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Cardiac Rehab: Healing Hearts
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Tufts Medicine’s cardiac rehab programs are here to help you get on track after heart surgery or a cardiac event. Learn how personalized exercise and nutrition plans are helping people in our community live heart-healthy lifestyles.
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Reimagining Heart Health
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LATEST STORY
Tufts Medical Center's heart failure program is leading the way in saving lives
Last year, Tufts Medical Center performed more heart transplants than any other hospital in New England, but the numbers don’t tell the full story.
NEXT
Start again
1997
Neely House is established; first-of-its-kind bed and breakfast-style home within the hospital to host cancer patients and their families.
Rooftop helipad opened for pediatric and adult Medflight patients.
2007
Paul Pierce Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery is established with funds from Boston Celtics great, Paul Pierce.
2008
Tufts-New England Medical Center is re-named Tufts Medical Center.
2014
Tufts Medicine (originally called Wellforce) was formed by Circle Health (including Lowell General Hospital) and Tufts Medical Center, along with the physicians from the New England Quality Care Alliance and the Lowell General Physician Hospital Organization.
2018
Care at Home (originally Home Health Foundation) joined Tufts Medicine (then Wellforce), enabling the system to create one of the largest home health and hospice providers in the region to serve a growing need for at-home health services.
2021
Tufts physician networks united to form one value-driven, clinically integrated network, Tufts Medical Center. A year later, drawing on our close relationship with Tufts University and its medical school, we renamed the entire system Tufts Medicine.
2021
MelroseWakefield Hospital becomes the first hospital in New England to offer aquablation therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal that impacts half of all men ages 51 to 60.
1958
Maurice Raben, MD a pediatric endocrinologist at Tufts Children’s Hospital purified hormones from human pituitary glands to create the first growth hormone treatment.
Immunosuppression therapy is developed to aid in successful organ transplants.
1962
Nearly 70 years after the hospital was founded, MelroseWakefield surgeon Dr. Geza J. Jako, a pioneer in the use of laser surgery, developed the first microsurgical instruments for the surgical treatment of the vocal cords and throat cancer. He would later develop a surgical laser for the treatment of a wide range of head and neck lesions, and he promoted the wider use of lasers in all medical disciplines, especially cancer treatment.
1963
The Family Participation Unit is established at Tufts Children’s Hospital, allowing parents to stay overnight with their children.
1965
The first neighborhood health center is founded by Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston’s Columbia Point housing project
1981
The world’s first pediatric trauma center established at Tufts Children’s Hospital.
1987
Staff at Tufts MC create the practice of case management, the first hospital to do so.
1992
The first, full-service private teaching hospital in Boston is created with the addition of a maternity service.
1993
MelroseWakefield Hospital opens its cardiac catheterization lab, one of the first of its kind in Massachusetts. To this day, MelroseWakefield remains the only hospital in our service area with such a lab, able to treat heart attacks onsite.
1911
Floating Hospital (now Tufts) started hospital-based human milk collection for sick babies.
1918
The Boston Dispensary opened the first nutrition clinic of its kind in the world.
1919
An artificial milk product is invented at Tufts Children’s Hospital, that is later successfully marketed as Similac.
1927
Modern diagnostic test for syphilis discovered at the Boston Dispensary.
1929
The Boston Dispensary begins an affiliation with Tufts Children’s Hospital and Tufts University School of Medicine.
1930
The world’s first experiment in group psychotherapy takes place at the Boston Dispensary.
1938
100-bed Pratt Clinic, the largest diagnostic clinic in the world, is constructed at the Boston Dispensary.
1947
First children’s playroom established to apply recreational therapy.
1796
The Boston Dispensary
The Boston Dispensary is established as the first permanent medical facility in New England and the third in the United States.
1803
First public health vaccination campaign for smallpox began.
1814
The Boston Dispensary became the first medical facility to assign nurses to needy patients.
1873
The first dental clinic in the country for the poor was established.
1883
The first U.S. scientific use of Swedish massage and the beginnings of rehabilitative medicine begins at the Boston Dispensary.
1886
The first Visiting Nurse Association established.
1894
Floating Hospital for Children was founded on a ship, where doctors’ believed the sea air of Boston Harbor would help the sick kids get well.
1899
The Boston Dispensary opens the first U.S. lung clinic.
Hover over dates on the timeline below to learn about the rich history of Tufts Medicine.
