Martin’s Point Patient Email | June Edition

Protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes

Along with flowers, warm breezes, and the promise of backyard barbeques, spring and summer also signal the arrival/resurgence of ticks and mosquitoes. While most bugs are just a nuisance, these can carry diseases—including Lyme and West Nile virus—which can be serious for humans. Find more information about protecting yourself from diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes on our website and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Measles: not just a childhood disease

The MMR Vaccine Is Safe and Effective for Children and Adults

There have been 11 reported measles outbreaks in the US in 2025 to date, compared to a total of 16 outbreaks in all of 2024, with reported cases in adults as well as children. Currently, no measles cases have been reported in Maine or New Hampshire. Both states have a high percentage of the population having received the MMR vaccine, which offers strong protection during outbreaks.

Measles is extremely contagious—almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if exposed to the virus—and there are serious, sometimes deadly, health risks associated with this disease.

• The measles vaccine is safe. The MMR vaccine provides the most effective protection against measles, mumps and rubella. MMR vaccines usually protect people for life against measles and rubella; but immunity against mumps may decrease over time.
• Children should be vaccinated on schedule. Children should receive the recommended MMR or MMRV (which also protects against chickenpox) vaccine at the schedule recommended for their age. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for details.
• Adult vaccination: Adults who are not sure of their vaccine history should consider receiving one dose of the MMR vaccine. People vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated. This vaccine was available in 1963–1967 and was not effective.
• Exposed to the virus and not immune: If you don’t have immunity to measles and are exposed, talk to your provider about getting the MMR vaccine. It is not harmful and may provide some protection if given within 72 hours of exposure.
• Planning international travel or visiting US areas with outbreaks? Contact your provider regarding vaccine protection.

If you have questions or concerns about measles or the vaccine, contact your care team by phone or through the MyMartinsPoint patient portal.

Patient portal: sign up today!

Connect with your care 24/7 through your MyMartinsPoint^® patient portal account. Take just a few minutes to register to access valuable information and services provided securely and confidentially. Once registered and logged in, you can:

• Exchange messages with your care team
• Review test results and other personal health information
• Request appointments
• Review and pay billing statements
• Complete and update medical forms
• Update your profile and contact information

Keeping you informed: your upcoming appointment time may be adjusted

This month, you may experience increased appointment-related outreach. We’re moving to a new scheduling format, and some appointment times may be slightly adjusted. If affected, you’ll be contacted and your reminders will reflect the updated time.

June is men’s health month

Men aged 15–65 are less likely than women to seek preventive care services—often missing important recommended screenings. A good first step toward better health is to obtain a primary care provider who will recommend age- and risk-appropriate health screenings. These can be discussed during your yearly preventive visit.

Recommended screenings

• Men 18–39: Physical exam, blood pressure, STI screening, testicular exam, etc.
• Men 40+: Add eye exams, cardiovascular checks, and middle-age concerns.
• Men 65+: Maintain health and make lifestyle changes to support longevity.

A list of recommended adult vaccinations is available from the Centers for Disease Control. To learn more about taking charge of your health visit our Men’s Health and Wellness webpage.

Welcoming new patients

Do you know someone in need of primary care? Several of our Health Care Centers are now welcoming new patients. We care for patients of all ages and accept most health insurance plans. Interested individuals can complete our online New Patient Inquiry form or call the Health Care Center of their choice for information about new patient availability.

Welcome to our new providers

We've recently welcomed new providers to our care teams. Learn more on our website.

• Scarborough Health Care Center: Angelea Nannicelli, NP; Joyce Vitale, ANP-C
• Portsmouth Health Care Center: Emily-Anne Boone, DO

Portland campus construction continues

Our new administrative building construction project continues this summer at our Veranda Street Campus. This work will not impact services or patient access at the Portland Health Care Center. Visitors should use the main entrance at the traffic light to access all site facilities, including the Health Care Center, the parking garage and outdoor parking, and the Alliance Physical Therapy clinic. Learn more at our Campus Enhancements webpage.