Join Amoskeag Health's Morning Matters 2025, an annual breakfast fundraiser supporting the Dr. Selma Deitch Center for Children & Teens. Learn more about our event, aimed at raising funds to benefit our youngest patients. 18th ANNUAL MORNING MATTERS Morning Matters is our annual breakfast fundraiser benefiting the operations of the Dr. Selma Deitch Center for Children & Teens (formerly known as Child Health Services). Each year, we select a new, relevant subject and an engaging speaker in a topic related to children's healthcare with the goal of raising funds that cover non-billable services that directly benefit our pediatric patients and their families. What is Morning Matters? 2025 KEYNOTE SPONSORS 2025 PROGRAM SPONSORS John Sigel and Sally Reid CCA Global Partners Dartmouth Health Children's Eastern Bank Elliot Health System Lavallee/Brensinger Architects Rich and Sarah Sigel WellSense Health Plan 2025 ADVOCATE SPONSORS Associated Grocers of New England BerryDunn Charla Stevens Consulting LLC Joanne & Richard Gustafson Harvey Construction Corporation MCPHS University 2025 TABLE SPONSORS THANK YOU to ALL 2025 Sponsors whose generosity makes health care accessible for ALL CHILDREN View the 2025 Morning Matters Program Book

Discover upcoming events at Amoskeag Health, including health fairs, educational programs, and community gatherings designed to support wellness and health education. Stay informed about our latest activities and join us in promoting a healthier community. EVENTS Stress Recovery Group An online group for patients ages 18 to 49 focused on healing from stress. Learn how stress affects the mind and body, understand how your nervous system works, connect with others who’ve had similar experiences, and build skills to reduce anxiety and feel safer in your body. Ongoing virtual group held at 1pm every Monday. Call (603) 935-5280 to sign up! Healing from Grief & Living Through Loss Group Share ideas, stories, and healing strategies in a welcoming community environment. In this six week series, learn about the different stages and types of of grief, identify “stuck points,” or thoughts that make it harder to heal, and work through your own personal grief and healing experience. Location: Amoskeag Health, 145 Hollis Street, Manchester, NH; 1st Floor, Conference Room B Date: Thursdays, June 4th - July 9th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2 and 7/9) *Participation in all group sessions encouraged, as each one offers unique discussions that support deeper healing. This group is limited to 10-12 individuals. Talk to your provider about joining the Spring session, or reach out via e-mail with interest! Register Now! A Matter of Balance Are you age 65 or older and concerned about balance or falling? Our Matter of Balance program is designed specifically for older adults to help reduce fear of falling, improve balance and strength, and increase confidence in everyday activities. This proven program offers practical strategies to help you stay active, safe, and independent. Dates: Wednesdays, May 20 - July 8, 2026 from 10 :00 AM to 12:00 PM (5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8) Location: Amoskeag Health,145 Hollis Street, Manchester, NH Call (603) 792-5089 to register! July Parent Café Connect with other parents and caregivers, and enjoy family-friendly games and activities outdoors this summer! Light snacks, transportation and free childcare provided. Location: Stark Park Gazebo, 550 River Rd, Manchester, NH Date: Wednesday, July 8th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Register Now! August Parent Café Connect with other parents and caregivers, and enjoy family-friendly games and activities outdoors this summer! Light snacks, transportation and free childcare provided. Location: Stark Park Gazebo, 550 River Rd, Manchester, NH Date: Tuesday, August 18th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Register Now! Cooking Matters for Adults Offered by Cooking Matters NH, a Program of the NH Food Bank Are you looking to prevent or manage heart disease or diabetes? This free online course offers information that can help support healthy lifestyle changes. Learn about nutrition, healthy eating and cooking, food safety, meal planning and food budgeting. Registration is required; you may only register for one course. Registrants agree to attend at least 4 of the 6 weekly classes. Attendees receive a FREE $10 grocery store gift card for each week they participate. Virtual course series options available: Wednesdays, September 9th to October 14th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, and 10/14) Mondays, November 9th to December 14th 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14) Register today! Past Events Morning Matters 2026

