Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic, genetic blood disorder which causes painful attacks (sickle cell crises) that can be difficult for patients to manage. Patients with SCD over their lifetime can have problems which affect practically every part of the body.

Dr. Amy Sobota discusses SCD, diagnosis, genetic traits, treatments available, and how important pediatricians and specialists are to the transition from pediatric to adult care for patient with Sickle Cell Disease.

Scarlet Soriano, MD, discusses managing chronic pain through integrative medicine and what people can learn by participating in group sessions for chronic pain management. She also shares tips for those who cannot attend a group session, what can they do at home to help manage their pain naturally.

Michael Botticelli, the Executive Director, Grayken Center for Addiction,and Paul Kusiak, a father of two children in recovery, share the struggles and burdens of addiction, and how the recent partnership with the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center will help parents and loved ones navigate through recovery.

Nancy Gaden, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Boston Medical Center, discusses Ballot Question 1 regarding rigid nurse staffing ratios and how this would have devastating impacts to BMC and our nurses, as well as significant ramifications statewide including decreased access for patients, increased costs, and nursing shortages.

BMC recently became a certified comprehensive stroke center, and that means patients can count on BMC to give them the best stroke care available.

David Greer, MD, shares important stroke warning signs and what you need to know if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering a stroke.

Tracey Burg, RD, RDN shares 10 simple tips for healthy, budget-friendly cooking for any size family. She also discusses her cooking class in the BMC cooking kitchen where attendees can learn how to cook a healthy meal for 4 for under $10.

Hypertension in pregnancy with subsequent preterm birth is one of the leading causes of poor or fatal maternal and fetal complications. In 2014 the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommended the use of Low Dose Aspirin (81mg) to women who have risk factors for hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnancy.

Dr. Jodi Abbott, OB-GYN, explains how aspirin may reduce preeclampsia that can cause severe complications in pregnancy.

In the United States, about 1.4 million individuals have Inflammatory Bowel Disease. BMC provides expert care in helping patients with Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis manage their complex disease.

Dr. Francis Farraye and Dr. Jason Hall discuss living with IBD, treatment options available, and how they work together to provide the best possible medical and surgical care for patients with any form of IBD.

Boston Medical Center launched a new directory to connect patients to valuable community resources. Powered by Aunt Bertha (www.auntbertha.com) and called the Thrive Directory at BMC, from shelter, food, and childcare assistance to substance use support, help with bills, to job training, the platform will make it easier for residents of Massachusetts to get the help they need. Tracey Fredericks (Manager of Strategy Implementation), Lily Sonis (Medical Case Manager, Immigrant and Refugee Health Program), and Erin Nahrgang (Manager for ACO Transformation and Care Management) share how this incredible tool can help community members find the resources they need.

The thyroid gland creates hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid produces too many or too few necessary hormones, overall health can be affected.

Dr. Alan Farwell,  discusses common thyroid disorders and treatment options available at Boston Medical Center.