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On Wednesday, April 25, Mark Tousignant, MD, Medical Director of the Backus Weight Loss Center, performed the 100th LAP-BAND surgical procedure done at Backus. The minimally invasive option was first done at Backus in September of 2010 and is part of a comprehensive program offered by the Backus Weight Loss Center, which includes nutrition education, psychiatric screenings and support groups all designed to tackle one of the nation’s leading health problems, obesity. To learn more about the Weight Loss Center, visit www.backushospital.org/bariatrics
Backus Home Health Care, Atria Crossroads Place to offer health fair and picnic
Backus Home Health Care is partnering with Atria Crossroads Place to present a Health Fair and Picnic on Tuesday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Atria Crossroads Place, One Beechwood Drive in Waterford.READ MORE »
Backus Auxiliary gives $125K to Plainfield Emergency Department
The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary donated its first installment of $125,000 to the Community Campaign for the Backus Plainfield Emergency Care Center at its annual membership tea yesterday.READ MORE »
Backus Auxiliary gives $15K in scholarships
The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary donated $15,000 in scholarships to six local students at its annual membership tea today. Each year, the tea coincides with National Hospital Week, celebrated May 6-12.
Each of the six applicants received $2,500 to help further their post-secondary education in a health-related field.READ MORE »
Backus, UCFS offer women’s health program
United Community and Family Services (UCFS) and The William W. Backus Hospital will present a free health program on family planning on May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Community Room at the Edward and Mary Lord Family Health Center at UCFS, 47 Town Street in Norwich.READ MORE »
National Hospital Week May 6-12
During National Hospital Week May 6-12, please join us in thanking the Backus Health System’s employees, physicians and medical staff, who work around-the-clock every day to improve the health of the community.LISTEN TO OUR RADIO COMMERCIAL »
Backus physicians talk about link between athletics and depression
The death of NFL great, Junior Seau, has highlighted a little known link between athletics and depression.READ MORE »
Healthy Connections - May 2012Stay on top with the latest health trends and local health news by reading Healthy Connections, a monthly magazine produced by Backus Hospital.
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Enjoy LIFE begins monthly series June 9Sarah Hospod, a registered dietitian at The William W. Backus Hospital, will speak about eating healthier and how it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming in “How to Eat Healthy Without Really Trying” on Wednesday, June 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center.
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This blog is intended for the dissemination of useful healthcare information. It was designed to coincide with the Healthy Rounds radio broadcast which appears on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. VISIT BLOG »
These articles are based on Dr. Alessi's column entitled Healthy Sports which appears weekly in the Norwich Bulletin and other Gatehouse Media publications.VISIT BLOG »
Welcome to the Backus Nutrition blog, a community dedicated to healthy nutritional living.
Do you have a question for a Backus dietitian? Please pose your question here.
Use this forum to share healthy recipes and ideas; and learn health tips for better living.
VISIT BLOG »
Doctors and clinicians at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn., offer useful advice about medical issues that matter to you and your family. VISIT BLOG »
FEATURE VIDEO: National Nurses Week, May 6-12, is a time to thank, recognize and pay tribute to our nurses for all they do to improve the health of our patients. Watch this animated slideshow of Backus nurses in action.