Amoskeag Health provides primary and mental health care in addition to prenatal care, medication assisted treatment, and additional specialty services across Manchester, NH. Exceptional Care and Services That Are Accessible to ALL Donate PATIENT PORTAL Attend your Virtual Appointments Access Lab and Test Results Request Appointments Send Secure Notes to your Provider and View Referrals Sign Up Today! Primary Care Services Primary Health Mental Health Sexual & Reproductive Health Women's Health Pregnancy & Delivery Healthcare in Schools Four Manchester Locations Hollis Street 145 Hollis Street Manchester, NH 03101 603-626-9500 Hours The Dr. Selma Deitch Center for Children and Teens 1245 Elm Street Manchester, NH 03101 603-626-9500 Hours Tarrytown Road 184 Tarrytown Road Manchester, NH 03103 603-626-9500 Hours ProHealth 2 Wall Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-626-9500 Hours What Our Patients Are Saying "I’ve been going to Amoskeag Health for a few years, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience with their providers. I was grateful for how quickly I was able to be seen and for how seriously my concerns were taken. It was a really nice feeling after months of trying to get appropriate care elsewhere to have someone who both listened to and genuinely cared about my concerns."

With spring in full swing, it can be difficult to identify the culprit of your runny nose, itchy throat and congestion. While colds and seasonal allergies share several symptoms, they have distinct differences that can help inform your approach to wellness. Seasonal allergies are triggered by environmental allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. If your symptoms come on quickly after spending time outdoors or being in a new environment, allergies may be the cause. Allergy symptoms persist as long as you're exposed to the trigger, which can mean weeks or even months of symptoms during peak pollen season. Cold symptoms, on the other hand, typically last 7–10 days and tend to worsen before they improve. Because the common cold is caused by a virus, the immune system follows a fairly predictable response. First, inflammation slows the virus down. Then, mucus production ramps up to flush it out. Finally, white blood cells move in to clear the infection. That shift to thicker, discolored mucus many people notice toward the end of a cold is actually a good sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. Key signs of seasonal allergies: Itchy, watery eyes Persistent sneezing Clear, thin, watery nasal discharge throughout the entire episode No fever More typical for colds: Fever (can be mild or severe) Thick, yellow or green mucus as the illness progresses Body aches and fatigue Cough So, how can you resolve your symptoms and start feeling better? For the common cold, resting and staying hydrated are key to your treatment plan. Limit physical activity, use a humidifier to ease congestion, and drink fluids to help thin mucus and support your immune system. Over-the-counter remedies don’t cure a virus, but they can ease symptoms. Talk to your doctor about use of decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers, saline sprays or cough suppressants or expectorants. Allergy symptoms can also be managed through over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on the severity of symptoms. Because allergies are a chronic condition, reduced exposure to the trigger is an important component of long-term management. Limiting outdoor time and closing windows on high-pollen days and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes are just a few ways to avoid irritation from environmental allergens. When to contact your provider: Symptoms last more than 10 days Symptoms worsen significantly You have a high fever (~103 F in adults) You need help deciding which medications are appropriate The Amoskeag Health team is available to answer questions, schedule appointments and guide you through the best course of action. We can help confirm whether allergies, a virus, or another condition is at play and recommend the right treatment plan for you. As always, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment. To schedule an appointment at one of our four office locations in Manchester, NH, please call 603-626-9500.

