Baystate Health

11/27/2025

Thanksgiving invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings in our lives. As Charlie Brown said, “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?”. 🍁

First and foremost, we are grateful for our 13,000+ amazing team members. Every one of you brings passion, skill, and heart to each patient, every day, especially during nights, weekends, and holidays. Your courage, respect, agility, and accountability inspire us and elevates our mission. 💙

We’re also grateful to our communities, patients, and members: thank you for trusting us with your family’s care and supporting . 🏥

President John F. Kennedy once said, “The highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” May we carry that spirit forward today and every day. ✨

Happy from our Baystate Health & Health New England family, to yours! 🦃

11/26/2025

Before Thanksgiving arrives, take a moment to learn how salt and sodium impact your blood pressure, and what you can do to stay healthy during the holiday season. 🍁

Most Americans eat far more sodium than recommended, much of it hidden in processed foods, condiments, deli meats, restaurant meals, canned soups, breads, and even frozen foods. Excess sodium raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke — but the good news is that reducing salt can lower blood pressure quickly, sometimes as effectively as medication! 💊

preventive cardiologist Dr. Quinn Pack explains:

🍽️ The difference between salt and sodium
🍽️ How sodium affects your blood vessels
🍽️ What foods contain the most hidden salt
🍽️ Why some people are more salt-sensitive
🍽️ How the DASH diet and potassium-rich foods can help
🍽️ Tips for reading nutrition labels and choosing smart holiday options
🍽️ How lifestyle changes support long-term heart health

Make healthy choices this and protect your heart — one meal at a time. 💙

Browse the full article to learn more before the big holiday feast! 👉 bit.ly/SaltSodiumBP2025

11/26/2025

Did you know that lung cancer has the highest mortality of all the cancers in the world? 🌎

's low-dose CT lung cancer screening has been a proven tool for detecting early-stage lung cancer, when it can often be cured. This , our pulmonologists are raising awareness about the power of this 1-minute, painless screening. 🫁

You may qualify if you...

✔️ Are 50 years old or older
✔️ Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
✔️ Smoked at least 1 pack a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years

If you or someone you love meets the criteria above, talk to your provider. Early detection can save lives. 💙

Learn more about Baystate Health’s Lung Cancer Screening Program and schedule a scan today! 👉 baystatehealth.org/medical-services/lung-cancer-screening

11/21/2025

Meet the 2025 Noble Spirit Award Winner: Deb Adams, RRT! ✨

"She is the kind of healthcare professional that everybody wants to encounter." Deb is a dedicated Respiratory Therapist at Noble for patients who are leaving the hospital and need home oxygen therapy evaluations. 🫁

The Noble Spirit Award recognizes employees who have gone above and beyond in service to the Baystate Noble Hospital and the Westfield Community. Over the last 14 years, individuals with integrity, compassion, and service to patients have been nominated by their peers. Deb emulates all of these qualities, and then some. 🫂

Described by her team as nothing short of amazing, Deb is the biggest cheerleader, team player, and radiates compassion as she approaches each day with a positive attitude. When meeting new hires, she greets them with, "Welcome to the last job you'll ever have!" as she wholeheartedly believes that she is at the best place to work. 💙

Congratulations Deb on this amazing honor, you truly embody the essence of the Noble Spirit Award. Get to know your 2025 award winner below, and stay tuned for some highlights from the 59th Annual Noble Ball! 💫

11/20/2025

When receiving a CAT scan of the lungs, 33% of individuals who have never smoked had identified a lung nodule in their chest. 🚭

This , Dr. Eduardo Núñez, Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at , shares why lung nodules form and how they may progress into cancer over time. 🫁

Early detection is important. Our Lung Nodule Program is here to help patients understand their diagnosis and navigate next steps.

Learn more about our pulmonary services and schedule an appointment today! 👉 baystatehealth.org/medical-services/pulmonary-medicine

11/18/2025

“The communication device enabled him to accomplish a rare, joyful milestone — he’s a published author now!” 📚

13-year-old Brandon, who is nonverbal, lives with cerebral palsy, and quadriplegia, has found a new way to share his voice — through writing. With the support of ’s Pediatric Palliative Care (PediPal) team, including Child Life Specialist, Nicole Romanelli, Brandon co-authored "The Amazing Amazon Adventure", an action-adventure story inspired by his love of animals and nature documentaries. Thanks to a generous donation from Magic for Maddie, Brandon's story was printed and bound, turning his dream into a reality! 🦥 ✨

