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healing News from Mercy Medical Center your guide to SPRING 2007 healthy living SPRING 2007 hands Hey, Sleepy Head! Adequate shuteye ensures good health PAGE 10 Better Than Ever Diabetes treatments continue to improve PAGE 12 Bye-Bye, Blues Don’t let embarrassment keep you from getting the depression treatment you need page 6 HeartHeadlinesHlgHnds12_06.fh11 12/11/06 9:36 AM Page 1 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K * Mercy’s ECPC (Emergency Chest Pain Center) has received full Cycle II accreditation with PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) from the Review Committee of the Society of Chest Pain Centers. IN 24/7 HEART ATTACK CARE Newspapers across the nation have reported the benefits of angioplasty within 90 minutes of the onset of a heart attack. Clearly, you need a hospital that can respond anytime, day or night. Mercy Medical Center is Ohio’s first and Stark County’s only facility accredited* to perform angioplasties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This accreditation, coupled with the area’s only Emergency Department Cath Lab, means Mercy has the capabilities necessary to dramatically reduce the time between your heart attack and a life-saving angioplasty. Make it known now – you want Mercy Medical Center. Mercy, The First Place To Think of For Your Heart. The only Stark County hospital ever named among the Top 50 Best Heart Hospitals by US News & World Report. Mercy Medical Center, a nonprofit corporation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Health System and University Hospitals Health System. Composite [ perspectives ] Put Your Mind to It As we approach our Centennial Celebration in 2008, Mercy Medical Center is as committed today as we were nearly 100 years ago to continue the mission of Stark County’s only Catholic hospital. This means both quality and compassion are equally important in the delivery of care available to members of our community. In this issue of Healing Hands, you’ll learn more about Mercy’s emphasis on quality. Our cover story, “Dangerous Mind-set,” provides insight about depression and how it’s a disease of the brain that’s often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Mercy recently renovated our behavioral sciences unit to better care for individuals suffering from depression and other mental health disorders. You’ll also learn about recent medical advancements in heart care. Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Chest Pain Center is Ohio’s first and Stark County’s only facility accredited to perform angioplasties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the area’s only emergency department cath lab, Mercy has the capabilities to dramatically reduce the time between heart attack and lifesaving angioplasty. This issue also features stories about new treatment options and testing available for people with diabetes and sleep disorders. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in 1908, Mercy understands the importance of not only the quality of care, but the way in which it is delivered. It’s a privilege to work with physicians, employees and volunteers who pride themselves on providing care with compassion. On page 5, you’ll learn more about the Mercy Care Physician Team, a board-certified group of hospital-employed general practitioners and specialists. The presence of women religious at Mercy is just as important today as it was when we were founded. On page 14, learn more about how sisters from different communities continue to serve our patients and hospital family. TABLE OF CONTENTS [ features ] Mind-set Don’t let guilt, shame and misunderstanding affect depression treatment. You need it. The question is how do you ensure you’re getting enough? Supporting Mercy’s Mission healing hands President and CEO: Thomas E. Cecconi Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing: Lynne S. Dragomier Contributing Editors: Cindy L. Hickey, Director of Public Relations Jennifer D. Tenaglia, Coordinator of Public Relations Contributing Photographers: Michael Schott, Media Services Cover Art: PhotoAlto Healing Hands ® is published four times annually by McMurry, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Volume 12, Number 2 © 2007 McMurry. The material in Healing Hands is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, give us a new address, let us know that you are receiving more than one copy or if you would prefer not to receive Healing Hands, call 888-626-8779. 10 Zzzzz Truth about Sleep Thomas E. Cecconi President and CEO Your donation can make a difference in the lives of patients we serve and support our mission to deliver healthcare to all regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit cantonmercy.com and click on “About Us,” or call (330) 489-1111, ext. 2612. 