By: Laura Fry, MD January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month! Many of you know me as the “queen of everything cervical,” so with that title, let’s dive into some information that might help all of us work together to prevent and treat this disease. Why Does Cervical Cancer Awareness Matter? Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. On a global scale, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases leading to 342,000 deaths annually. However, cervical cancer affects people around the world very differently. In 2020, almost 90% of the deaths occurred in countries with lower incomes due to delays in getting vaccines, screenings, and treatment. In the United States, there are about 11,500 new cervical cancer cases per year and 4,000 deaths linked to this cancer. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over many years. Early signs of cervical cancer include abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which is not noticeable from the outside. However, these changes can be detected through tests at your doctor’s office. If abnormal cells are left untreated, they can progress to become cancerous. So, it’s important to be seen regularly by someone like me! What Causes Cervical Cancer? Nearly 100% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), mostly through sexual intercourse. HPV has many subtypes, and over 11 of them are considered “high risk” types. Globally, about 40% of women were unaware that HPV causes most cervical cancers. Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented? YES! Primary prevention (preventing a disease before it occurs) can be done through HPV vaccines. These vaccines are given in the US to girls and boys preferably before the age of 15. Two doses are recommended. Secondary Prevention (identifying disease at its earlies stages) is done through a pap test and HPV testing. Testing should start at age 21 and be done every three years, with HPV added at age 30 and repeated every 5 years for women who do not test positive. Paps and HPV testing can detect pre-cancerous conditions, which can often be treated easily and can prevent progression to invasive cervical cancer. WHO’s Global Efforts to Reduce Cervical Cancer There is a global campaign from the World Health Organization (WHO) called “90-70-90” by the year 2030. This campaign has three goals: 90% of girls worldwide will be vaccinated against HPV by age 15. 70% of women will have been screened by a high-quality screening method at age 35 and 45. 90% of women with invasive or pre-invasive disease will receive treatment. Now, What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Cervical Cancer? If you have not been vaccinated and are below the age of 24 – GET IT DONE! There are some situations in which you can be vaccinated later than age 24. Talk to your provider at your next appointment about your options. Make sure your children are vaccinated. There are lots of parents who don’t think it’s needed, or they think that giving the vaccine will give their children permission to start having sex younger. This has been proven NOT to be the case! Get screening done for yourself if you’re assigned female at birth. Talk to any of the providers or nurses here at Amoskeag Health if you have questions. Spread the news and help us dispel myths and misinformation about vaccines, screenings, and treatment. Think about it this way: we have a cancer that is very effectively prevented through a vaccine! How cool is that? Let’s eliminate cancer one cervix at a time! If you’re interested in the HPV vaccine or are overdue for a screening, we can help! To schedule an appointment with an Amoskeag Health provider, please call 603-626-9500.

By: Katherine-Starr Goodwin Managing blood sugar levels is very important for overall health, especially for those with diabetes. The Glycemic Index (GI) is a valuable tool that helps us choose foods wisely to keep blood sugar stable. Here’s how you can use the Glycemic Index, along with portion control, to make healthier choices. What is the Glycemic Index (GI)? The Glycemic Index ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI (70 or more) cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, while those with a low GI (55 or less) cause a slower, more gradual rise. Using the Glycemic Index to Make Better Choices: Green (Go): Choose low GI foods (55 or less) most often. These include items like whole grains, legumes, and many fruits. See a list of low Glycemic Index foods here. Yellow (Caution): Moderate