The Daoist Diaries

As we reflect on the close of another year we cannot help but be affected by the many generous expressions of sharing and goodwill that have been shown to the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center and its patients. It has been an extraordinary time in which we saw 26 years of dreaming and planning for an expanded downtown campus fulfilled. It would not have been possible without the support of public and private funding and individual donations - it would not have been possible without you.

This is the time for not only looking back but to looking ahead to the dreams and plans as yet unfulfilled. There are always those in our community who face an insecure future regarding their health. This means we must remain committed to building and developing our health care services to the community. We turn to you to help us make sure that those who need help, get help. I urge you to share with the least fortunate and most vulnerable members of our community in a tangible way with a generous donation during this holiday season.

We wish each and every one of you a holiday filled with happiness, good cheer, and, above all, peace. May you enjoy a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.

Sincerely on behalf of the health center family,
Peter Georgeopoulos
Acting President &
CEO/CFO

According to the American Heart Association, there’s lots of room for improvement when it comes to physical activity and students.  Data from 2005 showed that only 43.8 percent of males and 27.8 percent of females in grades 9-12 met the recommended levels of physical activity.

That same year, more than 21 percent of high school students reportedly played video games or used a computer for something other than schoolwork for three or more hours per day.

And more than 37 percent of all students watched television three or more hours on an average school day.

Taking Care Of The Knee As You Age

Knee pain is the most common reason for visiting an orthopedic surgeon in America.  According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2003 there were 19.4 million visits made to physician’s offices because of knee problems (from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons web site).

The knee is the largest joint in the human body and can be injured easily, and as people age they may want or need to reduce stress on their knees.  Here are a few recommendations from the About Joints web site:

• Try to limit the number of trips you make up and down stairs.
• Remember to take a break.  While you carry out your daily activities, sit down and take a rest whenever you feel like you need one.
• Avoid heavy housekeeping duties when possible, such as scouring the tub and scrubbing floors, for example.
• Avoid long periods of standing while you are cooking, washing dishes, etc.  If possible, sit down while you take care of these chores.
• Avoid carry and lifting heavy objects.
• Keep as many things as possible in a convenient location, so that you will not be required to bend and stretch in awkward ways as much.

Martha Gonzalez, Case Manager at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation at the 8th Annual Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community and Greater New Bedford Health & Human Services Coalition. The award was given in recognition of Martha’s contribution to the community and for helping to make it a healthier place to live through her work at the Health Center and her volunteer activities.

At the Health Center, Martha provides case management for Hispanic mothers. She is responsible for the only prenatal classes in the area that are given in Spanish. Martha sees about 120 families each year either at the Health Center or in their homes.

Martha is also a Board Member of the Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford. Established in 2000, the school educates boys from low income families making sure that they are well prepared to enter college and graduate.

It was a time to be both happy and sad as over a hundred people gathered at the Abbey Grill in Fall River to honor former President and CEO of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, Stuart I. Forman. It was happy because it was a celebration of Dr. Forman’s 17 years of dedicated service to the Health Center and because he would now be able to pursue graduate religious studies, something he has wanted to do almost all his life. He also will continue to contribute to public health through consulting.

Those who could not attend sent their sentiments including James Roosevelt, Jr., President of Tufts Health Plan, who wrote “. . . it has been a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder in serving the Health Center.” Rose Yates, Chairperson of the Health Center Board of Directors, recounted how she told Stuart when he started as President that they were going to work as partners and “we have not only been partners for over 17 years but friends. He has left us a great legacy.” The partnership also included Peter Georgeopoulos, the Center’s Executive VP and CFO, who has taken on the role of Acting CEO.

Dr. Forman responded from the heart saying, “the outpouring of affection was not anticipated and I cannot thank you enough for your expressions. I am proud of what was done at the Health Center and proud of you but it could not have been accomplished without Rose and Peter. The experience has been rewarding spiritually. The Health Center cares for a quarter of a city with profound needs that could not be cared for anywhere else with such compassion.”

Mayor Scott Lang of New Bedford personally presented an Official Resolution offering congratulations in recognition of the “tremendous contributions to improving the health and well being of the citizens of New Bedford.” There was also a State Senate Official Citation noting “outstanding leadership and commitment to the medically underserved in our community.”