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Product description
WORK OUT IN HOME GYM
Strong M6 Screws for better load capacity
Unlike other rack,we choose to use Thick M6 screw with washer in one. Load capacity is depend on the rack materical, screws and wall type(concrete is better than Plaster wall). Therefor we choose strong screws to better fit for the rack
DIMENSION:is 23″ (L)x 5″(W) x 3 1/8″(H) Mounting hole and the hole is 16″ Package included-screws *4, anchors*4
23″ Heavy Duty Storaga Rack
Enjoy working out in your neat home gym
Don’t need to drive all your way to commercial gym. You could just bulid you own gym in your house. Our storage rack is a great choice for decorating home gym-just make it neat and tidy.
Holds barbell bar, resistant bands ,lifting belts, dip belts, chains, jump ropes, gym bags,yoga mat Made of 3mm thick steel Matte black 11 prongs for large capacity 1.1″ between prongs for easy hanging
Made of heavy duty steel
Angled end for keep accessories to stay
16″ mouting space fit for the stud
STRONG AND DURABLE-Tamisom gym rack made of 3mm thick strong elastic steel,it can bearing lots of your gym gear including barbell bar MULTI-PURPOSE STORAGE RACK-Say goodbye to messy home gym. It build to give a organized gym.Just let every work out accessories stay off your ground to leave more ground space.This gym hooks can holds barbell bar, resistant bands ,lifting belts, dip belts, chains, jump ropes, gym bags,yoga mat and so on DIMENSION:is 23″ (L)x 5″(W) x 3 1/8″(H). gap between the prongs is 1 1/4″.which is perfect gap for easy take or place items 16″ CENTER HOLES AND EASY INSTALLATION: Super easy to install and disassemble, the product includes hardware for installation. The distance between the center of the mounting hole and the hole is 16″.The recommended installation height is 6 inches
Price: $16.99 (as of Jan 13, 2026 06:00:54 UTC – Details)
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[Versatile Training] These resistance bands are designed to pair with steppers, adding upper body resistance for a full-body workout, helping to strengthen arms, shoulders, chest, back, and legs. The connecting strap allows you to combine both bands into a longer length, accommodating a wider range of exercise positions. [Comfortable Handles] Ergonomically designed handles ensure a comfortable grip, allowing you to focus on your workout without worrying about slipping or discomfort. [Easy Installation] This durable connecting strap ensures quick and hassle-free setup for your Stepper. It is also an essential accessory to enhance your Ab Machine, Vibration Plate, or Weight Bench routines. [Durable Material] Made from high-elasticity, durable materials, these resistance bands withstand long-term use, delivering lasting value. [Portable Design] Lightweight and easy to store, they’re perfect for home or gym use, seamlessly fitting into any fitness routine.
Congratulations, you’ve reached the final day of the Brain Health Challenge! Today, we’re asking you to do a few things that might feel a bit out of left field — like getting your blood pressure checked.
No, it isn’t as fun as playing Pips, but experts say it’s one of the most important things you can do for your brain. That’s because heart health and brain health are intrinsically linked.
High blood pressure, in particular, can damage brain cells, and it’s a significant risk factor for stroke and dementia. When blood pressure is too high, it places stress on the walls of arteries in the brain. Over time, that added stress can cause the blood vessel walls to thicken, obstructing blood flow. In other cases, the increased pressure causes the artery walls to thin and leak blood into the brain.
These changes to the blood vessels can sometimes cause a large stroke to occur. More commonly, the damage leads to micro-strokes and micro-hemorrhages, which cause fewer immediate problems and often go unnoticed. But if someone has hypertension for years or decades, these injuries can build up, and the person may start to experience cognitive impairment.
High blood pressure “is known as a silent killer for lots of reasons,” said Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, the chair of neurology at the University of Chicago. “It doesn’t cause you any symptoms until it does.”
