Two years ago, Anna Jaques nurses Deb Ciampa and Nancy Justin decided to make it easier to answer the No. 1 question they get all the time — can you recommend a good doctor?
The duo created the Just Ask A Nurse website, a database where nurses can share their experiences with doctors they have worked with or gone to themselves and issue recommendations. When filling out a survey on a doctor, the nurses rate their competence and skill, communication and rapport, and their care and respect toward patients and nurses.
They can also add comments about a doctor.
Website users can search for a doctor by name, location or specialty.
Recently, however, the website has expanded to show the "top doctors of 2011," who were recognized by nurses for excellence in their field of practice, patient care, competence and skill.
Ciampa and Justin's website lists doctors from throughout New England, as well as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. The pair frequently attend nursing conferences and seminars, setting up booths alongside other vendors to share information about the site and to urge their colleagues to fill out a survey.
Doctors from many of the area hospitals are included on the site, Ciampa said.
The website address is www.justaskanurse.com.
Asperger support group meeting Monday
There will be a meeting of the Asperger Syndrome Support Group on Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Higgins Conference Room of Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland Ave., Newburyport. A general discussion is planned.
This support group addresses the concerns of parents of school-aged children diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism or related challenges.
Meetings are free, open to the public and serve families from all neighboring communities. The group is sponsored by the Asperger's Association of New England.
For questions, call Carol Keating, 978-372-2799, or email carolkeating@verizon.net or call Suzanne Phillips at 978-356-1775 or email her at suzannemphillips47@gmail.com.
Bone health and osteoporosis lecture set
Learn tips on how to eat right and preserve your bone health during a lecture at Atria Merrimack Place on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Bring all your questions about bone health and osteoporosis for registered dietitian Renee Brunelle to answer.
This is a free presentation and is open to the public.
Atria Merrimack Place is located at 85 Storey Ave., Newburyport.
NAMI meets Thursday
The monthly National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group will be held Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, 63 State St., Newburyport.
A sign by the outside staircase will mark the entrance.
The support group is a peer-led group with a goal to provide insight, empathy, understanding and share experiences that can help others cope. The group is led by NAMI-trained facilitators. Call Ruth at 978-462-2471 or Bernard at 603-382-9511 with questions.
The group meets on the third Thursday of each month.
Volunteers needed for cancer awareness
Programs and activities for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September are being planned, and help is needed.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to take part in numerous events, including a walk and a lantern festival.
To volunteer time and talents, contact Deb Green at 978-225-6700 or attend a planning meeting, held each Thursday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Greetings by Design, 4A Winter St., Newburyport, next to the Route 1 Bridge and Water streets/Merrimac Street intersection.
Free yoga class in Byfield
Kripalu-certified yoga instructor Mike Houlihan, co-owner of Roots to Wings Yoga and Healing in Byfield, is offering free community yoga classes on Friday mornings throughout the summer.
The class will meet each week through Aug. 19 from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the waterfront park in Newburyport. A donation basket will be set out to support the Pettingill House.
Classes will have a healing focus and include postures and breathing for better strength, flexibility, balance and concentration. This class is ideal for those curious about yoga.
Bring your own mat or towel. Email yoga@rootstowings.com for more information or call 978-463-9642.
Heart health talk scheduled
Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all other diseases combined.
Conventional medicine believes that cardiovascular disease cannot be prevented nor reversed and it can only be managed with cardiovascular medications that carry the risk of significant side-effects that can dramatically impact the quality of life for those who must take them as a last resort.
Dr. Dan's feels otherwise.
Dr. Dan's Heart Health Program is a 12-week program designed to prevent and/or reverse the risk factors associated with heart disease. It provides information, tools, motivation and guidance needed to regain and maintain optimal heart health.
Learn more about the program on Monday, June 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 978-462-0023 or email info@drdansnaturalhealing.com to register.
Alzheimer's seminar set for June 21
Spectrum Adult Day Health Program at North Andover, a daytime support center for people with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders, will host a free seminar for veterans and their families on Tuesday, June 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Guest speakers will include Edward Mitchell, director of veterans services for the town of North Andover, and Jenna Lamoureux, a social worker for the Veterans Administration.
Attendees will learn about a variety of resources available to veterans with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders. Complimentary respite care will be provided as well as a light dinner.
To register, call 978-921-1697, ext. 221 or email sharriso@nhs-healthlink.org. Due to limited space, reservations are required.
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If you have an item for Health Beat, contact Katie Lovett at 978-462-6666 or klovett@newburyportnews.com.
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