Blog | Portsmouth Hospital

3 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Code Lavender provides one-on-one support for ...

May 8, 2025 by Wes Hester

Code Lavender, established to provide rapid response care for colleagues in distress, a proven success at NH hospitals.

tags: loss , mental health , portsmouth regional hospital , stress

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Medicine is a family affair at Portsmouth Regional...

March 5, 2025 by Wes Hester

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is home to several multigenerational provider families, meet the Haddadin and Dourdoufis families.

tags: doctors day , dourdoufis , haddadin , portsmouth regional hospital , provider families

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

She's 63, fit, healthy… and she has heart disease

February 7, 2025 by Ellen Miller

Carolyn thought she had an overuse injury from tennis, pickleball and golf. Two days later she was undergoing heart surgery.

tags: heart disease , heart health , heart month , heart surgery , portsmouth regional hospital

9 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

7 habits that could be hurting your heart

January 23, 2025

We know smoking and eating unhealthy foods are harmful to your heart. Here are seven lesser-known habits that may be sabotaging your heart.

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Doulas, lactation specialists enhance birthing...

November 12, 2024 by Ellen Miller

Studies show that when doulas attend births, labor is often shorter with fewer complications; babies are healthier, breastfeed more easily.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The importance of annual mammograms

October 25, 2024

Our breast health providers recommend an annual mammogram after age 40 per American Board of Radiology guidelines.

tags: breast-health

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Two months after giving birth, young mom loses...

October 16, 2024 by Ellen Miller

Woman diagnosed with rare condition that affects 3 in 1M people per year. After treatment, she has regained her vision but is still at risk.

tags: blindness , mogad , neurology , rare disease , vision loss

4 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What to know about breast cancer: Types and treatments

October 7, 2024 by Portsmouth Regional Hospital

We want to help you understand breast cancer. Here are some common breast cancer treatments, types, grades and stages of breast cancer.

tags: breast cancer , breast health , cancer care , oncology

4 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How to stay safe this Halloween

October 7, 2024 by Tabitha Barbé

The air is crisp, autumn leaves are falling and Halloween is here. Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe this spooky season.

tags: emergency care , er , halloween , trauma care , urgent care

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

PRH employee honored with national HCA award

September 25, 2024 by Ellen Miller

ECMO clinical coordinator Samantha McClelland recognized for her outstanding clinical and community contributions

tags: awards , frist , humanitarian , mcclelland

10 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Essential breastfeeding tips for moms and babies

September 20, 2024 by Tabitha Barbé

Check out these tips to help you on your breastfeeding journey.

tags: breastfeeding , newborn , pregnancy

4 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How to avoid the ER this fall

September 20, 2024 by Tabitha Barbé

Here are common reasons that bring people to the emergency room in cooler months and tips on how to avoid a trip to the ER this fall.

tags: emergency care , er , trauma , urgent care

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Interns spend summer exploring healthcare careers

August 13, 2024

As we wrap up summer, our Healthcare Career Exploration and Health Management interns are wrapping up the summer of a lifetime.

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Do you know these essential 9 colorectal cancer...

July 29, 2024

Here's what you need to know about colorectal cancer to help prevent the disease and detect it early.

4 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

3 back pain indicators of more serious issues

June 24, 2024

If your back pain comes with shooting leg pain or numbness in your toes or other extremities, it might be time to see a doctor.

6 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

12 issues that require a trip to the emergency...

June 10, 2024

Figuring out whether a condition requires ER care can sometimes be tricky. Here are 12 common reasons for emergency room visits.

4 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

6 lifestyle habits for a healthy prostate

May 29, 2024 by Portsmouth Hospital

Most men develop prostate problems as they grow older. These tips may reduce symptoms and the risk of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.

tags: cancer care , oncology

3 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

5 tips to relieve aching joints

May 3, 2024

If you are living with achy and painful hip, knee and shoulder joints, here are five expert tips to help relieve your pain.

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Your top C-section questions answered

April 12, 2024 by Portsmouth Regional Hospital

If you or a loved one is expecting, you may be wondering about cesarean sections (C-sections). Here's what you need to know.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Tips for planning a healthy pregnancy after age...

April 12, 2024

If you hope to have a baby at any age, but especially after 35, here's what you need to know to have a healthy pregnancy.

tags: portsmouth-labor-delivery

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What do you want to be when you grow up?