Because the damage accumulates over many years, experts say that managing blood pressure in midlife matters most for brain health. Hypertension can be addressed with medication or lifestyle changes, as directed by your doctor. But the first thing you need to do is know your numbers. If your blood pressure comes back higher than 120/80, it’s important to take it seriously, Dr. Prabhakaran said.
While you’re at it, there are a few other aspects of your physical health that you should check on.
Your eyes and ears are two of them. Hearing and vision loss have both been shown to increase the risk of dementia. Experts think that with less sensory information coming in to stimulate the brain, the regions that process hearing and vision can start to atrophy. What’s more, people with sensory loss often withdraw or are left out of social interactions, further depriving them of cognitive stimulation.
Oral health can also affect your brain health. Research has found a connection between regular flossing and reduced odds of having a stroke. That may be because good oral health can help to reduce inflammation in the body. The bacteria that cause gum disease have also been tied to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
And have you gotten your shingles vaccine? There is mounting evidence that it’s a powerful weapon for protecting against dementia. One study found that it lowered people’s odds of developing the condition by as much as 20 percent.
To wrap up this challenge, we want you to schedule a few medical appointments that benefit your brain, as well as your body.
After five days of feeding, exercising and challenging your brain, you are well on your way to better cognitive health. Thanks for joining me this week, and keep up the good habits!
Ending winter’s slumber and gloom, spring signals the rebirt of blooming hues and lush plants.
Spring is the time to get back your gardening tools and start working in your backyard.
Along with edibles, your garden must include flowering plants that attract pollinators and fill your garden with colorful blooms.
As you take an evening walk in your garden, those flying butterflies dancing around and birds hoping from one branch, remind you why spring feels so magical.
But, if you’re planning to start early than your neighboring gardeners, then you should germinate seeds indoors and transplant seedlings when the night temperature is above 40F.
Spring truly sets the stage for beauty, color, and life in your outdoor space. And choosing flowers that thrive in these cool, refreshing months makes your garden come alive much earlier. Whether you prefer classic favorites or want to try something new this year, the right blooms can completely transform your backyard into a nature-filled retreat.
25 Best Flowers to Grow in Spring
To have a blooming display from early spring through warm summer in your garden, it’s recommended that you include mix of flowering plants.
Understanding plant needs is very crucial to grow these flowering plants sucessfully.
Below listed are most popular flowering plants that you can grow in spring.
1. Tulips
Tulips bring an immediate burst of color to spring gardens with their clean shapes and striking petals. They come in a wide range of hues—soft pastels, bold reds, purples, even stunning double varieties that look almost like peonies. Their elegant stems make them stand out whether planted in beds, borders, or colorful pots.
Although tulips often bloom strongest in their first year, they can return with decent vigor if given the right conditions. Many gardeners refresh their display by planting new bulbs each fall, ensuring full energy for spring flowering. Pre-chilled bulbs also work well in warmer climates with mild winters.
Rodents do find tulip bulbs delicious, so protective planting helps. Growing them in pots, wire baskets, or pairing with rodent-resistant plants like grape hyacinths is effective. Choose a sunny, well-drained area to enjoy their brightest blooms.
2. Daffodils
Daffodils brighten early spring days with their signature yellow or white trumpets, creating cheerful pockets of color even when the weather is still cool. Their uplifting blooms make them one of the first true signs that winter is fading. Whether miniature types or large-cupped classics, they always bring a welcoming charm.
These flowers are hardy perennials that naturalize beautifully, often multiplying into larger clumps each year. Once planted, they thrive with minimal attention and return reliably whenever spring arrives. Mixing varieties can extend the flowering season for weeks.
One of their best qualities is being unappetizing to deer, rabbits, and rodents. This makes them safer choices in wildlife-prone gardens. Plant daffodils in well-drained soil under full or partial sunlight and enjoy a nearly fuss-free spring display.
Hyacinths are impossible to ignore in spring thanks to their rich fragrance and dense clusters of star-shaped flowers. The strong scent drifts through the garden, making them perfect near walkways and entry points. With bold shades ranging from pink and purple to creamy white, they offer both color and perfume.