For Brandon’s mom, Lisa, the impact has been life-changing. She has watched her son use the communication device to advocate for himself in ways that weren’t possible previously. As she reflected on what this experience could mean for other families facing similar challenges, she offered a simple reminder, “It’s important to stay strong and enjoy the wins when you get them.” 🙌

Today, Brandon uses his device more independently to connect, explore, and express himself more than ever before. With Nicole, he’s motivated to share his thoughts, opinions, and strives to keep learning. This , his story is a powerful reminder that communication takes many forms, and every voice matters. 💙

Take a look below and read more about his writing journey at bit.ly/BrandonsBook2025!

11/14/2025

This , we’re shining a light on some of the most common signs and symptoms of diabetes. 💙

Take a look below to know what to watch for; some folks may not experience any symptoms at all! Don’t wait to take action if something feels off, early detection can make a big difference in managing your health.🩸

If you're curious, learn more at ➡️ bit.ly/WorldDiabetesDay2025

11/13/2025

Yesterday was a robust learning experience for our community's high school and college students who want to be future health care workers.⚕️

They had the exclusive opportunity to explore today’s most in-demand and rewarding health care professions, and explore some they didn't have on their radar! Over 20 career pathways were present to share information on their industry, why they chose their field, what education/training is required, a typical day on the job, and answer any questions that came their way. 📝

Baystate Health is proud to be an economic and healthcare pillar in our communities, and offering local students a variety of opportunities to plan for their futures is essential to that. Hear what a few of our amazing Baystate Springfield Educational Partnership (BSEP) students had to say! ⤵️

Thank you to all the teams that came out to nurture the next generation of learners. 💙

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the remarkable individuals who have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to protect our nation remind us of the true meaning of service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

As you walk through our hospitals, medical practices, and offices today, take a moment to recognize and thank the Veterans among us. Their stories, resilience, and continued service — in and out of uniform — reflect the very best of who we are.

Thank you for your dedication to serving others and advancing our mission of compassionate, quality, and accessible care. ❤️🤍💙

Health New England

11/10/2025

Join Baystate Endocrinology THIS FRIDAY, November 14 from 9:00am-3:00pm, for a World Diabetes Day Health Fair! 💫

There, you will be able to participate in...

🧘 A beginner-friendly exercise class at 9:30am & 12:30pm
🍽️ A healthy cooking demo at 1:00pm & 2:00pm
🩸 Free A1C testing from 9:00am-2:00pm
💬 Q&A with medical professionals from 9:00am-3:00pm

Mark your calendars and we will see you at 3300 Main Street, Springfield, MA in the 1st Floor Lobby!

11/07/2025

to an unforgettable moment of pride and unity for our Baystate Health nursing community! They truly shined on the national stage at the 2025 ANCC Magnet® & Pathway to Excellence® Conference in Atlanta, Georgia where thousands of nurses from around the world gathered to celebrate the very best in nursing excellence. 🩺

Representing , clinical nurses, nursing leaders, and Magnet ambassadors from Baystate Wing, Baystate Noble, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Medical Center, and Baystate’s ambulatory practices, came together to learn, connect, and celebrate. 🎉

✨The best part? Baystate Medical Center was honored for achieving its 5️⃣th consecutive designation, a distinction earned by only 86 hospitals worldwide! 🌎

As we celebrate this achievement, our community hospitals are now embarking on their own Pathway to Excellence® journeys, continuing to elevate nursing practice and empower teams to provide the highest quality care. Together we are One Baystate, united in excellence, compassion, and purpose. 💙

Watch the moment our team proudly took the stage to “Sweet Caroline,” greeted by a thunderous applause from 14,000+ nurses! ⤵️

11/05/2025

We are already 1️⃣ month into flu season, have you gotten your flu shot yet? 💉

The CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. Vaccination can reduce your risk of illness by 40–60% when the vaccine matches circulating strains.

💡 Dr. Armando Philip S. Paez, 's Chief of the Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease, states, "It is never too late to get the flu shot to protect yourself throughout the long flu season. The best time to get a flu shot is as soon as possible, regardless of how late in the season it is."

The flu season typically strikes the U.S. beginning in October and lasts through May, with infections usually peaking from December through February. 🤧

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community this flu season! Learn more and schedule your flu shot today 👉

Deciding when to get your flu shot? Get our expert advice.