February 13, 2024 by Ellen Miller

HCA New England Healthcare's hospitals in New Hampshire help students explore clinical and non-clinical healthcare careers.

tags: careers , college , healthcare careers , high school , leadership , students

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Your 5-step heart health action plan

February 13, 2024

Learn how to maintain good heart health, including healthy heart diet tips, exercises and learning about your family's health history.

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What you should know about freestanding emergency...

February 7, 2024 by Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Emergency rooms? Freestanding ERs? Urgent care clinics? Learn more about them and when to visit an ER rather than an urgent care center.

tags: dover-emergency-room , seabrook-emergency-room

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Minimally invasive spine surgery

December 1, 2023

Minimally invasive spine surgery might offer you a faster, less painful option if you're considering surgery for your back or neck.

tags: spine , surgery

3 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee Spotlight: Georgette Shapiro, RN

May 8, 2023 by Ellen Miller

Georgette Shapiro, RN, has worn many hats over her 45 years at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

tags: nursing , patient advocate , portsmouth regional hospital , shapiro

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

High cholesterol: What you should know

April 21, 2023

Learn about the symptoms of high cholesterol, how it affects heart and vascular health and the steps you can take to treat it.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Signs your back pain may be something more serious

April 1, 2023

Persistent back pain is not uncommon, but it shouldn’t be ignored. See your doctor if you experience any of these troubling signs.

5 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Colorectal Cancer is Rising Among Young Adults

March 6, 2023

Early-onset colorectal cancer in those under the age of 50 is rising rapidly according to the National Cancer Institute

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Back and neck pain: When to see a doctor

February 1, 2023

Neck or back pain? These 8 questions can help you determine whether to seek medical attention.

tags: back-pain , back-pain-treatment , diagnostic mammogram , mammogram , neck-pain , neck-pain-treatment , spine-pain-treatment

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Diabetes and breast cancer: Q&A with a breast ...

January 30, 2023

Around a third of breast cancer patients are also diabetic or pre-diabetic; and, they have unique needs during the breast cancer journey.

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee Spotlight: Kristin Laberis

January 17, 2023 by Ellen Miller

Kristin Laberis, New Hampshire market director of cardiovascular services

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee Spotlight: Malachi Fisher

December 6, 2022 by Ellen Miller

Spotlight on Malachi Fisher, Seacoast Market Director of Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Medical Services.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What you need to know about breast cancer surgical...

October 28, 2022

When diagnosed with breast cancer, for many patients, surgery is the first treatment, followed by chemotherapy or radiation.

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee Spotlight: Sue Abkowitz, MD, and Glen...

October 20, 2022 by Ellen Miller

For 30+ years, Sue Abkowitz, MD, and Glen Crawford, MD, have volunteered all over the world, and they've taken their kids along too.

tags: family , global support , portsmouth regional hospital , teaching , volunteering

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Men can get breast cancer too! Would your guy ...

October 18, 2022

While breast cancer in men is rare (less than one percent of all breast cancer cases) it's often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. That's because...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Mammograms: what to expect

October 12, 2022

What you can expect from and how to prep for your mammogram, a recommended screening schedule, and answers to commonly asked questions.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Breast cancer treatments and classifications

October 3, 2022

Learn more about breast cancer treatments, as well as the types, grades, and stages of breast cancer.

3 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee Spotlight: Everyone!

September 27, 2022 by Ellen Miller

Dean Carucci, CEO, and Megan Gray, ACNO, surprised employees when they hung hundreds of photos of masked employees in the main hallway.

tags: colleagues , commitment , healthcare heroes

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Employee spotlight: Taraneh Azar, MD

September 12, 2022 by Ellen Miller

Profile of ENT surgeon Taraneh Azar, MD

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Treatment options for prostate cancer

July 26, 2022

Did you know there seven standard treatment options for prostate cancer, with more being studied in clinical trials? Learn more here.

tags: oncology , prostate cancer , prostate cancer screening , prostate screening , psa , treatment options for prostate cancer

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Care during an emergency

July 1, 2022

In a medical emergency, EMS providers and hospitals work in tandem to provide life-saving care to patients.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Benefits of bariatric surgery are greater than...