These spring bulbs bloom beautifully when planted in fall and allowed to chill through winter. They perform well in beds, borders, and containers, adding a luxurious touch to any arrangement. Their sturdy stems make them excellent cut flowers too.
Hyacinths prefer bright sun and well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot. Gardeners in warm regions often use pre-chilled bulbs for reliable blooms. With just basic care, hyacinths reward you each spring with fragrance-filled clusters.
4. Crocuses
Crocuses emerge like tiny jewels popping through the soil, often blooming even before the last frost melts. Their purple, yellow, and white cups create a charming carpeting effect, making early spring feel instantly alive. These little flowers might be small, but they make a big impact.
Crocus bulbs naturalize easily, spreading across lawns, beds, and woodland paths over time. They bloom early—sometimes as early as late winter—making them among the first garden highlights of the year. Planting several varieties can extend the early color display.
Their care needs are minimal, as crocuses handle cold and inconsistent spring weather well. They prefer full sun or partial shade and thrive in well-drained soil. Give them a dedicated patch and watch them multiply into cheerful clusters each spring.
5. Pansies
Pansies bring cheerful “faces” and vibrant color combinations to any early spring garden. Their playful patterns and bold hues brighten containers, borders, and baskets while the weather is still cool. Even a single pot of pansies feels full of life and charm.
These blooms thrive in chilly temperatures and perform beautifully from late winter into mid-spring. They’re tough enough to handle light frost and bounce back quickly. Gardeners often plant them in fall in mild climates for an even earlier spring show.
Pansies love partial to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming longer. Their versatility, hardiness, and nonstop color make them a must-have for welcoming the spring season.
Violas offer delicate-looking blooms that are surprisingly tough in cool spring weather. Their smaller flowers come in an impressive range of colors, giving borders and containers a soft, charming glow. They blend beautifully with early bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
These plants bloom steadily for weeks, often outlasting pansies when temperatures fluctuate. They’re excellent choices for shady corners, pathways, and window boxes. Violas also self-seed gently, giving you pleasant surprises the following spring.
For best results, plant them in partial sun with moist, well-drained soil. Removing spent blooms encourages fresh waves of flowers. Whether used as fillers or focal points, violas bring long-lasting beauty to early spring displays.
7. Primroses
Primroses add instant cheer with their bold colors and low-growing clusters of blooms. From deep purples to sunny yellows and pure whites, their petals brighten even the dullest garden corners. They’re especially loved for thriving where many other plants struggle.
Blooming in early spring, primroses prefer cooler temperatures and moist, rich soil. They look gorgeous when planted around trees, borders, or shaded patios. Many varieties are perennials and return reliably each year.
Keep primroses shaded from harsh afternoon sun and ensure regular watering to keep their foliage lush. Mulching helps maintain moisture. With minimal care, they reward you with bright, long-lasting blooms each spring.
8. Snowdrops
Snowdrops are tiny yet magical spring flowers that peek through frost-covered soil, often blooming when winter is still lingering. Their graceful white bells symbolize new beginnings and bring subtle beauty to the coldest garden days.
These bulbs naturalize well, especially in woodland settings or beneath deciduous trees. They return faithfully every year, spreading slowly into beautiful drifts. Snowdrops bloom very early—sometimes even before crocuses.
They thrive in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Plant snowdrops “in the green” (right after blooming) for the best establishment. Their quiet charm makes them perfect for natural, serene garden designs.
9. Peonies
Peonies are spring garden royalty, producing large, romantic blooms with a fragrance that fills the whole yard. Their fluffy petals come in pastels, reds, and whites, making them irresistible focal points in any landscape.
Peonies are long-lived perennials that often thrive for decades in the same spot. They bloom in mid-to-late spring, depending on the variety. Once established, they require very little attention and become more impressive each year.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, with support for heavy-headed flowers. Avoid planting them too deep, as it affects blooming. With patience and proper placement, peonies reward gardeners with unforgettable spring beauty.
10. Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers look like they were crafted from layers of silk, giving gardens a luxurious, rose-like touch in spring. Their brilliant shades make them perfect for bouquets, borders, and spring weddings alike.
These plants grow from corms and bloom best in cool temperatures. When started indoors or planted in early spring, they reward you with generous blooms in mid-spring. Many gardeners grow them specifically for long-lasting cut flowers.
Ranunculus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Soaking corms before planting helps faster sprouting. With consistent moisture and cool weather, these elegant blooms flourish beautifully.
11. Anemones
Anemones bring a whimsical, wind-swept charm to spring gardens with their poppy-like blooms. Their vivid colors stand out beautifully against early green foliage. They’re perfect for natural-looking beds or scattered in drifts.
Anemone tubers bloom in mid-to-late spring and return yearly when planted in the right spot. They’re equally at home in rock gardens, borders, or woodland edges. Their lightweight stems allow them to sway gracefully in spring breezes.
These flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant tubers more shallowly than other bulbs. Once established, they multiply gently and bring fresh beauty each spring.
12. Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots create dreamy carpets of tiny sky-blue blooms that glow beautifully in soft spring light. Their clouds of color pair especially well with daffodils and tulips for a magical woodland feel.
These biennials or short-lived perennials often self-seed freely. Once planted, they tend to establish natural colonies, offering reliable displays year after year. They’re perfect for shady borders or under deciduous trees.
Forget-me-nots enjoy partial shade and moist soil. Their ability to spread makes them great fillers for empty spring garden gaps. A light thinning helps maintain airflow and reduce mildew.
13. Lilies
Lilies elevate spring and early-summer gardens with their tall, graceful stems and boldly patterned blooms. They bring structure and elegance, especially when mixed with leafy perennials. Their fragrance and colors are unmatched.
Many early-blooming varieties begin in spring, extending color well into summer. Lilies grow from bulbs that return yearly and multiply slowly over time. Their height makes them excellent for the middle or back of beds.
They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs deeply to protect them from heat and wind. With regular watering and light mulching, lilies deliver stunning vertical beauty.
14. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding hearts add a charming, romantic touch with their heart-shaped blooms dangling from arching stems. Their soft pink and white colors stand out beautifully in shade gardens.
These perennials emerge early in spring and bloom generously before the heat sets in. Once established, they spread gently and return reliably each year. Their airy shape complements ferns and hostas.
Plant bleeding hearts in partial to full shade with moist, rich soil. They die back in summer heat, which is completely normal. With gentle care, they thrive and bring a cottage-garden feel.
15. Lupine
Lupines immediately catch the eye with their tall, spiky flower towers in blues, purples, pinks, and yellows. Their bold shapes add excitement and height to spring beds.
They bloom in late spring and thrive in cooler climates. Many varieties self-seed, creating natural-looking drifts over time. Lupines also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen.
These plants do best in full sun with slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay. Regular deadheading encourages longer bloom time and healthier plants.
16. Columbine
Columbines bring delicate, nodding blooms with unique spurs that make them look like tiny woodland lanterns. They come in soft pastels and bold bi-colors that add charm to spring spaces.
These perennials bloom in mid-spring and attract hummingbirds instantly. They self-seed lightly, giving your garden a natural, effortless look. Their airy structure blends beautifully with ferns and shade-loving plants.
Columbines enjoy partial shade and well-drained soil. Allow some spent blooms to set seed for future flowers. They’re low-maintenance and work wonderfully in woodland-style gardens.
17. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas fill spring gardens with irresistible fragrance and romantic pastel shades. Their delicate petals and climbing habit make them favorite flowers for trellises and fences.
They thrive in cool spring temperatures and bloom generously when grown from early-sown seeds. Their stems make excellent cut flowers, and frequent picking encourages more blooms.
Plant sweet peas in full sun with rich soil. Provide support early so vines can climb naturally. Consistent watering helps them flourish until warm weather arrives.
18. Iris
Irises stand out with their ruffled petals, bold colors, and sword-shaped leaves. They bring structure and drama to spring gardens, blooming in rich purples, yellows, blues, and whites.
