EVENTS: Northern Light Acadia Hospital observes National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

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28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

February 26 through March 3 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Northern Light Acadia Hospital is taking the opportunity to raise awareness and share important information about eating disorders with our communities. Did you know…

  • Nine percent of the US population – or 28.8 million Americans – will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
  • Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with the risk of death being highest in anorexia nervosa.
  • Eating disorders are complex medical and mental illnesses. Genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors all can play a role.

A commonly held misconception about eating disorders is that they are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses and can affect anyone, regardless of age, size, gender, race, sexuality, ability, and more. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

The good news is early intervention can make all the difference. Getting treatment early in the course of an eating disorder greatly improves the chances of recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t wait to get help.

In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Acadia Hospital is lighting up in green for the week, turning our rooftop lights to green to bring attention to this important cause.

Through its Eating Disorders Treatment Program, Acadia Hospital offers a number of important resources for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. With individual, family, and group therapy options, nutrition counseling, medication management, and more, Acadia’s trained and dedicated team of experts can help. To learn more, visit our website at northernlighthealth.org/Acadia_EDTP.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce welcomes new team member Jamie Feyler

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Jamie Feyler

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Jamie Feyler to its team. She serves as customer service/bookkeeper and is responsible for the day-to-day customer service and bookkeeping activities of the Mid-Maine Chamber. Jamie is a proactive bookkeeper who is dedicated to maintaining accurate and timely financial records.

Jamie serves as the first point of contact for the Chamber both in-person and over the phone, maintaining positive member relations. In her interactions with the public as well as members, Jamie continually “sells” the Chamber and seeks to motivate and influence others on the positive attributes of Chamber involvement.

“In her short time with the Mid-Maine Chamber team, Jamie has already distinguished herself as an outstanding problem solver. Her attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency makes her a welcome addition. She fits in nicely with our team,” says Mid-Maine Chamber President and CEO Kimberly N. Lindlof.

Jamie is a Waterville native and resides in Winslow with her family.

Northern Light Health glows red for American Heart month

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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. While education and technological advancements have helped increase awareness and survivorship, thousands of Mainers have lost friends or loved ones to cardiovascular disease. In support of those whose lives have been affected by cardiovascular disease in our communities, and for those who are taking steps to improve their heart health, Northern Light Health is lighting our hospitals red for American Heart Month.

“We all know how common heart disease is and just how serious it can be,” says Zachary Trzaska, MD, cardiologist with Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital. “One of the best defenses we have against cardiovascular disease is taking preventive measures, which can be either big or small steps, depending on the individual. Moderate exercise and healthy eating, for example, can go a long way for most people. However, when a patient has a diagnosis that requires advanced treatment options, they can be assured that we offer those, so they know they won’t have to travel too far for care.”

Though some of the symptoms of cardiovascular disease can be obvious, such as irregular heart rhythm or intense chest pain, others can be more subtle, particularly for women. Those can include pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, or breaking out in a cold sweat and having nausea or lightheadedness. That’s one of the reasons that, in addition to lighting our facilities red for the month, Northern Light Health is encouraging all staff members to participate in National Go Red for Women day on Friday, February 2, an initiative to raise awareness for women’s heart health. For 20 years, the Go Red for Women initiative has helped to shine a light on the fact that heart disease remains not only the leading cause of death for men, but also for women in the U.S.

“By going red for women on February 2 and glowing red all month long, we hope to inspire those within our communities to develop heart-healthy habits with their family, friends, and neighbors,” adds Craig Brett, MD, medical director of Northern Light Mercy Cardiovascular Care. “We want to see our fellow Mainers be proactive, and to be alert to the early signs of heart disease. Treating heart problems early is much better than recovering from a life-threatening cardiac event.”

To learn more about how you can keep your heart healthy, visit northernlighthealth.org/Heart-Health.

Northern Light cancer care has new linear accelerator

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Advances in technology provide more precise radiation therapy options for patients. On January 15, the team at Northern Light Radiation Oncology ushered in a new chapter by treating patients using a state-of-the-art linear accelerator.