June 17, 2022

How surgery can help reduce or eliminate medical conditions related to obesity

tags: bariatric surgery , weight loss

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

When to go to the ER: 15 symptoms

June 1, 2022

We've gathered 15 symptoms that are definitely ER worthy and how you can tell. This list of symptoms is not complete, but does cover the most...

tags: emergency , emergency-room , er

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What you should know about occupational therapy

April 16, 2022

Occupational therapy can help people with injuries and other health issues feel empowered in their daily lives.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

7 best diets for your heart

March 29, 2022

DASH, Ornish, Mediterranean and other eating plans your heart will thank you for.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How heart attack symptoms show up differently ...

March 29, 2022

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), approx. every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack in the U.S. While some...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

COVID-19 vaccination for children

January 3, 2022

Information on COVID-19 vaccination for children ages five to 11.

tags: covid-19 , vaccination , vaccine

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How to know if it's the flu or COVID-19

October 18, 2021

The signs and symptoms for COVID-19 and flu are very similar, the only way to confirm which you have is to get tested.

tags: covid , covid-19 , flu

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Physical rehabilitation for joint pain

October 14, 2021

How movement may help you experience less joint pain.

tags: joint , orthopedics

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Five tips for bone and joint health

October 12, 2021

We often take our bones and joints for granted — until something goes wrong. Read on for five tips to keep your bones and joints healthy.

tags: joint , orthopedics

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Joint problems and concerns

October 11, 2021

Learn more about common joint problems and when to seek help.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Getting called back after a mammogram

October 7, 2021

It can feel scary, getting called back after a mammogram. Learn why it happens and what could happen at your next appointment.

tags: breast cancer , breast health , mammo , mammogram

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The link between excess weight and severe cases...

October 4, 2021

As we continue to experience COVID-19, preliminary data clearly reveals that severe infections are impacting some people more than others.

tags: bariatrics , covid , covid-19 , covid-19-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Why this year's flu shot matters more

October 4, 2021

Some doctors worry this flu season might be worse than others. Learn why it's important to get a flu shot this year.

2 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

An under-the-radar healthcare hero hides in plain...

August 30, 2021 by Lynn Robbins

Behind the scenes of PRH's Outpatient Rehab Team is Mark Mailloux – a 29-year veteran of Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Choosing the best OBGYN and hospital for you

August 29, 2021 by Bana Jobe

Finding the best OBGYN and hospital for each expectant mother is a very personal experience.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Socialization of children: helping kids adjust...

August 16, 2021 by Bana Jobe

As life begins to return to normal, some kids may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated as they return to in-person learning.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Could your baby have RSV and should you take them...

August 9, 2021

This virus is highly contagious and is particularly effective at causing a number of respiratory infections in infants 6 months old and younger...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

8 common men's health issues to watch out for

June 21, 2021 by Bana Jobe

From eating better to quitting bad habits like smoking and attending regular checkups, here are several steps you can take to avoid common...

tags: newsletter

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The connection between A-fib and stroke

June 10, 2021

A-fib can increase a person's risk of stroke by up to five times.

tags: cardiology , stroke

3 min Read Time

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

COVID prevention after a vaccine

April 28, 2021 by Jake O'Shea, MD, FACEP, chief medical officer for HCA Healthcare Capital Division

COVID Prevention After A Vaccine

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Prevent lasting stroke damage

April 5, 2021

B.E. F.A.S.T. in identifying the symptoms of a stroke and prevent lasting damage.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The depression and heart disease link

January 29, 2021

There’s a close link between heart disease and depression. The good news? Keeping your heart healthy can keep your mood up—and...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Do you need to see an electrophysiologist?

January 29, 2021

Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who focus on heart rhythm disturbances. Know when you may need to see one—and how to get this...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How working too much affects your heart

January 29, 2021

If you’re routinely working overtime and sitting at your desk for prolonged periods of time, your heart health may suffer. Find out ...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Heart failure and heart rhythm: The link you need...

January 29, 2021

Arrhythmia can lead to heart failure, and heart failure can lead to arrhythmia. Here’s what to look out for and what to do if you have...

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The importance of well-woman visits

November 23, 2020

Find out more about the importance of well-woman visits and why it's essential for lifelong health.

tags: all-seasons

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Rethink Thanksgiving for a COVID-Safe holiday

November 17, 2020 by Jeff Scionti, John Skevington and Dean Carucci

As we enter the holiday season, it's time to redouble our efforts to keep COVID-19 at bay.

tags: covid , covid-19 , hand sanitizer , handwashing , holidays , masking , safety , social distancing , thanksgiving

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Know where to seek care

October 26, 2020

Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide whether you should visit your primary care provider (PCP), or the emergency room (ER).

tags: consult-a-nurse , health and wellness , primary care

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Scheduled procedures and surgeries during COVID...