Bearded iris varieties bloom early to mid-spring and return year after year. Their rhizomes spread gradually, forming impressive clumps over time. Dividing every few years keeps blooms vigorous.
Irises need full sun and well-drained soil to prevent rot. Plant rhizomes shallowly so they receive light. With simple care, they reward you with iconic spring flowers.
19. Hellebores
Hellebores, or Lenten roses, bloom from late winter into spring, often flowering when snow is still visible. Their downward-facing blossoms create a soft, elegant atmosphere.
These perennials thrive in shade and become long-term garden residents. Their leathery leaves remain attractive year-round. Hellebores are perfect for woodland areas and under shrubs.
Plant them in partial shade with rich, moist soil. Once established, they require very little care. Removing old foliage in late winter helps new blooms shine.
Azaleas burst into color during spring, covering shrubs in masses of bright blooms. Their vibrant pinks, reds, and whites transform landscapes instantly.
These evergreen or deciduous shrubs prefer cool spring weather and acidic soil. Their dense flowering attracts bees and hummingbirds, adding life to the garden.
Azaleas thrive in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Mulch helps maintain acidity. With proper watering, they deliver a striking spring display.
21. Calendula
Calendula brings cheerful orange and yellow blooms that brighten spring beds effortlessly. Their daisy-like flowers are full of personality and charm.
These annuals thrive in cool weather and bloom steadily from early spring. They’re also useful companion plants, helping deter certain pests around vegetables.
Calendula enjoys full sun and regular watering. Deadheading keeps blooms coming. Their resilience makes them one of the easiest spring flowers to grow.
22. Dianthus
Dianthus adds spicy fragrance and frilly-edged flowers to spring gardens. Their reds, pinks, and whites bring a classic cottage feel to borders.
These plants bloom best in cool seasons and return as perennials in many regions. They stay compact, making them great for edging or rock gardens.
Dianthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering to prevent crown rot. With good airflow, they reward you with long-lasting spring color.
23. Marigold
Marigolds brighten spring gardens with bold oranges and yellows that feel warm and festive. Their cheerful blooms work well in beds, borders, and pots.
These hardy annuals grow quickly and tolerate unpredictable spring weather. They also help repel certain pests, making them useful companion plants near vegetables.
Give marigolds full sun and well-drained soil. Removing spent blooms keeps them flowering longer. They’re reliable choices for gardeners of all skill levels.
24. Phlox
Phlox comes in creeping and upright forms, both offering beautiful clusters of spring color. Creeping phlox blankets slopes and borders with soft pastels.
These low-growing varieties bloom early in spring and thrive in full sun. Tall garden phlox arrives later, extending color into summer while attracting butterflies.
Phlox prefers sunny sites with well-drained soil. Occasional trimming keeps creeping types neat. Their versatility makes them spring garden essentials.
Hollyhocks bring cottage-garden beauty with their tall spires and large, saucer-shaped blooms. Their soft pastels and deep jewel tones add unforgettable height and charm to fences and borders.
Often grown as biennials, hollyhocks produce foliage the first year and towering flowers the next. Deadheading can extend bloom time, while leaving a few seeds helps them return naturally each spring.
They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Rust can be an issue, but good airflow and removing affected leaves help keep plants healthy. With simple care, hollyhocks add classic spring elegance.
With a little planning—starting seeds early, preparing your beds, and giving plants the right sun and soil—you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also attracts butterflies, bees, and birds throughout the season.
Spring gardening isn’t just about filling your yard with color; it’s about bringing life, movement, and joy back after months of quiet.
No matter your experience level, these flowers make spring gardening exciting, rewarding, and full of possibility. Plant a few, plant many—either way, your garden will thank you with weeks of vibrant, fresh blooms.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
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Tammy MacDonald is a director at Blue Hills Adult Education in Dedham, Mass. When she needed a new primary care doctor, she was turned away by 10 practices. A few told her she could get an appointment after waiting a year and a half, or even two years.