Innovations and milestones
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A tradition of healthcare
innovation, education,
and treatment
Tufts Medicine brings together the best of academic
and community medicine to deliver exceptional,
connected and accessible care. Comprised of Tufts
Medical Center, the principal teaching hospital of Tufts University and the Tufts University School of Medicine, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home, and an integrated network of 2,300 physicians, we treat the most complex conditions, keep our communities healthy and bring research breakthroughs to life.
At Tufts Medicine we’re looking for game-changers — for people who want to reimagine healthcare with us, combining innovation and compassion. So, come by and introduce yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too.
A healthy heart is the key to a long and healthy life. That's why the experts at Tufts Medicine's multidisciplinary cardiac care programs are sharing what you need to know to get heart smart. Read on to learn diet and exercise tips, how to reduce your risk of heart disease and meet the members of our community who are getting a second chance after heart failure.
Click on dates on the timeline below to learn about the rich history of Tufts Medicine.
Innovations and Milestones
NEXT
Start again
2018
2021
2021
Care at Home (originally Home Health Foundation) joined Tufts Medicine (then Wellforce), enabling the system to create one of the largest home health and hospice providers in the region to serve a growing need for at-home health services.
Tufts physician networks united to form one value-driven, clinically integrated network, Tufts Medical Center. A year later, drawing on our close relationship with Tufts University and its medical school, we renamed the entire system Tufts Medicine.
Melrose Wakefield Hospital becomes the first hospital in New England to offer aquablation therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal that impacts half of all men ages 51 to 60.
1997
2007
2008
2014
Neely House is established; first-of-its-kind bed and breakfast-style home within the hospital to host cancer patients and their families.
Rooftop helipad opened for pediatric and adult Medflight patients.
Paul Pierce Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery is established with funds from Boston Celtics great, Paul Pierce.
Tufts-New England Medical Center is re-named Tufts Medical Center.
Tufts Medicine (originally called Wellforce) was formed by Circle Health (including Lowell General Hospital) and Tufts Medical Center, along with the physicians from the New England Quality Care Alliance and the Lowell General Physician Hospital Organization.
1981
1987
1992
1993
The world’s first pediatric trauma center established at Tufts Children’s Hospital.
Staff at Tufts MC create the practice of case management, the first hospital to do so.
The first, full-service private teaching hospital in Boston is created with the addition of a maternity service.
MelroseWakefield Hospital opens its cardiac catheterization lab, one of the first of its kind in Massachusetts. To this day, MelroseWakefield remains the only hospital in our service area with such a lab, able to treat heart attacks onsite.
1965
1963
1962
1958
Maurice Raben, MD a pediatric endocrinologist at Tufts Children’s Hospital purified hormones from human pituitary glands to create the first growth hormone treatment.
Immunosuppression therapy is developed to aid in successful organ transplants.
Nearly 70 years after the hospital was founded, MelroseWakefield surgeon Dr. Geza J. Jako, a pioneer in the use of laser surgery, developed the first microsurgical instruments for the surgical treatment of the vocal cords and throat cancer. He would later develop a surgical laser for the treatment of a wide range of head and neck lesions, and he promoted the wider use of lasers in all medical disciplines, especially cancer treatment.
The Family Participation Unit is established at Tufts Children’s Hospital, allowing parents to stay overnight with their children.
The first neighborhood health center is founded by Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston’s Columbia Point housing project.
1929
1930
1938
1947
The Boston Dispensary begins an affiliation with Tufts Children’s Hospital and Tufts University School of Medicine.
The world’s first experiment in group psychotherapy takes place at the Boston Dispensary.
100-bed Pratt Clinic, the largest diagnostic clinic in the world, is constructed at the Boston Dispensary.
First children’s playroom established to apply recreational therapy.
1911
1918
1919
1927
Floating Hospital (now Tufts) started hospital-based human milk collection for sick babies.
The Boston Dispensary opened the first nutrition clinic of its kind in the world.
An artificial milk product is invented at Tufts Children’s Hospital, that is later successfully marketed as Similac.
Modern diagnostic test for syphilis discovered at the Boston Dispensary.
1883
1886
1894
1899
The first U.S. scientific use of Swedish massage and the beginnings of rehabilitative medicine begins at the Boston Dispensary.
The first Visiting Nurse Association established.
Floating Hospital for Children (now Tufts Children’s Hospital) was founded on a ship, where doctors’ believed the sea air of Boston Harbor would help the sick kids get well.
The Boston Dispensary opens the first
U.S. lung clinic.
1796
1803
1814
1873
The Boston Dispensary
The Boston Dispensary is established as the first permanent medical facility in New England and the third in the United States.
First public health vaccination campaign for smallpox began.
The Boston Dispensary became the first medical facility to assign nurses to needy patients.
