Houlton Regional Hospital

02/28/2026

Today's the last day of National Heart Health Month!

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Here are some FUN and simple ways to stress less and love your heart all year long:

- Make a “to-do” list and tackle big goals one step at a time
- Be active every day — find something you enjoy!
- Let go of unhealthy habits
- Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
- Connect with friends and family
- Laugh often — it’s good for the heart!
- Volunteer and give back
- Take deep breaths and slow down
- Listen to soothing music
- Take a hike or a brisk walk
- Disconnect from the digital world
- Sip tea and enjoy a quiet moment
- Eat a good breakfast
- Recognize the beauty around you
-Celebrate life

And today’s challenge…

😊 Make someone smile.

Managing stress isn’t about being perfect — it’s about taking small, meaningful steps every day. Let’s carry these heart-healthy habits beyond February and into the rest of the year.

02/27/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Your Heart and Stress: What’s the Connection?

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood — it can impact your body by raising blood pressure, causing irregular heart rhythms, and increasing inflammation.

At Houlton Regional Hospital, we’re committed to helping our community understand the connection between mental and heart health.

This February, challenge yourself to:
✔ Move more
✔ Sleep better
✔ Connect with loved ones
✔ Practice mindfulness

Healthy habits today can support a stronger heart tomorrow.

02/27/2026

Knock! Knock!
Who's there?
OPPORTUNITY

Check out these open Administrative and Nursing positions at Houlton Regional Hospital!

houltonregional.org/careers

02/25/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Stress Less for a Healthier Heart

During Heart Health Month, Houlton Regional Hospital encourages you to take simple steps to manage stress:

-Get out of the house – Take a walk and enjoy nature.
-Work it out – Aim for 30 minutes of activity, 5 days a week.
- Lean on a furry friend – Pets may help reduce stress reactions.
-Use your network – Stay connected with family and friends.
-Sleep well – Maintain a routine and aim for 7–9 hours nightly.
-Put your mind to it – Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Taking care of your mind helps take care of your heart.

Talk to your provider today about the best plan for you! We can't wait to help you!

02/23/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Mental health can positively — or negatively — affect your physical health and your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Stress may contribute to:
• Unhealthy eating
• Smoking
• Overeating
• Weight gain
• Not taking medications as prescribed

It can also lead to harmful physical responses like:
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Increased blood pressure
• Inflammation
• Reduced blood flow to the heart
• Digestive problems

Managing stress is an important step in protecting your heart. Small changes can make a big difference. Call us today to get started on your mental health journey- 207-521-2282

02/17/2026

Who did we catch caring? Well we have a heartwarming story for you!

"On January 18th, my family experienced an unexpected emergency that turned our world upside down. When I reached out to Mike to let him know what was going on, his first response was simple: take care of your family and don’t worry about work. That kind of leadership and compassion speaks volumes.

What meant even more was that he went above and beyond to support us during a very difficult time. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to step up made a lasting impact on my family.

Mike truly demonstrates what caring leadership looks like. We are incredibly grateful for him and everything he did. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s Mike."

Thank you, Mike, for upholding the values we hold so closely at Houlton Regional Hospital.

L-R Sophia Scott, Mike Ouellette, Heather Hannigan, and Buffy Scott

02/16/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Let's talk about -- The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

Looking for a heart-healthy way to eat? The DASH Diet is a flexible, balanced eating plan designed to help lower blood pressure and support overall heart health.

🩺 Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new diet plan.

Sodium Goals for Heart Health:
✔ Standard DASH: Less than 2,300 mg/day
✔ Cardiac-ordered DASH: Less than 1,500 mg/day

🥗 What Does a Typical 2,000-Calorie Day Look Like?
✔ 6–8 servings of grains
✔ 4–5 servings of vegetables
✔ 4–5 servings of fruits
✔ 2–3 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy
✔ Less than 6 one-ounce servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish
✔ 4–5 servings of nuts, seeds, and legumes
✔ 2–3 teaspoons of fats and oils
✔ Fewer than 5 servings of sweets/added sugars per week

(Daily servings may vary based on your individual calorie needs.)

When following DASH, choose foods that are:
✅ Low in saturated and trans fats
✅ Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein
✅ Lower in sodium

Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference for your heart!

02/15/2026

Reminder of our clinics, lab and X-Ray being closed tomorrow.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday!

Please note!!

President's Day is next Monday Feb 16, and our provider offices, lab and X-Ray will be CLOSED.

Please ensure you call ahead of time to get your appointments and refills ahead of time! We don't want you to go the long weekend without!

As always - our skilled emergency personnel and services are always open and ready to help you!

02/13/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Taking care of your heart means more than just getting exercise—it’s about how you exercise, too!

🟢 Warm Up First
A good warm-up helps widen your blood vessels, delivering more oxygen to your muscles and improving flexibility and efficiency. It also raises your heart rate slowly, which helps minimize stress on your heart.

✔ Warm up for 5–15 minutes
✔ The more intense the workout, the longer the warm-up
✔ Start walking, running, or biking at a slower pace

🔵 Cool Down After
When you finish exercising, your heart is still beating faster than normal. Stopping too quickly can make you feel lightheaded or even faint.

✔ Gradually reduce your activity for 5–10 minutes
✔ Stretch to help prevent cramping and stiffness
✔ Hold each stretch for 10–30 seconds
✔ Don’t bounce, and stretch until it feels strong—but not painful

As always- consult your physician or care provider to ensure your safety! Call today to get started!

02/12/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

Physical Activity and the Importance for Health and Well- Being!!

Physical activity is a natural mood lifter! It can help relieve anxiety, stress, depression and anger. As physical activity becomes a regular part of your life, you will feel better over time.

Increased physical activity may help you:

Boost levels of good cholesterol

Lower your blood pressure

Prevent bone loss leading to osteoporosis

Boost energy levels

Help manage tension and stress

Improve blood flow

Weight loss

American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly-

30 minutes 5 times a week.

As always, talk to your doctor or provider before starting any new program! Call us today and help us, help you get started!

houltonregional.org

02/11/2026

Phlebotomists are essential members of the health care system. Their skill and expertise are necessary to perform venipunctures and other laboratory test sample collections. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of phlebotomists, laboratorians can accurately perform patient sample testing that helps clinicians diagnose and treat patients.

At HRH, we are proud to have an amazing and skilled phlebotomy team who draw patients of all ages. Please help us say “thank you” to our hard-working group during National Phlebotomy Recognition Week!

L to R: Mackenzie Chasse, Jill Bustard, and Elizabeth Barry. Absent from photo: Emily Fitts.

02/10/2026

February is National Heart Health Month.

The Cardiac Services Team at Houlton Regional Hospital would like to share with you some great ways that you can take care of your heart!

🩺 How often should I get my heart checked?
It depends on your age, family history, and risk factors. Annual wellness visits are a great time to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and discuss any concerns with your provider.

🚨 What are warning signs of a heart attack?
Common symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw, nausea, or lightheadedness.
⚠️ If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

❤️ Does heart disease affect women too?
Yes! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Symptoms can be different than men, so it’s important for everyone to know the signs and take heart health seriously.

🏥 How can Houlton Regional Hospital help?
Houlton Regional is here to support your heart health through preventive care, screenings, and personalized guidance from our healthcare team.

houltonregional.org