Jesse Costa/WBUR
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Jesse Costa/WBUR
When her doctor died suddenly in August, Tammy MacDonald found herself among the roughly 17% of adults in America without a primary care physician.
MacDonald wanted to find a new doctor right away. She needed refills for her blood pressure medications, and wanted to book a follow-up appointment after a breast cancer scare.
She called 10 primary care practices near her home in Westwood, Mass. None of the doctors, nurse practitioners or physician assistants were taking new patients. A few offices told her that a doctor could see her — in a year and a half, or two years.
“I was just shocked by that, because we live in Boston, and we’re supposed to have this great medical care,” said MacDonald who is 48 and has private health insurance. “I couldn’t get my mind around the fact that we didn’t have any doctors.”
The shortage of primary care providers is a national problem, but it’s particularly acute in Massachusetts. The state’s primary care workforce is shrinking faster than in most other states, according to a recent report.
Some health networks, including the state’s largest hospital chain, Mass General Brigham, are turning to artificial intelligence for solutions.
In September, right when MacDonald was running out of blood pressure medications, Mass General Brigham (MGB) launched its new AI-supported program, Care Connect. MacDonald had received a letter from MGB, telling her no primary care providers in the network were currently taking new patients for in-person care. At the bottom of the letter was a link to Care Connect.
MacDonald downloaded the app and requested a telehealth appointment with a doctor. She then spent about 10 minutes chatting with an AI agent about why she wanted to see a doctor. Afterward, the AI tool sent a summary of the chat to a primary care doctor who could see MacDonald by video.
“I think I got an appointment the next day or two days later. It was just such a difference from being told I had to wait two years.”
24/7 convenience for common medical problems
Mass General Brigham says the AI tool can handle patients seeking care for colds, nausea, rashes, sprains and other common urgent care requests — as well as mild to moderate mental health concerns and issues related to chronic diseases. After the patient types in a description of the symptoms or problem, the AI tool sends a doctor a suggested diagnosis and treatment plan.
MGB’s Care Connect employs 12 physicians to work with the AI. They log in remotely from around the U.S., and patients can get help around the clock, seven days a week.
Care Connect is one of many AI-based tools that hospitals, doctors and administrative staff are testing for a range of routine medical tasks that include note-taking, reviewing diagnostic results, billing and ordering supplies.
Proponents argue that these AI programs can help relieve staff burnout and worker shortages by reducing time spent on medical records, referrals and other administrative tasks. There’s an active debate about when and how to use AI to improve diagnoses. Critics worry that AI agents miss important details about overlapping medical conditions.
Critics also point out that AI tools can’t assess whether patients can afford follow-up care, or get to that appointment. They have no insight into family dynamics or caretaking needs, things that primary physicians come to understand through long-term personal relationships.
Since her first foray on the app in September, MacDonald has used Care Connect three more times. Two of those interactions led to an eventual conversation with a remote doctor, but when she went online to book an appointment for travel-related shots, she only interacted with the AI chatbot, before visiting the travel clinic.
MacDonald likes the convenience.
“I don’t have to leave work,” she said. “And I gained some peace of mind, knowing that I have a plan between now and me finding another in-person doctor.”
So while she hunts for that person, MacDonald will stay with Care Connect.
“This is a logical solution in the short term,” MacDonald said. “At the end of the day, it’s the patient who’s feeling the aftermath of all of the bigger things going on in health care.”
Strains on primary care doctors have led to scarcity and burnout
Many factors contribute to the shortage of primary care providers. Many primary care doctors, such as pediatricians, internists, and family medicine physicians, are dissatisfied with their pay; they earn about 30-50% less, on average, than specialists such as surgeons, cardiologists or anesthesiologists.
At the same time, their workload has been increasing for at least 20 years. Primary care doctors often describe days packed with complex patient visits, followed by evenings spent updating medical records and responding to patient messages.