6Dangerous 12 Explore Your Options Learn how technology is helping people with diabetes live better lives. [departments ] Health Beat 4 Mission in Action 14 S PR I N G 2 0 07 | [ health beat ] What Happens in 90 Minutes May Save Your Life Ninety minutes. That’s hardly enough time to watch a movie or go out to dinner. But in emergency heart care, this may be all the time physicians have to save your life. Studies show that angioplasty, performed within 90 minutes of arrival to the emergency department, is the best way to save the life of a patient experiencing a heart attack. In fact, this procedure, which opens blocked arteries and restores blood flow to the heart muscle, can reduce a patient’s risk of dying by 40 percent, if performed within 90 minutes. In 2006, a study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute revealed that only one-third of heart attack patients receive angioplasty within the 90minute guidelines. Data was based on more than 37,000 people given emergency treatment for heart attacks at 463 American hospitals. Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Chest Pain Center is Ohio’s first and Stark County’s only facility accredited to perform angioplasties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the area’s only emergency department cath lab, Mercy has the capabilities to dramatically reduce the time between heart attack and lifesaving angioplasty. For more information, call Mercy’s Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 or 800-223-8662. The Key to Overcoming Colon Cancer Most colon and rectal cancers—about 95 percent— Nabil M. Fahmy, M.D. begin as fleshy beads called polyps. “When Ahmed, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at Mercy Medical polyps become cancerous, they can spread Center. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found through the first layer of the colon and to other in men and women in the United States, according to the American parts of the body,” says Nabil M. Fahmy, M.D., Cancer Society. Nearly 107,000 new cases of colon cancer and 42,000 FACG, FACP, section chief of gastroenterology at new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Mercy Medical Center. “But if colorectal cancer is over the past 15 years. “With more people understanding the impor- cancers can be cured with surgery.” tance of screenings and early detection, polyps can be found and So, what are you waiting for? that usually announces itself only after it has Right now, colonoscopy is the gold standard when it comes to examining the colon for dangerous polyps or cancer that has Given its location in the digestive tract and the deeply personal method of examination required to search for it, most people would just as soon not think | S PR I N G 2 0 07 removed before they turn into cancer,” Ahmed says. the colon or rectum—is a “silent” disease, one become firmly entrenched and very dangerous. about it. The good news is the death rate for colorectal cancer has declined caught before it spreads, about half of all colon Colorectal cancer—cancer that starts in either Farouq Ahmed, M.D. But not thinking about colon cancer is dangerous, says Farouq already developed. And recent studies Study Up on Screenings For more about colonoscopy and other colorectal cancer screenings, visit cantonmercy.com and click on Health Encyclopedia. For a physician referral, call Mercy’s Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 or 800-223-8662. prove that the benefits may outweigh your fears. Studies show that people who have had a colonoscopy say they’d do it again if it would save even one day of their lives. MERCY CARE P H Y S I C I A N T E A M Compassion Comes First The Mercy Care Physician Team takes your health to heart As the first and only faith-based hospital in Stark County, Mercy Medical Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable care for the whole person. The Mercy Care Physician Team, an integrated, board-certified group of hospital-employed general practitioners and specialists, shares that mission. From primary and pediatric care to surgery or high-risk pregnancy, you can trust Mercy Care physicians for all your family’s medical needs. When you choose a Mercy Care physician, you can be confident that your doctor is fully credentialed, highly experienced and focused on providing you and your family with the best treatment possible. Using an integrated approach to care delivery, Mercy Care physicians are closely aligned with one another—and with Mercy Medical Center—in purpose and practice. “Being part of the Mercy Care organization frees the doctors to concentrate on what they love to do most—care for their patients,” says Tom Turner, vice president for fund development, government relations and physician services for Mercy Medical Center. Currently, the Mercy Care Physician Team offers five main areas of service: n internal medicine, family practice and sports medicine n maternal-fetal medicine n pediatric hospitalists n general surgery and surgical subspecialties n medicine subspecialties and infectious disease Comprehensive, Cutting-Edge Services Mercy has been recognized regionally and nationally for being a leader among community hospitals, bringing advanced medicine to Stark and surrounding counties. Mercy Care physicians play a vital role in recommending, evaluating and implementing new tools and techniques