With enhanced automation, and a flexible high-performing radiation beam, the new linear accelerator generates superior imaging techniques with lower doses of radiation. It uses the tiniest measurement in the industry, sub-millimeters, to provide pin-point radiation beam accuracy that targets cancerous areas in the body. These enhanced features make wait times shorter, and treatment faster and safer for patients.

“With more people living longer with cancer, the need to provide cancer treatment is growing,” says Donna Boehm, RN, MSN, MPH, vice president, Oncology Services, Northern Light Health. “Our new linear accelerator better positions Northern Light Cancer Care to ensure our patients’ needs are met now and for years to come.”

This new technology is made possible using funds raised through private support, including money raised through EMMC’s Champion the Cure Challenge.

Members of the media interested in seeing a demonstration of the new linear accelerator and speaking to a subject matter expert may contact the marketing and communications team by calling the media line at 207-973-9530 or by email at emmcmediarequest@northernlight.org.

EVENTS: Lights of Life holiday tradition supports care at Inland Hospital

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Northern Light Inland Hospital is kicking off its 2023 Lights of Life program. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to honor and remember friends, family members, and caregivers by purchasing a light for the hospital’s holiday tree, which will come to life on December 7. Every dollar raised through Lights of Life will stay local to support care in the greater Waterville region.

Six levels of recognition are available, beginning with white lights at $10 and culminating with the star, which recognizes a single special individual or family. The name of each individual being honored or remembered will be displayed on the hospital website throughout the holiday season. Upon request, Lights of Life cards will be provided for those who purchase lights to send to honorees.

For more information or to purchase a light, please visit northernlighthealth.org/InlandLights or contact Todd Nicholson, director of Philanthropy at 861-3000.

Northern Light Women’s Health welcomes Certified Nurse Midwife

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Danielle Pelletier, CNM

Danielle has been working in women’s health services for over 30 years, the last 12 years as a midwife. She went into the field after the birth of her daughter in 1989 when she felt a void in her own support and education while navigating pregnancy and birth. She began her journey of empowering women as an LPN/IBCLC and Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator and Certified Labor Doula. She graduated from Chamberlain College of Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 12 years before getting her master’s degree in nursing and Nurse Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University, in Hyden, Kentucky.

Danielle provides preconception planning; birth control management; care during pregnancy, labor, and birth; postpartum support; and well-woman care from adolescence through menopause.

“It is important to me that women receive quality care in a setting where they feel heard by their healthcare team – honoring the journey of womanhood, from adolescence through menopause, by promoting education, empowerment, and advocacy,” states Danielle.

Danielle is welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 872.5529. The practice is located in the Medical Arts Building attached to the hospital. Learn more at inlandhospital.org.

BUSINESS NEWS: New Dimensions FCU names Grenier as new executive vice president

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New Dimensions Federal Credit Union in Waterville, Maine.

Michael Grenier

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Michael Grenier to Executive Vice Presi­dent. In this new role, Grenier will oversee operations, develop growth strategies, and enact the vision set forth by the Board of Directors and CEO.

Grenier brings nearly 20 years of credit union experience to the position, including ten years as an examiner for the State of Maine and the National Credit Union Administration. He began in 2014 with Taconnet FCU as Chief Financial Officer but later transitioned into Chief Operations Officer during the 2018 merger with Taconnet Originally from Rumford, Grenier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Maine. He currently resides in Central Maine with his wife and two sons.

CEO Ryan Poulin stated, “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Mike for the past several years, and he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, business acumen, and commitment to serve our members. His skills, experience, and vision will strengthen New Dimensions FCU’s operation in this new role.”

BUSINESS NEWS: HealthReach welcomes Dr. Martini

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Dr. Jenna Martini

This November, HealthReach staff in Strong, Livermore Falls, and Belgrade are happy to welcome Dr. Jenna Martini to their care teams.

Dr. Martini grew up in Peru, Maine. She earned her doctorate degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, from Touro University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from The University of Vermont.

Dr. Martini has a wealth of experience across the healthcare field. After completing family medicine training, she worked as a primary care physician and education faculty in a remote region of Northern California. She recently completed a second residency training program in Osteopathic Neuromusculo skeletal Medicine through Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine. Dr. Martini will bring these experiences to her position at HealthReach by providing osteopathic manipulative treatment to patients at three HealthReach locations.