October 19, 2020

If you have a surgery scheduled during COVID-19, here is some information on the current safeguards in place, and what to expect before, during...

tags: data protection , digital payment , security

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Five tips for getting the most out of your primary...

October 19, 2020

Make the most out of your primary care visit. Five tips you should know.

tags: consult-a-nurse , general health , primary care

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Spread cheer, not COVID-19, this holiday season

October 14, 2020

The upcoming holidays may look a little different this year. Celebrate safely during COVID-19. Learn how.

tags: christmas and covid-19 , halloween and covid-19 , hanukkah and covid-19 , holidays and covid-19 , how to celebrate holiday safely this year , thanksgiving and covid-19

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Newborns and coronavirus: Helpful ways to protect...

October 9, 2020

Learn how new moms can avoid coronavirus infection and help protect their newborn during COVID-19.

tags: covid-19-wc-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Delivery and coronavirus: Answers to common questions

October 7, 2020

Get answers to common questions about delivering a baby during COVID-19.

tags: covid-19-wc-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

COVID-19 testing basics

September 2, 2020

If you’re struggling to parse through all of the information about the different COVID-19 tests, you’re not alone.

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Rumor: “COVID parties” Fact: Social distancing...

August 19, 2020

One of the troubling stories that's been making the rounds about the coronavirus is related to so-called "COVID parties."

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , social distance

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

What you need to know about HPV and cervical cancer

August 18, 2020

Continuing cervical cancer screenings throughout adulthood is one of the most important steps you can take in lowering your risk for cervical...

tags: cancer , health and wellness , oncology , women's , women's health

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

ER visits and COVID-19: How we’re keeping you ...

August 10, 2020

You can rest assured that our care sites are always looking out for your safety and taking even more precautions now.

tags: coronavirus , covid-19 , covid-19 blog , er

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

"Back to School" safety and wellbeing during COVID...

August 6, 2020

For the last six months (and counting), parents have been navigating guidelines and safety measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

tags: back to school , covid-19 , covid-19 blog , pediatrics

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

#MaskUp

July 28, 2020

The importance of masking by three HCA New Hampshire facility CEOs.

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The health screenings every woman in her 50s and...

July 20, 2020

Regular checkups and health screenings help protect your health and detect potential issues. Learn with health tests you need in your 50s and...

tags: age 50s and 60s , all-seasons , health & wellness , women's , women's health

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The health screenings every woman in her 20s and...

July 15, 2020

Regular checkups and health screenings help protect your health and detect potential issues. Learn which health tests you need in your 20s...

tags: age 20-30s , all-seasons , health and wellness , womens , womens health

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

COVID-19 Should be a Warning to Get Healthy

July 13, 2020

Focus on healthy habits and weight loss in the face of COVID-19.

tags: covid-19

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

The health screenings every woman in her 40s needs

July 8, 2020

Regular screenings help you manage the health challenges mid-life can bring by detecting potential problems when they are most treatable. ...

tags: age 40s , all-seasons , health and wellness , womens , womens health

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Backyard Trampolines: How to Prevent a Trip to...

June 30, 2020

Backyard trampolines are popular — although trampoline accidents send about 100,000 people to the emergency room each year.

tags: injuries , safety , trampolines

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

How to wear the right facemask the right way

June 15, 2020

With recommendations from the CDC about wearing cloth facemasks in public places (and some areas enforcing compliance laws), it’s a good idea...

tags: covid-19-blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Why stomach pain should never be ignored

June 1, 2020

Stomach pain is common, but could indicate a serious condition. Learn why you should never ignore stomach pain.

tags: abdominal pain , appendicitis , ectopic pregnancy , gallstones , stomach pain

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

9 Athletes Under 40 Who Suffered Strokes

May 20, 2020

Even young, in-shape athletes can be victims of a stroke. It happened to these athletes when they were all under 40. Could it happen to you?

tags: athletes who suffered stroke , stroke , stroke under 40

Average ER Wait Times

Portsmouth Regional Hospital Blog

Portsmouth Regional Hospital Blog

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