in several key areas. That means you and your family can benefit from cutting-edge technology without leaving home. Because they work together as a team, Mercy Care physicians are available to each other and all Mercy medical staff members for consultations and referrals. They are also knowledgeable about the comprehensive services that Mercy Medical Center offers at its main campus and five healthcare centers in Stark and Carroll counties. “Mercy Care physicians make it simple for patients to access a broad range of healthcare services,” Turner says. Committed to Our Community The Mercy Care Physician Team is committed to serving any patient in need of medical attention, regardless of ability to pay. Many Mercy Care physicians also have offices throughout the area and accept a variety of insurance plans, making exceptional medical care as convenient as possible for you. To learn more about the Mercy Care Physician Team or to find a Mercy Care physician, call Mercy Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 or toll-free at 800-223-8662. Linda Camp, M.D., Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery James Goff, D.O., Family Practice/ Sports Medicine Christopher Stetler, D.O., Family Practice Amy Indorf, M.D., Infectious Disease Lisa Dannemiller, M.D., Internal Medicine Gerardo Cisneros, M.D., Internal Medicine Kirby Sweitzer, M.D., General Surgery Peter Boutsicaris, M.D., General Surgery Jeff Chapa, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine George VanBuren, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine Adeyemi Sobowale, M.D., Neonatology Mangala Betkerur, M.D., Neonatology Rajesh Malik, M.D., Neonatology Irwin Weinfeld M.D., Neonatology Mark Blaser, D.O., Pediatric Hospitalist Marcia Marhefka, M.D., Pediatric Hospitalist S PR I N G 2 0 07 | Dangerous Guilt, shame and misunderstanding affect depression treatment T Depression is a disease of the brain— not the mind—which can get sick just like the heart, liver or kidneys. | S PR I N G 2 0 07 he lingering stigma associated with depression exemplifies the precarious relationship that exists between people and their own conscious minds. When a leg is broken or a liver becomes diseased, the mind says, “Let’s go get that leg fixed. Let’s go take care of that liver.” But when the mind itself is implicated as being the source of the problem, its tendency is to go on the defensive. “It’s not me,” the mind says. “I don’t get sick. I am infallible. Therefore, it must be you.” The confusing and contradictory nature of this response can create in us a sense of shock and dismay, because after all, we are our minds. As the saying goes, “I think, therefore I am.” However true that may be, the destructive mind-set that prevents millions from seeking beneficial treatment is based on a monumental misunderstanding: Depression is a disease of the brain—not the mind. Unlike the mind, which remains a mystery despite millennia of scientific and spiritual examination, the brain is simply an organ of the body and can get sick just like the heart, liver or kidneys. Understanding the separation between brain and mind is crucial to seeking and benefiting from treatment for the medical illness known as depression. The Truth about Depression Depression is a unique illness in that many mistake it as a sign of weakness, laziness or a character flaw. Therefore, it is not surprising that depression is the most common, most misdiagnosed illness in America. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental disorders often begin in childhood, with 50 percent of affected adults reporting symptoms before the age of 14. Mental disorders cause more disability in people under the age of 45 than any other noncommunicable medical illness. Disorders—including major depression, dysthymia (chronic, mild depression), bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia and others—are biological illnesses related to an imbalance or disruption of brain chemistry. A combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors all play a role in how and when a depressive illness manifests itself. And because these are illnesses, stress doesn’t necessarily have to S PR I N G 2 0 07 | months, six years or even longer. “Medical conditions, such as abnormal thyroid activity, also can trigger depression,” Patel says. However, sometimes it simply appears out of nowhere, when everything is going fine, at a time when there would Sherri Marzick, R.N., director of Mercy’s Behavioral Sciences Unit, and be no reason to feel Suresh A. Patel, M.D., chairman of the department of psychiatry at Mercy depressed. Symptoms Medical Center, stand in the Behavioral Sciences Unit, where adults with can include restless a variety of mood disorders—including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia—are cared for. sleep, insomnia or oversleeping, appetite be present, but it can trigger or exacloss or overeating, guilt, ruminaterbate depression. ing thoughts, apathy and feelings “It’s natural to go through a of worthlessness. In cases of mild period of depression whenever we depression, family, friends and