GI foods (56 to 69) should be eaten less frequently. These include some fruits, whole wheat products, and couscous. See a list of moderate Glycemic Index foods here. Red (Stop and think): High GI foods (70 or more) should be limited. These include white bread, sugary cereals, and some types of potatoes. See a list of high Glycemic Index foods here. By opting for more foods with a lower GI, you can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively, reducing the risk of complications from diabetes and promoting better weight management. Portion Control and Diabetes Management Watching portion sizes can help manage diabetes. We suggest a balanced approach to portioning meals: Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits: Choose more vegetables than fruits, as most vegetables have less sugar. This helps control calorie intake and provides essential nutrients. Divide the other half of your plate: Distribute this portion between protein-rich foods and whole grains. Examples include lean meats, fish, beans, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice. Combining GI and Portion Control Understanding the Glycemic Index and practicing portion control can significantly impact your health outcomes, particularly if you have diabetes or are aiming for better overall well-being. By choosing low GI foods and controlling portion sizes, you can better manage blood sugar levels, support weight loss efforts, and improve your overall health. Remember, consult with a healthcare professional or Registered Dietitian to tailor these principles to your individual needs and health goals. Each small step towards healthier eating habits contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Low Glycemic Index (55 or less) Foods. Choose these most often! Grains and Starches Breads: Heavy Mixed Grain Breads Spelt Bread Sourdough Bread Tortilla (Whole Grain) Cereal: All-Bran™ Cereal Oat Bran Oats (Steel Cut) Grains: Barley Bulgur Mung Bean Noodles Pasta (Al Dente, Firm) Pulse Flours Quinoa Rice (Converted, Parboiled) Other: Peas* Popcorn Sweet Potato* Winter Squash* *Most starchy/sweet vegetables (e.g. peas, parsnip, winter squash) provide 15 g or more carbohydrate per 1 cup serving Fruits Apple Apricot (Fresh, Dried) Banana (Green, Unripe) Berries Cantaloupe Grapefruit Honeydew Melon Mango Orange Peach Pear Plum Pomegranate Prunes Milk and Milk Alternatives Almond Milk Cow Milk (Skim, 1%, 2%, Whole) Frozen Yogurt (An occasional food) Greek Yogurt Soy Milk Yogurt (Skim, 1%, 2%, Whole) * Milk, alternatives, and other beverages listed include flavored (e.g. chocolate), sweetened and unsweetened varieties Meat and Alternatives Baked Beans Chickpeas Kidney Beans Lentils Mung Beans Romano Beans Soybeans/Edamame Split Peas * Poultry and fish do not have a GI because they do not contain carbohydrates Moderate Glycemic Index (56 to 69) Foods. Choose LESS often! Grains and Starches Breads: Chapati (White, Whole Wheat) Flaxseed/Linseed Bread Pita Bread (White, Whole Wheat) Pumpernickel Bread Roti (White, Whole Wheat) Rye Bread (Light, Dark, Whole Grain) Stone Ground Whole Wheat Bread Whole Grain Wheat Bread Cereal: Cream of Wheat™ (Regular) Oats (Instant) Oats (Large Flake) Oats (Quick) Grains: Basmati Rice Brown Rice Cornmeal Couscous (Regular, Whole Wheat) Rice Noodles White Rice (Short, Long Grain) Wild Rice Other: Beets Corn French Fries (An occasional food) Parsnip Potato (Red, White, Cooled) Rye Crisp Crackers Fruits Banana (Ripe, Yellow) Cherries (Bottled) Cherries (Fresh) Cranberries (Dried) Figs (Fresh, Dried) Grapes Kiwi Lychee Pineapple Raisins Meat and Alternatives Lentil Soup (ready-made) Split Pea Soup (ready-made) *Poultry and fish do not have a GI because they do not contain carbohydrates High Glycemic Index (70 or more) Foods. Choose LEAST often! Grains and Starches Breads: Bread (White, Whole Wheat) Naan (White, Whole Wheat) Cereal: All-Bran Flakes™ Cereal Corn Flakes™ Cereal Cream of Wheat™ (Instant) Puffed Wheat Cereal Rice Krispies™ Cereal Special K™ Cereal Grains: Jasmine Rice Millet Sticky Rice White Rice (Instant) Other: Carrots Potato (Instant Mashed) Potato (Red, White, Hot) Pretzels Rice Cakes Soda Crackers Fruits Banana (Brown, Overripe) Watermelon Milk and Milk Alternatives Rice Milk *Milk, alternatives, and other beverages listed include flavored (e.g. chocolate), sweetened and unsweetened varieties Want to learn more to help manage your blood sugar and feel your best? Schedule an appointment with an Amoskeag Health provider today by calling 603-626-9500.