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October 30, 2018
They’ve been the subject of comedy skits, courtroom dramas and even Supreme Court justice nomination hearings but the reality is that blackouts are a common and dangerous result of excessive alcohol consumption. “A blackout comes after heavy or binge drinking when the person loses control over impulses and, later, has…
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October 26, 2018
PHOTO CREDIT: Gage Skidmore via Flickr It was a prescription for painkillers after eye surgery that served as the entry into a battle against opioid abuse for “Halloween” actress and children’s book author Jamie Lee Curtis. “Getting sober remains my single greatest accomplishment,” she told People. “Bigger than my husband,…
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October 26, 2018
Several recent scientific papers have tackled the health effects of alcohol, some claiming there are health benefits while others suggest the national published guidelines for “safe drinking” should be lower. The debate may make it harder to know if you or someone you care about has a drinking problem. “The…
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October 26, 2018
While we have gotten better at treating cancer and heart disease, that is not the case with suicide. Suicides are on the rise, especially among young people. Overall, suicides remain a leading cause of death in the U.S., with approximately 45,000 people per year dying of suicide. According to the…
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October 26, 2018
Natchaug Hospital had a successful year in terms of inpatient volume, outpatient visits and financial stability. But most importantly, its focus on recovery for those suffering from mental health and addiction was stronger than ever. “It’s been a remarkable year at Natchaug,” said Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network (BHN) Vice…
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September 25, 2018
“Devastating” and “staggering (toll)” are adjectives used by officials with the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Medical Director Institute, or MDI, on its recent report showing a grave lack of compliance to medication prescriptions. Noncompliance with medication regimens — when people do not take prescription drugs as prescribed by their…
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September 18, 2018
When Norwich school officials announced there would be no room for Natchaug Hospital‘s in-district clinical day program this school year, there was momentary panic. But the ensuing move to Franklin Elementary School has proved to be a blessing in disguise. Housed in Norwich since 1999, the former Hickory School (originally…
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September 17, 2018
Every summer and Christmas vacation from high school through medical school found John Santopietro, MD, DFAPA, donning a rubber apron and working in his family’s fish market, preparing, stocking and selling filets, squid, eel and snails. The large Italian family that gathered often and talked incessantly was a good breeding…
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September 14, 2018
Youth suicide is a growing health concern. In fact, it’s the second-leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. During World Suicide Prevention Week, we discuss how to address this issue with child psychologist Dr….
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August 15, 2018
Suicide prevention is a topic that’s very close to Patricia Hayward-Paige’s heart. The Natchaug pharmacy technician lost a close friend to suicide nearly 20 years ago. “She made an attempt and was unsuccessful,” says Hayward-Paige. “I was able to get her to a hospital and get her some help. She moved back…