The first dental clinic in the country for the poor was established.
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Thank you to our health care heroes!
Tufts MC Women's Health
APRIL 2023
Tufts MC Women's Health
April 2023
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Tufts Medicine empowers home care patients to take charge of their treatment
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July 2023
Tufts MC Recruitment
July 2023
In celebration of heart health, here are several recipes designed to bolster your cardiovascular well-being. Featuring chicken, eggs and omega-3-fatty-acid-rich salmon, these dishes are low in saturated fats and high in protein, supporting muscle mass, including your heart. For plant-based alternatives, beans and tofu offer excellent options, with beans supplying soluble fiber renowned for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol.
Heart Healthy Recipes
Salmon with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced red pepper
1 cup diced green pepper
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 cups packed baby spinach roughly chopped
1 cup mushrooms diced
2 cloves garlic minced
salt to taste
4 large eggs
4 large egg whites
hot sauce optional for drizzling on top!
Ingredients
5. In the last 30 seconds, add in minced garlic.
6. Season with salt and remove from heat.
7. Crack eggs/egg whites into a large 4 cup measuring cup, whisk together until smooth, then stir in the cooked vegetables.
8. Pour the egg/veggie mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan, then bake for 15-30 minutes, or until the tops are firm to the touch and eggs are cooked.
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and generously grease a standard non stick 12-slot muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Heat a large non stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Once hot, add in oil, red pepper, green pepper, and onion, then cook for 5-7 minutes, or until peppers are tender, stirring regularly.
4. Add in spinach and mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Directions
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Show Me The Yummy - Only 50 Calories, Freezer Friendly Recipe
Healthy Egg Muffin Cups
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 50
Total Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 62mg
Sodium: 47mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Egg Muffin Cups
Sheet Pan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground chicken
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
24 small Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Additional minced fresh cilantro
Wraps:
Sauce:
General:
Ingredients
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. With wet hands, shape mixture into 24 balls (about 1-1/4-in.).
2. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 17-20 minutes or until cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, mix sauce ingredients. To serve, place 2 teaspoons sauce and 1 meatball in each lettuce leaf; top with remaining ingredients.
Directions
Prep time: 25 minutes Bake time: 20 minutes
Makes 2 dozen
Taste of Home Recipe
Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 72
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 22mg
Sodium: 89mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Nutrition Facts
Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
Vegetarian Chili
Other Brown rice for serving
1/3 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove grated garlic
1/2 teaspoon sriracha
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch whisked together with 1 teaspoon of water
Teriyaki Sauce
3 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Broccoli
1 block extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
2 teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch
Tofu
Ingredients
14. Once the tofu and broccoli have finished baking dump them back into the mixing bowl and toss with the desired amount of teriyaki sauce.
15. Serve over brown rice.
11. In a saucepan over medium-hight heat, whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce except the teaspoon of arrowroot mixed with a teaspoon of water.
12. Bring the sauce to a boil then whisk in the arrowroot-water slurry.
13. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.
7. In the same mixing bowl add the broccoli florets, another 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper. Toss together until coated.
8. Dump the broccoli out onto the other half of the baking sheet and spread out into an even layer.
9. Bake for approximately 24 minutes, tossing the tofu and broccoli halfway, until the tofu is deeply golden and crisp on the edges.
10. While the tofu and broccoli bake make the teriyaki sauce.
3. Let the tofu rest for 15-30 minutes, the longer the better.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. and spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking oil.
5. Place the pressed tofu into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons tamari and 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch. Toss to combine until there are no powdery spots from the arrowroot remaining.
6. Dump the tofu onto one half of the prepared baking sheet and arrange into even layer.
1. Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the tofu into 5 slabs, stack the slabs on top of each other and slice through them lengthwise, then slice across to make 5 even rows. You should have 50 cubes of tofu.
2. Line a cutting board or plate with a tea towel or paper towels, then arrange the tofu in a single layer on the towel. Fold the towel over the cubed tofu and place something heavy on top such as a cast iron skillet.
Directions
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 24 minutes
Total time: 39 minutes
Recipe Runner
Sheet Pan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 209
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 16g
Nutrition Facts
Sheet Pan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli
Salmon with Honey Balsamic Glaze
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup corn, fresh, frozen or canned and drained
1 can (15.5 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup bulgur, uncooked
1 cup water
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Ingredients
6. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat (350 °F in an electric skillet).
3. Add garlic, onion, pepper and mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add remaining ingredients except cheese.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet and cook until bulgur is soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
Directions
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes Number of Servings: 8
MedlinePlus Recipe
Vegetarian Chili
Nutrition Facts and Notes
Use kidney or black beans instead of pinto beans.
Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
Top with chopped cilantro, avocado, plain yogurt or any mix.
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a spicy chili.
If you like a thinner chili, add more water at the end of step 5.
Notes
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 9g
Nutrition Facts
Vegetarian Chili
Healthy Egg Muffin Cups
Cooking spray
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
3/4 teaspoon olive oil
1 medium garlic clove, minced
4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
Ingredients
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and vinegar until smooth. Whisk in the remaining ingredients except the fish.
3. Put the fish in the baking dish. Lightly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top and sides of the fish.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked to the desired doneness.
Directions
Servings: 4 Serving Size: 3 ounces fresh fish
American Heart Association Recipes
Salmon with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 204
Total Fat: 8.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 24g
Nutrition Facts
Take 5: The Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. Heart issues have a wide range of causes, from lifestyle choices to hereditary conditions. The most important thing you can do to avoid heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, and other manifestations of heart disease is to know your level of risk.
Here are five common risk factors for heart disease. Click on each to see if they apply to you — and what you can do to lower your risk.
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Smoking
Family History
Diabetes
High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease. Defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher, high blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries and leads to the build-up of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain. You can improve your blood pressure through a vegetable-packed diet and exercise.
High Blood Pressure
Having high LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”) can double your risk of heart disease. It builds up on the walls of your arteries, constricting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. Control your cholesterol by eating lots of fruits and vegetables and steering clear of fatty foods and processed meals high in sodium.
High Cholesterol
Chemicals in cigarette smoke thicken the blood and create clots in your veins and arteries. “Quitting smoking is probably the most important thing you can do to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke,” says Laurence Conway, MD, director of cardiology at Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield Hospital.
Smoking
If your father or brother had heart disease before age 56 or your mother or sister had it before age 66, you are at an increased risk for heart disease. “You can’t change your genetics,” says Dr. Conway. “But you can certainly change your lifestyle. That means eat healthy and be active. Diet and exercise can decrease your chances of heart disease by 50 percent.”
Family History
If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have heart disease as a person who is non-diabetic. Part of the issue is high blood sugar, which can damage blood vessels. Type 2 diabetics also tend to have problems with their weight and their LDL cholesterol. Proper diet and exercise are crucial to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
When dealing with the stress of cardiovascular issues, it’s nice to know there are treatment options in your own backyard. Tufts Medicine’s state of the art electrophysiology services are helping heart patients keep the beat close to home.
Electrophysiology: Keeping the Beat
Blog
Heart disease is the top killer among women and AFAB. Here's how to lower your risk
Blog
Read here
Massachusetts woman gets breakthrough life-changing pacemaker at Tufts Medical Center
Blog
Read here
Terry's Story: Recovery and treatment of cardiogenic shock
Video
Watch here
Advanced Cardiac Care in the Community - Laurence Conway, MD and Danielle Patturelli, RN
Podcast
Listen here
Reimagining Heart Health
Take 5: The Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. Heart issues have a wide range of causes, from lifestyle choices to hereditary conditions. The most important thing you can do to avoid heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, and other manifestations of heart disease is to know your level of risk.
Here are five common risk factors for heart disease. Click on each to see if they apply to you — and what you can do to lower your risk.
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Smoking
Family History
Diabetes
High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease. Defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher, high blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries and leads to the build-up of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain. You can improve your blood pressure through a vegetable-packed diet and exercise.
High Blood Pressure
Having high LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”) can double your risk of heart disease. It builds up on the walls of your arteries, constricting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. Control your cholesterol by eating lots of fruits and vegetables and steering clear of fatty foods and processed meals high in sodium.
High Cholesterol
Chemicals in cigarette smoke thicken the blood and create clots in your veins and arteries. “Quitting smoking is probably the most important thing you can do to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke,” says Laurence Conway, MD, director of cardiology at Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield Hospital.
Smoking
If your father or brother had heart disease before age 56 or your mother or sister had it before age 66, you are at an increased risk for heart disease. “You can’t change your genetics,” says Dr. Conway. “But you can certainly change your lifestyle. That means eat healthy and be active. Diet and exercise can decrease your chances of heart disease by 50 percent.”
Family History
If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have heart disease as a person who is non-diabetic. Part of the issue is high blood sugar, which can damage blood vessels. Type 2 diabetics also tend to have problems with their weight and their LDL cholesterol. Proper diet and exercise are crucial to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
Tufts Cancer Care
December 2023