coexperience a loss, whether it is workers may not notice any of the through divorce, death of a loved one symptoms. However, when depresor children heading off to college,” sion becomes severe, it often manisays Suresh A. Patel, M.D., chairman fests itself more openly in the form of the department of psychiatry at of irritability, reclusive behavior, Mercy Medical Center. However, the irrational and negative obsessions, brain’s chemistry can determine inability to function and even talk whether the depression lasts six of suicide. The Age Barrier A combination of factors makes depressive disorders particularly prevalent and difficult to diagnose and treat among senior citizens. Statistics reveal elderly white males who live alone have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. They are also the least likely group to seek medical treatment for depression. Guilt over past mistakes, loneliness, loss of loved ones and a heightened awareness of their own mortality can all trigger depression in the elderly. However, the symptoms of elderly depression differ from those of younger patients and can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms of elderly depression can include guilt, apathy, weight loss and a preoccupation with death and dying. Older adults are the least likely to seek treatment because they have the greatest amount of difficulty looking past the depression stigma. After all, they grew up during a time when there was little understanding and education about the disease. Mercy’s New Comfort Zone Mercy Medical Center recently renovated Mercy’s Behavioral Sciences Unit cares for responsibility. The program includes a variety its inpatient Behavioral Sciences Unit adults with a variety of mood disorders includ of treatment options, including individual, to better care for patients with mental ing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and marital and family therapy; psychological health disorders. “Considerable effort and schizophrenia. “With help from a multidisci testing; diagnostic and evaluation services; planning went into the renovation of our plinary team, our goal is to help each patient education groups; medication education; and unit,” says Sherri Marzick, R.N., director build on his or her existing strengths, develop occupational and recreational therapy. of Mercy’s Behavioral Sciences Unit. positive coping skills to deal with life stress “The interdisciplinary staff felt strongly ors, provide education so they know how to that renovations reflect a homelike, pro tap into community resources, and teach the fessional interior design versus an institu skills needed to lead productive lives without tional design. Our patients appreciate relapse,” Marzick says. being treated in an atmosphere conducive for mood improvement.” | S PR I N G 2 0 07 Therapeutic activities are designed to assist in self-awareness, self-acceptance and Don’t Suffer in Silence To learn more about Mercy’s Behavioral Sciences Unit, call Mercy’s Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 or toll-free at 800-223-8662 or visit cantonmercy.com. Their desire to seek help also may be affected by nightmarish visions of prison-like mental institutions, electroshock therapy and other controversial treatments that were prevalent during their lifetime. “Willingness to seek help is the biggest barrier,” Patel says. Help for the Suffering Because depression can have many causes, it’s not surprising that there are a wide variety of ways to treat it. Depression treatment can range from simple things like increasing social activity to more invasive approaches such as prescription medication. Patel says those who suspect they may be experiencing a bout of depression should first visit their primary care physician for a checkup. In addition to testing for possible physical causes, your doctor may ask you a series of questions that can help determine if you are experiencing true depression or just a minor case of the blahs. If you are depressed, your doctor can recommend a good psychiatrist, a counselor, an exercise program, positive dietary changes and other ways to boost your mood back to normal. In some cases, it may make sense to try going on an antidepressant. “With all that we know about the disease today, no one should have to suffer through depression without the help that’s available,” Patel says. D S PR I N G 2 0 07 | z z z z z z z zz Z u o t b S A l e h ep t u r T You need it. The question is how do you ensure you’re getting enough? zzz Y ou slip on your pajamas, fluff the pillow, turn out the light. Then it begins. A dizzying rush of to-do lists, questions, doubts and directives, building to a crescendo in which your mind spins, replaying the day and visual izing the next. Before you know it, it’s 4 a.m. and you’ve experienced another near-sleepless night. You’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders; an NSF survey showed that 60 percent of respondents reported having trouble going to sleep several nights a week. And 40 percent of respondents said daytime sleepiness was severe enough to interfere with their