Angelina Jolie’s Breast Reconstruction Choice Highlights Advances in Field

Susan MacLennan, MD, is a plastic surgeon at Fletcher Allen Health Care

Angelina Jolie was in the news last week. This time, it was for a very different reason than movies, beauty, or even humanitarianism. As many of those reading may already know, Jolie wrote an op-ed for The New York Times explaining her decision to have both of her breasts removed and reconstructed in order to decrease her risk of breast cancer (Read “My Medical Choice”). Through genetic testing, she learned that she carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. Her doctors estimated that she had an 87% risk of developing breast cancer. After watching her mother die of ovarian cancer (also associated with BRCA1 mutations), she decided to have preventive double mastectomy with reconstruction.

Does Distance Running Damage Hip and Knee Joints?

Nathaniel Nelms, MD, is an orthopedic physician at Fletcher Allen and specializes in primary and revision hip and knee joint replacement.

With the Vermont City Marathon approaching, it makes sense to consider what the long-term effects of recreational running might be on joint health.

Clearly activities like distance running provide substantial health benefits by improving cardiovascular health and even elevating mood and a sense of well-being.  Runners also tend to have increased bone density compared to less active people, which could decrease the risk for breaking bones. But is there a price to be paid later in life with a higher risk for hip or knee joint replacement? It makes sense that our car tires wear out after enough miles; don’t our knees and hips behave the same?

Why I’m Running: Fletcher Allen Employees Talk About Their Training & Goals for Vermont City Marathon

On Sunday, May 26, five Fletcher Allen employees (among many others) will run the Vermont City Marathon. Here are their stories, their goals — and their training secrets!

Penny Gibson, PA

Name/Position: Penny Gibson, Physician Assistant, Hematology/Oncology

Why I’m Running:  In support of Steps to Wellness, aka Oncology Rehabilitation, which helps my patients regain fitness after cancer therapy.  Also, personally, so I can eat more chocolate!

My Training: Just trying to fit it in wherever I can, in between work and family obligations.  I try to run on trails or dirt as much as possible, to protect my aging knees.

My Goal: I have helped organize seven marathon relay teams, filled with work colleagues and family members. My goal is for everyone to find one another at the exchange points, and have a great time.  My personal goal is to make it up the big hill coming out of the Beltline without requiring CPR.

Steps to Wellness: Oncology & Hematology Rehabilitation at Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Vermont Cancer Center

You might think that reaching the end of treatment for cancer is a reason to celebrate. Yet, many cancer survivors are confused about their next steps. Survivors often experience fatigue and weakness. They are less fit. They may have trouble doing normal activities. However, more and more research shows that cancer survivors who are physically active have improved survival and a better quality of life. Up till now, there has been no consistent rehabilitation program for cancer survivors.

When It Comes to Fruits and Veggies, is Fresh Always Best?

Maryann Ludlow, RD, is a clinical nutritionist at Fletcher Allen.

Very soon, summer farmers’ markets will be re-appearing, and lots of local fruits and veggies will be here for us to enjoy again.  But right now, you may be relying on frozen or canned, or getting fresh ones at the supermarket that have traveled many miles to get here.  And you may be wondering, what’s best nutritionally in the colder months…fresh from afar, or frozen/canned?

Late Start: My Journey to Motherhood Took Longer Than Expected

Erica Houskeeper is a communications strategist in the Marketing & Communications Department at Fletcher Allen.

When I was in my early twenties, I thought I would be a mother by age 30. I would have two or three children, maybe even four. Back then, having a few kids seemed perfectly reasonable and entirely possible. My parents had seven children, and I always assumed motherhood was in my future.

Giving birth for the first time at 40 was definitely not part of the plan.

Recipe for Health: Dilly Egg Salad

Dill’s name comes from the old Norse word “dill” which means “to lull.” This name reflects dill’s traditional use as a stomach soother and insomniac reliever. This spice shares the stage with garlic, which has been shown to have ‘bacteriostatic’ effects.