When MacDonald signed onto Care Connect, she was one of 15,000 patients in the Mass General Brigham system without a primary care provider. That number has grown, as primary care doctors have left MGB for rival hospital networks.
Dr. Madhuri Rao, a primary care physician at an MGB health center in Chelsea, Mass., said she’s staying at MGB for now, but she’s grown frustrated with the system’s leaders.
“They don’t make any effort to ease the shortage,” said Rao, who is also part of an effort to unionize MBG’s primary care doctors. “They put their money into specialties. Primary care feels like a peripheral part of the system, when it really should be a central part.”
Earlier this year, Mass General Brigham pledged to spend $400 million over five years on primary care services — though that includes the multiyear contract with Care Connect.
“Care Connect is just one solution among many in this broader strategy to alleviate the primary care capacity crisis,” said Dr. Ron Walls, Mass General Brigham’s chief operating officer, in an emailed statement. “Our investment supports retaining our current physicians as well as recruiting new ones.”
Walls said MGB has increased staffing support for primary care physicians, implemented other AI tools and hired a new executive for primary care. Some of these changes are based on recommendations from their own primary care doctors.
But some of those doctors say they’d like other changes, and salary increases in particular.
Walls would not disclose the exact amount MGB is spending on Care Connect.
Is AI a bridge to better care, or a “Band-Aid”?
Mass General Brigham has rolled out other AI tools, including one that can transcribe a doctor’s in-person conversations with patients. Dr. Madhuri Rao isn’t using that tool. She worries that patient information could be leaked and medical privacy violated, and she doesn’t want her conversations with patients to be used to help develop the next generation of AI medical tools.
“What if they’re just using my interactions with patients to train their AI and boot me out of my job?” she said.
That’s not the goal, said Dr. Helen Ireland, a primary care physician who manages the program for Mass General Brigham. All decisions about patient care are still made by real doctors.
“We are not replacing our in-person primary care,” said Ireland. “It’s still important, and the majority of patients still have in-person primary care.”
But the fear among some primary care doctors at MGB is that Care Connect will gradually erode access to in-person primary care visits. Of the $400 million pledged by MGB for primary care, they want less spent on AI, and more used to attract and increase pay for primary care staffers.
“We’re using [Care Connect] to basically fill a gap,” said Dr. Michael Barnett, an MGB internist who is also involved in the unionizing effort. “That sounds like a Band-Aid for a broken system to me.”
Plan to expand AI tools, with a focus on urgent care
As of mid-December, the Care Connect doctors were each seeing 40 to 50 patients a day. By February, the MGB network plans to make Care Connect available to all Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents who have health insurance, and will hire more doctors to staff the program as needed.
Patients can use the program like an urgent care service, said Ireland. Patients can also decide to make one of the remote doctors their permanent primary care provider.
“Some patients want in-person care,” said Ireland. “But I do believe there’s a subset of patients who will appreciate the 24-hour, seven-day a week model and choose to be a part of this.”
Care Connect isn’t for patients who need emergency care or a physical exam, Ireland said. And patients who need tests or imaging are referred to the network’s clinics or labs.
But the remote doctors can manage some of the same routine issues that all primary care doctors do, Ireland said, including moderate respiratory infections, allergies and chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and depression.
For Dr. Steven Lin, that list should only include immediate, not ongoing, health problems. Lin is chief of primary care at Stanford University School of Medicine and founded Stanford’s Healthcare AI Applied Research Team.
“In its current state, the safest use of this tool is for more urgent care issues,” Lin said, “your upper respiratory tract infections, your urinary tract infections, your musculoskeletal injuries, your rashes.”
For patients with multiple chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes — or for patients with especially serious conditions like heart disease or cancer — Lin said nothing beats a human who sees you regularly.
Still, Lin agrees that the chat summary generated after an AI encounter can help a physician be more efficient. For patients, Lin understands the practical appeal of a virtual option.
“I would rather these patients get care, if that care can be safe,” he said, “than not get care at all.”
The company that developed the AI platform for Care Connect, K Health, contends the program is delivering safe, effective care to patients with complex, chronic ailments — many of whom have no other option besides a hospital emergency room.