routine. Eyes Wide Open Visit the “Tools & Quizzes” section of sleepfoundation.org for interactive tests to gauge how sleep savvy you are. Blame Edison z z z z 10 | S PR I N G 2 0 07 z zz z z Indeed, we’re sleeping less than our parents z or grandparents. “During the past two and three generations, there’s been a decline in total sleep time,” says James S. Kelling, M.D., a board-certified clinical sleep disorders physician and medical director of the Mercy Sleep Center. The invention of the light bulb drastically changed sleep patterns because people could stay up late. And work late. From the moment we were able to switch on the lights, we were able to run swing shifts, thus changing the sleep patterns of entire communities. But beyond that, blame everyday life. “People are sleeping less because they have more pressure in their lives,” Kelling says. Studies suggest that our 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week lifestyles result in significant amounts of stress. “And more stress means less sleep,” Kelling says. Straight Eight? So how do you get what you need? First find out how much sleep is necessary. “We often hear that we should get eight hours of sleep,” Kelling says. “But in reality, most people need somewhere between six to eight hours of sleep.” The best measure: If you have a hard time getting up in the morning, lag when you should be bounding or really need a jolt of caffeine to start the engines, you’re not getting enough sleep. zzzzzz Rest Assured—Sleep Centers Can Help Here’s a fact that may keep you up at evening’s stay typically starts with the night: There are more than 85 sleep disor- “guest” being outfitted head to toe with ders that may, um, keep you up at night. sensors that are attached to diagnostic The disorders range from restless legs equipment. From there, the guest sleeps syndrome, a neurological condition that in a comfortable suite while all activity is disrupts sleep because monitored—breathing, of leg twitching, to sleep brain activity, oxygen apnea, in which a suffer- level, arm and leg er actually stops breath- movements and more. ing during sleep, causing After a full night, the a sudden gasping for air. data is collected by the But how do you find Louie Psihoyos/getty images out whether those bags Mercy Sleep Center technologist, who under your eyes are from a sleep disorder? provides the information to the referring A trip to a sleep center may be in order. physician for diagnosis and treatment. Mercy Sleep Center is a clinical setting For more information about Mercy that monitors a person’s sleep behavior, Sleep Center, call Mercy Medical Center’s using data accumulated from an overnight Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 visit. Staffed by trained professionals, an or 800-223-8662 or visit cantonmercy.com. How do you reverse the sleepless trend? Start by determining if you suffer from a sleep disorder. Are you snoring? Are you tired during the day? Do you wake up with headaches? Has a loved one seen you stop breathing momentarily during sleep? If so, you may need a trip to a sleep center for diagnosis. But if you are just too keyed up to sleep, here are some things to consider: n Get consistent. Regulate your sleep schedule. That means getting up and going to bed at the same appointed hour, weekends included. This will have a dramatic effect; your body will adjust its internal clock and help accelerate sleep time. n Try napping. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends a quick nap—an hour or less before 3 p.m.—to recharge your batteries. But don’t take a nap after 3, because it may interfere with your night’s sleep. n Work the stages. There are four stages of sleep, plus deep REM (rapid eye moment) sleep. Light sleep is stages one and two. “The most restful sleep comes in stages three and four,” Kelling says. “Studies suggest that regular exercise accelerates stage-three and stage-four sleep,” he adds. So get on that exercise bike. Just make sure to finish up at least three hours before bedtime. n Skip the stimulants. Caffeine and nicotine affect sleep. Cut back to get better quality sleep. n Ditch the TV. Consider limiting television to the family room, so James S. Kelling, M.D. you don’t view past your bedtime. David Letterman will understand. D S PR I N G 2 0 07 | 11 Explore Your Options There’s no vacation from diabetes. Learn how technology is helping people live better with this disease F or the 14.6 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, managing the condition requires daily diligence. That sounds daunting, but technology is making diabetes increasingly easier to live with. Over the past 15 years, the medications and tools that people with diabetes use to manage their condition have vastly improved and continue to get better. A Better Understanding Suzanne M. Harold, M.D. 12 | S PR I N G 2 0 07 Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, the hormone necessary to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. In people with diabetes, glucose remains in the blood instead of entering the body’s cells, which causes high blood glucose levels. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 means the body does not produce insulin, which is why people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the more common form, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells are ignoring the insulin. People with type 2 diabetes often rely on medications and sometimes insulin injections. The key to managing both forms is to normalize blood glucose levels as much as possible, says Suzanne M. Harold, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mercy Medical Center. “Controlling diabetes requires ongoing attention to diet, exercise and medications,” Harold says. Prescriptions for Better Health Today, there are many effective pharmaceutical options for treating diabetes. Beyond Technology While advances in technology are making a difference in the way people with diabetes live, lifestyle factors play a role as well. To learn more about controlling lifestyle factors, talk to your doctor. For a free physician referral, call Mercy Medical Center’s Healthcare Connection at (330) 489-1333 or 800-223-8662. In addition to oral medications, there are advanced forms of insulin that work much more like the body’s own insulin than those available in the past, which can result in much tighter control of blood glucose levels. What’s even more appealing to people who take daily insulin injections “Using a specially designed inhaler, Exubera is inhaled into the lungs through the patient’s mouth.” —Suzanne M. Harold, M.D. are the improved methods of delivering them. Needles are finer than ever, which means less discomfort. Many types of insulin are dispensed using all-in-one injector pens, which look much like a writing pen. An insulinfilled cartridge inserted in the pen has a short needle on the end. You simply set a dial to the required dosage and use the pen to inject the insulin. Another option is insulin pumps, which are worn around the clock and deliver insulin as needed 24 hours a day through a catheter placed under the skin. And in January 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever inhaled insulin treatment for adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Exubera, a powdered form of insulin, is the first new insulin delivery option since the discovery of insulin in the 1920s. “Using a specially designed inhaler, Exubera is inhaled into the lungs through the patient’s mouth,” Harold says. Research is also under way on the feasibility of delivering insulin through a patch. Monitoring Diabetes People with diabetes need to check their blood glucose levels regularly— multiple times a day if they take insulin. They test their blood glucose by applying a small blood sample to a strip inserted in a meter that displays the result in seconds. “Self-glucose monitoring gives diabetic patients greater control in caring for themselves,” Harold says. The latest development in self-testing is continuous glucose monitoring systems, which automatically check blood glucose levels every few minutes. These systems use a small sensor that is inserted under the skin and are worn continuously for three days. After the test period, the data can be examined to determine the best possible treatment plan. These are not meant to replace dayto-day monitoring, but rather to help people with diabetes and their doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan. Looking into the future, researchers continue seeking a cure for diabetes. But until that day comes, recent advancements in technology are helping people with diabetes live healthier, happier lives. D S PR I N G 2 0 07 | 13 [ mission in action ] Sisters in Service Sisters from different religious communities come together to continue the work of the original founders, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, at Mercy Medical Center. Pictured (from left): Sister Shirley Ann Nugent, O.P.; Sister Virginia Coldren, CSJ; Sister Mary Lois Phillipp, CSA; Sister Frances Wood, SND; Sister Carolyn Capuano, H.M.; and Sister Linda Piccolantonio, H.M. (front) A vast network of Catholic Health Care facilities blankets our country. It is no secret that this tremendous resource owes its origin to the ingenuity and hard work of women religious, Catholic Sisters. Mercy Medical Center was founded by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) in 1908. Today there are fewer sisters than 50 years ago, but women religious from many different communities are collaborating in ministry. Meet the Sisters at Mercy Medical Center who serve our patients and community. Sister Mary Lois Phillipp, CSA, serves as program coordinator of Volunteer Services at Mercy Medical Center. Sister Virginia Coldren, CSJ, is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Rocky River, Ohio, and volunteers throughout many departments at Mercy Medical Center. Sister Shirley Ann Nugent, O.P., is a Dominican Sister from the Akron Dominican community and serves as a board-certified chaplain in Mercy’s Pastoral Care Department. Sister Linda Piccolantonio, H.M., is a Sister of the Humility of Mary. She is a clinical nurse specialist