Dr. Martini shares, “I believe in meeting people where they are at and working as a team to help achieve their goals. I consider each person as a whole – including body, mind, and spirit. Osteopathic treatments can help the body to function optimally so a person’s underlying health can shine through. It’s amazing to see how much a person’s life can improve in all areas when they feel healthy and well.”

Belgrade Regional Health Center, Strong Area Health Center, and Western Maine Family Health Center are all part of HealthReach Community Health Centers – a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to Maine residents. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers.

In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

New primary care doctor comes home to care for his community

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Gavin Hannon, DO

Northern Light Primary Care, in Oakland, welcomes Gavin Hannon, DO, to its team. Dr. Hannon grew up in Oakland and has come back to care for his hometown community.

Dr. Hannon earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine. He is board-certified in Family Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

“I had always wanted to be a ‘small town doc’, a resource for the community, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Oakland to achieve that goal. Further than being able to achieve my professional goals, I know firsthand Oakland is a great place to build a life. The people are kind and caring; it’s the type of place where neighbors still help each other. We’re close to the mountains, we have the lakes, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to live and practice,” shares Dr. Hannon.

“My practice philosophy is to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that promotes open and honest conversation so we can better work together to create an individualized treatment plan that is specific to a patient’s goals. It’s critical for patients to be engaged in their own healthcare,” says Dr. Hannon.

Dr. Hannon is welcoming patients 16 years and older. Please contact the office at 465-7342 to schedule an appointment. The practice is located at 74 Water Street, in Oakland. Learn more at inlandhospital.org.

AARP Maine seeks applicants for new volunteer state president

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AARP Maine seeks applications for a new Volunteer State President, a lead volunteer position that reports directly to the AARP Maine State Director and works closely with AARP staff and volunteers on a range of key issues that impact Mainers 50-plus. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2023.

“The central pillar of AARP Maine’s mission is to help Mainers 50-plus and their families age with dignity and respect,” says Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “The role of the Volunteer State President is an integral part our work to advance AARP’s social mission in Maine. We seek a passionate, strategic thinker with outstanding leadership qualities and the ability to collaborate, motivate and inspire others as we work together towards this mission.”

The Volunteer State President works closely with hundreds of AARP Maine volunteers supporting important advocacy issues at the state and federal level. Advocacy activities include testifying on bills at the state legislature, bringing concerns and issues to Maine’s Congressional Delegation, representing AARP Maine in local media, hosting and speaking at local events, and providing inspiration and guidance to a growing body of volunteer advocates in the Pine Tree State.

Responsibilities of this volunteer role also include the sharing of information and resources on topics such as caregiving, fraud prevention, Social Security and Medicare. The Volunteer State President will lead events and work with local officials to bolster efforts that make Maine communities more age-friendly.

“This leadership volunteer position offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to utilize one’s skills and experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of all older Mainers and their families,” Bonam says. “The successful candidate will serve as a pivotal member of the AARP Maine team and our work on behalf of our more than 200,000 members in the state.”

The Volunteer Maine State President will:

● Serve as Chairman of the Executive Council, an all-volunteer panel made up of leaders from across the state and the AARP State Director.
● Report to the State Director and support staff and volunteers to help achieve AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities within Maine.
● Act as the primary volunteer spokesperson for AARP Maine, communicating AARP’s messages statewide.
● Have the opportunity to build networks and partnerships with organizations and key Maine decision-makers that will endure long after their term in office.
● Be governed by the policies and procedures of the Association.

Eligibility:

● An AARP membership is required.
● A commitment to the goals and priorities of AARP, a strictly non-partisan organization.
● An ability to lead in a collaborative manner.
● A proven track-record in strategic thinking and planning abilities.
● An inspiring team player with strong interpersonal skills, particularly in understanding group dynamics and facilitation.
● An excellent public speaker with strong oral and written communication skills.

To see a full list of responsibilities and qualifications or to apply by October 31, 2023, please click here.

To learn more about AARP and our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aarpmaine.