“ America’s got a big problem with health care, issues with cost, quality and access,” said Allon Bloch, the company’s CEO. “To solve it, you need to start with primary care, and you have to use technology and AI.”
In addition to Mass General Brigham, K Health partners with five other health networks, including the highly ranked Mayo Clinic and California-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
In a small and limited study funded by K Health, Cedars-Sinai researchers compared several hundred diagnosis and treatment recommendations made by AI to those made by physicians.
The researchers found the AI to be slightly better at identifying “critical red flags” and recommending care based on clinical guidelines, though the physicians were better at adjusting their treatment recommendations as they spoke more with the patient.
This story comes from NPR’s health reporting partnership with WBUR and KFF Health News.
When it comes to temperature, aim for a warm environment during the day, with 80°F being ideal.
It can be about 15 degrees cooler at night, but that’s not necessary. They can survive brief periods with temperatures dipping down into the mid 30s, but try to avoid that.
Give your phal really good air circulation, and don’t put it in a closed spot.
Fertilizing
Feeding your Phalaenopsis requires understanding what part of the growing phase your plants are in.
You must feed to encourage new blossoms and you should support them during their long flowering phase.
The problem is that most people buy these plants while they’re blooming. Commercial growers encourage them to bloom outside their normal phase to encourage sales.
For that reason, I find it’s best to lay off the fertilizer for at least a month.
It won’t hurt to underfeed for a short period, but overfeeding can lead to some problems that can be a challenge to remediate.
After the first month, feed plants monthly with a diluted or extremely mild fertilizer when in bloom.
Increase applications to feed every two weeks when the plant isn’t blooming.
Dr. Earth’s Pump & Grow fertilizer is an excellent option.
Many times, these plants will just be listed as generic moth or Phalaenopsis orchids at grocery stores, big box stores, and nurseries.
There are many, many hybrids and there are always new ones popping up. Some of the more common hybrids are bred by Mituo.
Their Diamond series features flowers with some pretty striking patterns and colors.
Amabilis
The beautiful moon orchid, as this species is often called, is one of the varieties most commonly found in stores.
P. amabilis flowers are typically white or nearly white.
Each blossom can be up to four inches across and there can be dozens on a single plant. Each of these lasts for weeks, and the plant continually sends out new flowers all summer long.
The plants themselves can grow over three feet tall indoors with proper care.
Amboinensis
This species is less common, but it’s highly sought-after on the market.
In their native habitat, P. amboinensis plants are endangered, but there are lots of lovely hybrids out there if you’re willing to do the work of finding them.
Most feature flowers with some combination of yellow, red, brown, or white petals. They’re also highly fragrant with a strong floral scent.
Plants can reach about a foot tall and each one can support multiple flowering stems at a time.
Aphrodite
This species has small white flowers, but there are some hybrids that feature pink splotches or ones with entirely pink petals.
Easily mistaken for P. amabilis, P. aphrodite flowers are about an inch smaller and pinkish-red at the base of the central petal. The plants are smaller overall, too.
Mannii
This species likes to do its best impression of a swarm of bees, with petite yellow and brown blossoms on plants that stay under a foot tall.
If you’re looking for a miniature specimen, see if you can find P. mannii ‘Black.’
It has tiny, bright yellow and brown flowers with dark black spots. They really look like bumblebees hovering around the tiny, six-inch-tall plant.
Schilleriana
Along with P. amabilis, this species represents some of the most popular flowers on the market.
P. schilleriana is super tolerant, doesn’t mind low light or some direct morning sun, and won’t collapse in a heap if you aren’t the best at watering.
The plants can be covered in dozens of small flowers in colors like white, pink, and lilac. They can grow up to three feet tall.
Maintenance
Orchids aren’t the most attractive plants when the flowers fade.
Make homemade BBQ sauce in 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. It’s smooth, tangy, and lightly sweet, and ideal for grilling, dipping, or sandwiches.
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