and serves as coordinator of Mercy’s Immigrant Health Outreach program. Sister Carolyn Capuano, H.M., is also a Sister of Humility of Mary and serves on the hospital’s executive staff as vice president of mission and ministry. Sister Frances Wood, SND, a Sister of Notre Dame from the Chardon, Ohio, community, serves as a chaplain in Mercy Hospice and in the pastoral care department. Mercy Medical Center is grateful for the presence and dedication of the Sisters who join Mercy employees, physicians and volunteers in living the hospital’s mission of providing quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable care for the whole person. Thompson Receives 2006 Victims’ Rights Award The Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, in association with the Stark County Victims’ Rights Coalition, honored Dan Thompson as the recipient of its 2006 Victims’ Rights Coalition Appreciation Award for Outstanding Leadership in Promoting Safer Communities. Thompson is project coordinator of Building Healthy Communities, a program supported by Mercy Medical Center, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton, Stark Community Foundation, People’s Baptist Church and St. Anthony’s Church. Through this program, residents of Southeast Canton are taking an active role in making a positive impact on their community’s future. Building Healthy Communities brings together residents, service providers and community leaders to address issues such as jobs, drugs, public safety and city matters. “In spite of the challenges this community faces, there are residents with hopes and dreams and people who value safety and good health,” says Karen Feller, coordinator of mission outreach at Mercy Medical Center. “The Building Healthy Communities initiative supports this desire for change.” Mercy Medical Center’s SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program was honored by this group in 2005 for its leadership in assisting victims of sexual assault. 14 | S PR I N G 2 0 07 Shown at the 2006 Victims’ Rights Coalition Recognition Dinner are (from left) Vicki Conley, executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton; Sister Carolyn Capuano, H.M., vice president of mission and ministry at Mercy Medical Center; Dan Thompson, project coordinator for Building Healthy Communities; and Lynne Dragomier, vice president of public relations and marketing at Mercy Medical Center. TelemonitorV2HlgHnds.fh11 1/3/07 3:21 PM Page 1 C INTRODUCING THE NEW DEFINITION OF “HOUSE CALL” Chronic diseases such as heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are on the rise and becoming more challenging to manage. But Mercy Homecare has a solution: telemonitoring, which allows nurses to collect patients’ vital signs; weight, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation via a telephone modem. M Y CM MY CY CMY K scheduled visits from their Homecare nurses. But with telemonitoring, Homecare clinicians can monitor patients in between visits giving patients and their families a sense of security. Sometimes the best medicine can be the comfortable, familiar surroundings of your own home. That’s why Mercy Homecare has added telemonitoring to the quality and compassionate home health services offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Easy to use, the monitor verbally and visually prompts patients to answer a few questions and also serves as a medication reminder. Of course, telemonitored patients continue to receive Mercy, The First Place To Think Of For Your Health Composite H OMECARE For more information, call 330-492-8803. Hsfbu!Fyqfdubujpot B A B Y cbcz!gbjs!fyqp ADMISSION IS FREE. No reservations required. F A I R 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with Mercy physicians, nurses, lactation specialists and other healthcare professionals about pregnancy, delivery and baby care. We’ll have free product samples, promotional items and door prizes. Visit exhibitors to learn more about baby registry, nursery decorating, shower preparations, salon services, cosmetics, photography, cleaning services, insurance, and more. bqsjm!3 !3118 csvodi!cvggfu!'!Gbtijpo!tipx! $6 per person. Reservations required. Seating is limited. Call 330-489-1333 or 1-800-223-8662. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. LOCATION Kent State University Stark Professional Education & Conference Center 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton FREE PARKING If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you won’t want to miss the fashion show and brunch buffet. Bring your spouse, mother or friend and you’ll enjoy a scrumptious brunch while being entertained by Sharon Hargrove, mother of five and wife of former Cleveland Indians manager, Mike Hargrove, who currently manages the Seattle Mariners. In its fourth year, the fashion show has been an event highlight featuring the latest trends in maternity apparel for women in all stages of pregnancy. PRESENTED BY: Seating is limited, so don’t wait to make your reservation. Reservations and payments will not be taken at the door. op!tuspmmfst!qfsnjuufe/ Sharon Hargrove