| UMass Memorial Health

Lauren Fortier, CPNP, MSN

12.2.24

Read more about Lauren Fortier, CPNP, MSN

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for the Department of Pediatrics

Lauren Fortier joined the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Children’s Medical Center in 2014 and has been dedicated to the care of critically ill pediatric patients and the improvement of quality of care. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, she is actively involved in the direct care of patients, working closely with the medical team, as well as being a constant for patients and families. Shortly after joining the Pedi ICU team in 2014, she started to co-lead the Kid’s Comfort Promise Program...

Adam Katz, DScPAS, MPAS, PA-C

12.2.24

Read more about Adam Katz, DScPAS, MPAS, PA-C

Senior Director of Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Services and the Critical Care APP Program

Adam Katz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and health studies from Springfield College. He has a Doctor of Science and Master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University. Adam has been working in critical care as an advanced practice provider (APP) since 2009 and in his administrative role since 2015.

He has achieved a fair amount over his short career, including completing a physician assistant critical care residency...

7.14.25

| Mind Matters, Parenting

Mental Health Support During and After Pregnancy

Mental health, mood changes, and anxiety or anxiety-related conditions are very common during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth. One in five birthing people, during pregnancy or postpartum (after birth), experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), frightening thoughts, or other mental health conditions or symptoms. Getting help...

9.19.23

| Food and Fitness, Recipes

Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches

An egg substitute and fat-free cheeses make these eggplant Parmesan sandwiches healthy and delicious.

Serves 4

Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich Ingredients

4 eggplant slices, each 3/4 inch thick
1/4 c. no-cholesterol egg substitute
1/3 c. dry breadcrumbs
2 T grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
Vegetable cooking spray
4 oz. fat-free mozzarella cheese...

A cross-section of an eggplant parmesan sandwich on a plate.

9.13.23

| Prevention and Wellness

College Students and the Dangers of Binge Drinking

On college campuses across the U.S., many students ages 18 to 24 are taking part in a dangerous activity called binge drinking. This means drinking alcohol to the point of getting drunk.

For men, it's defined as having five or more drinks in a row. For women, it's four or...

9.6.23

| Food and Fitness

Intermittent Fasting — Does It Deliver on Its Promise?

Of all the most recent diet trends, intermittent fasting may be one of the hottest. But does it deliver on its promise? Let’s take a look.

Intermittent fasting is purposely not eating for a predetermined number of hours. While this nutrition philosophy is currently regarded as a “new” diet, fasting...

TEST page - live, work, play

8.28.23

Read more about TEST page - live, work, play

Massachusetts is a place our caregivers proudly call home — the very heart of New England that combines historic charm with the conveniences and lively attractions of a bustling metropolis. Within this hidden gem locale, you’ll discover arts and culture, unique family fun, and gorgeous natural vistas all set within an environment that caters to education and diverse employment – a blend of personalities, offerings and more than 40 spoken languages that lands this community in a league of its own. It’s no mistake the smiley face was invented here. Discover for yourself and you’re sure to find...

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

11.28.24

Read more about Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

This evidence-based program can help break the cycle of recurring depression. It can also address the anxiety that often accompanies depression.

Developed by Zindel Segal, John Teasdale and Mark Williams, MBCT grew out of the practice and structure of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBCT integrates mindfulness practice with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help prevent depressive episodes.

Meditation and Depression

MBCT has been shown to:

Improve quality of life: MBCT can help participants recognize early signs of low mood and change their relationship with difficult...

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

11.28.24

Read more about Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Discover the original 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in 1979. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of people all over the world have completed MBSR and taken a more active role in their self-care. MBSR has been shown to reduce stress and promote greater resilience in the midst of life’s challenges.

MBSR is an evidence-based program that can complement traditional medical and psychological treatments, offering valuable support for a wide range of conditions. This course also serves as a foundational...

Online Mindfulness Retreats

11.29.24

Read more about Online Mindfulness Retreats

Our 3‑day silent online retreats offer the opportunity to strengthen your mindfulness practice. These retreats can also fulfill prerequisites for individuals who are exploring teacher training. We invite you to join a supportive space for stillness, insight and mindful connection.

Experienced CFM instructors help you:

Deepen your mindfulness practice through extended periods of sitting and walking meditation
Embrace the strength of stillness in an engaging, introspective and supportive environment
Step away from daily routines and distractions to recharge and refresh

These retreats are open to...

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