young woman to hear. “Breast cancer in young women can have its own risk factors and traits, and young women have their own considerations when deciding on a treatment,” says Nadine Tung, MD, head of breast