Miracles
The theme of this year's National Hospital Week is "Making Miracles Happen". This video shows a few of the talented and dedicated professionals who make miracles happen everyday at Backus. VIEW VIDEO »
The Season for Sneezin'
The early unseasonably warm weather has sent pollen counts soaring. Jan Akus, MD, a member of the Backus Medical Staff, talks about the options and medications that have helped the majority of people who suffer from allergies. VIEW VIDEO »
One Small Step at a Time
Matthew Crowe's journey to recovery following a serious accident continues to amaze his family, friends and those who cared for him at Backus. In the past year we have followed Matt from the earliest signs of recovery to walking with assistance just a few weeks ago. The staff at Backus has been behind him every step of the way. Follow Matt on his journey, one small step at a time. VIEW VIDEO »
Tips for talking with your doctor
The latest Backus Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) program in Plainfield Jan. 23 focused on how to talk to your doctor, how to choose a healthcare provider and the importance of medical homes. Ramindra Walia, MD, Medical Director at United Community & Family Services and a member of the Backus Medical Staff, offered tips to get the most out of your relationship with healthcare providers. VIEW VIDEO »
Dr. David Katz offers hope to curb obesity
"Obesity is our greatest health concern in this country and most out of control," said David Katz, MD, a nationally known nutrition expert who spoke Wednesday to a group of community leaders, social service agencies and healthcare professionals in Norwich. Dr. Katz brought an eye-opening awareness to the heath issues that plague our nation, and also offered a variety of solutions that could help reduce heart attacks by 80%, diabetes by 90% and cancer by 60%. VIEW VIDEO »
Big Chance Heals Patients
Chance, the latest and, at 160 pounds, the largest dog in the Pet Therapy program at Backus, started his first day as a volunteer by receiving his official badge and then visiting various floors of the hospital where he put a big smile on the faces of patients and staff. Pet therapy dogs can help in the healing process of patients, and on his first day Chance made a big impression. VIEW VIDEO »
Nightingale Awards Night 2012
Eleven Backus nurses were recognized along with many of their peers from the region during the 2012 Nightingale Awards Event that took place May 10 at the Mystic Marriott in Groton. View the photo gallery to see several photos from the gala event.
VIEW GALLERY »
Employee Recognition 2012
Backus employees celebrating career milestones were honored during the 55th Annual Employee Recognition Dinner Thursday night at Foxwood's Grand Pequot Tower Ballroom. With a combined 3,705 years of service to the hospital, these employees were recognized for their dedication and teamwork. View a few candid photos from this event. VIEW GALLERY »
35th Annual Volunteer Awards and Recognition Luncheon
On Friday, April 27, Backus hosted its 35th Annual Volunteer Awards and Recognition Luncheon honoring the 482 volunteers who have collectively given 46,100 hours of service to the organization. There were lots of smiles and many great moments during the popular event which recognizes all of the great work done by these dedicated volunteers. Here are a few photos from the event. VIEW GALLERY »
Women's Health and Wellness is theme of Pink Fair at Backus
An annual event, the Pink Fair focuses on women’s health and wellness and includes free screenings such as bone densitometry, blood pressure and skin checks. This year also featured a celebration of Backus Breast Center Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. VIEW GALLERY »
Children's Easter Party at Backus
Children and grandchildren ages 1-7 of hospital employees, physicians and volunteers had a great day of cookie decorating, coloring, face painting and hunting for Easter eggs during the annual Children's Easter party Saturday at Backus. Thanks to all of the Employee Activity Group folks and their helpers for putting this fun event together. VIEW GALLERY »
Turf Toe
Toe injuries are not often associated with the need to remove an athlete from a contest. Turf toe is a painful foot injury that has pushed athletes to the sideline for extended recovery periods.
The human foot is divided into three basic sections: the hindfoot (heel), the midfoot (arch), and the forefoot (toes). Turf toe affects the forefoot.
Turf toe involves the first metatarsalphalangeal joint. This joint is the connection between the great toe and the bone that anchors it to the foot. Like other sprains, it consists of damage to the connective tissues that stabilize the moving parts.
The mechanism of injury consists of the sudden, extreme dorsiflexion (upward bending) of the great toe. The force results in stretching and tearing ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. Cartilage can also be injured in more severe trauma.
Inflammation follows with swelling and pain. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation.
This type of injury usually involves an activity on a firm surface. Turf toe is most common in football. The recent popularity of artificial turf over natural turf is part of the reason for the rise in cases. A force applied to the calf muscle while the knee is flexed is another cause of turf toe.
“The injury is primarily mechanical in nature and so is the treatment. Putting the foot in a more rigid shoe or an orthotic device will avoid further injury,” said Dr. Joseph DiFrancesca, a Norwich podiatrist who treats many athletes with turf toe. He also believes that careful selection of athletic shoes with a rigid shank will reduce injury rates.
The healing process for turf toe can take several weeks. Unfortunately, an early return to activity without sufficient healing can lead to a chronic debilitating injury.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Stroke Center Medical Director at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org, or listen to his podcasts, comment on his blog or buy his book at www.backushospital.org.
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